What is it? The Saturn Flextreme is a midsized car-based SUV concept that would use GM's E-Flex hybrid architecture. It was developed in collaboration between Saturn and GM’s European Opel division and was shown as an Opel at the 2007 Frankfurt Show. It would be driven only by electric motors, and would have a small, 1.3-liter diesel engine driving an electric generator to keep the batteries charged for longer trips. GM says the vehicle would have a range of 34 miles on electric power before the diesel engine would have to be started automatically.
The Flextreme features a variety of high-tech convenience features including an under-the-floor luggage compartment that extends and retracts and eliminates the need to lift luggage into a cargo area. Rear doors open rearward to provide open access without a central B-pillar. Seats spin around to face each other when not driving. And the rear bumper swings up to reveal storage under the floor for two Segways.
What is new or notable? The Flextreme's concept was built to demonstrate to how an E-Flex style powertrain would work in an SUV.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
|
