Comments on: Opel E-Flex Pictures Leaked Ahead of Official Frankfurt Anouncement

By: Steve F

Steve F — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 15:32:29 +0000

The issue that Dave G mentions about weight is issue I have been thinking about recently. We hear the auto companies spending million on research on new powertrains (E-Flex, mult-type hybrids, etc) but do not hear much about weight reduction. Of course they mention reducing weight with Volt with some body components with none metal components.

My view is that the US market really likes the larger cars (even though I am not one of those and drive small car). Expect in future a E-Flex small SUV will be offered, but weight would have to greatly be reduced or it would take huge recharge and battery pack. I hear companies like Rocky Mountain Institute doing research in alternate composite/graphite material. Understand it is higher cost now but they need to get committed to technology to reduce weigh or all the new electric powertrain technology may not be pratical in all the large heavy vehicle. What does rest of you think about this. Lyle maybe open a posting of subject and get group feedback.

By: Dave G

Dave G — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:40:44 +0000

Mark Bartosik – Yes, I agree totally. A hatchback with fold-down seats would be great. I would also like to see an E-Flex small crossover like a Honda CR-V. Larger SUVs will arrive later.

By the way, can anyone explain why the Saturn Vue is 500 pounds heavier than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4?
http://www.saturn.com/comparator/compareVehicle.do?divisionCode=sa&languageCode=EN&modelYear=2008&model=vue&style=VUE FWD 4-Cylinder XE&baseVehicleId=7560&msrp=21395.00
(click on dimensions)

By: Mark Bartosik

Mark Bartosik — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 00:47:56 +0000

I like the look of GM Volt and Opel version. The Volt is more sporty looking and less practical, the Opel like looking and more practical.

Hatch backs with fold down rear seats are very popular in Europe. I think they are great.

It would be nice if Saturn and/or Pontiac make a crossover. A full size SUV is likely to be a stretch until the battery price comes down further. Maybe three years or so after the Volt goes on sale we will see bigger cars with e-flex system. Once GM has a little experience with the Volt and battery price allows a larger battery to power a larger car.

5 or 6 years later expect e-flex in SUVs.

By: Jean-Charles Jacquemin

Jean-Charles Jacquemin — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:21:37 +0000

Hello Lyle, thanks for the link.

After I saw the carscoop blogspot, I wrote to Opel to put me on the waiting list.

For those who are interested, go to http://www.opel.be
and once there, follow the link (in French) : “Opel à l’IAA 2007″.
A new window opens and you may write what you ask for the future.

By: kent beuchert

kent beuchert — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 12:57:25 +0000

“I expect GM will follow their usual M.O. and produce a car that looks nothing like the concept. ”

I don’t know where this guy’s been living the past few years – Mars, perhaps. The new Camaro is almost identical to the concept version and so is the VOLT.
I expect Saturn and/or Pontiac to take the crossover/suv route with their versions.
That would nicely cover the field in terms of styling/utility.
I like the see-thru top concept borrowed from the VOLT.