2011 Opel / Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid: Production Version of European Volt Spied Completely Undisguised!

The most enlightening spy photos of the production version of the 2011 Opel Ampera plopped in our inbox today. At first we thought it was just the concept model out testing, but a closer look at the completely undisguised Ampera with the German license plates revealed that this is the actual production model that's due to go on sale in Europe and the UK (as a Vauxhall) in late 2011.

A sister model to the North American Chevrolet Volt, the road-ready Ampera features a few minor styling tweaks and additions over last year's concept model (see pictures here).

At the front-end of the plug-in hybrid, we find a slightly revised front grille, relocated front turning signals, plain black decorative trim on the bumper and the addition of washers on the bonnet.

At the back, the boot lid spoiler has been extended and features a larger third-stop light, while the reflectors on the corners of the bumper have been pushed outwards and the diffuser on the bumper has been redesigned and incorporates center mounted lights.

The new alloy wheel designs, the addition of a fuel cap on the front fender, the larger and more practical exterior mirrors and the body painted rooftop complete the list of changes over the concept car.

A quick recap of the details we already know, the Ampera will use the same plug-in hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain as the Volt. It mates a powerful electric motor and a 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery pack to a 75HP 1.4-liter gasoline engine.

But unlike conventional hybrids that use gasoline engines to power the wheels when the battery is depleted, the Ampera uses the petrol unit to generate electricity for the electric motor that always drives the (front) wheels.

Owners will be able to charge the battery pack with a home outlet and drive for about 64km or 40 miles before the gasoline engine-generator kicks in to extend the Ampera's range to more than to more than 300 miles or 480 kilometers.

While Opel has said that it will show the Ampera in Geneva, the German automaker did not clarify if it will present the concept or series-production model.

Opel Flextreme GT/E: Sporty Saloon Concept with Chevy Volt Powertrain

A conceptual study that demonstrates how General Motors' extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be utilized in larger and more stylish cars than the Chevy Volt and its European twin, the Opel Ampera, will be the star of the German brand's stand at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

"The Flextreme GT/E concept shows the shape of things to come from Opel," says Frank Weber, Vice President, Corporate and Product Planning. "Bold, expressive and highly efficient, it represents the product strategy we will apply to all our future vehicles, large and small, across all market segments."

Described by Opel as a 'five-door coupe', the 4.7-meter (185-in.) long Flextreme GT/E concept that adopts the new Meriva's rear-hinged rear doors also illustrates a further development of the firm's current design language as seen on the Insignia, Astra and Meriva.

>But there's more than meets the eye about the concept model's design as the car achieves a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22 helping it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed as well as conserve energy and extend its driving range.

Stand-out features include a pair of retractable spoilers hidden behind each rear wheel-arch that extend out 350-mm at speeds over 50 km/h or 31mph to guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

Other highlights include the hidden door handles that are replaced by light sensors and the specially designed 21-inch alloy wheels fitted with relatively narrow 195/45, low rolling resistance tires.

Drive for the Flextreme GT/E concept comes from the Chevy Volt's powertrain that uses a an electric motor with 120kW / 160HP and 370Nm of torque to move the front wheels.

For journeys up to 60 km or about 37 miles, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.

Once the battery is depleted, a 1.4-liter gasoline engine / generator kicks in to supply electricity. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 500 km or 311 miles, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled.

Opel projects that the average fuel consumption of is estimated at 1.6 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of less than 40 g/km, while the company supports that the study can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in less than nine seconds and achieve a top speed in excess of 200km/h or 124 mph.

Opel Teases New Concept Car with Volt Powertrain Ahead of 2010 Geneva Motor Show

It's been a while since we last saw a concept model from GM's Opel / Vauxhall brands, but the company is planning a 'green' surprise for this year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.

Opel said that the new concept car "couples expressive, beautiful design with German engineering to meet the environmental challenges of tomorrow" and that the study "is proof that size and comfort do not have to be sacrificed for a vehicle to be environmentally efficiency."

Other than that, all we have to go on for now is this teaser image that shows the concept's front grille and incorporates the 'Voltec' logo, meaning that the study makes use of the Volt's plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Earlier this week, Opel / Vauxhall boss Nick Reilly revealed that GM's European unit is planning to launch an extended-range electric vehicle in addition to the Ampera (a.k.a. the European Volt) in the very near future, so the new concept will most likely give us an idea of what the car will be.

The new concept model will be escorted in Geneva by the new Meriva small MPV, the Ampera and the updated Corsa supermini.