The curtain slides to the side. Behind it: a silhouette in white, yellow and black. Flat, aerodynamic, wide – the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo. Florian Theis, Opel’s chief designer for Advanced Design, steps forward and puts his finger on the bonnet. “We quickly knew it would be a small car,” he says. “But one that shows how much power, emotion and future there is in this segment.”

Digital meets real world

Theis is the man who was responsible for the design of the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo – as usual, initially virtually. On the computer, with 3D equipment and data glasses, then as a clay model, finally as a finished study. Twelve designers from Exterior, Interior and Colour & Trim work with him, as well as two dozen colleagues in the workshops.

They grind, mill, shape – until they have completed a car that looks as if it has come from the future. A study that shows where GSE is headed. And connects the two worlds: real and digital. Soon the high-performance newcomer will be available in ‘Gran Turismo 7’, the famous racing simulation. 800 hp of system output. Top speed of 320 km/h. From 0 to 100 km/h in two seconds. Anyone can drive it – digitally.

Theis stops to explain the front. “We have sharpened the Bold and Pure design language,” he says. Large surfaces, sharp feature lines, technical precision. A small car, yes. But with the attitude of a high performer. The Opel Vizor is slimmer, more precise. In the middle, the illuminated Blitz shines, framed by signature lighting bars that end in glass blocks. In addition, the vertical axis is emphasised by the crease that runs from the hood to the bumper. “The result is a face that is immediately recognisable as an Opel – day and night, from every angle.”

Courage in every line

The fenders are widened, air vents run through the body. Aero curtains at the front and rear direct the airflow. Aero wheels reduce turbulence in the wheel arches. At the rear: a diffuser that extends when speed is required. “This is how we bring length to the car and grip to the road,” says Theis. The motorsport colleagues from Rüsselsheim were also involved and aerodynamic experts have optimised the flow.

What catches the eye: the colour scheme. Pearl white for the body, strong yellow for aero elements, black for the roof and fenders. Triangles adorn spoilers and rims – a reminiscence of rally heroes such as the Manta 400. The rear light visually merges with the rear window, together with the brake light it forms the ubiquitous compass. In the centre, the OPEL wordmark glows red.

Theis opens the door. Inside: pure detox. A narrow steering wheel, milled from solid aluminium. Lightweight sports seats, black and yellow, with six-point belt. A roll cage, strict, functional. Everything looks like a racing car, only more refined. “The steering wheel is deliberately narrow so that the view remains unobstructed,” he explains. Behind it: a head-up display. The most important data floats in the field of vision. “No driver needs more. Less is more.” Once in the seat, you immediately feel the racing driver feeling. Hard, light, direct. “We wanted to create a cell that merges digitally and really,” says Theis. “A space that shows that the future of driving does not lie in too much, but in the essentials.”

The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is a bridge. On the one hand, virtual – controllable via controller, and at breakneck speed over pixel asphalt. On the other hand, the message: Opel is serious about sportiness, dynamics and emotion. “We are taking the GSE label to a new level,” explained Opel CEO Florian Huettl at the IAA Mobility, where the concept car celebrated its world premiere. “The car gives a glimpse of the future and will inspire car enthusiasts.” At the same time, it is a clear commitment to the small car – electric, modern, efficient, emotional.

800 hp for everyone

Since its first release in 1997, Gran Turismo has been considered a pioneer for realistic driving physics and detailed vehicle models. From autumn 2025, gamers will be able to send the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo to the track in the racing simulation on the PlayStation 4 and 5. “We are very pleased to welcome Opel back to Gran Turismo with such an exciting and innovative Corsa version,” says Kazunori Yamauchi, Producer of the Gran Turismo series. The Opel concept car will be shown at the Gran Turismo World Series in Berlin on September 20. Yamauchi: “We can’t wait to see the reactions of the fans.”

The reactions? Unambiguous.

Autocar calls the study “imposing”. auto motor und sport recognises: Opel is serious about the GSE sports label. Car and Driver praises the technology. Lifestyle magazines celebrate the form. In forums, fans discuss the boost button and lightweight construction. Because the highlight is in the details: only 1,170 kilos of weight, despite the 82 kWh battery. This is made possible by lightweight materials. In addition, a boost function that delivers an extra 59 kilowatts for four seconds when overtaking. And grip is provided by the all-wheel drive with two motors on the front and rear axles.

Theis steps back, his gaze follows the body line. For him, the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is not just a show car. “It demonstrates the freedom that the STLA Small platform opens up in terms of design and proportions.” The high-performance newcomer will be available from autumn – not in the car dealership, but on the console. The first Opel that you can experience at home.