Geneva Preview: Google translate says Chevy Volt = Opel Ampera
by Sam Abuelsamid on Jan 26th 2009 at 7:29PM 
click to enlarge the Ampera teaser
When we get to Geneva for the big show in early March, Opel will have the production of its first Voltec technology car ready to debut. The Ampera, as it will be called, is essentially an Opel-branded version of the Chevy Volt. Judging from the teaser that GM just released, it looks like the Ampera will get the same basic hatchback body shape as the Volt but with a front clip more like the Flextreme concept we saw at Frankfurt in 2007. Presumably, the Ampera will also get the scooped out character line behind the front fender like other new Opels are getting although we can't see that detail in this image.
Gallery: Opel Ampera
[Source: General Motors]
Opel To Reveal Ampera Electric Car At Geneva Motor Show
This is the Relase Content
Opel Ampera to feature innovative GM Voltec technology
Rüsselsheim. Opel has announced Ampera as the name of its revolutionary extended-range electric car. The five-door, four-seat Opel Ampera will be revealed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show (March 5-15).
"With the Ampera, Opel will be the first European automobile manufacturer to provide customers several hundred kilometers of non-stop electric driving," said Alain Visser, GM Europe Chief Marketing Officer.
GM's ground-breaking electric propulsion technology, called Voltec, operates differently from other advanced propulsion systems. For short trips up to 60 km, the Ampera will run only on lithium-ion battery power charged via a standard 230v outlet. For longer distances, the car will continue to drive on electricity that is generated by a small internal combustion engine.
The Ampera will be well-suited to the daily driving schedule of most European customers. For example, approximately 80 percent of German drivers travel less than 50 km daily.
Additional information on the Opel Ampera will be released March 3 at the Geneva Motor Show.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Red 9:57PM (1/26/2009)
Hello Civic. :-)
Seriously though, I like it. Except the wheels.
Reply
iPineapple 4:06AM (1/27/2009)
so the Volt now has a German down-syndrome cousin?
i can't wait for the Australian Holden version, the weird uncle no one likes called: Currentom or Ohmer or Waltter...
GM's family reunions must be like a southern family gathering.
DasBoese 2:43AM (1/27/2009)
I hoped they'd bring the Volt in its original form here, but this isn't bad, not bad at all.
Actually, I do now remember they said they'd introduce an Opel model first and that the Chevrolet version will follow later. Well, it does make sense I guess, Opel just has the better brand identity.
Anyway, I hope my government (Germany) recognizes this chance and offers at least SOME tax incentives, though I'm not terribly confident in that respect. They talked about help for Opel for months now and nothing has come of it because they're afraid that GM will just grab the money. Sadly, thinking global isn't their strength, and we still have 8 months to go until the parliament elections, and you know that means lots of talk, but little action. Americans, be glad you're already over this.
If we're lucky the EU steps in, although their power is, unfortunately, limited by both an unwilling Czech council presidency and the failure of the Lissabon treaty/European constitution.
Reply
Stan Wellaway 3:43AM (1/27/2009)
Ampera? There is already an Ampere. Any scope for confusion?
Probably not. The Smith Ampere is electric (wholly electric, not hybrid), but it's a van (based on the Ford Transit Connect). Though it will likely be available later as a high-roofed 5-seat estate car and taxi.
http://www.smithelectricvehicles.com
Reply
Johannes Werum 5:00AM (1/27/2009)
OK, the name sounds not as great as tesla or volt...
...but they got the perfect logo for an ev, and that since decades!
Reply
realistic_idealist 6:45PM (1/27/2009)
THAT'S BECAUSE THEY WERE NAZI CONTROLLED!!!!
And GM helped the Nazi's in WWII by providing them Opel vehicles.
all in the name of a cheap buck. GREAT LOGO AFTER ALL!!!!
this company will never change, no matter what symbol they go under.