 |
| 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.