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The Saturn Flextreme Hints at the Future

Saturn Flextreme with docking Segways

Steve Janisse Saturn Communications

In case you somehow missed it, Saturn unveiled a pretty significant concept car earlier this year -- the Saturn Flextreme. It's a joint development study between Saturn and GM's German brand, Opel. It previews many future styling cues of Saturn (and Opel) -- and shows what a Saturn vehicle on GM's E-Flex architecture (i.e., the Chevy Volt) could look like.

The Flextreme uses an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery to propel it for up to 34 miles of electric-drive-only range — meaning many people could complete their daily commute without using any fuel or emitting any CO2 exhaust. The battery can be recharged from a household outlet in just three hours. On the road, a clean and efficient 1.3L turbo-diesel engine generates additional electricity to replenish the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range to about 444 miles. (More about the Flextreme on cnn.com.)

The design team set out to create a vehicle that combined the E-Flex system with a dynamic, yet efficient, body style that offers clues about Saturn’s future design direction. Two highlights are the FlexDoors and FlexLoad systems — innovative, customer-focused solutions that enhance functionality.

WithFlexDoors, the front doors open in the conventional manner, while the rear doors are rear-hinged. And as there is no center roof pillar (B-pillar), opening both doors on one side creates a large opening for easy entry. For families, this feature is especially useful when securing child seats and children into the rear seating positions.

The FlexLoad system provides access to the rear cargo area through two butterfly-style rear tailgate doors that open upward. This feature allows the Flextreme’s trunk to be accessible from the side even with a bicycle rack on the rear. Underneath the vehicle are two Segway Personal Transporters -- so you can continue your journey on all-electric power once you arrive at your destination.

What do you think?

Check out the Flextreme photo album >>

Tags: e-flex, flextreme

9 Comments

Comment by Gord888 on April 11, 2008 at 6:02pm: I want one... I don't care what it runs on... that looks hot. ps: lose the segways

Comment by PlasticPower8500 on April 11, 2008 at 6:42pm: I'd get one so I could put a turbo on it, and put nitrous tanks where the segways are :D

Comment by PlasticPower8500 on April 11, 2008 at 6:43pm: By the way, the fact that it has a diesel engine and the full range is above 400 miles is awesome.

Comment by Skyman-CT on April 14, 2008 at 9:24am: Really cool, I commute about 80 miles per day and two days a week I wouldn't have access to an electrical outlet (400 miles/week).
Any idea what the estimated cost per mile is when the diesel is running. (or equivalent mpg)

Comment by SatredL on April 14, 2008 at 10:10am: I would so drive one. I only drive like 8 miles to work.

Comment by Ross on April 15, 2008 at 7:32am: When the doors open upwards, where does the snow go?
- Curious in Ohio

Comment by KarenAnn on April 23, 2008 at 2:21pm: Spotted this on Jalopnik today... But it's called an Opel Flextreme?

Comment by SatredL on April 23, 2008 at 9:09pm: Suicide doors FTW!!

Comment by Phil Toney (nasaman) on May 13, 2008 at 10:34am: This incredible concept is Opel's/Saturn's answer to the Chevy Volt and employs the same revolutionary electric drive train architecture (E-REV -- Extended Range Electric Vehicle). The Flextreme runs WITHOUT GAS for ~34 miles, accelerates from 0 - 60 mph in <9 secs & reaches 100mph. Its electric-only range meets the needs of about 75% of all daily trips at a total cost of between 1/5th and 1/10th that of gasoline WITH NO POLLUTION OR GLOBAL WARMING WHATSOEVER. But it's ALSO able to travel long distances non-stop (range between fillups is 444 miles). Importantly, its gorgeous futuristic style makes it BOTH a "sport activity/utility vehicle" as well as a sexy, attention-getting 4-door sports car!
I would sincerely like to see this car enter production ASAP. Along with the Volt it would be a game-changing automotive breakthrough! Anyone agree?