Wild electric Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD revealed
Zero-emissions retromod gets electric motor and four-speed manual, indicating new thinking for concept of sporty EVThe Stellantis-owned Opel brand has revealed a pure-electric retromod version of the Manta A coupe it made from 1970-1975.
Dubbed the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD, the highlights of the car-maker's one-off re-engineering exercise include swapping out the standard car's four-cylinder petrol engine for a compact electric motor that produces 108kW and 255Nm of torque.
That's a considerable bump up on the most powerful Manta, which could only muster a wheezy 77kW – even with the largest 1.9-litre engine under the bonnet .
Opel hasn't released performance figures, but the electric Manta GSe comes with a four-speed manual that channels power to the rear wheels.
According to engineers, drivers have the choice of either using the gearbox or simply leaving the Opel coupe in fourth gear, when it acts like a traditional single-speed electric car.
Supplying current to the Manta GSe's electric motor is a small 31kWh battery that's claimed to provide for a 200km range, while a 9kW on-board charger means it only takes four hours to top up from empty.
Helping maximise that range, Opel has also added a sophisticated brake regeneration tech that recoups kinetic energy under braking.
Externally, the factory-made Opel Manta GSe gets some significant styling upgrades, with the small 1970s coupe sporting its latest 'Pixel Visor' front grille that's claimed to be capable of displaying different messages and graphics, including a manta ray floating across the panel.
At the rear, four tail-lights use LED tech that are said to pay homage to the original car's lamps.
Large 17-inch Ronal alloys and neon yellow paint complete the exterior upgrades.
Inside, the old Manta A's cabin has had a 21st Century reboot, with a 12-inch instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system replacing the old car's analogue dash and clock.
Other updates include a Bluetooth box from amp-maker Marshall and a modern three-spoke steering wheel.
Sadly, for those who fancy a sporty electric coupe with zero tailpipe emissions you'll have to look elsewhere, as Opel says there are no plans to offer the Manta GSe ElektroMOD for sale.
Instead, the Stellantis-owned brand says its retromod is a four-wheel demonstration that electric driving can be fun.
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