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Opel Ampera Sketches Leak to Web
Previously GM announced they would be unveiling the European version of the Chevy Volt, the Opel Ampera at the Geneva Auto Show in March. They provided us with a teaser photo that when given careful scrutiny suggested it was actually the same Volt body with signature Opel branding.
The vehicle is known to use the identical compact Delta platform and Voltec extended range electric car drivetrain as the Volt too.
Expected to arrive in Europe in 2011, GM-Volt.com also found out that the car would continue to use the same gas generator configuration the Chevy Volt did, without a diesel genset that some speculated.
Apparently the European Union trademark office required some sketches of the upcoming car and thus its cover was broken.
Lo and behold, its a Volt with Opel branding.
Of course does it really matter? After all its really about getting the country and the world off of oil.
Source (Autoblog)
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40 Responses to “Opel Ampera Sketches Leak to Web”
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February 18th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
looks just like the volt with an opel insignia
First one!
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February 18th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I don’t want to be first. I want to read Statik’s comments.,,,
Edit: Whew! I’m glad I was second.
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February 18th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Watching the news today about how angry Saab workers are in Europe. Apparently their plants have been making profits but theeir jobs are at risk because of GM bungling in the US.
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February 18th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
An alternative design for the faux grill crowd to consider.
It appears the U.S. government is going to sponsor GM all the way to E-REV production. Let’s hope at least 1 or 2 of the GM E-REV models is affordable. Evidently we tax payers are just along for the ride. Competition will be lurking.
=D~
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February 18th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
It’s an identical twin to the Volt with different head lights. By the way, here’s a way better picture that’s not a sketch.
http://news.autoplus.fr/actualite/1217754/Geneve-2009-Vauxhall-Ampera-Opel-Concept
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February 18th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
I think it is time we all sat down and had a heart to heart talk.
We cant really believe that GM, now bankrupt, is going to produce these cars for a world that , to say the least, has exceeded its credit limits
Can we?
Tell the truth now….
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February 18th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
#3 Ed M
Saab is supposed to be sold, not shuttered.
Hopefully, the sale will be beneficial to both the Saab employees and GM.
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February 18th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
# 5 omnimoeish
Wouldn’t have been funny if the Ampera looked exactly like the concept Volt. haha. Seriously, I don’t get the purpose of having the identical car with different badges under different brands. If Vauxhaul and Opel have a net value, GM should sell them off and attempt to sell truly globally under Chevy, Caddy Buick and GMC. I suspect that there is zero integration of the global operations so spinning the brands off will not be a loss of scale. Coupled with the fact that the Saturn lineup apparently takes it’s cues from abroad, and Saturn is being chopped, the benefit to the core US business is slim. Focus maybe a Ford, but GM could use it.
This looks fine, but I cannot believe that any sales increase attributable to the tiny differences in styling offset the additional costs of production/loss of scale. I guess it is easy for me to talk, though, I work for a profitable company with long-range strategic planning and unyielding desire to fascinate end-users.
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February 18th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
bruce g:
“I think it is time we all sat down and had a heart to heart talk.
We cant really believe that GM, now bankrupt, is going to produce these cars for a world that , to say the least, has exceeded its credit limits
Can we?
Tell the truth now….”
====================
No one wants to hear the truth, even though you are correct. Besides they can produce anything they want now that they have the full backing of US taxpayers. They have unlimited resources!
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February 18th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Steve,
Yes I think you are right, it would be more honest to say that the US taxpayers are going to produce the Volt.
I have thought for some time now that the people have a lot more sense than politicians or managers in a crisis such as we are experiencing.
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February 18th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
So, one more EREV, so now 2, only one more is missing, let it be a minivan or SUV ( but i think it will be a cadi grilled Volt )
The puzzle of previous post is over
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February 18th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Fugly!
Yet another stunning screw up.
Can we please get a real design group here people.
Sheeeeesh!
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February 18th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
screwed the concept up yet again.
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February 19th, 2009 at 12:21 am
hi D Lo #8,
“loss of scale”
________________________
This is my first thought as well. The Chevy Volt is what it is. What’s the problem with selling the Volt worldwide? Why spend the extra resources to produce a Euro-twin?
Much wiser to work on a Volt Rover or a Rav-V. Rugged, lifted, with hauling capacity, 2/4wd mode, with easy to understand basic controls.
Something like a 2002 CR-V 2/4wd E-REV for $26,000 is a sure block buster.
2002 CR-V http://garfwod.250free.com/Photos/cr-v2002.jpg
L.A. Concept http://garfwod.250free.com/Photos/Los%20Angeles%20show.jpg
Am I right or am I crazy?
=D~
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February 19th, 2009 at 12:22 am
bruce g
“Steve,
Yes I think you are right, it would be more honest to say that the US taxpayers are going to produce the Volt.”
That’s pure nonsense. We have no say so in production. We’re only the financing arm. Maybe we can do a better job of it than the last guys…
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February 19th, 2009 at 12:31 am
#10 bruce g says “I have thought for some time now that the people have a lot more sense than politicians or managers in a crisis such as we are experiencing.”
And according to a recent Rasmussen poll about 70% of the American public agrees with you. Sort of like Lake Woebegone, where all the children are above average. Here all the people are above average.
These of course would be the same 70% who thought that Iraq was a great idea and the same 70% who thought that waging war while cutting taxes wouldn’t lead to deficits. And the same 70% who refied and Helloced their way into a mortgage they can’t pay. Yeah, those people are just absolutely brimming with common sense.
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February 19th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Looks distinctively like a Volt. Goes 40+ miles on a charge. Running costs are 1/6th of what a gasoline car would cost. Works for me.
When the first shots came out I thought this looked different than the Volt, but after the better shot provided by omnimoeish I’d say it looks more or less the same. Shouldn’t cost anything to change the front end and make it look like an Opel. Trivial change.
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February 19th, 2009 at 3:17 am
Check out Raser Technologies 100 mpg Hummer!
http://www.rasertech.com/media/movies/html/fev_jan09.html
Looks like GM should just purchase the plans from Raser and find an open assembly plant (shouldn’t be too difficult) and start building plug-in Hummers and other large trucks.
Just watch the video- it is impressive if the testing is legit.
GM could sell all of their “heavy metal” if they could put a 100 mpg sticker on the window.
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February 19th, 2009 at 3:32 am
#3 Ed M:
Through its 60 years of history as a car manufacturer SAAB has not been profitable one single year.
That is why the swedish goverment declined GM-s offer to take over SAAB. A correct decision – but not a popular one. And that is why SAAB employees are a bit unhappy right now.
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February 19th, 2009 at 3:42 am
Don C,
Um no..these is the group that thought Iraq was a con job because they remembered vietnam and mortgaging your house to pay for the holiday was ridiculous.
Not 70% but they still have influence.
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February 19th, 2009 at 3:46 am
Jeffhre,
While I appreciate your honesty ..is there any production without finance? And does anyone care about the Volt but GM Volt group and the engineers that toil on?
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February 19th, 2009 at 3:54 am
hi avatar #18,
“Check out Raser Technologies”
_______________________
I had a look at the forum. The posts indicate that Raser has been in “dangling carrot” mode for some time. Best of luck to Raser. I hope they can produce an inexpensive vehicle.
BTW: Raser stock has been dropping.
++++++++++
hi bruce g #21,
“… does anyone care about the Volt …”
_______________________
Yes, the first 10,000 Volt will sell in a month or less.
=D~
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February 19th, 2009 at 3:59 am
DaveK,
yes
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February 19th, 2009 at 4:31 am
#16 DonC
The other item to reflect on is that you do’nt have to be above average to know that you are being screwed, most people have had the experience at some time or another.
Once bitten , twice shy.
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February 19th, 2009 at 5:02 am
bruce g
Sorry my tone was overly critical, not directed at you but the never ending news of the tax payer being the lender of last resort. If I’m gonna be in that position it would be nice if someone asked first(time). Or second, or third or…
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February 19th, 2009 at 5:34 am
jeffhre,
I do not take it as a criticism, and I am not a US taxpayer.
i have respect for the US citizens that will in the end make sensible decisions.
As Winston Churchill said”after trying every other option ,the americans wiil do the right thing”
I have confidence in the american ctiizens
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February 19th, 2009 at 6:38 am
Dave K 22 says,
Yes, the first 10,000 Volt will sell in a month or less.
——–
If it even takes that long. 10,000 cars nationwide is a drop in the bucket. One week. Hopefully before dealer price gouging can take place.
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February 19th, 2009 at 6:58 am
I got a very interesting email from Saturn today…..
From our very beginning, Saturn has always sought a better way. We pioneered no-hassle, no-haggle shopping, built dent-resistant cars, set a new benchmark for customer service and forged a unique relationship with our retailers, workers and customers. From the beginning, Saturn was launched as a “Different Kind of Car Company.”
Well, here we go again.
You may have read that General Motors delivered a plan to the U.S. government that outlined the corporation’s plan for long-term viability.In that plan, GM stated that Saturn would work with its retailers to investigate options for the future of the Saturn Brand. We said that all ideas were on the table and we meant it.
Today, we confirmed that Saturn and GM would further investigate one of those options: a spin-off of an independent Saturn Distribution Corporation.
The Saturn Distribution Corporation already exists as an indirect subsidiary of GM. It’s the entity with which our retailers currently have their franchise agreement. An independent Saturn would still have its great retailers, and it would continue to source current products from GM through 2011. If successful, SDC at that point would source products from other manufacturers.
The goal—from a product perspective—would be to find future vehicles that match the Saturn Brand: fuel-efficient, safe, reliable and affordable. From a retailing perspective, we would build on our core strength of unmatched customer service. The same hassle-free experience that is a hallmark of the brand could be taken to even higher levels.
While this process proceeds, we will continue to do what we have always done best: sell great vehicles and take care of our customers. We have a fresh portfolio of award-winning, fuel-efficient vehicles and a network of retailers that is second to none. And our new vehicles are still backed by a 100,000-mile/5-year (whichever comes first) Transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty. When you add Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation programs, we believe it is the industry’s best overall coverage. It is coverage that GM and Saturn will continue to firmly stand behind, and GM will support the continued availability of Saturn parts and service as needed.
This is an exciting time at the Saturn Brand, and I have to confess, it feels a bit like it did back in the 1980s when the original Saturn project was being developed. As loyal Saturn owners and enthusiasts, I know you support this brand, and you can believe we are working toward a vibrant future. Difficult times sometimes yield the most innovative solutions, and those who are willing to take on the challenge will emerge victorious. Stay tuned.
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February 19th, 2009 at 7:04 am
#26, bruce g
As Winston Churchill said”after trying every other option ,the americans wiil do the right thing”
——————————–
And lucky for you, we did!!
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February 19th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I sure hope that front is not as expensive to fix as it looks. Why doesn’t it have a bumper?
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February 19th, 2009 at 8:17 am
#5 Omnimoeish,
The link to the photo is good, but do you think it is an actual photo, or just a mirror image of the Volt with some photoshop changes to the front end and wheels? See this link for a comparison:
http://gm-volt.com/2008/10/22/chevy-volt-rollout-and-captured-test-fleet-plans/
Check out the color, back end, orientation of the background images, etc. Even the shadows look the same.
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February 19th, 2009 at 8:51 am
It is about getting the common everyday transportation vehicle to use no oil. Semi-Trucks, jets, military, and ocean liners will probably use oil for another 50+ years. Of course there is plastics and the thousands of consumer products we can’t live without that are made from oil too.
Just some perspective. At least you didn’t misuse ‘addiction’ just as President Bush did. I would have to assume it is an insult those truly addicted to something to say we are addicted to oil. We are forced to use oil not addicted.
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February 19th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Without taking the time to read everyone’s comments I would like to say the provided sketch of the Ampera is nothing more than a Volt with a different front end. To that aim, it looks stupid. The front does not “go” with the rest of the car. They “stole” the front of the Saturn concept and just stuck it on the Ampera. It just doesn’t work for me. IMO.
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February 19th, 2009 at 11:07 am
30 NZDavid: “Why doesn’t it have a bumper?”
Uh, I’m pretty sure it does.
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February 19th, 2009 at 11:52 am
#28 Scott Casteel
I agree that was an interesting email. But just what does it mean? I could read several things from it. I am not too sure just what to conclude. I really wish Saturn the best and I wish the American public could have done a better job of embracing the brand all along. That blame is squarely on GM’s and Saturn’s shoulders – if they have shoulders, so to speak.
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February 19th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
#26, bruce g
As Winston Churchill said”after trying every other option ,the americans wiil do the right thing”
————————–
I am sorry to inform you that we are not the same Americans as those that fought and died during WWII. That was a special breed of men and women. They only exist in our history, except for the few remaining survivors. We don’t have the same “metal” in our systems as our forefathers. I sometimes wonder what our present generation would do if faced with a truly world wide war situation. I suspect they would run and hide. We don’t face tough decisions very well today. IMO.
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February 19th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
here are some real photos
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsGallery.aspx?AR=238332&EL=-1
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February 19th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Maybe the Flextreme hatchback concept will become reality with generation 2?
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February 19th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Is it me or does that look pretty much exactly like the Volt?
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February 19th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
#37 Atir,
The article associated with the pictures says the Volt can get up to 176 mpg!!
Does anyone know how the British or Europeon standard is calculated? Is it based on going 100 km, perhaps, and then checking fuel consumption?
Just asking because if it is, and the Ampera goes 40 miles (64 km) on electricity, and the remaining distance on gasoline (petrol), this would equate to approximately 62 mpg when the ICE is operating.
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