Opel Manta GSe ElektroMod
Two months ago, Opel announced the presentation of an electrified classic car. Under the project name Manta GSe ElektroMod, a Manta A with electric drive was created in Rüsselsheim. Now the converted vehicle is being shown in all its glory. The power source is a 108 kW/147 hp and 255 Nm strong electric motor. This makes the ElektroMod the most powerful Manta A ever built by Opel. In the original series between 1970 and 1975, there was a maximum of 77 kW/105 hp in the Manta GT/E. For power transmission to the rear axle, the original four-speed gearbox remains on board and can be used by the driver in two ways. Either he can accelerate in every gear or he simply engages fourth gear and takes advantage of the torque immediately available.
Up to 124 miles electric range
The 31 kWh battery pack is housed in the actual engine compartment. This enables an average range of 124 miles. In addition to charging by cable, the Manta GSe ElektroMod can also recover braking energy. The charging phase at fast charging stations takes around four hours. A 9-kW on-board charger can operate with both single-phase and three-phase alternating current. After loading, nothing stands in the way of silent cruising. In the specially created promotional video (see below), you can see the transformation of a typical Manta driver from the gasoline-powered Manta A to the Manta GSe ElektroMod and back with the tagline “What a time to be alive.”
Virtual front end and LED taillights
Opel designers were inspired by the Manta A front end when designing the new Mokka and Crossland. This resulted in the so-called Opel Vizor as a new element that will also appear on upcoming models. Now it is being used as a Pixel Vizor on the Manta GSe ElektroMod. This wide LED screen not only takes up the entire width and integrates the LED headlights. It also enables the driver to communicate with the environment. Various messages explain the special nature of this conversion to the viewer. To match the new Opel CI, the vehicle received a neon yellow paint job with a black hood. From the rim manufacturer Ronal came uniquely designed alloy rims in 17 inches. These are fitted with 195/40 R 17 tires at the front and 205/40 R 17 tires at the rear. The rear and of the car was also modified with new LED lights and a Manta lettering in the current Opel font. Analogous to tuning Mantas of the 1970s, Opel removed the chrome bumpers.
New dashboard and other modifications
The interior also received a digital update. Where analog instruments behind the steering wheel used to show speed, rpm and time is now the new Opel Pure Panel. This consists of a 12-inch and a 10-inch widescreen display that show all important vehicle information. A completely redesigned dashboard has been installed for this purpose. A Bluetooth box from the legendary Marshall amplifier company is used for travel music. To transfer the look of the body to the interior, the sports seats from the Adam S with black and yellow covers are used at the front. The three-spoke Petri steering wheel dates back to the 1970s, but has been given a new cover with yellow zero markings. Also new are the grey Alcantara headliner and grey painted surfaces on the door panels and cockpit. Series production or a conversion kit for the Manta GSe ElektroMod isn’t planned for the time being.
Images: Opel
