Opel Releases Further Details of Green Concept Vehicle It Will Debut Next Month
By Scott Doggett February 18, 2010
Opel has released details of an extended-range electric concept car that it will debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2.
The General Motors Co. unit said the five-door Flextreme GT/E (pictured) shows how GM's extended-range electric vehicle technology can also be used for large or mid-sized vehicles.
GM plans to launch two compact, plug-in extended-range electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt and its sister model the Opel Ampera. The Volt launches in selected U.S. markets later this year and in Europe next year. The Ampera will go on sale in Europe next year.
Frank Weber, Opel's head of product planning, said the concept's futuristic design shows the shape of things to come from Opel.
"Bold, expressive and highly efficient, it represents the product strategy we will apply to all our future vehicles, large and small, across all market segments," Weber said in a statement.
Opel said the concept's low, coupe-like proportions explore the potential for evolving Opel's new design language, which it describes as "sculptural artistry meets German precision within an envelope optimized for aerodynamic efficiency."
Opel said the Flextreme GT/E has a battery-powered driving range of up to 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) and a total range of more than 500 kilometers (300 miles).
Average fuel consumption is estimated at 1.6 liters per 100 kilometer (147 U.S. miles per gallon), with CO2 emissions of less than 40 grams per kilometer.
Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Flextreme GT/E are powered at all times by electricity.
For typical journeys up to 60 kilometers (36 miles), energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.
A small gasoline engine/generator provides electricity whenever the battery's supply becomes depleted, extending the range to more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled.
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