The revolutionary Opel Ampera will be the first emission-free, electrically driven automobile in Europe suitable for everyday driving. "Driving electrically is not only about ecology," said global vehicle line executive and chief engineer, Frank Weber. "Driving electrically is also great fun. Instantaneous, silent torque of 370 Newton meters under your right foot feels like flying!"
The Opel Ampera electric car promises 500km (~300 miles) reach. For trips up to 60 km, the five-door, four-seat hatchback runs on electricity stored in the 16 kWh, lithium-ion battery, and emits zero CO2. When the battery’s energy is depleted, electricity from an on-board engine-generator extends the Ampera’s range to more than 500 km The Ampera looks cooler than the Chevy Volt, but then again the Volt looked also amazing as a concept and was then toned down quite a bit.
The five-door, four-seat Ampera uses a design language which incorporates several styling cues from the Flextreme and GTC Concept show cars. The Ampera’s wheels are turned electrically at all times and speeds. The Ampera can be plugged into any household 230v outlet for charging. GM Europe is analyzing the requirements of a recharging infrastructure for plug-in electric cars with energy companies, including Iberdrola of Spain.
GM plans to put the Ampera into production in late 2011, offering it also with right-hand drive in the UK by Opel’s sister-brand, Vauxhall. The Ampera’s exterior design takes up cues from the Opel Flextreme and GTC Concept show cars. For example, it features dramatic, boomerang-like headlights that seamlessly integrate with the lower fog lights.
Opel Ampera ConceptThe car has a dynamic, almost aggressive low stance seen most prominently in the front and tail. The new, bold Opel logo emblazes the front grill and the chrome bar across the back. Vertical slots in the outboard edges of the rear bumper not only give the car a low sporty look but also play a key role in creating a clean separation feature for the air, supporting the highly efficient aerodynamic performance.
GM engineers and designers worked together to optimize the air flow around the front fascia and outside mirrors of the Ampera. Significant attention was also given to the rear with a specifically designed spoiler and clean separation features.
Lightweight materials were added in the form of clear polycarbonate covers to the front grille and disk inserts on the 17-inch, five-spoke sport alloy wheels. These helped to reduce aerodynamic drag in critical airflow areas. The interior features a Jet Black interior combined with Spice Red accents and Dark Argent Metallic paint on the instrument panel’s center stack for a sporty look. The doors’ décor picks up on the car’s electric nature through the use of iconic themes.
With an integrated shifter, two information displays and touch-sensitive infotainment center, the Ampera delivers an all-electrical user experience. The storage capacity is 301 liters. “On the Ampera we’ve continued to challenge the norm and have searched for new and exciting color and material combinations. To support the car’s innovative character we’ve worked with experimental trims and paints that you will see more of in future Opel models” said John Puskar, Director, Interior Design for GM Europe.
Opel estimates that an electrically driven kilometer in the Opel Ampera will cost about one-fifth compared to a conventional gasoline vehicle, at current fuel prices.
