https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/hot-vauxhall-astra-return-280bhp-cupra-born-vz-rival

Vauxhall is working on a hot new electric Astra as the next model in its recently relaunched GSE sub-brand, Autocar understands. 

It will be the first Astra hot hatch since the VXR bowed out in 2017 and the third Vauxhall to wear the new GSE badge after the Mokka and upcoming Corsa, with which it is tipped to share its 277bhp FWD powertrain - including an electronic limited-slip differential. 

Stellantis in advanced talks to develop Opel EV with China's Leapmotor, sources say

The new model would share a common architecture with the Chinese automaker's B10 compact SUV, which will also be assembled later this year for the European market at the Zaragoza plant, two of the sources said.

Production of the new Opel model is expected to start in 2028 with a targeted annual output of 50,000 vehicles, said the two people.

Under the terms being discussed, Leapmotor would supply key technologies and components including electronic and electrical parts, while Opel would design the exterior, one of the sources said, adding that a significant portion of the vehicle's development would take place in China.

Talks between Stellantis and Leapmotor over the Opel project, codenamed O3U, started in late 2025 and an agreement could be reached as early as this month, the person said.

A third person said Stellantis has been studying using Leapmotor's EV technologies for developing the next-generation Opel Mokka B SUV. Production of that model is expected to eventually be moved to Spain from France, this person said.

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/stellantis-advanced-talks-develop-opel-ev-with-chinas-leapmotor-sources-say-2026-04-08/

Edited April 8Apr 8 by STEVEC