Opel Flextreme GT/E The Flextreme GT/E Concept uses an evolution of the Voltec power system of the Opel Ampera, demonstrating that it can be used in large high performance cars. The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is not a hybrid, but an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV). This means that it is electrically driven at all times. Courtesy of Opel

Why should an eco-friendly car not be luxurious?

The new Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept propels leading Opel eco-technology into a larger dimension.

The environmentally friendly propulsion architecture E-Flex, packaged in a highly flexible monocab concept with a host of innovative details: this is Opel’s Flextreme concept car.


Exterior design


The Opel Flextreme is more than a demonstration of the Opel commitment to the latest green technology, it is proof that the future can be stylish as well as practical.

Opel Flextreme GT/E The Flextreme GT/E Concept uses an evolution of the Voltec power system of the Opel Ampera, demonstrating that it can be used in large high performance cars. The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is not a hybrid, but an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV). This means that it is electrically driven at all times. Courtesy of Opel

The Flextreme body’s key characteristics highlight the new elements of Opel design language: more sculpted surfacing molding, clear style elements such as narrow, boomerang-shaped lights and sloping swage line in the side graphics.

The Flextreme was also designed following the motto of technological efficiency: vehicle weight and aerodynamics are optimized by using advanced materials and simulation technology.

Opel Flextreme Courtesy of Opel

The bottom edge of the windshield has been pulled far forward, so the hood with its characteristic crease is very short.

The integrated power socket in the cowl panel allows the car to be charged at any mains supply.

Opel Flextreme exterior design Courtesy of Opel

A look at the front of the car quickly reveals that the front grill and rims are covered by lightweight transparent trim, which is made from polycarbonate to improve aerodynamics while maintaining visual aesthetics.

The same is true for the special light alloy wheels.
Like the wheel design, the large boomerang-like curved front light units are visually deceptive.

Opel Flextreme exterior design Courtesy of Opel

From the rear the centre opening, butterfly doors form the most immediate feature.
Also the relief of the blade motif is carried around the whole curvature of the back.

The unique rear lamp clusters with wing lights are virtually invisible until lit, they also wrap around to give even more sense of symmetry.

The central focus falls firmly upon the Opel blitz.

Opel Flextreme exterior design Courtesy of Opel

Just like all the other windows and a large part of the roof, the windshield is made of especially light polycarbonate.

The Flextreme’s panoramic windshield provides a light and spacious interior ambience and stretches over most of the roof, which is reinforced by a spine-like composite structure that extends all the way to the rear floor.


Interior design


New approaches to space, comfort and light, characterize the interior design of the Opel Flextreme.

Set directly under the windshield, the large panoramic display in the interior is especially eye-catching.

The display fields are configurable.

They can show a complete all-around view of the car’s surroundings, for example, as instead of exterior mirrors the Flextreme has two side cameras, one front-facing and one rear-view camera.

A second display on the center console features touch-screen operation for air conditioning, infotainment and navigation functions as well as the drive selector gate.

A clever storage system at the front and back of the center tunnel offer Opel-typical flexibility.

Opel Flextreme interior design Courtesy of Opel

Front and rear passengers can stow items such as mobile phones, MP3 players, iPods and PDAs in two drawers.

The best part: the electrical devices are recharged in the drawers by induction and Bluetooth-capable systems can transmit their data to the onboard infotainment system.

Honeycomb structures, which are characterized by low weight and high rigidity, are used extensively in the Flextreme’s interior.

This functional, geometric structure can be found in the instrument panel’s lower portion, cabin floor, cargo floor and above the center tunnel where the lithium-ion batteries are located.


Flexibility


With the rear-hinged back doors (FlexDoor®) that enable comfortable access to the interior, a large transparent roof and two tailgate doors that open from the side and swing upwards (FlexLoad®), the concept car embodies Opel’s tradition of particularly flexible and practical body concepts with attractive designs.

Opel Flextreme flexibility Courtesy of Opel

This also includes the FlexLoad’s additional underfloor luggage compartment the latest in a series of innovative Opel solutions such as the Zafira’s seating system (Flex7®) and the integrated rear carrier system Flex-Fix® found in the Corsa and Antara.

And the big surprise is the integration of two high-tech electric personal transporters (PT’s), ingeniously packaged below the cargo floor.

Opel Flextreme flexibility Courtesy of Opel

They can be used in areas that cars cannot enter, thereby adding an extra mobility option.
The electric scooters provide up to a 38 km (23 miles) of clean mobility.


Technology


The Opel Flextreme uses the revolutionary E-Flex propulsion system, which is also referred to as Voltec technology.

E-Flex is a new family of electrically driven propulsion systems specifically engineered for future small- and mid-sized vehicles.

The “E” stands for electric drive; the “Flex” represents the architecture’s adaptability.

Opel Flextreme technology Courtesy of Opel

The system allows the flexible use of electricity from a wide range of sources: the generator can run on power from the grid, from a small internal combustion engine consuming unleaded gasoline, diesel or bioethanol (E85 – a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), or from a fuel cell.

This means that the vehicle’s drive system can be adapted exactly to the needs and infrastructure of specific markets.

In contrast to conventional vehicles and hybrids, the E-Flex system uses an electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, to propel the Opel Flextreme concept for up to 55 km of electric-drive-only range.

In this case, a 1.3 CDTI onboard engine generates additional electricity to replenish the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range.

Fully charged, the Flextreme’s 55-km all-electric driving range is enough for most daily commuters in Europe to travel without using any diesel fuel or emitting any CO2.

The Flextreme concept is a good indication of what low-emission mobility could look like in the mid-term.


Front design


At first sight the Flextreme GT/E Concept makes an immediately dynamic and efficient impression.

Opel Flextreme GT/E front design Courtesy of Opel

Key features include:

• A small frontal aspect with transparent lower grille cover
• Minimal air intake area to decrease wind resistance
• Further evolved badge and grille
• The Opel logo conceals the front charging port, which slides out and can be turned left or right for convenient connection
• Expressive wing type headlamps to emphasise the sculptured lines


Profile design


From the side the iconic sculpted profile conveys the welcoming, yet sporting nature of the Flextreme GT/E Concept.

Opel Flextreme GT/E profile design Courtesy of Opel

Key features include:

• Low coupe-like profile providing optimum wind-cheating teardrop shape
• Outer mirrors replaced by rear view cameras
• Rear hinged FlexDoors® concept
• Fingerprint recognition sensors replace door handles
• “Floating” C pillars for longer glazed area
• Full length glass roof
• New interpretation of the “blade” side sculpting first seen in Insignia


Rear design


Even a brief glance reveals that the rear treatment makes a dynamic charismatic impact.

Opel Flextreme GT/E rear design Courtesy of Opel

Key features include:

• Prominent protective bumpers
• Broad shouldered stance
• Rear lights that echo the unique wing motif of the front daylight running lights


Adaptive translucent roof


A full-length glass sunroof makes the interior of the Flextreme GT/E Concept light and airy.

It is light sensitive so that as the sunlight and heat increases it darkens protectively.

Delivering:

• Controlled natural light and heat
• Power saving for the air conditioning
• A refreshing, naturally lit inner ambience


FlexDoors® system


Access to the rear seats is enhanced by the adoption of an evolution of the unique Opel portal doors first seen on the new Opel Meriva monocab.

Benefits of the FlexDoors® system include:

• Front and rear doors open independently of each other
• Easier rear cabin entry in tight parking spaces


Actively managed airflow


To achieve the minimum drag and wind resistance, several advances have been stylishly and seamlessly integrated into the overall design.

The result is a standard-setting drag coefficient of just 0,22.

Actively managed airflow Courtesy of Opel

A series of measures optimize the aerodynamics:

• Low, sculpted roof (1,308 mm)
• Air outlet vents in the motor hood
• Rear view cameras instead of mirrors
• Flat underbody for optimised airflow
• 21 inch wheels with aerodynamic wheel covers and low rolling resistance tyres
• Automatically extending speed-sensitive “aero blade” side spoilers to smooth rear side airflow
• Rear underbody swept upwards for venturi effect


Weight optimisation and distribution


In the performance orientated Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept, managing, reducing and perfectly distributing the weight was essential.

Opel has planned the latest high-tech racetrack developed compound materials and alloys for the chassis and body panels.

These offer a substantial weight saving, further reducing consumption and increasing the range.


Propulsion technology


The Flextreme GT/E Concept uses an evolution of the Voltec power system of the Opel Ampera, demonstrating that it can be used in large high performance cars.

The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is not a hybrid, but an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV).

Opel Flextreme GT/E exterior design Courtesy of Opel

This means that it is electrically driven at all times.

Features and benefits include:

• Near-silent electric power delivering up to (120 kW) and 370 Nm torque, or the equivalent of 150 hp right from the start
• Enabling a 200 km/h top speed and 9 seconds0-100 performance
• Fuel costs cut drastically
• Battery charging in 2-3 hours from any household power outlet.
• Up to 60 km driving range on pure, clean electric power from a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
• Electro-magnetic brakes for energy recuperation
• Activating the combustion engine extends the range up to 500 km, while keeping the batteries charged and maintaining the performance until the next recharge
• With the 1.4l, 61 kW (82 hp) engine running emissions are just 40 g/km CO2 with 1.6 l/100 km fuel consumption


Source: Opel

http://www.opel.com/vehicles-and-services/concept-cars/models/flextreme-gte.html  



About Opel


Founded in 1862 in Rüsselsheim, Opel is one of the most technologically advanced automobile manufacturers in Europe.
We have a long and rich history.

Courtesy of Opel

Our company is shaped by our passion for cars.

Together with Vauxhall, our sister brand in the U.K., we sell vehicles in over 40 countries.

We operate 11 vehicle, powertrain and component plants in 6 countries and employ around 40,000 people.

Locations Courtesy of Opel

We not only build cars, we live for cars.
Outstanding design, innovative technology and environmental friendliness are the hallmarks of our vehicles.

One of our most exciting plans for 2011 is the launch of the Opel Ampera, the first extended-range electric vehicle.

The Rüsselsheim headquarters Courtesy of Opel

In 2010, we sold over 1.1 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Europe, achieving a market share of 6.2 percent.

In our home market in Germany, Opel achieved the number three position with a market share of 7.6 percent.


Source: Opel

http://www.opel.com/experience_opel/company-information/facts-figures.html  



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