Vauxhall is to unveil a brand new, range-extended electric car concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, it has been confirmed.
Set to compliment the carmaker’s existing range-extended concept, the Ampera, the new model called the Flextreme GT/E is a futuristic-looking coupe. Designed to demonstrate the carmaker’s range-extended technology’s compatibility with larger vehicles, the Flextreme GT/E is part of Vauxhall’s plans to use its E-REV drive system across all market segments.
Sleek and aerodynamic, the 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.
The natural shape of a coupe compliments the need to minimise drag and boost fuel efficiency. The carmaker takes this to the max giving the Flextreme a low ground-hugging stance and low, flowing roofline.
Access to the cabin is enhanced by the adoption of rear-hinged rear doors, an evolution of the FlexDoors concept from the new generation Meriva. To preserve the clean exterior looks, all door handles are replaced by light sensors. These trigger the doors to open when covered by the driver’s or passenger’s hand. To reduce air turbulence, exterior front door mirrors are also absent, replaced by small camera pods in the base of the A-pillars.
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 a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Flextreme GT/E are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 40 miles, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat. Carrying a large Vauxhall emblem or the badge of sister brand Opel, this doubles as a socket for charging the Flextreme GT/E’s battery pack.
Unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Flextreme GT/E eliminates any possibility of ‘range anxiety’. The small petrol engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery’s supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 300 miles, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refuelled.
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.
The new concept will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show when the doors open to the motoring press on March 2.
