Staff Writer
The Opel Manta A, one of the iconic sports coupes in the 1970s, has been reborn as a technologically rich Resto-mod with an all-electric powertrain. The two rear-wheel drive doors are now called Manta GSe Elektromod. Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller said that this shows that the brand is “committed to emission-free mobility in order to achieve a very desirable and sustainable future”.
- It has a 147hp electric motor paired with a manual gearbox
- Its 31kWh battery pack can travel 200 kilometers
- It has modern technology and retro style
Opel Manta GSe Elektromod: Design
Based on its highly modernized foundation, Manta has undergone a facelift to demonstrate its heritage while aligning it with Opel’s current production model.
A version of the brand’s “Vizor” grille is on it, with an LED screen that displays various information and patterns, while the traditional headlights, brake lights and DRL have been replaced with sharper LED items.
The eye-catching neon yellow paint matches Opel’s new brand design and contrasts with the 1970s-style black hood. Ronal’s 17-inch alloy wheels replaced the original 13-inch rims, and the chrome bumpers were removed to replicate the Manta model upgraded by Irmscher and other modified and racing companies.
Opel Manta GSe Elektromod: electric powertrain and battery
The original four-cylinder gasoline has been replaced with an electric motor with a success rate of 147hp and 255Nm, which makes it not only more powerful than any original-spec Manta A, but also the most powerful battery electric car in the European BMW s.
A 31kWh battery pack is smaller than the battery packs of Corsa-E and Mokka-E, and has a claimed cruising range of 200km. Like its similar products, it can be charged through regenerative braking. Although you can use the 9.0kW built-in charger for four hours of recharge.
Most notably, Manta still transmits power to the rear axle through a manual gearbox, which is different from any electric car currently mass-produced. The driver can choose to “manually shift the original 4-speed gearbox or simply engage in fourth gear and drive automatically.”
Opel Manta GSe Elektromod: interior and features
The interior largely depends on current production cues, and the analog clock provides convenience for the digital display and 10-inch touch screen. It also offers sports seats originally developed for Adam S supermini. However, the retro hints extend to the three-spoke steering wheel with 12 o’clock markings, the shift lever and manual handbrake that can correct the cycle.
Opel did not express its intention to put the Elektromod into production (regardless of whether it is restricted or not), but it may give similar treatment to other historical models such as Nova, Firenza and GT.
See also:
The first cars of the most famous car manufacturers in the world
PSA Group completes the acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall
