| GM Integrates Segways into Concept Hybrid Opel Flextreme |
| Written by A Siegel | |
| Monday, 10 September 2007 | |
The Opel Flextreme is the European variant of the much anticipated Chevy Volt. And, frankly, we're officially even more impressed with GM's work on the E-Flex platform.
While the car will be driven entirely by two electric motors, the Flextreme will have a diesel engine for range extension (meaning it will simply recharge the batteries when they run low.) This is the first application of the "E-Flex" architecture outside the Volt which will have a gasoline / E85 flex-fuel engine. GM showed a hydrogen variant for the Chinese market and the Opel Flextreme will be diesel.
To keep pushing the cool factor, GM has decided to include storage space specifically designed for a pair of Segways in the back of the Flextreme. The Segways will charge off the car's battery / generator. Just another gadget? Or a change in the business of personal transport? Segway CEO Jim Norrod says:Working with General Motors is a logical step toward providing people with flexible, electric and environmentally-friendly transportation solutions. The Flextreme concept with integrated Segway PTs is a superior example of the evolution of transportation. If Jim says so...then it has to be true right? Storing the Segways means more weight and a smaller fuel tank -- which cuts the range from 640 to 444 miles, but a 600 mile range just isn't very important in Europe. And, in any case, the 220 volt European sockets will fully charge the batteries in just three hours. ![]() Thanks to AutoBlogGreen, which has an extensive discussion and more great pictures. Comments
(5)
Great looking car but...
written by weee , September 11, 2007
I'm not sure about the Segways. I don't think many have been sold in Europe and it's going to push the price up substantially.
The death of walking?
written by Joe , September 11, 2007
What a cool looking car. But as for the segways...
does the average person really need them? I mean, we've all got, you know, feet.
Has Anyone Tried This Car
written by Tim Smith , September 12, 2007
Has anyone ever tried this new car http://www.topgreencars.com/ I was thinking of getting one.
BMW AC Schnitzer GPL 3.10
written by Peter , September 12, 2007
That BMW is a great machine. I would love to drive one.
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