Opel has released more pieces of the Manta GSe ElektroMod puzzle, announcing at the same time that the special project will be presented in full on May 19. Building on a 1970 Manta A that was sitting in the Opel Classic warehouse, it has been converted to run on electricity, replacing its four-cylinder petrol engine and other components with an electric motor and battery pack that have yet to be detailed.
Now, besides tampering with the oily bits
and making this old-timer dead quiet, the team behind the GSe ElektroMod has
given it a so-called ‘Pixel-Vizor’ front grille. The ‘Vizor’ part was actually
inspired by the face of the original Manta and implemented in the latest Mokka
and Crossland, while the ‘Pixel’ hints at its digital makeover.
Stretching across the entire width of the
vehicle, the Pixel-Vizor can “communicate with its environment”, according to
Opel, displaying different messages, as highlighted in the latest teaser video.
‘My German heart has been ELEKTRified’, ‘I am on a zero e-mission’ and ‘I am an
ElektroMOD’ are some of things visible on the untraditional grille screen,
which adds a few animation splashes too, including the silhouette of a manta
ray and lighting bolts.
As interesting as it may appear to some,
the grille has the potential of sparking a new trend, so let’s hope the
automotive industry will sweep this idea under the rug.
