Opel is one of the most resilient automobile manufacturers in history. The German automaker started producing sewing machines in 1862. They later branched into bicycle production, and in 1899, the firm had its first car. Since then, Opel has gone produced some truly iconic cars. General Motors bought Opel majority shares in 1929 and took control of the company in 1931.
Under General Motors' control, Opel became a prominent European manufacturer in 1935. However, General Motors sold their majority shares in the company to PSA Peugeot in 2017. As a manufacturer, Opel has had its share of ups and downs. Some of the car models include the Adam S, Corsa-e, Astra, and more. Recently, Opel unveiled their retro-inspired EV – the Opel Manta GSe. At the moment, there's only a concept car version of the Manta GSe, but here are some facts we already know about it.
10 All-Electric Powertrain
The Manta GSe is not Opel's first electric vehicle. Opel built their first EV back in 2011 and has since added other models like the Corsa-e, Zafira-e, and others to their electric lineup. The Manta GSe is called an "ElektroMOD," which suggests its an electric resto-mod. With an electric motor of 108 kW, the Manta GSe gives an output of 147 horsepower.
The Manta's 147 hp is relatively unimpressive for a 2022 car, but it would be more than enough for a stylish electric cruiser. A battery pack of 31 kWh is housed in the EV's trunk, and for charging, the Manta GSe takes three hours to charge fully.
9 It Was Born In The 70s
We said Opel was working on a new car, but what if we told you that the Manta was born in the 70s? Opel released the Manta A model in 1970 and later launched the Manta B in 1975. The Manta's primary purpose was to rival Ford's Capri – a sports coupé.
Opel stopped production of the Manta A in 1978 and kept building the Manta B till 1988. From 1973 to 1974, the manufacturer offered a "Luxus" model of the Manta. Customers could choose between blue burgundy color-coded interiors and other stylings like wood paneling.
8 It Has A Visor
One cool feature that separates the 2022 Manta GSe from the original model is its visor. The front of both the Manta GSe and the old Manta look alike, but instead of using a grille for the GSe, Opel uses a LED screen.
There are not many cars with this particular feature, and it's called the Opel visor or pixel visor. The Manta's visor is built to project words and graphics. However, while driving, Opel's logo takes up the projection screen for safety reasons.
7 It Has A QR Code
One intriguing feature of the Opel Manta GSe is the integration of QR codes into the vehicle’s technology. Known as iQR codes, the design is a digitized code that is both futuristic and sensational.
Unlike the usual squared QR codes, the Opel Manta GSe spots a ray-shaped code that other road users can scan to contact the driver directly. Additionally, vehicle owners can use the code to make payments, send text messages, and interact with the infotainment system.
6 A Manual Transmission
Electric vehicles with manual transmissions are a rarity. Most electric cars use an automatic single-speed transmission since they do not require a clutch. However, the concept is not totally novel. Ford built an electric Mustang with six-speed manual transmission for a 2019 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show.
The Manta GSe has a 4-speed manual that allows the driver to change gears with a shifter manually. If you want an automatic, you can simply put the Manta in fourth gear. The manual transmission is another feature that is reminiscent of the '70s Manta.
5 It Features Opel's PurePanel
Opel's Mokka-e was the first car to feature the manufacturer's new cockpit and PurePanel. The PurePanel is made up of two large screens. There's one screen behind the steering wheel to serve as a driver cluster and display the speedometer.
At the center of the dashboard, there's another screen for infotainment. Opel calls this design a "digital detox," and we agree. The dashboard is clean and pure, with only the necessary buttons. Opel plans for their future cars to embody this new design language.
4 Zero Emissions
Like many electric vehicles, the 2022 Manta GSe also claims to have zero emissions. Zero emissions cars are going to become essential, especially with today's crumbling climate and global warming. Opel has built other low emission and emission-free vehicles like the Corsa-e and Zafira-e.
The automaker's plug-in fuel cell electric vehicle– the Vivaro-e Hydrogen also has low emissions. By having zero emissions, the Manta GSe is more sustainable for the environment.
3 It Was Built On The Original Manta
While the 2022 Manta GSe is a new car, it's based on the old Manta. The Manta GSe EV looks exactly like the '70s Manta. Apart from the fact that the Manta GSe is an electric car, gearheads who remember the original Manta could mistake the GSe for it.
For the most part, it's almost like Opel got an old Manta frame and fitted it with an electric motor, battery, and new interior. The GSe's charging port is also situated lower than most electric cars because the '70s Manta's fuel tank was placed lower.
2 Minimalist Interior
When you look at the GSe's interior, you can see the various nods to the original Manta. The furnishings are sparse, and there's not much happening, but it's perfect. However, unlike the actual vehicle, the GSe does not have dials on the dashboard.
Opel opted for a more modern dashboard with touchscreen devices. The seats are black bucket-style seats with neon yellow accents. There's also an Alcantara roof and a periodically correct Petri steering wheel. Additionally, in line with the minimalist layout, the Manta GSe's steering wheel is responsive and devoid of buttons
1 It's A One-off
Sadly, with all the amazing features in the Manta GSe, the coupe will not be going into production. Opel announced that the Manta concept car is a one-off. The vehicle will most likely end up in an automobile museum like other one-off cars.
Perhaps Opel might reconsider and put the Manta GSe EV into production. But for now, it joins other exciting and unique one-off models like the Mazda Furai, Lamborghini Egoista, Chevrolet Corvette Rondine Coupe, Ferrari 458 Speciale MM, 4-door Porsche 911, and the Lamborghini Marzal.