2010 Opel Flextreme GT-E Concept

(from GM Press Release)  Opel Flextreme GT/E concept: expressive design and environmental performance

The Flextreme GT/E concept visualizes the qualities that will characterize the re-energized Opel/Vauxhall brand: High emotional appeal, expressive design; engineered with German precision to be ecologically environmental responsible.

In Opel’s strategy for achieving independence from fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role, and the 4.7-meter long Flextreme GT/E concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Ampera.

Opel calls this strategy “e-mobility unlimited:” adapting the highly efficient E-REV drive system – which removes the limitations of battery-only power – to vehicles across all market segments. To enjoy zero CO2 driving emissions Opel-style, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size doesn’t matter.

The purposeful design also is sleek and aerodynamic: it enables the Flextreme GT/E to achieve a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, helping it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed as well as conserve energy and extend driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low and wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, floating C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

The low, coupé-like proportions of the Flextreme GT/E explore the potential for evolving Opel’s new design language – sculptural artistry meets German precision – within an envelope optimized for aerodynamic efficiency.

The clean, frontal styling features a low hood line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps. These are deeply carved into the front fenders and across the hood line. The new trapezoidal grille execution is slim but bold. The prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carries a large Opel emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Flextreme GT/E’s battery pack.

The Flextreme GT/E concept is a logical next step in Opel’s unfolding strategy for the electrification of the automobile, which includes a wide portfolio of products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.