Vauxhall set to launch high-performance Corsa GSE
Vauxhall is expanding its high-performance range and giving its best-selling small car some motorsport-derived power with the release of the Corsa GSE.
Yes, that stands for Grand Sport Electric and is a specific section of Vauxhall’s electric range introduced in 2023, giving its existing cars a more sporty look and a driver-focused chassis setup, resulting in a more powerful car. Vauxhall has already given us a glimpse of what a potential GSE Corsa will look like, having revealed the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept last August, ahead of its appearance at the IAA Mobility 2025 show in Munich.
The performance numbers being boasted back then claimed it put out 789bhp, resulting in a 0-62mph time of just two seconds and a top speed of 199mph. Whether the production version — set to be available to order later this years — can get to anywhere near that mark remains to be seen.
Vauxhall revealed images of the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept in summer 2025
Of course, the announcement of the Corsa GSE follows the release of the Mokka GSE, Vauxhall’s fastest production electric vehicle. The Mokka GSE, which shares its powertrain with Stellantis stablemates like the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, produces a much more sane 276bhp, helping it do 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 124mph.
“Thrilling, pure electric, motorsport-inspired power and dynamics”
The Corsa GSE will be based on the current production generation Corsa, with the addition of technical knowledge gained from the Mokka GSE Rally. It follows other Vauxhall hot hatches over the years, including the Nova GTE, Nova GSi, Corsa Gsi and Corsa VXR.
Eurig Druce, Vauxhall Managing Director & Stellantis UK Group Managing Director, said: “The Corsa GSE will combine small and agile practicality with thrilling, pure electric, motorsport-inspired power and dynamics. Vauxhall has a proud heritage of hot hatches, and we’re excited to now offer customers those same thrills but combined with the electrifying performance and zero emissions in use of these new GSE models.”
The Vauxhall Mokka GSE became the brand’s fastest production electric vehicle
Vauxhall’s motorsport return
The reveal of the Corsa GSE also follows November’s announcement of Vauxhall’s motorsport return with the 2026 ADAC GSE Rally Cup – the world’s first electric one-make European rally championship.
A factory-backed Mokka GSE Rally will be piloted by up-and-coming Welsh driver Ioan Lloyd, who has been competing since the age of 14, beginning his rallying career in junior-1000cc events before progressing through UK forest and national rally championships.
The championship features seven rounds across six European countries, starting with the ELE Rally in the Netherlands in May.
Young Welsh rallying talent Ioan Lloyd will go for glory in the 2026 ADAC GSE Rally Cup after finishing runner-up in the 2025 Junior European Rally Championship
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Vauxhall - Stellantis