Opel's E-Flex (VOLT) concept leaked

[Dr Mordrid]

Single inline motor, prob. the 1,700 lb/ft unit. Personally I think the rear end blows chunks.
No Skateboard on this one either
.
Some nice hi-res artwork of the drive sysyem if you click the thumbnails on the CarScoop site.

CarScoop link....

Chevrolet’s electric powered Volt Concept has just discovered its European alter ego in the form of Opel’s, Frankfurt Show E-Flex Concept. The two concepts share the same basic architecture underneath their differently styled bodies. The only variation is that, whereas the Volt was equipped with a turbocharged, 1.0lt, three-cylinder gasoline engine, the E-Flex takes advantage of Opel’s 1.3lt turbo diesel engine. However, the basic principles remain the same as both models are powered by a front-mounted electric motor that runs on electric power until the Lithium-ion batteries are drained out.

Once that batteries are dead, the diesel engine kicks in to “feed” the onboard generator producing electricity while the car is operating. The electricity is then stored in the batteries. As with the Volt, the E-Flex’s Lithium-ion batteries can be recharged by plugging into an electrical outlet. We’ll have more on the E-Flex as soon as Opel releases all the details.

[Brian Ellis]

At least, the electric motor is sprung weight, inboard. I bet it's skittish with all the weight of the diesel in front of the wheels and little at the back to hold it down. Li-ion is not ideal for traction: lighter but deteriorates faster (even without use): bet they won't give the 8-year guarantee of the Japanese Ni-MH batteries!

[Dr Mordrid]

It's weight will be more balanced than you think, no worse and probably better than most front wheel drive cars. See all those blue things in the center tunnel between the resonator and the muffler? That's a sh*tload of batteries.

By the way: I found out that both Mitsubishi and Honda are working on in-wheel motors and are intent on using them. Siemens, Bridgestone, GM, Ford etc. are all either working on them or working with someone who is.

[Nowhere]

Bur Brian has a point...especially since with this design placing electric engine in the rearwould add very little cost, I guess (what, manufacturers of "cheap" cars are unable to even think about giving them RWD?)