Opel Corsa GSi: In Detail

Opel Corsa GSi

More substance than show

By Frank
September 27, 2007 3:06 PM
Filed Under: German, Opel

Press Release

Powerful Performance and Subtle Sportiness

The motto of the new Opel Corsa GSi, which joined the Corsa model line in June 2007, is ‘more substance than show’. Unlike the uncompromising high-performance look of the Opel Corsa OPC that was launched in March 2007, the new GSi radiates subtle sportiness, and is now available as a five-door variant. The GSi’s powerful 1.6 ECOTEC turbo engine produces 110 kW/150 hp at 5000 rpm, positioning the new sporty model between the Corsa Sport 1.7 CDTI with 92 kW/125 hp and the high-performance Corsa OPC with 141 kW/192 hp. It takes the new Corsa to a top speed of 210 km/h and accelerates it from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. The lowered sport chassis, Electric Power Steering (EPS) with variable progressive feedback curve and sporty tuned ESPPlus as standard ensure agile handling.

“We’re pleased to again have another GSi model in our portfolio. Opel fans know what GSi stands for: plenty of fun, good value for money and no compromises in everyday use,” explains Alain Visser, Executive Director European Marketing Opel/Vauxhall. “The Corsa GSi combines the virtues of its compact dimensions with impressive performance over the entire rpm range, which actually positions it in the next higher car class.” The successful Corsa model range now includes five gasoline and three diesel variants with a perfor­mance spectrum of 60 to 192 hp. Around 400,000 new Corsas have been sold across Europe since the fourth-generation’s launch in October 2006, surpassing all expectations.

1.6 Turbo ECOTEC: Lightweight compact engine

The 110 kW/150 hp, 1.6-liter turbo engine in the Corsa GSi provides high performance combined with fuel economy and environmental compatibility. Weighing just 131 kg, the compact engine produces considerable power: the Corsa GSi accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h. In addition to the rapid turbo response, the engine with sequential manifold injection boasts excellent elasticity – the GSi accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in just 8.2 seconds in fifth gear. The maximum torque of 210 Nm is available constantly from 1850 to 5000 rpm which, together with the six-speed manual transmission, forms a key part of the GSi’s impressive driving performance. The Corsa GSi requires just 7.9 liters of super unleaded gasoline per 100 kilometers – a very low figure for such a sporty car.

The clever, lightweight construction is an important characteristic of the standard engine. Including the aluminum bearing cover, the grey cast iron block weighs only 27 kg. The cylinder head, oil sump and turbo-specific induction manifold with side-mounted throttle valve are all made from aluminum. Other construction highlights of the GSi’s turbo engine, which has a remarkable output per liter of 94 hp, include a rapid-response compressor with external water cooling. Its turbine reaches over 200,000 rpm. The turbocharger housing is integrated into the cast exhaust manifold ? an Opel-typical design that is optimal for the weight and rapid response of the turbocharger. Other features include the air-cooled intercooler, exhaust valves that are cooled by sodium in the shaft and oil-spray cooling of the flat pistons. There is also the stronger crankshaft drive, friction-optimized operation of the camshafts and the new two-mass flywheel with torsional-vibration damper that improves running smoothness.

The unit is also well suited for the future. The preconverter directly behind the turbine outlet supplements the main underfloor catalytic converter and improves the quick response of the three-way exhaust emission control. Together with the new hybrid technology engine control unit, it is perfectly positioned to meet all requirements of the upcoming Euro 5 emissions standard.

Sporty tuning of steering, chassis and brakes

The excellent driving dynamics and agile handling match the newest Corsa variant’s distinctive temperament. These characteristics are also typical of the fourth Corsa generation as a whole. The GSi’s Electronic Power Steering (EPS) responds variably, which enables easier maneuvering. The variable progressive feedback curve, which is unique in this class, provides a more direct response ratio at smaller

steering-wheel angles. Together with the dynamic chassis design, it provides a true sports car feeling. Other driving fun factors include the torsion-resistant body, which is 18 mm lower in front and 15 mm lower in the rear, as well as the chassis with front subframe and rear torsion beam. Just like the Corsa OPC, this gives the GSi variant a stronger rear axle profile, which increases the roll rate by 25 percent, and modified spring/dampener tuning. With the ABS and sophisticated ESPPlus system, the Corsa GSi is always under control: in addition to brake assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Understeer Control Logic (UCL), separate Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Straight-Line Stability control (SLS) functions are activated when needed. Experienced, sporty drivers can have even more driving fun by switching off the ESPPlus. The large 16-inch brake system from the Corsa OPC ensures strong deceleration: the Corsa GSi boasts 25 mm thick, internally ventilated 308 mm front disk brakes and 264 mm disk brakes at the rear. Low-profile, size 215/45 R 17 tires on seven-inch light alloy wheels ensure optimum traction.

Sporty, refined looks

The Opel Corsa GSi design elements radiate sporty refinement. Exterior modifications include a front spoiler lip, rear apron lip and spoiler, color-keyed side sills, chrome sport tailpipe and 17-inch light alloy wheels. The interior’s dynamic ambience is emphasized by the comfortable, black/red upholstered sport seats with high side support, a leather steering wheel with red inserts, red safety belts, chrome-ringed instruments and aluminum-look pedals.

The combination of easy-going GSi driving fun and ample equipment is highlighted by the extensive list of standard comfort and safety elements. This includes: front and rear head curtain airbags, active head restraints in front, air conditioning, tinted heat-absorbing glazing, radio remote control central locking, power heated exterior mirrors, power windows in front, backlit switches and displays, reading lamps, stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with steering wheel remote control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, foldable rear bench seat back split 1/3:2/3, double luggage compartment floor, door-to-door lighting and fog lamps. Technology options available for the Corsa GSi that are unique in this class include halogen headlamps with dynamic curve and static cornering light.

Opel Corsa GSi – Technical Data Overview

Corsa GSi

Engine
Emissions standard compliance
Fuel
Number of cylinders
Displacement
in cm3 		Max. output in kW (hp)
at rpm 		Max. torque in Nm at rpm
1.6 turbo ECOTEC Euro 4
super unleaded
4
1598 		110 (150)
at 5000 		210
at 1850 - 5000

 

  Driving performance Fuel consumption (l/100 km) according to 1999/100/EU

Transmission 		Maximum speed
in km/h 		Acceleration
from 0 – 100 km/h
in seconds
Urban
Extra-urban
Combined
CO2 emissions
in g/km
6-speed manual 210 8.1 10.5 6.4 7.9 189

 

Car dimensions in mm 3-door 5-door
Length 3999 3999
Width with extended exterior mirrors 1944 1944
Height (at curb weight) 1488 1488
Wheelbase 2511 2511
Luggage compartment dimensions in mm    
Floor length to rear seat back 703 703
Floor length with rear seat back folded forward 1348 1348
Width at wheelarches 944 944
Height of sill 502 496
Height of trunk-lid opening 763 778
Width at waistline 969 969
Luggage compartment capacity (l) according to ECIE    
Luggage compartment only, up to luggage compartment cover 285 285
With rear seat backs folded forward, up to ceiling 1050 1100
Weight and axle load in kg    
Curb weight incl. driver (according to 70/156/EU) 1100 1145
Gross vehicle weight 1545 1565
Payload 445 420
Maximum axle load, front 795 805
Maximum axle load, rear 770 770

 

 

Synonym for Sportiness

Opel’s ‘GSi’ title has a tradition dating back to 1984, when a 115 hp Kadett E first bore the three letters. Thanks to extraordinary aerodynamics, this car could top 200 km/h. Its success prompted Opel to include a sporty high-performance GSi variant in the Corsa range, beginning in 1987. The continuing motto through Corsa GSi models has been ‘more substance than show’ – their sportiness is radiated subtly, rather than aggressively and uncompromisingly.

Opel Corsa A GSi: Success story begins

The Opel Corsa GSi’s success story began in Frankfurt at the 1987 IAA Motor Show. Opel had already been building Corsa A models at its new plant in Zaragoza, Spain since 1982. The Corsa A’s three-door, 3.62-meter long body with flared fenders at the front and rear axles practically predestined it for a sporty makeover. Initially, the Corsa A was available with an engine range from 1.0 to 1.3 liters, and output from 45 to 70 hp. But the Corsa GSi Opel presented at the IAA in 1987 would change that dramatically. The three-door Corsa A’s typical flared wheelarches, which in the basis version were usually filled with rather diminutively sized 135 SR 13 tires, now featured much more befitting and impressive 175/65 HR 14 tires with distinctive three-spoke light alloy rims. The key difference was the engine, however – a 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit with cross-flow cylinder head and state-of-the-art air-flow controlled Bosch Motronic gasoline injection. The standard Corsa variants still had downdraft carburetors at that time. The advanced gasoline injection also enabled the 1.6-liter engine to use a three-way catalytic converter.

Especially important for GSi fans was that the 98 hp engine produced a top speed of 186 km/h, thanks in no small part to improved aerodynamics (cD=0.35). Although this may not seem so spectacular today, at that time it set standards in its segment. The front-wheel drive Corsa A’s chassis easily handled the GSi’s increased output: the McPherson strut front axle, torsion beam rear suspension, front and rear stabilizers, front disk brakes and rear drum brakes were all a great match and enabled plenty of driving fun –particularly as the GSi weighed just 865 kg in those days. Fuel economy was also impressive: just 7.3 liters of super unleaded fuel per 100 kilometers. The Corsa GSi had its market launch in 1988 and over 55,000 were sold up to 1993 in Western and Central Europe.

Opel Corsa B GSi 16V: More valves provide more power

The unveiling of the first Corsa GSi variant came around six years after the Corsa A was launched, though Opel did not wait as long to present the GSi variant of the second-generation Corsa. Encouraged by the first GSi’s success, it was only a few months after the Corsa B’s premiere that the sporty Corsa B GSi joined the model line, at the end of 1993. This time, the GSi title was joined by 16V, highlighting that the 1.6-liter engine now had four valves per cylinder, two more than previously. This produced an output increase from 98 hp to 109 hp, and a torque boost from 132 Nm at 3400 rpm to 150 Nm at 3800 rpm. In addition to the new four-valve cylinder head, the further enhanced carburetion and electronically controlled multi-point injection with anti-knock control also contributed to the increase in output and torque. And instead of the usual ceramic catalytic converters, the Corsa GSi 16V featured an especially efficient and heavy-duty metal catalytic converter for effective emissions control.

The Corsa GSi 16V was around 11 cm longer than the first generation at 3.73 meters, which benefited rear passengers in particular. Although the greater length and enhanced safety measures (such as double steel tube reinforcements in the doors) did increase the vehicle’s weight by around 80 kg, the new GSi’s optimized aerodynamics, more powerful engine output and five-speed sport transmission enabled a top speed of 195 km/h. Despite increased output and weight, the second-generation Corsa GSi’s fuel consumption fell to 7.2 liters per 100 km.

Opel Corsa C GSi: Tops 200 km/h

Fall 2000 saw the launch of the completely newly designed third-generation of Opel’s global bestseller. The top-of-the-line Corsa was again the GSi, this time with a 1.8-liter ECOTEC engine that produced 125 hp. This output, combined with sophisticated aerodynamics (cD=0.32), propelled the Corsa GSi to a top speed of over 200 km/h for the first time. To easily control these driving dynamics, the GSi featured the new Dynamic Safety chassis (DSA) – the front axle was mounted to a particularly lightweight and robust hydroformed subframe. The torsion beam rear suspension had an increased load capacity, as well as stabilizers with different roll rates. The result was more precise reactions to steering wheel movements and improved driving comfort. The brake system consisted of internally ventilated front disk brakes, large rear disk brakes and ABS, which optimally distributed braking power. To prevent the driving wheels spinning during heavy acceleration in poor driving conditions, such as through wet corners, the GSi featured Traction Control (TC) with brake and engine intervention.

Its further enhanced, yet typical Corsa design gave the GSi a grown-up and dynamic appearance. The now 3.82-meter long sporty model boasted a larger interior, noticeably increased shoulder room, comprehensive safety package and the longest wheelbase in its class with 2491 mm. The fully galvanized body was 33 percent more rigid than the second-generation GSi, contributing to the car’s top marks for passenger protection and quality. Customers in Western and Central Europe were very taken by this Corsa GSi's qualities, and around 65,000 units were sold during its production cycle.

Opel Corsa D GSi: Available as three or five-door

On June 7, 2007, the fourth-generation Corsa GSi made its world premiere at the Barcelona Motor Show. Now featuring a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine with 150 hp and 210 Nm of torque, the GSi has a top speed of 210 km/h and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) with variable progressive feedback curve and lowered sport chassis (front: 18 mm, rear: 15 mm) with ESPPlus as standard ensure extremely agile handling. And Corsa GSi customers can choose between a three or five-door body variant right from the start. As with previous models, the new Corsa GSi radiates subtle sportiness.

“Opel fans know just what the three letters GSi stand for: plenty of fun, good value for money and no compromises in everyday use,” says Alain Visser, Executive Director European Marketing Opel/Vauxhall, about the newest member of the Corsa model family. Following the launch of the extremely sporty Corsa OPC with 192 hp in spring 2007, he goes on to explain the top-performing Corsa ‘hierarchy’: “The order remains as ‘Sport’, ‘GSi’, and ‘OPC’ at the top. Although the 'Sport’ is more an equipment variant, the GSi is recognizable as high-performance variant. OPC is an individual label and stands for the top models in each of our model lines. With the OPC Line range, we offer our customers the opportunity to personalize the bodywork of their Opel car.”