General Motors today will allow journalists to drive a working version of its Sequel concept, which the automaker says will be sold as a Chevrolet . Sequel was introduced in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. GM says it’s the first vehicle in the world to successfully integrate a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system with a broad menu of advanced technologies such as steer-and brake-by-wire controls, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries and a lightweight aluminum structure. “Sequel fundamentally changes the DNA of today’s automobiles … exchanging an internal combustion engine, petroleum and mechanical systems for fuel cell propulsion, hydrogen and electrical systems,” R&D vice president Larry Burns said. “In Sequel, GM has created a real vehicle that promises to excite customers and lead to long-term, sustainable automotive transportation.” Compared to other fuel cell vehicles, Sequel has an unprecedented range of 300 miles between fill-ups. Zero to 60 mph takes under ten seconds, and top speed is 90 mph. Overall weight is 4774 lbs.
Sequel has all the amenities one would expect in a premium, five-passenger crossover SUV, including luxury features and electronics. It has a low-profile, skateboard-like chassis that houses all of its main propulsion, braking and chassis components.
“Sequel is a vehicle that is better in nearly every way – quicker, more sure-footed, easier to handle, easier to build and better looking, while being safe and emitting only water vapor,” said Burns.
Other benefits include:
- Unequaled control on snow and ice, or uneven terrain
- 70-percent more torque for unparalleled acceleration
- Shorter braking distances
- Ability to “talk” to other vehicles about traffic congestion or road conditions
“Four years ago, our chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner, challenged us to completely rethink the automobile,” Burns said. “With the Chevy Sequel, we have now met Rick’s challenge by reinventing the automobile and making it real. We’ve proven a new DNA for vehicles that is viable for the future.”
