Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept

The Opel Icona Concept Cars is a design study of a futuristic amphibian electric vehicle with a sporty design and retracteable wheels. Keeping such scenario in mind, Swedish designer Juan Pablo Bernal P has designed a futuristic vehicle for the year 2050 that moves on both land and water with equal efficiency. Called the “OPEL ICONA,” the V-shaped commuter vehicle features an aerodynamic body to ensure minimal air resistance for better performance in all conditions. The V shaped dynamic design uses distinctive shapes, forms, patterns and proportions which are express the sporty and leisure-oriented character of the vehicle.

Running on natural sources of energy, the all-electric vehicle generates power from electric motors to allow a clean and green drive. The zero-emission car would not only allow a sustainable drive but also become a means of entertainment to create a special bond between the family members as well as society.

The Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept is a hybrid car that can traverse land and sea is nothing new despite being the stuff of dreams at least half a century ago, but this concept cars takes things to a whole new level. It can transport an adult and a child. The Opel Icona project was developed in collaboration with Opel by Juan Pablo Bernal at the Umea Institute of Design, Sweden.

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept features two modes of operation Viz. Land mode and Water Mode to run on ground and water respectively. When the vehicle runs on the ground the sail remains wrapped in the storage area; however, as soon as the occupant puts the vehicle on the water mode the sail retracts and the wheel arms rotate inboard to reduce drag, thus enabling this vehicle to cruise on water with the same speed and elegance.

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept

About the Designer:

Juan Pablo Bernal is Colombian Designer with a Bachelor in Transportation Design from Instituto Europeo di Design (2003-2006) and a MA Degree in Transportation Design from Umea institute of Design in Sweden.

Among his working experiences are internship at the GM Europe Design and at Scania, Sweden.

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept

The Opel Icona Concept Cars is a design study of a futuristic amphibian electric vehicle with a sporty design and retracteable wheels. Keeping such scenario in mind, Swedish designer Juan Pablo Bernal P has designed a futuristic vehicle for the year 2050 that moves on both land and water with equal efficiency. Called the “OPEL ICONA,” the V-shaped commuter vehicle features an aerodynamic body to ensure minimal air resistance for better performance in all conditions. The V shaped dynamic design uses distinctive shapes, forms, patterns and proportions which are express the sporty and leisure-oriented character of the vehicle.

Running on natural sources of energy, the all-electric vehicle generates power from electric motors to allow a clean and green drive. The zero-emission car would not only allow a sustainable drive but also become a means of entertainment to create a special bond between the family members as well as society.

The Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept is a hybrid car that can traverse land and sea is nothing new despite being the stuff of dreams at least half a century ago, but this concept cars takes things to a whole new level. It can transport an adult and a child. The Opel Icona project was developed in collaboration with Opel by Juan Pablo Bernal at the Umea Institute of Design, Sweden.

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept features two modes of operation Viz. Land mode and Water Mode to run on ground and water respectively. When the vehicle runs on the ground the sail remains wrapped in the storage area; however, as soon as the occupant puts the vehicle on the water mode the sail retracts and the wheel arms rotate inboard to reduce drag, thus enabling this vehicle to cruise on water with the same speed and elegance.

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept

About the Designer:

Juan Pablo Bernal is Colombian Designer with a Bachelor in Transportation Design from Instituto Europeo di Design (2003-2006) and a MA Degree in Transportation Design from Umea institute of Design in Sweden.

Among his working experiences are internship at the GM Europe Design and at Scania, Sweden.

Opel Amphibian Sport Cars Icona Concept

New Opel Meriva: Opening the door to greater flexibility [Video]

Geneva/Rüsselsheim. Innovative, versatile and stylish: the second generation Opel Meriva, making its world premiere at Geneva, raises the bar for automotive versatility. It is packed with a multitude of innovative features, engineered to optimize the flexible use of space and presented in a distinctive, contemporary design.

Opel created a new market segment for small, affordable monocabs when it launched the first generation Meriva in 2003. With its revolutionary FlexSpace rear-seating concept, high seating position and roomy cabin, it has always been big on flexibility yet small in size.

Now the second generation Meriva takes affordable, on-board flexibility to a new level. It introduces FlexDoors, innovative rear-hinged rear doors that facilitate cabin access - an industry first for a volume manufacturer. Greater interior stowage space is also enhanced by FlexRail, a revolutionary concept for adaptable center console storage. All this, in addition to an easy-to-use FlexSpace seating system and the option of Opel's unique FlexFix integrated rear bicycle carrier.

The Meriva's dynamic proportions brings elegance to the small monocabs. Its expressive exterior and interior styling carries forward Opel's new award-winning sculptural design language already introduced on the Insignia and Astra. A distinctive wave graphic for the rear side windows accentuates the Meriva's FlexDoors, while also improving the view for rear passengers, particularly children.


Entering a new era of doors

Meriva opens up a new dimension in rear seat access with its unique rear-hinged rear doors. Unlike some current designs, the Meriva's FlexDoors are full-sized. The use of a conventional B-pillar enables them to be opened independently, without the need for a clamshell overlap by the front doors.

FlexDoors make it easy to get in and out of the rear seat without any twisting or sliding. It's also more convenient for parents to reach in to help buckle up children. For optimum access, FlexDoors open up to 84 degrees, much wider than conventional doors. The Meriva's front occupants also enjoy the same wide-opening access.

When the front and rear doors are open at the same time, a natural safety zone is also created. A door no longer separates a child and its parent and parents can keep an eye on their kids, for example, when getting out of the car. It's also more convenient for the driver or front passenger to open a FlexDoor when stowing a jacket, briefcase or an umbrella behind the front seat, for example.

Apart from better ergonomics, FlexDoors add a touch of style. Stepping in and out of the vehicle not only feels much more natural, it looks cool and elegant.

The FlexDoors concept has been successfully market-tested with Meriva customers since 2006. A patented locking system including a highly-sophisticated FlexDoors logic ensures the passengers are always protected whenever the vehicle is in motion.


New dimensions in on-board versatility

Increased flexibility is extended to all areas of the new Meriva. The innovative FlexSpace rear seating system has been further developed and refined and it is now more intuitive to move or fold the seats down, making the system easy to use.

Throughout the cabin, storage space is considerably increased with convenient locations provided for items which are most commonly carried inside a car. The revolutionary FlexRail console system consists of exchangeable storage units that slide on aluminum rails located between the front seats. It provides convenient and adaptable storage for many different uses. The FlexRail system was made possible because of the high mounted gear shift lever and the electric parking brake.

The new, generously proportioned seats, similar to those of the Astra and Insignia, offer a class-leading range of adjustment - 240 mm forwards/backwards and 65 mm in height.


Monocab expression of new Opel design

Meriva moves forward Opel's new, expressive design language - sculptural artistry meets German precision - with the same focus on quality already seen on Insignia and the new Astra.
A lower, sweeping roof-line and Opel's signature blade side-body motif combine with the wave rear window line to give the new Meriva a fresh, distinctive character.

Inside, the wraparound wing-shaped instrument panel enhances the feeling of width and roominess, while the forward-leaning center stack also adds sculptured space. The cabin is available with six different levels of color and trim, the widest choice ever offered for a single Opel model.


Efficient performance

The new Opel Meriva will be offered with an engine line-up ranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 103 kW/140 hp. All engines comply with the Euro5 emissions standards.

The gasoline line-up will offer three variants of the 1.4-liter multi-valve engine. Variable valve timing, for improved breathing, is a feature of the entry 100 hp 1.4-liter, the only naturally-aspirated unit in the line-up. The choice is completed by the 1.4-liter Turbo engine introduced on the new Astra range, offered here in two output versions: 88 kW/120 hp or 103 kW/140 hp. The top-of-the-line 1.4 Turbo is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The diesel line-up starts with a 55 kW/75 hp, 1.3 CDTI engine fitted with closed loop technology. This control system improves fuel consumption: Opel is the first to adopt it on such a small engine. The diesel offer is completed with the 1.7 CDTI motor (74 kW/100 hp) with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Later this year, the engine line-up will gain three additional diesel variants: A low CO2 emitting ecoFLEX variant will be powered by the 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI engine. Two variants of the 1.7 CDTI engine will also be available, developing 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp respectively; both are equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission.

The new Meriva benefits from a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, which contribute to improved handling and greater ride comfort.


New champion

"With the Zafira Flex 7 and the Meriva's FlexSpace seating concepts, we invented a new fully integrated, on-board flexibility," says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales Opel/Vauxhall. "For the new Meriva, we wanted to engineer the new versatility champion in the automotive industry. I don't see any other car offering so many features that make life easier."

Designed and developed at Opel's engineering center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new Meriva will be built in Zaragoza, Spain. It is scheduled to go on sale this summer.


New Opel Meriva now available starting at 15,900 euros

The new Opel Meriva premieres today at the 80th Geneva Motor Show and can now be ordered in Germany as well as in several other European countries. Prices for Opel's new flexibility champion start at 15,900 euros in Germany for the entry-level 1.4-liter (74 kW/100 hp) gasoline engine.

Opel created a new market segment for highly versatile yet small and affordable monocabs when it launched the first generation Meriva in 2003. The second generation Meriva is again a pioneer in fully integrated, on-board flexibility by introducing FlexDoors, innovative rear-hinged rear doors that facilitate cabin access - an industry first for a volume manufacturer. The Meriva's famous FlexSpace rear-seating concept has been further developed to become even more intuitive and easy to use. Greater stowage capacity is further enhanced by FlexRail, a revolutionary concept for adaptable center console storage, and Opel's unique FlexFix integrated rear bicycle carrier.


The Opel Meriva will be available in three equipment levels: Essentia, Enjoy and Cosmo.

As usual on its models, Opel offers an extensive active and passive safety equipment, such as: ESP, front airbags, side and curtain airbags, seat belt reminders front and rear, front seat belt force limiters and pretensioners, adaptive brake lights, the Opel Pedal Release System as well as ISOFIX for rear outer seats.

The Essentia entry level models already offer rich equipment with - of course - the FlexSpace and FlexDoors systems, but also the space saving Electric Park Brake (EPB), heated power exterior mirrors, power windows in the front, remote control for doors, tailgate and fuel filler cap locking, the FlexFloor (the floor can be raised to bumper height for ease of loading and under-floor stowage), a seat height adjuster for the driver as well as a height and reach-adjustable steering column.

The Enjoy level also adds air conditioning, a radio CD300 system with MP3 and the innovative FlexRail storage system between the front seats that features a tray with cup holder. Side and curtain head airbags are standard as of Enjoy (optional on Essentia). For the interior, the customer can choose between three colour combinations.

Compared to Enjoy, the upper Cosmo execution adds front and rear power windows, front fog lamps, a board computer, cruise control, a leather steering wheel with controls, the flexible front armrest from the FlexRail system as well as 16-inch alloy wheels. The Cosmo trim level is available in two colour combinations for the interior.

True to the Opel philosophy of making innovative technology affordable, equipment such as the halogen directional AFL headlights (Adaptive Forward Lighting), the heated steering wheel, the panorama sunroof, Hill Start Assist or the AGR*-certified ergonomic front sport seats - a unique feature in the segment - are also available.

The new Opel Meriva will be offered with an engine line-up ranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 103 kW/140 hp. All engines comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard.


* AGR: Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Action for Healthy Backs) - an independent panel of ergonomics experts and doctors in Germany.



Source:Opel

Geneva Preview: 2010 Opel Flextreme GTE Concept

Rüsselsheim. Opel will unveil its Flextreme GT/E concept car at the 80th Geneva Motor Show (March 4 – 14), that will boost the company’s credentials as a leader in green technologies, offering expressive design with efficient environmental performance – and engineered with German precision.

In Opel’s strategy for achieving more independence from fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role. The 4.7-meter long Flextreme GT/E concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Ampera.

Opel calls this strategy e-mobility unlimited: adapting the highly efficient E-REV drive system – which removes the limitations of battery-only power – to vehicles across all market segments. To enjoy zero CO2 driving emissions Opel-style, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size doesn’t matter.

The purposeful design also enables the Flextreme GT/E to achieve a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, which helps it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed as well as conserve energy and extend its driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low and wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, floating C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

“The Flextreme GT/E concept shows the shape of things to come from Opel,” says Frank Weber, Vice President, Corporate and Product Planning. “Bold, expressive and highly efficient, it represents the product strategy we will apply to all our future vehicles, large and small, across all market segments.”


Exterior design: expressing efficiency with emotion

The low, coupé-like proportions of the Flextreme GT/E explore the potential for evolving Opel’s new design language – sculptural artistry meets German precision – within an envelope optimized for aerodynamic efficiency.

The clean, frontal styling features a low hood line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps. These are deeply carved into the front fenders and across the hood line. The new trapezoidal grille execution is slim but bold. The prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carries a large Opel emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Flextreme GT/E’s battery pack.

The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Flextreme GT/E to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.

The sculpted hood, with an Opel signature central crease line, features narrow longitudinal vents on either side to draw air out of the engine compartment. The muscular fenders and wheel-arches sweep back into the side-body.

In profile, the Flextreme GT/E is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasizing the flowing lines of the side body. The car’s dynamic character is further underlined by a fresh expression of Opel’s signature blade motif, now a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front fender.

Access to the cabin is enhanced by the adoption of rear-hinged rear doors, an evolution of the Opel FlexDoors concept from the new generation Meriva monocab. To preserve the clean exterior looks, all door handles are replaced by light sensors. These trigger the doors open when covered by the driver’s or passenger’s hand. To reduce air turbulence, exterior front door mirrors are also absent, replaced by small camera pods in the base of the A-pillars.

At the rear, a strong shoulder line embraces sculpted wheel-arches that further emphasize the Flextreme GT/E’s wide, ground-hugging stance. The coupé look is completed by a steeply raked tailgate, carrying wing-shaped LED light units which echo the form of the front headlamps. Like that of the Insignia Sports Tourer, the tailgate has a wraparound design for improved trunk access. Its deep glass screen is slightly convex to improve airflow.

The translucency of the fixed glass panel in the center of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.


Managing airflow and saving weight

Integral to the Flextreme GT/E’s expressive looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance.

A series of measures optimize airflow management. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tires. Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimize air turbulence.

The minimal front intake improves airflow around the nose of the car and the underbody sweeps up, venturi-like, at the rear to further reduce drag.

The Flextreme GT/E also explores the potential for active shape shifting. At speeds above 50 km/h, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared to conventional materials, these offer a 40 percent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.


Innovative propulsion

The efficient concept also includes GM’s ground-breaking E-REV drive system, already developed for the Opel Ampera. The Flextreme GT/E shows the versatility of this technology by displaying it in a larger, mid-size vehicle format.

Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 200 kilometers per hour, the Flextreme GT/E is projected to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 60 km – with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions – and a total range of more than 500 km. Average fuel consumption is estimated at 1.6 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of less than 40 g/km.

Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Flextreme GT/E are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 60 km, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.

However, unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Flextreme GT/E eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power. The small gasoline engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery’s supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 500 km, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled.

The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370 Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 100 km/h acceleration in less than nine seconds.

The Flextreme GT/E concept is a further step in Opel’s unfolding strategy for the electrification of the automobile, which includes a wide portfolio of products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.


Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept: Technical Data

Body style
Type	5-door coupé, 4-seat upper mid-size concept vehicle
Co-efficient of drag	0.22

Exterior dimensions
Overall length (mm)	4762
Height (mm)	1308
Width (mm)	1871
Wheelbase (mm)	2900
Front track (mm)	1600
Rear track (mm)	1600

Wheels/Tires
Wheel size	21 inch
Tires	195/45 R 21; extra low-rolling resistance

Powertrain
Type	Electric drive, front-wheel-drive
Battery system:
Type	Advanced lithium-ion (manganese spinel)
Energy	16 kWh
Nominal voltage	350 volts
On-board charger	3.3 kW
100% recharge time (230V outlet)	<>
Electric drive unit:
Max. power	120 kW
Torque	370 Nm
Generator:
Power	53 kW peak output
Engine type	4-cyl. 1.4l gasoline-fueled combustion engine

Performance
Pure electric mode range	60 km
Full range, range extender engaged	> 500 km
CO2 emissions, combined cycle (est.)	<>
0 – 100 km/h acceleration	<>
Maximum speed	> 200 km/h

More Photos

Opel Vectra GTS V6 2006

The most powerful engine for all versions of the Opel Vectra and the Signum is an all-new 2.8-liter aluminum gasoline six-cylinder unit with a twin-scroll turbocharger for plenty of power in all driving situations. The sixty-degree V6 with variable valve control delivers 90 percent of its maximum torque of 330 Nm at 1500 rpm. Peak torque is provided across a wide range from 1800 to 4500 rpm. Driving performance with this engine is equally impressive: only 7.3 seconds are required for the zero to 100 km/h sprint and top speed (electronically limited) is 250 km/h - a new record for the Vectra.

2010 Opel Corsa Color Race Edition

Remember the glory days of racy-looking, muscular car outfits affordable for young drivers? Opel hasn’t forgotten them and spices up the new Corsa with an exclusive Color Race edition that features a winning checkered motif, along with a traditional, vibrant motor sport Sunny Melon Yellow color – as well as with Casablanca White and Magma Red. Corsa Color Race is available immediately in Germany starting at 15,560 Euros.

To keep its performance as exhilarating as its exterior, the Corsa Color Race boast significant chassis and steering improvements that start in the full Corsa range with the Model Year 10.5 and that improve comfort, handling and steering and keep the Corsa fun to drive.

The Corsa Color Race can be powered by a range of new engines that are at the same time powerful and fuel efficient – like the new 1.4 gasoline engine with 64 kW87 hp (only 5.3 l/100 km for the wide range version; 5.5 l/100 km when equipped with the close range gearbox) or 74kW100 hp (which only requires 5.5 l/100 km). The powerful 96 kW/130 hp 1.7 CDTI combines 300 Nm torque with a fuel consumption of 4.5 liter/100 km. All in all, the re-worked powertrains – the latest example of Opel’s pledge to focus on environmentally compatible solutions – offer higher torque while boasting up to 13 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The Color Race line fits the 3-door models particularly well, with its sporty contour and exciting, coupéish design. It comes with a standard black hood as well as side and tailgate appliqués with a checkered flag motif, black painted roof and black 17-inch alloy wheels. These racing accents coupled with the yellow, white, or red exterior lacquer turn every model into a winning combination. Especially in yellow, this bi-color look is reminiscent of such legendary sporty Opel models as the Rallye Kadett B Sprint from the early 70s.

The Color Race interior features special matching color highlights, like special seat stitching and vent bezels, a Panorama sunroof and a leather-clad steering wheel.

The Opel Corsa Color Race is also available with innovative technologies like halogen AFL curve and cornering lights and heated steering wheel.