Think of the Opel Flextreme GT/E concept as a bigger Chevrolet Volt (or Opel Ampera if you're European). The idea behind this concept, which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show (March 4 - 14, 2010), is to show how the Volt's extended-range electric vehicle drivetrain can be used in a larger vehicle, in this case a mid-size five-door hatchback. And it will boost the company's credentials as a leader in green technologies, offering expressive design with efficient environmental performance - and engineered with German precision.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
In Opel's strategy for achieving more independence from fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role. The 4.7-meter long Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Opel Ampera. Opel calls this strategy e-mobility unlimited: adapting the highly efficient E-REV drive system - which removes the limitations of battery-only power - to vehicles across all market segments. To enjoy zero CO2 driving emissions Opel-style, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size doesn't matter.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
The purposeful design also enables the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to achieve a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, which helps it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed as well as conserve energy and extend its driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low and wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, floating C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
The clean, frontal styling features a low hood line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps. These are deeply carved into the front fenders and across the hood line. The new trapezoidal grille execution is slim but bold. The prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carries a large Opel emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's battery pack. The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
In profile, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasizing the flowing lines of the side body. The car's dynamic character is further underlined by a fresh expression of Opel's signature blade motif, now a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front fender. The translucency of the fixed glass panel in the center of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
Integral to the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's expressive looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tires. Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimize air turbulence.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept also explores the potential for active shape shifting. At speeds above 50 km/h, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared to conventional materials, these offer a 40 percent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.
The efficient concept also includes GM's ground-breaking E-REV drive system, already developed for the Opel Ampera. The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept shows the versatility of this technology by displaying it in a larger, mid-size vehicle format.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 200 kilometers per hour, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is projected to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 60 km - with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions - and a total range of more than 500 km. Average fuel consumption is estimated at 1.6 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of less than 40 g/km. Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 60 km, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
However, unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power. The small gasoline engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery's supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 500 km, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled. The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370 Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 100 km/h acceleration in less than nine seconds.
2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System
The Flextreme GT/E concept is a further step in Opel's unfolding strategy for the electrification of the automobile, which includes a wide portfolio of products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.
Tommy Baldwin Racing's #36 Chevrolet - Veteran Mike Bliss has been hired to drive TBR's No. 36 Chevrolet, Kevin Buskirk will be the crew chief, and everyone in the shop seems excited about the possibilities a new season can bring, especially with this new sponsorship deal with Sephora [ CTRL-CLICK image to launch YouTube video of Kim Kardashian at LVMS]. Image and Video Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)
Kim Kardashian (pictured here standing next to stock car racing and car ownering legend Junior Johnson) after being introduced to the NASCAR faithful before driver introductions for the NASCAR Shelby American at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. By the way, for promotions, one can not beat the fact that this was the ninth consecutive sellout crowd for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)
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