NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept

**Rex Raider** · 01-14-2008, 07:22 AM

We usually don't associate Saturn with wildly inventive designs, but they managed to cut loose with their imaginative Flextreme concept, which was built in collaboration with Opel. Using a diesel version of the E-Flex system found on the Volt concept (which is set to debut in 2010), this plug-in hybrid can connect to a standard wall outlet and draw 34 miles of electric-only propulsion from a three-hour charge. The electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery, and additional electricity can be generated from a 1.3 liter turbodiesel engine for a total 444 mile cruising range.

This sporty compact boats slick sheetmetal and some trick functionality. Two Segway Personal Transporters can be stowed below the cargo floor, where the vehicle acts as a docking station by charging the Segways along with the Flextreme's batteries. Aerodynamic details and lightweight construction abound, including honeycomb structures used in the lower portion of the instrument panel, cabin floor, cargo floor, and above the lithium-ion batteries.

The so-called "FlexDoor" system features individual butterfly-style rear tailgate doors that swing upward, allowing access to the trunk when the vehicle is parked close to a wall or another car. The lack of a B-pillar also opens up the sides of the Flextreme, makes ingress and egress easy. Another branded feature is "FlexLoad," which uses an underfloor luggage compartment that extends and retracts electronically, eliminating the need to heave luggage up and into the trunk. A center tunnel allows cell phones, iPods, and PDAs to be stowed, and the drawer is capable of charging devices using induction—taking the term "wireless" to a new level.

more at link...
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blog...s/4244695.html

**Rex Raider** · 01-14-2008, 07:26 AM

WishIhadatruck · 01-14-2008, 07:36 AM

When you run out of charge or don't have the ability to plug in at all this small diesel seems like a much more fuel efficient option compared to the Volt. I like the Volt better but want this diesel in it. I'd be willing to pay the extra.

The styling of this Flextreme doesn't do anything for me.

uboys · 01-14-2008, 07:59 AM

Did I not read somewhere that the pillar-less design was going to make it into production?

Also, were there not rumors of induction-charging (remember the "bowl concept" that GM was working on "in lieu of" Bluetooth?) back when the Volt came out?

Quote:

The so-called "FlexDoor" system features individual butterfly-style rear tailgate doors that swing upward, allowing access to the trunk when the vehicle is parked close to a wall or another car. The lack of a B-pillar also opens up the sides of the Flextreme, makes ingress and egress easy.

Quote:

A center tunnel allows cell phones, iPods, and PDAs to be stowed, and the drawer is capable of charging devices using induction—taking the term "wireless" to a new level.

I hope other things go into production as well, but I am not optimistic.

HoosierRon · 01-14-2008, 08:00 AM

Nano, nano.

CADILLACSIXTEEN · 01-14-2008, 08:04 AM

We didnt see this one coming........

milton112c · 01-14-2008, 08:18 AM

Uhh that looks just like a Toyota Prius...the nose isnt bad but the rest? Ewwwwwwww

tgagneguam · 01-14-2008, 08:24 AM

I like bits and pieces of the design, but overall there's a lot of "Yikes!" to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Nano, nano.

Funny stuff.

CrunkedRL · 01-14-2008, 09:06 AM

I'm assuming the design will be dumbed down heaviliy like it's Volt cousin once the production model is released. I however believe they should keep the diesel engine relavent throughout the process and offer this as an alternative to those who are not really feeling the Volt.

camaro_freak · 01-14-2008, 09:09 AM

ummm.. is this vehicle a Saturn.. the grill and Saturn name plates look photochopped. have I missed something?

jkennedy293 · 01-14-2008, 09:14 AM

The rear looks a little too futuristic, but otherwise its a pretty good design

eaton53 · 01-14-2008, 09:47 AM

That thing reeks of blobishness. Ugleeee....

EldoFan · 01-14-2008, 10:22 AM

The Starship Enterprise just asked us if we had any idea where their missing shuttlepod went.....

New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 · 01-14-2008, 10:34 AM

Definitley on the "wacky" side. But I can see some opportunities from the overall shape. Just tone down the lines abit.

HoosierRon · 01-14-2008, 10:40 AM

Open the pod bay door, HAL.

01-14-2008, 07:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
Rex Raider Administrator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Drives: 2009 Camry Hybrid (company car) Posts: 11,787	NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept We usually don't associate Saturn with wildly inventive designs, but they managed to cut loose with their imaginative Flextreme concept, which was built in collaboration with Opel. Using a diesel version of the E-Flex system found on the Volt concept (which is set to debut in 2010), this plug-in hybrid can connect to a standard wall outlet and draw 34 miles of electric-only propulsion from a three-hour charge. The electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery, and additional electricity can be generated from a 1.3 liter turbodiesel engine for a total 444 mile cruising range. This sporty compact boats slick sheetmetal and some trick functionality. Two Segway Personal Transporters can be stowed below the cargo floor, where the vehicle acts as a docking station by charging the Segways along with the Flextreme's batteries. Aerodynamic details and lightweight construction abound, including honeycomb structures used in the lower portion of the instrument panel, cabin floor, cargo floor, and above the lithium-ion batteries. The so-called "FlexDoor" system features individual butterfly-style rear tailgate doors that swing upward, allowing access to the trunk when the vehicle is parked close to a wall or another car. The lack of a B-pillar also opens up the sides of the Flextreme, makes ingress and egress easy. Another branded feature is "FlexLoad," which uses an underfloor luggage compartment that extends and retracts electronically, eliminating the need to heave luggage up and into the trunk. A center tunnel allows cell phones, iPods, and PDAs to be stowed, and the drawer is capable of charging devices using induction—taking the term "wireless" to a new level. more at link... http://www.popularmechanics.com/blog...s/4244695.html __________________ Sure, I drive a Toyota, but at least I don't have to pay for it.

01-14-2008, 07:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
Rex Raider Administrator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Drives: 2009 Camry Hybrid (company car) Posts: 11,787	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept __________________ Sure, I drive a Toyota, but at least I don't have to pay for it.

01-14-2008, 07:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
WishIhadatruck 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Drives: '01 Grand Prix GT '96 Roadmaster Wagon Posts: 1,407	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept When you run out of charge or don't have the ability to plug in at all this small diesel seems like a much more fuel efficient option compared to the Volt. I like the Volt better but want this diesel in it. I'd be willing to pay the extra. The styling of this Flextreme doesn't do anything for me. __________________ 1996 Buick Roadmaster Wagon 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix

01-14-2008, 08:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
HoosierRon Banned Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 6,666	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept Nano, nano. Last edited by HoosierRon : 01-14-2008 at 09:36 AM.

01-14-2008, 08:04 AM	#6 (permalink)
CADILLACSIXTEEN 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Drives: 2006 Fusion Orange Metallic Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe Posts: 1,399	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept We didnt see this one coming........ __________________

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01-14-2008, 08:18 AM	#7 (permalink)
milton112c 2.2 Liter ECOTEC Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Poughkeepsie, NY Drives: 97 Grandprix GT 01 Grandprix GTP 05 Envoy XL Posts: 70	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept Uhh that looks just like a Toyota Prius...the nose isnt bad but the rest? Ewwwwwwww __________________ New car- 07 Aura XE 3.8 V6 Supercharged GTP 3800 GrandPrix GT -GreenfireGT

01-14-2008, 09:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
CrunkedRL 3.6 Liter V6 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Columbus,OH Drives: 1998 Saturn SL2 2004 Saturn Vue RL Posts: 1,194	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept I'm assuming the design will be dumbed down heaviliy like it's Volt cousin once the production model is released. I however believe they should keep the diesel engine relavent throughout the process and offer this as an alternative to those who are not really feeling the Volt. __________________ Current Fleet: 04' Saturn Vue RL 3.5L Honda V6 98' Saturn SL2 1.9L 16 Valve DOHC I4

01-14-2008, 09:09 AM	#10 (permalink)
camaro_freak 5.3 Liter LS4 V8 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3,590	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept ummm.. is this vehicle a Saturn.. the grill and Saturn name plates look photochopped. have I missed something? __________________ John Crichton: It's beer o'clock. Where's my riot?

01-14-2008, 09:14 AM	#11 (permalink)
jkennedy293 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Holly Springs, NC Drives: '03 Cavalier Posts: 1,294	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept The rear looks a little too futuristic, but otherwise its a pretty good design

01-14-2008, 09:47 AM	#12 (permalink)
eaton53 6.2 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,553	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept That thing reeks of blobishness. Ugleeee.... __________________ TiresomeOverratedYawnmobilesOrTediousAppliances Progress happens when all the factors that make for it are ready, and then it is inevitable. - Henry Ford on the Volt.

01-14-2008, 10:22 AM	#13 (permalink)
EldoFan 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Omaha Nebraska, USA Drives: '08 Malibu LT '94 Plymouth Voyager Posts: 4,887	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept The Starship Enterprise just asked us if we had any idea where their missing shuttlepod went..... __________________ When you turn your car on....does it return the favor? Past Rides: '90 Lincoln Mark VII '93 Ford Taurus GL

01-14-2008, 10:34 AM	#14 (permalink)
New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (formerly sunny New Mexico (y muchacho lo falto)) Drives: '02 Corvette Z06, '01 Silverado LT 4x4 Ext Cab, 19 Posts: 5,676	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept Definitley on the "wacky" side. But I can see some opportunities from the overall shape. Just tone down the lines abit. __________________ 1979 Chevy Van 1978 Pontiac Firebird 1985 GMC S-15 Jimmy 1992 Pontiac Grand Am 1998 Oldmobile Intrigue 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 1972 Chevrolet C-10 P/U 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2001 Chevrolet Silverado LT 4x4 Ext Cab "Sometimes you gotta say, 'What the *******'. "What the ******* gives you freedom, freedom creates opportunity, ... opportunity - makes your future." - 'Risky Business' 1983

01-14-2008, 10:40 AM	#15 (permalink)
HoosierRon Banned Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 6,666	Re: NAIAS 08: Saturn Flextreme Concept Open the pod bay door, HAL.

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