What is it?
Saturn Flextreme Concept
What's special about it?
This is yet another GM concept built to showcase the company's E-Flex electric propulsion system. It's called the Saturn Flextreme concept and other than the badge, it's virtually the same vehicle as the Opel Flextreme that debuted in Frankfurt last fall. Given that the two companies are sharing almost every car in their lineups these days, GM figured it only made sense that they share concept vehicles as well.
In this case, the Flextreme's E-Flex drivetrain consists of an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. Saturn says the system is good for 34 miles of all-electric driving. When that juice runs dry, a 1.3-liter diesel engine kicks in to recharge the batteries and extend the range.
Unlike some of GM's earlier concepts that used the E-Flex system, the Flextreme looks like a real car instead of a science project. Saturn says its designers used see-through polycarbonate trim to boost its aerodynamic efficiency without butchering its lines. Clear inserts between the spokes of the wheels smooth out the airflow down the sides, while similar trim pieces serve the same purpose in the grille up front. Polycarbonate was also used for the windshield, windows and most of the roof to keep the weight down.
Inside, the Flextreme only seats four, but there's a generous amount of room in addition to some cargo space out back. Access to that cargo space is made easier through the use of what Saturn calls its FlexDoors system. Hinges at the upper corners of each clamshell-style door allow them to move up and to the side so they can be opened even when the vehicle is parked in tight spaces.
More storage space is also available underneath the rear cargo floor, a system Saturn calls FlexLoad. Open the hatch and the floor extends automatically, a feature Saturn says eliminates the need to lift luggage up and over the edge of the trunk. It's a sizable cargo area, so much so that Saturn showed it stuffed full of two Segways. Naturally, the Segways were kept fully charged by the Flextreme's onboard electrical system.
Like most concepts, the interior itself is a mix of lightweight materials covered in very expensive trim. Single-track seat mounts open up extra floor space, while the clear roof panel makes it feel even more spacious.
The dashboard features two different displays capable of showing everything from a 360-degree view around the vehicle to the controls for the navigation system. There's a full-length center console for storing cell phones and iPods, and according to Saturn they'll stayed charged through induction. We'll have to take their word for it on that one.
What's Edmunds' take?
Not a bad-looking concept, but until GM can figure out the whole lithium-ion battery problem, it's nothing more than that — a concept. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
Saturn Flextreme Concept
What's special about it?
This is yet another GM concept built to showcase the company's E-Flex electric propulsion system. It's called the Saturn Flextreme concept and other than the badge, it's virtually the same vehicle as the Opel Flextreme that debuted in Frankfurt last fall. Given that the two companies are sharing almost every car in their lineups these days, GM figured it only made sense that they share concept vehicles as well.
In this case, the Flextreme's E-Flex drivetrain consists of an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. Saturn says the system is good for 34 miles of all-electric driving. When that juice runs dry, a 1.3-liter diesel engine kicks in to recharge the batteries and extend the range.
Unlike some of GM's earlier concepts that used the E-Flex system, the Flextreme looks like a real car instead of a science project. Saturn says its designers used see-through polycarbonate trim to boost its aerodynamic efficiency without butchering its lines. Clear inserts between the spokes of the wheels smooth out the airflow down the sides, while similar trim pieces serve the same purpose in the grille up front. Polycarbonate was also used for the windshield, windows and most of the roof to keep the weight down.
Inside, the Flextreme only seats four, but there's a generous amount of room in addition to some cargo space out back. Access to that cargo space is made easier through the use of what Saturn calls its FlexDoors system. Hinges at the upper corners of each clamshell-style door allow them to move up and to the side so they can be opened even when the vehicle is parked in tight spaces.
More storage space is also available underneath the rear cargo floor, a system Saturn calls FlexLoad. Open the hatch and the floor extends automatically, a feature Saturn says eliminates the need to lift luggage up and over the edge of the trunk. It's a sizable cargo area, so much so that Saturn showed it stuffed full of two Segways. Naturally, the Segways were kept fully charged by the Flextreme's onboard electrical system.
Like most concepts, the interior itself is a mix of lightweight materials covered in very expensive trim. Single-track seat mounts open up extra floor space, while the clear roof panel makes it feel even more spacious.
The dashboard features two different displays capable of showing everything from a 360-degree view around the vehicle to the controls for the navigation system. There's a full-length center console for storing cell phones and iPods, and according to Saturn they'll stayed charged through induction. We'll have to take their word for it on that one.
What's Edmunds' take?
Not a bad-looking concept, but until GM can figure out the whole lithium-ion battery problem, it's nothing more than that — a concept. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
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