Unleashing the Vauxhall Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo

We all know concept cars are supposed to be ridiculously low and stretched out to absurdly impractical lengths, not based on a small family hatchback. But as the name suggests, the Vauxhall Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is exactly that.... a Vauxhall Corsa.

That implies that; a) beneath the concept styling, and some frankly incomprehensible numbers, lies the basis of the 7th generation Corsa scheduled for release next year; and b) Vauxhall is also planning a big future for the GSE badge.

Those two statements may seem strange considering we’re talking about a car designed for a computer game, but when you dig down into the details it starts to make a bit more sense.

Background: The Vision Gran Turismo Project

Vauxhall revealed the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo at the beginning of September, a name that not only suggests it’s a Corsa, but that it can also be driven by anyone with access to a PlayStation and a copy of Gran Turismo 7.

Despite the apparent frivolity, there is a serious point behind the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo. As well as showcasing the potential of Vauxhall’s performance-focused GSE sub-brand, it also hints at what could be achieved using the latest electrified small car platforms.

Although, it’s hard to scratch beneath the surface when the surface in question is that distracting.

The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo: A Detailed Guide

Design Philosophy

Yes, it’s got a new lighting signature, an illuminated badge, and the gloss-black Vizor has been replaced with a clear version that conceals the daytime running lights. The rear lights spell “Vauxhall” across the tailgate, the indicators are cleverly integrated into the bumpers, and it features little design touches from iconic models such as the Opel Manta 400 rally car and the Nova SRi so beloved in the 1980s.

But let’s face it, you’re looking at an angry wasp wearing full body armour. The Vauxhall Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is all angles and pointy bits with spoilers, splitters, fantastically wide wheel arches and enormous wheels - it’s just glorious.

The interior is slightly less dramatic and has clearly been designed as a practical space intended for the sole purpose of driving the car.

The suspended driver’s seat is a masterclass in weight-saving, featuring a base that is fixed to the floor while the back rest is a separate piece bolted to the roll cage, meaning adjustments are made by moving the steering wheel and pedals back and forth rather than sliding the seat.

The sleek GT3-style steering wheel provides an unobstructed view of the all-important head-up display. There are no infotainment screens, no dizzying arrays of buttons and switches, it doesn’t even have traditional instruments because it’s all in the HUD (Head UP Display). Aside from a few onboard sensors to alert the driver to the presence of other vehicles, there is nothing else to do in there except drive it. As fast as you can.

Engineering & Performance Concept

There is some engineering to back up those looks though.

The concept is built on a brand-new platform, which by massive coincidence, Vauxhall’s parent company, Stellantis, is rumoured to be introducing on the next Corsa. That would make it slightly longer and wider than the current Corsa, but not to any significant degree. The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo also draws its power from the same 82kWh battery as Vauxhall’s Grandland SUV.

But that’s where the similarities end.

The next Corsa probably won’t produce 800bhp and have permanent all-wheel drive. It's unlikely to feature an active spoiler that extends backwards at high speed to reduce drag and then pops up to act as an airbrake while cornering. And the next Corsa definitely won’t hit 62mph in 2 seconds and be limited to a top speed of 199mph.

The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo can do all of that, and as far-fetched as those numbers may seem, Vauxhall insists they are achievable in the real world.

Technology Integration

Despite all that, the Gran Turismo’s platform and battery pack could well form the basis of the next Corsa, and Vauxhall has confirmed that some of the details in the concept will inform the design of the new model.

Details such as the new lighting signature and the see-through Vizor could feature, and don’t be surprised if the overall body shape remains broadly similar, even if it is significantly toned down for production versions.

Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo: The Future Vision of Vauxhall’s GSE brand?

While the GSE Vision Gran Turismo may look like a clever bit of marketing, the underlying story is the future direction of the GSE line. With the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, Vauxhall has begun to explore the boundaries of what design boss Mark Adams described as its “Type R moment”.

In the same way that a Type R targets a different demographic from the rest of Honda’s model range, the Corsa concept highlights the path Vauxhall is looking to take with the GSE designation. The goal is to create a series of proper performance cars that will appeal to a younger audience and shine a new light on the brand.

In the meantime, the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo could be a preview of the next Corsa. Not in terms of looks or performance, but as we said at the beginning, some of it makes sense.

More Than Just a Concept Car: The Future for Vauxhall

The Vauxhall Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo represents the epitome of Vauxhall’s dynamic GSE sub-brand in an all-electric high-performance small car. And if some of that rubs off on the rest of the model range, it’s only going to give you more reason to explore Vauxhall Corsa Leasing Deals in the future.