The Opel
Flextreme wagon mates the E-Flex's electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack to a 1.3-
liter diesel engine. The diesel turns a generator for electricity when the battery pack is
drained. The battery, which has a range of 55 kilometers, can also be recharged by
plugging into an electric outlet.
GM claims the powertrain in the E-Flex cuts CO2 emissions to 40 grams per kilometer, well
under the European Union's proposed standard of 120 g/km.
The Flextreme is more than just a showcase for a powertrain. The concept's sleek, modern
design language will influence all future Opel models, said Mark Adams, head of design for
GM Europe.
Among the standout items on the Flextreme concept are a panoramic glass roof, rear-hinged
doors and small cameras in place of rear-view mirrors to cut down on wind resistance.
"This is about showing that you can have a dramatic design statement and technology go
hand in hand,"
Size wise, the Flextreme fits in between the Opel Astra and Zafira wagons.
GM said a vehicle based on the Flextreme will reach production, but it did not disclose
any timing for that move. GM has set a goal of getting the E-Flex powertrain into
production by 2010.
