[NAIAS 2008] Saturn Flextreme Plug-in Concept

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Saturn Flextreme Plug-in Concept (Images property OhGizmo!)
By Andrew Liszewski

A few months ago I wrote about the Opel Flextreme concept vehicle which was built on GM’s E-Flex platform. Well since Opel (GM’S European brand) and Saturn share a lot of design traits, it was not that surprising when the company announced the Saturn Flextreme Plug-in concept at this year’s NAIAS.

The Flextreme uses an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery to propel it up to 34 miles using only electricity. For most daily commuters that’s more than enough range, but if you have a particular long drive out to the ‘burbs, an onboard 1.3L turbo-diesel engine will generate additional power to replenish the battery while you’re driving.

Saturn Flextreme Plug-in Concept (Images property OhGizmo!)

Of course the feature on this concept vehicle that probably appeals most to the gadget community is the integrated storage for a couple of Segways. The specially modified personal transporters are stowed below the cargo floor in the back, and when docked will even charge alongside the vehicle’s own lithium-ion battery whenever the car is plugged into an electrical outlet.

More photos after the jump.


Saturn Flextreme Plug-in Concept (Images property OhGizmo!)

Saturn Flextreme Plug-in Concept (Images property OhGizmo!)

Saturn Flextreme Plug-in Concept (Images property OhGizmo!)

Segway! (Images property OhGizmo!)

The coolest part was that a couple of representatives from Segway were actually on hand at the GM booth. Yours truly and a fellow blogger from Life Goggles were lucky enough to give them a try. I’m almost ashamed to admit it was my first time riding on a Segway, but the experience was one to remember. There are a couple of rare photos of me actually on the Segway, but I’m afraid there’s no chance I’m going to post them here.

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