Opel Flextreme GT/E Extended Range Electric Vehicle Concept to Debut at Geneva Show
18 February 2010
| The Flextreme GT/E concept. Click to enlarge. |
Opel will unveil the Flextreme GT/E mid-size concept car at the 80th Geneva Motor Show (4-14 March). The 4.7-meter long Flextreme GT/E concept illustrates the application of GM’s extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology to large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Ampera, the European cousin of the Chevrolet Volt. (Earlier post.)
Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 200 km/h (124 mph), the Flextreme GT/E is projected to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 60 km (37 miles) and a total range of more than 500 km (311 miles). Average gasoline fuel consumption is estimated at 1.6 L/100 km (147 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of less than 40 g/km.
The wheels of the Flextreme GT/E are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 60 km, energy is supplied by a 16 kWh T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.
Nominal voltage of the pack is 350V, and the vehicle has an on-board 3.3 kW charger. Full recharge at a 230V outlet will take less than 3 hours.
The electric drive unit delivers 120 kW of peak power, with 370 N·m (273 lb-ft) of torque. Projected zero to 100 km/h acceleration is less than nine seconds. The 4-cylinder, 1.4-liter engine powers a generator with 53 kW peak output.
The design enables the Flextreme GT/E to achieve a projected drag co-efficient of 0.22. A series of measures optimize airflow management. 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.
The minimal front intake improves airflow around the nose of the car and the underbody sweeps up, venturi-like, at the rear to further reduce drag.
The Flextreme GT/E 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.
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% weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.
It appears that the Flextreme uses most of the Volt's components without change, with the possible exception of the traction motor. That item may have been upgraded, or simply uprated. But speaking of 'peak power' as opposed to 'design' or 'continuous operating' or, 'nameplate power', can confuse the issue.
The vehicle is larger, but the interior volume does not have to be expanded much, as the Delta II platform is on the fringe of compact and mid-size and straddles it. A few more cubic feet of storage would be enough to tip it into 'D-segment' or mid size designation.
Posted by: Stan Peterson | 18 February 2010 at 10:28 AM
I recall the Saturn Flextreme that was shown as a concept car. It looked good, but was just a concept and now Saturn is no more. If enough of these cars can make it to market, it will all help with reducing imported oil.
Posted by: SJC | 06 March 2010 at 01:53 PM