We’ve already seen the first evidence that the 2010 Chevrolet Volt has made the jump from the computer screen to the real world, and it looks as though the Volt’s European cousin is following the same progression. Spy photographers have spotted what appears to be the first mule for the Opel Flextreme.
General Motors first showed its Opel Flextreme concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. The production Flextreme will ride on the same E-Flex platform as the Chevy Volt, although GM will likely replace the Volt’s gasoline engine with a diesel unit.
It’s no secret that engineers from the General’s Opel division have been working on the development of the upcoming Volt and, according to The Green Car Congress, Rick Wagoner has publicly mentioned that a second E-Flex vehicle is currently being developed along side the Chevrolet in Michigan –- one for the European market (as in Opel).
We’re not going to speculate as to exactly what is being tested in this E-Flex mule – – only that it is an early developmental test mule for the Volt and it’s overseas cousin.
05/30, 12:39 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Does this get the diesel engine like the concept?
05/30, 12:45 PM
posted by:
TOZO
Wow! GM wastes no time badge-engineering. Even on the Volt, huh?
I had no problem with badge-change though, as long as I can tell the diffence between the final products.
05/30, 12:53 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Since the Opel will not be sold here they need one in Europe too.
05/30, 12:55 PM
posted by:
oldraven
Reading is your friend.
05/30, 12:57 PM
posted by:
oldraven
TOZO, try clicking the link for the Flextreme, (it’s highlighted blue at the end of the first paragraph). This is a case of platform sharing and global technology. No one will accuse the Flextreme of being a rebadged Volt.
05/30, 1:11 PM
posted by:
bauer100
it’s not a opel-volt.
05/30, 1:36 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
so since they are doing gasoline electric and diesel electric, will Mazda ever do a Rotary Electric? hmmmmm
05/30, 1:41 PM
posted by:
oldraven
Since efficiency has never been a Rotary strong point, I’d guess no.
05/30, 1:57 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Well, Mazda is using electric power for a new turbo Rotary unti they are testing, to make the turbo work at all rpms
05/30, 2:57 PM
posted by:
livelyjay
Good thing GM is cutting costs by purchasing the extremely expensive Panasonic Toughbooks for their data logging.
05/30, 3:36 PM
posted by:
pherarey
The rotary engine’s efficiency was addressed in the development of the Renesis engine. This new rotary engine eliminated much of the excess oil wasted during the liubrication process.
The renesis engine also has capabilities to be modified to run on hydrogen. With only TWO moving parts, its a wonder why more vehicles do not use this Wankel engine.
05/30, 8:04 PM
posted by:
oldraven
Mazda RX-8 6-spd Man. 1.3L (212hp/159tq) – 16/22mpg
Nissan 350Z 6-spd Man. 3.5L (300/268) – 18/25mpg
VW Jetta TSI 6-spd Man. 1.4L (170/177) – 35.8mpg combined (those are UK gallons, but still)
It must have been really bad before.
They may have addressed the issue, but they didn’t do much to fix it.