Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall GSe electrified performance sub-brand launched

The new GSe moniker will replace VXR as the British firm's sporty model line, offering racier design and handling, with electrified and full EV powertrains in time

Vauxhall GSe

Following its commitment to go all-electric by 2028, Vauxhall has outlined plans for the future of its sporty models, with a new GSe sub-brand that will take the place of the old VXR range.

The initials stand for Grand Sport Electric, and the new editions will sit at the top of their respective model lines. They will initially be powered by plug-in hybrid powertrains, before turning fully EV to coincide with the brand's 2028 deadline.

According to Vauxhall's Acting Managing Director, James Taylor, “GSe will offer sports handling and looks combined with the performance and responsibility of electrified powertrains. Sitting atop the newly simplified Vauxhall range, the GSe name is both a nod to GSi performance models from our heritage as well being a complement to the GS versions in our line-up today.  Vauxhall is committed to electrifying Britain, and GSe shows that performance and driving pleasure are set to be part of our electric future.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's thought that the firm's Astra five-door hatchback and Astra Sports Tourer estate could be the first models to receive the GSe treatment. The Astra is already available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain offering up to 180bhp, but this could be pushed further – potentially beyond 300bhp by drawing upon technology already available through parent company Stellantis.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Astra is based on the EMP2 platform, which also underpins the 355bhp Peugeot 508 by Peugeot Sport Engineered. However, while the Astra is partly powered by a similar 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, it's not yet known if the car will inherit the PSE's second electric motor on the rear axle to deliver e-four-wheel drive and the extra traction a performance-focused electrified hot hatch would need to be competitive. If it does, a sub-five-second 0-62mph time should be easily possible.

Vauxhall's GSe treatment is likely to go further than just the Astra. In confirming its GSe sub-brand, Vauxhall highlighted that its Grandland family SUV is also available as a plug-in hybrid, pointing towards the fact that this raised-up model is ripe for performance tuning, being based on the same underpinnings as the Astra. There’s also a strong business case, with higher profit margins on performance SUVs.

The British brand already sells many fully electric models, with the Corsa supermini and Mokka SUV both available with full-EV powertrains. An all-electric Astra-e is set to join the line-up next year too, and it's possible that these three cars will be available in all-electric GSe form in the future.

Teasing the GSe sub-brand with a badge that shows bright lettering and gloss black trim – a combination seen on sister firm Opel's Manta GSe ElektroMOD revealed last year – it's likely that these colours will become the GSe signature, with accents applied to cars to highlight their halo status.

Vauxhall has confirmed it will release more information on the GSe sub-brand in due course.

Click here for our list of the best electric cars on sale right now...

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

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Car brands like Tesla and Vauxhall risk falling behind due to poor leadership
Opinion - Mike Rutherford

Car brands like Tesla and Vauxhall risk falling behind due to poor leadership

Mike Rutherford thinks manufacturers like Tesla and Vauxhall could be left behind due to poor management decisions
Opinion
2 Feb 2025
Stellantis bets big on hybrid cars with expanded line-up plan
Peugeot 5008 - badge

Stellantis bets big on hybrid cars with expanded line-up plan

Parent company of Peugeot, Citroen and Alfa Romeo won’t hedge its bets, with plans afoot to bolster HEV offer
News
14 Jan 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall’s new ‘Electric All In’ offer gives tempting sweeteners to EV buyers
Vauxhall Grandland - front

Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall’s new ‘Electric All In’ offer gives tempting sweeteners to EV buyers

British brand is trying to make the switch to electric that little bit easier with its new offer. It’s our Deal of the Day for 8 January
News
8 Jan 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
1 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal
Nissan Qashqai - front cornering right

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal

The Nissan Qashqai is a family favourite, with plenty of style and kerb appeal. It’s our Deal of the Day for 13 February
News
13 Feb 2025
New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced
Opinion - expensive cars

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced

Not matter how good a new car might be, Mike Rutherford thinks it will ultimately fail if it's overpriced
Opinion
16 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts