Electrification was once the preserve of ordinarily-styled cars that generally didn’t travel very fast – or far. But in another significant sign that times are changing, Vauxhall has now confirmed a new performance electrified sub-brand.
Many Griffin-badged turbo petrol cars have carried the letters ‘GSI’ (Grand Sport Injection) on their grille and bootlid over the years, most recently the Zafira MPV, the Insignia saloon and the last generation of Corsa supermini.
Now, however, the company’s focus lies very much with electrification and by 2028 every car it builds and sells will be electric-only. Therefore, that means dropping the ‘i’ in GSI for an ‘e’ for all upcoming sports-inspired variants.
‘GSe’ – a new “top-of-the-range electrified performance sub-brand” that stands for Grand Sport Electric – is part of that commitment, say Vauxhall. Not only does it displace GSI, the old ‘VXR’ moniker will also be stood down as part of the announcement.
Each vehicle bearing the GSE badge promises to receive a “driver-focused” chassis so as to complement the high performance associated with electrified powertrains.
James Taylor – Acting Managing Director at Vauxhall – said: “GSe will offer sports handling and looks combined with the performance and responsibility of electrified powertrains.
“Sitting atop the newly simplified Vauxhall range, the GSe name is both a nod to GSi performance models from our heritage as well being a complement to the GS versions in our line-up today.
“Vauxhall is committed to electrifying Britain and GSe shows that performance and driving pleasure are set to be part of our electric future,” he added.
Now operating under the Stellantis Group, which also owns Peugeot, DS Automobiles, Fiat and Citroen, Vauxhall has confirmed that further details on the GSe sub-brand will be announced “in due course”.
Already, Vauxhall sells a number of pure electric cars including the Corsa and Mokka with the Astra-e expected to join the line-up some time next year. Plug-in electric models also form part of the product catalogue, with the Grandland among the first to receive the technology.
