Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E at Geneva 2010

March 2010

The mainstream just got extreme! Vauxhall wowed the Geneva show crowd with a four-door coupe concept that boldly demonstrated where the firm’s electric technology will be going.

The Flextreme GT/E cheekily pinches a performance name from the past to highlight the sports possibilities of the range-extender electric tech seen in Vauxhall’s Ampera. The seductive yet wind-cheating profile has been designed to improve top speed as well as boosting economy.

Thanks to a 161bhp version of the Ampera’s electric motor and range extending 70bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, the Flextreme will hit 125mph but on average will emit just 40g/km of CO2.

According to Vauxhall, the five-seater is a not-so-subtle pointer to the design and powertrain of the next Insignia due in five or six years time. “We’re showing people that we can make bigger platform cars with that technology,” said a spokesman.

However some aspects of the design will make it onto future Vauxhalls, most noticeably the axe-shaped front lights and the lower, more pronounced grille.

According to chief exterior designer Malcolm Ward, the Flextreme’s long, five-seat cabin and comparatively short bonnet showcase what’s possible with this radical electric powertrain. “You get more interior space because less space is needed under the bonnet,” he said.

He also said the muscular bodywork proves that a slippery eco shape can be achieved without resorting to the mono-curve of cars like the Prius.

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