Opel Flextreme GT/E concept receives red dot design award

The Opel Flextreme GT/E concept car has won the red dot award, one of the most important design prizes in the world. The award was received during a ceremony that took place in Singapore.

Ranked amongst the largest and most renowned design prizes in the world, the “red dot design award” received in 2010 more than 12,000 submissions from 60 countries. The red dot Singapore prize is awarded to the best design concept. Serving as a barometer of the future, previewing products to come, the winner is chosen by an international panel of design experts, which considers the degree of innovation, functionality and quality.

The Opel Flextreme GT/E joins a list of other six models that aready received the red dot design award, including the new Astra, the Insignia, the 2007 Flextreme Concept , the Opel GT, Astra GTC, and the 1998 Astra G.

“The high number of quality entries made this competition extremely challenging and, hence, winning the red dot an exceptional achievement,” says Ken Koo, President of the red dot design award, Asia. “We congratulate Opel.”

Developed at the European Design Center in Rüsselsheim, the Opel Flextreme GT/E had its world premiere at this year’s 80th International Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The concept car is the expression of the brand’s new design language, “Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision,” which was introduced for the first time in 2008 with the Insignia.

While developing the Flextreme GT/E concept car engineers and designers focused on airflow and weight-saving management. Thanks to its small frontal area, low roof height and a flat, enclosed underbody, the air resistance of the concept car is reduced to a minimum of disturbance.

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, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

In order to reduce the weight of the vehicle, Opel used lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. These materials offer a 40 percent weight reduction, further contributing to lower energy consumption and increased driving range.

The Flextreme GT/E is powered by the same ground-breaking drive system featured on the Ampera, showing the versatility of this technology by displaying it in a larger, mid-size vehicle format. The concept car is able to reach a top speed of more than 200 kilometers per hour and is projected to offer performance similar to the one found on the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of between 40 and 80 km and, due to its range-extender, a total range of more than 500 km.

“Receiving a prize from such a respected organization, truly confirms once again that Opel is on the right track offering bold, dynamic style, versatility and state of the art innovations,” says Mark Adams, Vice President of design, Opel/Vauxhall.