Vauxhall has unveiled a dramatically reimagined electric concept, the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, designed for the Gran Turismo 7 video game. This concept, while seemingly an act of high-end conceptual lunacy, also serves as a significant indicator for the brand's future performance sub-brand in the electric era. Powered by two electric motors, it delivers a total of 800bhp and 590lb ft of torque, enabling all-wheel drive and a formidable 0-62mph acceleration in just two seconds, with a top speed of 199mph. The car's overall weight is remarkably low at 1,170kg, powered by an 82kWh battery, and it features a 'boost mode' offering an additional 80bhp for up to four seconds.

Despite its comically steroidal appearance, the GSE concept is underpinned by the group’s new STLA global BEV platform, subtly hinting at design cues for the next Corsa production car, expected around 2027. The concept draws inspiration from Eighties Group B WRC aesthetics, blending with a modern techno-slam and playing with Vauxhall’s 'bold and pure' design philosophy. Lead designer Mark Adams emphasized a balance between technical prowess and beauty, avoiding an overly brutal look while maintaining sharp, meaningful transitions between surfaces.

Key design highlights include interlocking forms with audacious yellow sections cutting through pearl white areas. The front features an ingenious shovel-nosed reimagining of a car’s form, capitalizing on the absence of a traditional engine, with batteries housed under the floor. The illuminated Griffin emblem sits at the center of a new design signature, the 'Compass,' which forms the car’s visual backbone and is echoed at the rear, integrating with the Vauxhall badge and brake light. Active aerodynamics are prominent, with a giant yellow diffuser and rear spoiler that extends 25cm to increase downforce and also functions as an airbrake.

The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo also incorporates a profusion of triangular elements, including a wheel design reminiscent of the Eighties Nova SRi alloys. The wheels are 21-inch upfront and 22-inch at the rear, in black and yellow and white over yellow finishes, respectively. Blistered arches, made from a more sustainable flax composite material supplied by Bcomp, help manage turbulent airflow. The interior is unapologetically racy, featuring fat sills, a fixed upper seat part attached to the roll cage, and an oblong steering wheel. Information is projected onto a head-up display and illuminated fabrics covering the dashboard and door inserts, with adjustable pedals due to the fixed seat. The design process encouraged team expression, resulting in a model that not only targets a younger gaming audience but also hints at future design elements for Vauxhall’s wider portfolio, extending beyond just the next Corsa.