2008 Opel Flextreme

2008 Opel Flextreme

Opel’s Flextreme concept car, which makes its premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007), boasts the body of a dynamic monocab, as well as the completely new environmentally friendly E-Flex electric propulsion concept and a host of innovative details. Flextreme is part of GM’s ongoing commitment to develop vehicles that reduce CO2 emissions and the automobile’s dependency on petroleum. In contrast to conventional vehicles and hybrids, GM’s 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.

The E-Flex strategy is based on combining various drivetrain systems in the same vehicle architecture, depending on what energy source is readily available in the driver’s area. The concept has already been presented in two further versions: at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2007, it debuted with a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine designed for operation with gasoline or E85 (a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). And at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2007, GM presented the electric concept car with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion.

2008 Opel Flextreme

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 4796 mm long Flextreme was also designed following the motto of technological efficiency: vehicle weight and aerodynamics are optimized by using advanced materials and simulation technology. The result is a wide range of innovative solutions.

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.

2008 Opel Flextreme

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. Their look remains unchanged, yet disruptive air turbulence is avoided.

Like the wheel design, the large boomerang-like curved front light units are visually deceptive. The designers continue a theme which began with the GTC Concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and take it to a new level. The vertically oriented front lights slice up the front end in an unusual manner. The boomerang shaped high tech LED headlamp unit houses lightweight crossbeam, fog lamps and air intake for brake cooling which are particularly small in comparison to current trends. The optical illusion continues with the tail lights: at first glance, the concept car appears to have none. The curved rear lights are completely integrated into the tailgates and hidden beneath glass.

2008 Opel Flextreme

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.

2008 Opel Flextreme

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.

2008 Opel Flextreme

Innovative lightweight construction is used for the seats which are anchored to the car’s floor by a mono track rather than the usual two, creating more foot space in the rear. The seats have a light and elegant look thanks to refined upholstery, with some parts in fabric/mesh and corners made of especially soft material. The steering wheel hub also houses a high-tech feature: a full-size driver airbag that is packaged with a special vacuum technique that reduces its overall volume to the minimum.

2008 Opel Flextreme

Set directly under the windshield, the large panoramic display (size: 1.20 m x 0.10 m) 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. Alternatively the displays can also show information about the car, radio, phone, etc.

2013 Opel Adam

2013 Opel Adam

The new Opel Adam measures just 3.70 meters in length and 1.72 meters in width, excluding its mirrors. Despite this compact size, it offers seating capacity for four people and their luggage. Opel says that the new Adam targets "especially trendy urban customers who are looking for a car that expresses their personal style."

2013 Opel Adam

The new Adam will be offered in three different, highly individualized trim moods or worlds: Jam, Glam and Slam. All three designs are offered with a wide choice of exterior colors, three roof colors, different interior colors, decors, various headliners -including an LED lit "starlight" roof trim - and other premium inspired distinctive design elements.

2013 Opel Adam

On the exterior, the new Adam features a wide front grille, a new wing-shaped chrome bar with the embossed Opel emblem, and headlamps with wing-shaped daytime running lights (DRL) typical of Opel. As a first for a model in the A-segment, both the headlamps and the taillights are available with state-of-the art energy-saving LED technology.

Opel is also offering a wide choice of wheels, measuring from 15" to 18", with the 17" and the 18" being offered with a more responsive Sports chassis.

Initially, the new Opel Adam will be offered with a choice of three efficient gasoline engines: a 70 HP 1.2 liter engine, an 87 HP 1.4 liter engine, and a 100 HP 1.4 liter engine. All three engines come with an ecoFLEX technology pack including fuel-saving Start/Stop technology. At a later date, Opel will also offer a new generation small gasoline engine that features direct injection turbocharging for further enhanced efficiency and performance. This new engine will be combined with a completely new generation six-speed manual transmission.

2013 Opel Adam

Next to this, the new Adam also gets Electrical Power Steering (EPS) which includes a dedicated CITY mode that, at the flick of a switch, increases power assistance at lower speeds.

2009 Honda S2000 Review

2009 Honda S2000

Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sports car, the S2000 is the performance icon for the Honda brand and combines uncompromising racetrack-ready performance with everyday usability. As a true sports car that can serve as a practical and fun daily driver and also feel equally at home on a racetrack, this concept is further evolved with a club racer-inspired S2000 CR trim, first offered in the 2008 model year.

The S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 237 horsepower, 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short throw 6-speed manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and a perfect 50/50 weight balance. The S2000 includes an electronic Drive-by-Wire (DBW) Throttle System™, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), Maintenance Minder™ system, standard headrest speakers, an outside temperature gauge and an engine start button. Air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are standard equipment on the S2000, optional on the S2000 CR for weight savings.

2009 Honda S2000

"The Honda S2000 is a true performance vehicle that provides customers with an exciting experience behind the wheel," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Because the S2000 is a car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, it can easily satisfy daily driving needs without sacrificing track-worthy performance."

The S2000’s renowned high-revving, 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine remains the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance technology, delivering 237 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm. Perfectly complimenting the engine’s output characteristics is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise shifting and quick throws.

2009 Honda S2000

The S2000 comes equipped with a Drive-by-Wire throttle control system eliminating the need for a mechanical connection between the throttle pedal and the engine. This enables continuous electronic monitoring and adjustment of throttle pedal sensitivity to create an ideal match between throttle response and driving conditions. The system also manages the S2000’s cruise control function for greater precision.

Honda’s VSA makes the S2000 more stable and forgiving during street driving or in inclement weather conditions. Working in concert with the Drive-by-Wire system, VSA continuously monitors yaw rate, steering input, throttle input, and braking pressure to determine if the car is following the driver’s intended path, and can independently coordinate each of the disc brakes through the 4-channel anti-lock brake system, along with the throttle, to enhance vehicle stability. While this serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant it. To help provide optimum stopping power, the braking system also features Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

2009 Honda S2000

The S2000’s rear-wheel-drive chassis and powertrain layout results in a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution for perfect balance when cornering, while its hybrid monocoque body and "high X-bone frame" results in exceptional structural rigidity. Combined with a front and rear double wishbone suspension, precise electric power steering, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential, the end result is a complete, no compromise performance package for the enthusiast driver.

The S2000 has dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS) for the driver and passenger, three-point seat belts with load limiters and automatic tensioning system, roll bar hoops and reinforced windshield posts. For pedestrian safety, the hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots are designed to collapse and help minimize the severity of a head injury to a pedestrian.

2009 Honda S2000

Standard features for the S2000 include a power retractable convertible top, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, leather trimmed seats and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with daytime running lights. An aluminum hardtop and XM® Satellite Radio are available as dealer installed options.