Vauxhall to show off eco-sports concept car at Geneva

This dramatic car is Vauxhall’s latest concept, which will be unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The Flextreme GT/E aims to illustrate how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-sized vehicles, as well as compact cars, like the upcoming Vauxhall Ampera.

Underpinned by a strategy that the car maker is calling “e-mobility unlimited”, it will alter and adapt E-REV drive systems to a variety of different vehicles, essentially highlighting that size should not be a hindrance to zero emission cars.

Sleek and aerodynamic, the Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E achieves a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, allowing it to reach an estimated top speed of 125mph-plus while conserving energy and extending the driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low, wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, ‘floating’ C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

Interestingly the doors are rear hinged, much like the FlexDoors from the new Vauxhall Meriva, while the car does away with all door handles and side mirrors and instead relies on technology, with sensors replacing the handles and small cameras replacing the wing mirrors.

The Flextreme GT/E also explores the potential for active shape shifting.  At speeds above 30mph, 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.

The concept also includes the E-REV drive system, already developed for the Vauxhall Ampera. Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 125mph, the Flextreme GT/E is estimated to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 40 miles – with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions – and a total range of over 300 miles.  Average fuel consumption is estimated at 175mpg, with CO2 emissions of less than 40g/km.

Unlike conventional hybrids which use either/or a combustion engine and battery to power the wheels, Vauxhall’s E-REV system has the wheels powered by electricity at all times, with the small engine used to top up power of the battery instead.

The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 62mph acceleration in less than nine seconds.

Let us know what you think about the concept in the comments box below.

No Comments Yet