Vauxhall teases future of performance GSe sub-brand with Manta-inspired concept
Vauxhall has dropped the first images of a Manta-inspired concept car hinting at the future design language of its all-electric GSe sub-brand.
The Vauxhall GSe concept car will make its debut at the Munich motor show, beginning on September 8 this year. While Vauxhall hasn’t confirmed whether it will actually be called a Manta, the Stellantis-owned manufacturer said that its design will serve as “a subtle nod to historic and iconic motorsport vehicles such as the Manta 400 rally car”.
Announced in 2022, the Vauxhall GSe sub-brand started life as a hybrid-only trim level. Following a recent relaunch, GSe has since switched to full EVs. Its first vehicle, the Vauxhall Mokka GSe, was released in July this year. Like its sibling cars, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce and the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima, the hot Vauxhall promises 276bhp and a front-mounted, limited-slip differential.
Unlike the Mokka, the Manta-influenced GSe concept promises a completely new design language. The preview images display a slim, race-inspire steering wheel with what appears to be a red overboost button, lightweight bucket seats, and a roll cage.
Meanwhile, the front end gets ultra-slim horizontal and vertical running lights, and Vauxhall’s signature ‘Vizor’ grille is dominated by an illuminated take on the Griffin logo.
Around the back, the design is reflected with ultra-slim brake light and backlit ‘Vauxhall’ wording. Beneath it sits vertical mount to give the GSe concept’s rear a floating effect.
Despite the bold design with the brand’s now-signature lurid electric yellow paint and detailing, Vauxhall promises that the final form of the GSe concept “will be very much at home on the racing track and offer a thrilling yet comfortable and safe driving experience”.
The 2025 GSe concept isn’t the first time Vauxhall and sister company Opel have toyed with re-introducing the Manta as an EV. In 2021, a one-off, retro-inspired concept – the Opel Manta GSe ElectroMod – was unveiled in the aforementioned electric yellow paint, and fitted with a rear-mounted 31kWh battery returning 124 miles of range on a single charge and 145bhp.
