27 Jan 09 14:39
Opel Ampera
The Opel Ampera is the latest General Motors concept using the extended-range powertrain first seen in the Chevrolet Volt.
Now called 'Voltec', this powertrain enables the vehicle to run for up to 60km on battery power alone before a small engine starts work as a generator to recharge the batteries.
The Ampera promises 'several hundred kilometers of non-stop electric driving', as the engine does not actually drive the wheels at any point. Though the image released so far does not give much away, it looks as if it is based on the upcoming new-generation Astra.
