Skip advert
Advertisement

New Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD gets 145bhp and 124-mile range

Specs for the all-electric Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD have been revealed, although the German brand has no plans to put it into production

Opel is blending classic looks with cutting edge tech with its Manta GSe ElektroMOD and has revealed full specifications for the retro EV coupe.

The classic Manta A Opel selected for the project was in need of revival and has had its four-cylinder combustion engine replaced with a 145bhp electric motor. This sends power to the rear wheels through the car’s original four-speed manual gearbox, so it can be driven as a manual or, thanks to the 255Nm of torque, drivers can leave the car in fourth gear and use it as a single-speed vehicle like many other electric cars.

The Manta is powered by a 31kWh battery for a claimed range of 124 miles, while an on-board 9kW charger means a full charge takes four hours. Brake regeneration means the Manta will recoup energy when slowing down that would have otherwise been wasted.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is the most powerful Manta A ever, with the ‘e’ in the GSe’s tag standing for electrification. The restored car’s look reflects this new digital focus, as the Manta sports a ‘Pixel Visor’ front grille. This is an evolution of Opel-Vauxhall’s Visor grille that features on the brands’ Mokka compact SUV, only here the digital panel can display different messages and graphics.

The LED screen can show messages such as “I am on a zero e-mission” with an animated depiction of a manta ray floating across the panel, which is flanked by a familiar pair of LED running lights. The 3D tail-lights use LED technology too, paying homage to the original car’s lights.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s matched inside by a digital approach to the car’s dash - called the ‘Pure Panel’ - again taken from the Mokka SUV. The Manta’s analogue clocks and dash have been replaced by a 12-inch and a 10-inch display, highlighting driving data such as charge status and range.

Opel has equipped the GSe with a Bluetooth box from amplifier manufacturer Marshall to add more music capability, which Opel says is “a modern classic in a modern classic.”

The interior features some other revisions too, with a Petri three-spoke steering wheel retaining some 70s style, while sports seats from the Adam S city car feature a central yellow stripe to match the new exterior look.

Neon yellow paintwork and a contrasting black bonnet (a nod to the original Manta GT/E) combine with the Pixel Visor front end to give the Manta GSe a much more modern look. New 17-inch Ronal alloy wheels complete the design, while even the Manta script has been updated for the ElektroMOD.

Opel doesn’t have any plans to offer the Manta GSe ElektroMOD for sale, but the brand says it’s a project that proves electric driving can be fun.

Would you like to see the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD make production? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section…

Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Vauxhall Manta delayed by slow EV uptake: retro nameplate’s return on ice
Vauxhall Manta - front (watermarked)

Vauxhall Manta delayed by slow EV uptake: retro nameplate’s return on ice

The Vauxhall/Opel Manta is on the back burner as Vauxhall focuses on electric cars in the development stage, like the updated Astra and new Corsa
News
8 Sep 2025
What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks

Almost 40 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever-growing list?
News
5 Sep 2025
Fire risk prompts 72,000-car Stellantis UK recall
Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Turbo GS front cornering

Fire risk prompts 72,000-car Stellantis UK recall

28 models across Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lanica, Peugeot and Vauxhall are impacted by the recall
News
8 Aug 2025
Vauxhall ‘pre-empts’ Electric Car Grant with its own £1,500 discount
Vauxhall Astra Electric - front corner left

Vauxhall ‘pre-empts’ Electric Car Grant with its own £1,500 discount

You can now get £1,500 off every one of Vauxhall’s electric cars
News
6 Aug 2025

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test
MG3 - front cornering

Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test

The MG3 has caused the automotive safety body to review the way it scores crash tests
News
10 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025