Geneva preview: Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E
February 18, 2010 § Leave a Comment
The Flextreme GT/E concept demonstrates the potential to put Vauxhall/Opel’s extended-range hybrid powertrain (Chevy Volt, Vauxhall Ampera) into a larger family-sized vehicle.
An eye-catching hatch-estate with rear-hinged rear doors (developed from those of the new Meriva mini-MPV) and lightweightcarbon composite body panels and polycarbonate glazing, it can do up to 125mph and 0-60mph in under nine seconds. It has a potential range of up to 40 miles in electric-only mode, and over 300 miles with the small engine kicking in to act as a generator. Overall average fuel consumption is 175mpg, claims Vauxhall, and carbon dioxide emissions less than 40g/km.
The Flextreme GT/E also showcases energy-saving aerodynamic technology, including sensor-activated doors without handles, tiny rear-view cameras in place of door mirrors, and adaptive side spoilers behind each wheel arch which deploy at speeds of over 30mph to channel air-flow.
Vauxhall describes this concept as a “logical next step” in its electric vehicle programme.
