Filed under: Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, GM
Have bike, will travel: the Opel Antara's hideaway bike rack
A few months ago, we told you about the FlexFix integrated bicycle rack in the new Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. It's an ingenious little contraption. The FlexFix system is essentially a drawer that can be pulled out from the car's rear bumper. On it are two wheel-mount bike racks, an extra rear license plate, and supplemental brake lights. When not in use, you wouldn't even know the system was there if not for the drawer cutout. It's the kind of killer innovation that's been sorely lacking from the American automakers for some time.
Now, GM Europe has just announced that the FlexFix system will be offered on the new Opel Antara crossover. Some of you may be asking, "And we care because?"
We care because the Opel Antara and the 2008 Saturn Vue are fundamentally the same vehicle, meaning we're about to see just how serious GM is when it comes to offering American customers the good stuff from Europe. This FlexFix system is exactly the kind of thing we've been missing here for far too long. Simple and brilliant, if it's not an available option on the next Vue, we are going to be very, very disappointed. Don't cheap out on us, General. We're your bread and butter, and we want the good stuff, too.
(More photos, press release after the jump)
[Source: Opel via Kicking Tires]
The FlexFix System:
FlexFix, on the Opel Corsa:
PRESS RELEASE:
Always Ready: "Flex-Fix" Also in New Opel Antara
- Integrated carrier system already successfully debuted in new Corsa
- Practical innovation available for 4WD crossover as of early 2007
Having already established the interior flexibility benchmark with the Zafira's patented "Flex7" seating system, Opel now sets new standards in exterior on-board flexibility with the practical Flex-Fix system. It can carry up to two bicycles and be easily pulled out like a drawer from the rear bumper, so no tools are needed at all. Two major benefits compared to conventional bicycle carriers are the more convenient loading, as bicycles do not need to be lifted as high, and the fact that Flex-Fix is always available, because it is an integral part of the car.
Quick and spontaneous
Owners of SUVs and crossovers like the Antara are often active people who want to transport bicycles, just like the Corsa's young target group. This is where the spontaneity and versatility of Opel's Flex-Fix perfectly matches the needs of these customers. It is capable of transporting loads of 40 kilograms and is suitable for standard bicycle tire sizes of 18 − 28 inches.
In the Trixx concept car at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, Opel first presented the idea of increasing car cargo capacity with a permanently integrated carrier system that disappears into the body when not in use.
But there was still much work to be done before it could be used in a production car; all important car design specifications, such as crash safety, had to be met without compromise, and the system had to be quick and easy to use, requiring no prior technical knowledge.
Tough tests before use in production cars
As the Flex-Fix system is an integral part of the vehicle, it must conform to Opel's strict requirement that it last the car's lifetime. The steel parts are therefore not only galvanized, but are also primed via cataphoresis and protected by a resilient topcoat to withstand years of abuse from grit and road salt.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
felonious monk 9:06PM (10/04/2006)
Nice! minus the big dorky reflectors or aux taillights.
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Steve2 9:26PM (10/04/2006)
Can you get two rear license plates legally in any state in the US?
Looks good. I thought it was power and was going to say it looked too expensive. As a manual device, it's okay it has like 5 things to flip. I like it.
Can't make the VUE any dorkier looking than normal.
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vectorbug 9:29PM (10/04/2006)
man, I want one of those on my miata (not gay).
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Clarence 10:04PM (10/04/2006)
Great innovation. Could have made it cheaper without the folding lights. The lights could just slide with the rack back into the body.
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ruggels 10:04PM (10/04/2006)
dope, if only i had one of those on my vw (gay).
also what's with the crossed out registration stickers, odd.
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Kowell 10:13PM (10/04/2006)
That's actually a pretty goos idea...
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Alex 10:34PM (10/04/2006)
In the us when people have handicap devices sitting on a carrier on the back they just have the license plate just half covered up.
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John 10:41PM (10/04/2006)
So is that bumper still structurally operational as a bumper, or is it now just a decorative drawer?
Can that bumper take any hits with minimal damage?
Or will it be a $2000 repair with the slightest bump?
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Uffe 10:54PM (10/04/2006)
Beautifully obvious and thank goodness this should soon be the norm...well done...and bring it on.
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Luis Longo 11:27PM (10/04/2006)
Where did the aux taillights when when fold in?
By the way Miata owners > Gay as Richard Simmons
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chewy 12:08AM (10/05/2006)
Excellent idea.
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Graham 12:09AM (10/05/2006)
European lighting requirements require unobscured lights and number plate. Normally what they do is drape a board over the bikes (or whatever cargo you have) that has the extra set of lights and a duplicate plate attached. Personally I think it's a good idea, but they can probably delete those for any US incarnation. And yeah we can't get a duplicate plate regardless.
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Grajeda 12:09AM (10/05/2006)
good neat idea
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Muhammad Suleman 12:41AM (10/05/2006)
Hmmm..... Brilliant view and wonderful idea, especially on the occasions of out door activities when you can't go too long on bicycles and you have to go by motor vehicle. Thanks buddy. It's really nice.
Suleman
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Glen from Hesperia, CA 3:25AM (10/05/2006)
That is a great idea. I purchased a Honda Element because bikes can be easily loaded into the rear of the vehicle. This is a great idea for any person that enjoys an active lifestyle. For those that think it is gay...exercise is not gay...it is called have a healthy body for life. I truly hope that this will be on the American version of the 2008 Saturn Vue.
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DPC car videos 4:22AM (10/05/2006)
Very creative, cars will become transformers.
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Mike 4:24AM (10/05/2006)
WOW! Those are awesome. My honey and I should get that.
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Alejandro 5:32AM (10/05/2006)
Oh! It,s a good idea. When I want transport my bike in a car exists a big problem due to space.
It's a little aportation with big practicity.
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cowboy bob 6:39AM (10/05/2006)
Comment here typically seem to ignore the effect of the salt on roads in northern climates. I can imagine the effect of road salt on this thing here in upstate New York after a few winters. I remove the drawbar for my trailer hitch here just because after one winter it will rust/fuse to the hitch, making removal an affair with an aceteline torch. This type of thing would be rendered useless in about a nanosecond. Use your heads as engineers/kids for more than a place to put your i-pods.
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Joe Gakenheimer 7:49AM (10/05/2006)
That is one of the best ideas I have ever heard. The last thing you want is to have a silly bike rack attached to your wagon or car; now it is integrated and easily hidded. Genious!
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