2008 Detroit Auto Show: Saturn Flextreme Concept

• Looks like: GM built an aerodynamic Chevy Volt
• Defining characteristics: Wind-cheating shape, E-Flex electric drivetrain with diesel-powered generator
• Ridiculous features: Two Segways stowed under the cargo floor
• Chance of being mass-produced: E-Flex is well into production development, but what the cars will look like is anyone’s guess

Like all Saturn production models except the Outlook, the Flextreme concept has a sister in Germany. Opel rolled out its version of the concept, under the same model name, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007. Both use a version of the E-Flex series-hybrid drivetrain introduced in last year’s Chevy Volt. As in that concept, these are electric cars that run off a lithium-ion battery for up to 34 miles and are equipped with a generator to keep the car going up to 444 miles if the battery poops out. The difference is that the generator here is powered by a diesel rather than a gasoline engine. GM emphasizes that ethanol and fuel-cell versions will be part of the eventual offering.

A new and significant tidbit is Saturn’s claim that the battery will recharge within three hours, where previously a vague “overnight” estimate was cited. The difference is consequential; any employer who offers electrical outlets in the parking lot effectively doubles the commuter’s electric-only range. Someone who lives up to 30 miles from work theoretically could drive to and from work — and even bust out for lunch — without ever burning petroleum.

The Flextremes aren’t merely sisters; they’re twins. The badges are different, but they otherwise share the same look — that of a jelly bean with four hidden doors and cameras in lieu of side mirrors. It’s not as interesting a shape as the Volt, but it’s likely to avoid the aerodynamics shortcomings that have put the Chevy back on the drawing board. The rounded nose puts the headlight clusters and upper grille behind flush-fitting plastic windows, which cuts down on drag and, well, makes the grille not really a grille. GM says the crescent headlight shapes hint at the future look of Saturns — and Opels.

Check out more photos below.