IAA 2011: Opel Envisions an Affordable Urban Commuter with the RAK e Concept

Not to be outdone by its German counterparts, Opel displayed its vision for a low-cost urban commuter with the two-seater RAK e concept car. According to GM's German subsidiary, the study has "production potential".

The battery-operated vehicle with the exposed wheels is based on a steel space-frame structure beneath a skin of conventional synthetic material.

The reason why Opel avoided the use of exotic materials is to keep the RAK e as affordable as possible. Nevertheless, Opel managed to keep the weight down to just 380kg (837 lbs) or about 80kg (176 lbs) less than VW's NILS concept.

Read more »

IAA 2011: Radical New Opel Concept "Has Production Potential"

The wait for the Opel's Frankfurt Motor Show surprise concept is almost over as General Motors' European subsidiary has just published the first photos of the as-of-yet-unnamed study.

The ultra-compact model from GM's Opel and Vauxhall divisions is very similar in philosophy to Audi's duo of Urban Concept cars that will also have their world premiere in Germany next week.

The rakish study seats two people in a tandem layout with power being provided by an electric motor and a battery that offer a driving range of around 60 miles (96 kilometers) and a top speed of 75mph (120km/h).

Read more »