The Chevy Volt has been all the rage stateside. I found a few links about another GM hybrid that may be for Europe only, the Opel Flextreme. I think this concept was unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt auto show (Pop Mech article, Ecogeek), and I don’t have any more current info, so I am not sure what the plans are for this.
Apparently Saturn has announced a (concept) version. I would not be surprised if GM allows this to slip to allocate resources to the Volt. Frankly I think the Opel/Saturn is better looking than the Volt, even if it does look a lot like the Prius. Except maybe for the roof – I am not keen on all that glass. I even like the gullwing doors in the back. And the segway compartment is hokey, but if I could fit my mountain bike in there – SCORE. Details (also a three hour recharge time is claimed) and disclaimer:
Unlike conventional vehicles and gas-electric hybrids, GM’s E-Flex System uses an electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, to propel the Flextreme for up to 34 miles of all-electric and emissions-free range. The onboard engine creates additional electricity to extend the vehicle’s driving range to a total of 444 miles (715 km).
GM has initiated production engineering for the E-Flex System. Production timing depends on continued advancement of key enabling technologies; specifically, the development of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicle applications.
The whatcar blog has a clip in its week 42 video podcast of the Opel around its unveiling. It shows some of the interior and the gullwing doors, and the segway compartment.
As for the Volt, it appears that the unveiling of the production form of the car is being rushed to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of the company in Sep. I think the timeline is still late 2010 for production though. Wonder if they will begin taking deposits (a la Tesla) for them in Sep?
