This is the Opel Flextreme GT/E, a new concept that Vauxhall’s sister brand will unveil at the 2010 Geneva motor show next month. It’s Vauxhall/Opel’s second Flextreme show car – the original was revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt show – and previews how GM’s extended-range electric vehicle technology can be utilised in large cars – the GT/E uses the same electrified powertrain that is found in the more compact Ampera.
Tell me about Vauxhall/Opel Flextreme GT/E’s powertrain please.The GT/E has uses the same E-REV (extended-range electric vehicle) technology that’s been developed for the Ampera. That means an electric motor driven by lithium-ion batteries, and an internal combustion engine that's used as a back up.
In the Flextreme GT/E a T-shaped lithium-ion battery ocated under the floor and rear seats gives a zero emissions range of up to 40 miles. Once the batteries are drained the 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine kicks in, pushing the GT/E’s range to over 300 miles (and thus negating ‘range anxiety’), but Vauxhall claims this still equates to an average of 175mpg, and less than 40g/km CO2.
The electric drive unit produces 273lb ft, so with all that twist going through the 21-inch (but slim 195/45) front wheels the Flextreme GT/E will scrabble to 62mph in under nine seconds. Top speed is over 125mph.
Haven’t we seen a Vauxhall Flextreme concept before?We have – Opel unveiled a Flextreme show car at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. But while that car was a boxy and bulbous, the new carbon-bodied concept is much sleeker – it’s a heavy hint at how Vauxhall/Opel will further develop the design language already seen on the Insignia and latest Astra.
The design language also incorporates sophisticated aerodynamics – the GT/E has a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22Cd. The nose section has a low bonnet, energy-saving LED lights and a slim trapezoid grille with the charging socket. The bonnet is vented to draw air out of the engine compartment, there’s a flat underbody, the stubby C-pillars stand proud of the bodywork, and the wraparound boot lid features LED lights.
The GT/E also has suicide doors, but the door handles have been replaced by light sensors to keep the exterior looks uncluttered. Cameras replace the door mirrors, and above 30mph a vertical panel extends from behind each rear wheelarch to direct the airflow and reduce drag.
The Astra VXR (OPC for the rest of Europe) will soon be replaced by an all-new model based on the next generation of the firm's C-segment hatch, but for now, Vauxhall is adding to the allure of the current version with the presentation of a limited production model called "Arctic Edition".
