Opel Ampera
The revolutionary Opel Ampera will be the first emission-free, electrically driven automobile in Europe suitable for everyday driving. With its Voltec electric propulsion system providing lively acceleration and high levels of refinement, the five-door Ampera seats four passengers in comfort, offers a useful trunk for their luggage, and features an extended range of more than 500 kilometers.
Electricity drives the Ampera’s wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to 60 kilometers, power is supplied by the electricity stored in the cutting-edge, 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. While driving on electricity delivered by the battery, the Ampera emits zero CO2. When the battery’s energy is depleted to a minimum state of charge, a gasoline/E85-fueled engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range to more than 500 kilometers, until the battery can be charged by plugging the vehicle’s on-board charge system into a standard household 230-volt outlet.
The Ampera will provide potential zero-emission transportation for the majority of European consumers. For example, approximately 80 percent of German drivers travel less than 50 kilometers daily.
The Ampera can be plugged into any household 230-volt outlet for charging. Opel is analyzing the requirements of a recharging infrastructure for plug-in electric cars with energy companies, including Iberdrola of Spain.
Opel estimates that an electrically driven kilometer in the Ampera will be about one-six of the cost of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle, at € 1.50 per liter.
More than 200 lithium-ion cells in the T-shaped pack provide ample power. The nearly silent electric drive unit delivers 370 Nm of instant torque, the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of around nine seconds, and a top speed of 161 km/h.
The Ampera is influenced by Opel’s award-winning design language of sculptural artistry combined with German precision. It incorporates several styling cues from the innovative Flextreme and GTC Concept show cars. For example, it features dramatic, boomerang-like headlights that seamlessly integrate with the lower fog lights. The car has a dynamic, almost aggressive low stance seen most prominently in the front and tail. The new, bold Opel logo emblazes the front grille and a chrome bar runs 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. Its unique Pearl White Diamond color with matching rocker panels and rear bumper underline the dynamic appeal of the Ampera.
Aerodynamics, too, play a particularly important role in maximizing driving range. Engineers and designers worked together to optimize the airflow 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 for 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 Ampera offers the space, comfort, and convenience features that customers expect in a car. It has five doors, four seats and a storage capacity of 301 liters. The Ampera 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 pick up on the car’s electric nature through the use of iconic themes. With an integrated shifter, two information displays and a touch-sensitive infotainment center, the Ampera delivers an all-electric user experience.
The Opel Ampera, which made its world premiere at the 79th Geneva Motor Show, will go into production in late 2011. The Chevrolet Volt will reach the European market shortly after the Ampera. The Vauxhall Ampera will be launched in the U.K. in 2012.
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Source: opel.info
