September 27, 2007Print this page
· 1987: First Corsa GSi with 98 hp presented
· 1994: Corsa B GSi with 109 hp and metal catalytic converter
· 2001: Corsa C GSi produces 125 hp and exceeds 200 km/h barrier
· 2007: Corsa D GSi with 150 hp and choice of three or five-door variant
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.”
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· 1994: Corsa B GSi with 109 hp and metal catalytic converter
· 2001: Corsa C GSi produces 125 hp and exceeds 200 km/h barrier
· 2007: Corsa D GSi with 150 hp and choice of three or five-door variant
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.”
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I would like see the car, somebody have yet a Insigia??? I want more information about car safety and other simila [...]