Autoblog

Chevy Volt sister car Opel Ampera gets 7,000 pre-orders, may hit 2012 sales target

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Opel, Electric

Found in translation?

Demand for the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in hybrid vehicle in the U.S. has been up and down over the car's first 16-odd months, but executives at General Motors' Opel division in Europe are saying that the Ampera, the Volt's European twin, is getting some good attention.

The Ampera has received more than 7,000 orders, leading Opel executives to believe that the Ampera will hit its 2012 sales target of 10,000 units, website Plug In Cars is reporting, citing Enno Fuchs, Opel's e-mobility launch director.

Opel started shipping Amperas to customers last month, saying that most of those owners previously owning high-end cars from automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. General Motors is hoping the Ampera will be better received in Europe than the Volt has been here in the States, where it has become a political lightning rod. Earlier this month, GM said it would shut down Volt production for five weeks - starting this week - in order to thin-out dealer inventory of the car. And last year, GM missed its sales goal of 10,000 units, selling just 7,671 units. GM makes both the Volt and the Ampera at the same plant in Hamtramck, MI.

Still, the Volt showed signs of more life last month when the model moved 1,023 units, up from 603 vehicles in January. The Volt and Ampera were also recently named the 2012 European Car of the Year. Last October, Opel bumped the Ampera's 2012 sales target to at least 10,000 from 8,000 after Opel had received more than 6,000 paid reservations.

Chevy Volt sister car Opel Ampera gets 7,000 pre-orders, may hit 2012 sales target originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Ampera delayed over Chevy Volt battery fears

Zach Bowman — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Opel, Electric

Automotive News reports Opel is delaying delivery of its Ampera extended-range hybrid to customers. The plug-in gas-electric hatchbacks have already arrived at dealers across Europe, but the automaker wants to ensure the vehicles' batteries are safe even in the event of an accident. The delay comes on the heels of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluation which saw its Chevrolet Volt twin catch fire three weeks after a series of crash tests. Since the Volt and Ampera are mechanically identical, Opel says that it wants to set up a process to deal with the batteries to make sure they're safe.

Both the Volt and the Ampera are assembled at the General Motors plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, and both make use of lithium-ion batteries to power their electric motors. GM has offered to buy back any Chevrolet Volt models from owners concerned about the safety of their vehicle, but few have taken them up on the offer. The company is currently working on a solution to the fire issue, and the U.S. government is investigating why it took NHTSA so long to bring the battery pack problem to light.

Opel Ampera delayed over Chevy Volt battery fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lured in by Opel Ampera tech, BMW seeks deal with GM

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, BMW, GM, Opel, Rumormill, Electric, Diesel

Spiegel Online set the rumormill ablaze with an unconfirmed report that General Motors is seeking some sort of cooperative deal with German automaker BMW. Speigel says The General's interest in BMW is primarily related to the German firm's gasoline and diesel engine technology.

Beyond that, Spiegel reports that Stephen Girsky, GM's board member in charge of strategy, has started discussions with BMW on "far-reaching joint projects." For his part, BMW chairman Dr. Norbert Reithofer previously went on record saying the German automaker was open to the idea of selling engines to other companies so long as such a move - like the recent agreement BMW made with Fisker Automotive - wouldn't strengthen a direct competitor's position or damage BMW's reputation.

In exchange, Spiegel reports that BMW is intrigued by the technology behind the Opel Ampera. This should come as no surprise considering that former Opel exec Frank Weber (pictured) now heads research and development at BMW. Weber is known as the leader of the team that transformed the Chevrolet Volt from a wild-eyed concept to a production vehicle.

Dow Jones says neither General Motors nor BMW were immediately available for comment on this alleged deal.

Lured in by Opel Ampera tech, BMW seeks deal with GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM takes issue with VW chairman Winterkorn's statements about Opel

Zach Bowman — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM, Volkswagen, Opel

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has apparently ruffled some feathers at General Motors. The American automaker took the time to release a scornful statement about the VW executive's comments toward the beleaguered Eureopean brand, Opel. Apparently, Winterkorn took the time to comment on what he believes the brand faces in the near future while speaking with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, fuelling speculation that Opel is in dire straits and that a sale may be on the horizon. GM shot back by saying that VW is simply nervous about the launch of the Ampera in Europe, and that the automaker is simply trying to sabotage the Opel recovery.

Them's fightin' words.

GM says that due to the strong positive response that the Ampera has garnered so far, the company is now planning to crank out an additional Ampera models to satiate demand. Additionally, the statement makes it clear that Opel is an important part of the GM flock and that the brand isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Hit the jump to check out the official statement for yourself.

Continue reading GM takes issue with VW chairman Winterkorn's statements about Opel

GM takes issue with VW chairman Winterkorn's statements about Opel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM readying Buick Ampera

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Buick, GM, Opel, Rumormill, Electric

2012 Opel Ampera - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a new report from Bloomberg, General Motors is working on a Buick-badged version of its Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid, Europe's mechanical twin to the Chevrolet Volt. The car hasn't received final approval yet, as GM still isn't sure it can get buyers to justify in inevitable premium over the $41,000 pre-incentive Volt.

To make a Buick version more marketable, the General may attempt to take measures to extend the car's all-electric range, like using lighter materials, but that may be a higher level of investment than the program calls for. That said, any Ampera with a waterfall grille will probably require a few more creature comforts and better interior materials to command Buick's typically higher pricepoint.

If General Motors can figure out how to build and sell an Buick Volt/Ampera, the car will probably arrive in 2013 as a 2014 model. For now, range and performance will likely be pretty similar to the Volt.

Gallery: 2012 Opel Ampera: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: GM readying Buick Ampera originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Production Opel Ampera revealed ahead of Geneva

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, GM, Opel, Electric

Production-ready Opel Ampera - Click above to view high-res image

Opel is bringing the Ampera to Geneva, and the extended-range electric hybrid is finally arriving in production form. This ready-for-public-consumption Ampera stays remarkably true to the concept we've been eyeballing since 2009.

The Opel Ampera wears more aggressive body panels than its more conservative Chevrolet Volt cousin. The headlights flow down into the running lights, while the front and rear fascias appear downright sporty. Tucked into the rubber, the production-ready flower-pattern wheels mirror the design of the concept vehicle, yet they aren't quite as show car exotic.

Opel notes that it has taken in over 1,000 reservations for the Ampera across Europe. The automaker put out a call to the public and around 400 "ePioneers" raised their hands to test early versions of the Ampera. When it goes on sale later this year, it will be priced at €42,900 in most European markets (that's just shy of $60,000 USD, but it includes Europe's costly Value Added Tax, which adds about 20 percent to the purchase price).

The Opel Ampera will take the stage under the Geneva Motor Show lights and we'll be on hand to give you a deeper visual dive. For now, click on the above image to view a high-res version, and click past the jump to read the press release.

[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Production Opel Ampera revealed ahead of Geneva

Production Opel Ampera revealed ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Ampera priced from 42,900 euros ($58,718 USD!)

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, GM, Opel, Electric

2011 Opel Ampera - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is ready to begin taking orders for the 2011 Opel Ampera, the European cousin of the Chevrolet Volt. The MSRP has been set at €42,900, which equals roughly $58,718 USD based on current exchange rates, or $18,438 more than a Volt here in the States. Sure, the front end is more aggressive and the wheels are better but is the Ampera nearly $20,000 better than the our all-American electric sedan?

The answer lies with Europe's Value Added Tax, otherwise known as VAT - add German's 19 percent VAT, and the final price becomes €42,900. Take away the VAT and the price is €36,050 or about $49,280, which is a bit closer to the cost of the Volt.

Those interested in purchasing an Opel Ampera can register at Opel-Ampera.com to become "ePioneers." Those brave, electric pioneers will have access to updates on the car, a chance to test drive one and the first opportunity to purchase the Ampera when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011. More information can be found in the press release idling silently after the jump.

Gallery: Opel Ampera

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Opel Ampera priced from 42,900 euros ($58,718 USD!)

Opel Ampera priced from 42,900 euros ($58,718 USD!) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Volt to be powered by engine at high speeds? Seems unlikely.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Chevrolet, GM, Opel, Vauxhall, UK, Rumormill, Electric

Opel Ampera - Click above for high-res image gallery

Whoa. Color us shocked and awed if this rumor from The Telegraph is accurate. According to the UK paper, General Motors is set to make some drastic changes to the Chevrolet Volt's European Opel Ampera twin. Specifically, the report suggests that the extended-range-electric-vehicle's powertrain is being redesigned so that the gasoline-fueled engine can and will power the wheels under certain high-speed conditions.

If true - and we're filing this firmly in the rumormill folder for now - this change would completely alter the entire ethos of the Volt idea. GM has gone to great pains to ensure that its green halo vehicle can be called an electric vehicle with a range extender, not a hybrid.

Semantics perhaps, but the distinction has been made clear and driven home by The General. Further, we know that the machine is well into its final development phases, and any changes of this magnitude this late in the game would be darn near impossible to implement in time.

The reason cited by The Telegraph for the recalibration is that Europeans require more power during high speed use. We find that explanation highly suspect as well, unless GM of Europe actually believes the Ampera will spend more time than normal on Autobahns in the far-left lane... which we doubt. Consider too that Europeans are known to embrace vehicles with much smaller and less powerful engines than Americans and the report continues failing to add up.

In any case, the report cites Andreas Voight, an Opel project engineer, who is quoted as saying that we can expect an announcement on the matter this autumn. We'll see, and we'll be pestering GM for a comment in the meantime.

Gallery: Opel Ampera

[Source: The Telegraph]

Chevrolet Volt to be powered by engine at high speeds? Seems unlikely. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chevy Volt to debut in China early next year as a Buick

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, China, Government/Legal, Buick, Chevrolet, Opel, Vauxhall, Electric

Opel Ampera - Click above for high-res image gallery

Due to an old-school system used in China that requires automakers to file patents or risk having vehicles copied by others, we've learned that the Chevrolet Volt may very well debut in the world's largest automotive market as a Buick model and not one bearing the Chevy or Opel badge. When General Motors filed its patent for China, it submitted the Voltec-powered Opel Ampera and not the Chevy Volt, indicating that the version coming to China will definitely not bear a Golden Bowtie. So why not an Opel then? Well, Opel has virtually no name recognition in China, leaving the obvious choice of branding the Voltec-powered vehicle as a Buick, GM's best performing brand over there.

Perhaps it only makes sense that the Ampera will be sold under the Buick name in China as various other Opel products have been rebranded as Buicks once they've reached the Chinese mainland. The Opel Astra transformed into the Buick Excelle and the Insignia switched over to the Buick Regal in China. So what will the Opel Ampera become once it reaches China early next year? Will it simply be the Buick Ampera, or something else altogether? Should we start a naming contest on this one?

For what it's worth, assuming that there will be a Chinese Buick Volt, it will become the fifth Voltec model, joining the 2011 Chevy Volt, Opel/Vauxhall Ampera and Holden Ampera, all of which will initially be produced at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant in Michigan. Now we're just waiting for the Voltec-powered Daewoo model for the Korean market so that GM can call it a done deal.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Opel Ampera reveal

Photos Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: The Tycho]

Report: Chevy Volt to debut in China early next year as a Buick originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Once and For All? Lutz text message reportedly confirms Cadillac Converj is dead

Chris Paukert — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Technology, Cadillac, GM, Design/Style

2009 Cadillac Converj Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although previously the subject of some early obituaries, it appears that the future of the Cadillac Converj showcar is indeed at a dead-end. According to Automotive News, a production future for the rakish extended-range coupe has been scuttled due to "priorities and the conviction that the Volt and Ampera will use all available capacity for years to come" - that's according to a text message from General Motors vice chairman Bob Lutz.

Lutz, who is himself retiring on May 1, openly championed the Converj, including telling members of the Society of Automotive Analysts that the car would be built after 2012. Prevailing logic also had the well-received 2009 Detroit Auto Show concept getting the green light, if only because affixing a higher-margin Cadillac badge to its flanks would presumably help GM recover some of its massive investment in the E-Rev technology it shared with the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera. However, in a Bloomberg report from earlier this month, some company managers apparently successfully argued that the business case for the Converj could not be made.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

Photos by Drew Phillips / Frank Filliponio / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Once and For All? Lutz text message reportedly confirms Cadillac Converj is dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #118

Dan Roth — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:43:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Ford, Lamborghini, Nissan, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Join us for Episode #118 of the Autoblog Podcast, where Johnathon Ramsey makes his first ever 'cast appearance. Chris, Dan and JR cover the Opel Ampera and Volkswagen Polo, both vehicles we've sent our Geneva Dreadnoughts after. Attention then turns to the Ford iosis MAX concept before moving to the ridonkulous side of the street where the Ferrari 599XX and Lamborghini Murcielago Super Veloce are parked. Before it all wraps up, we go over P1, a video endeavor unlike anything before it. It's just a few ticks over an hour this week, and very soon we'll be putting together an all-questions show from your submissions to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Next week, we'll recap Geneva, so drop us a line with any show-related questions or comments.

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #118

Autoblog Podcast #118 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Opel goes Voltec, Ampera coming in late 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Opel

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel Ampera concept

General Motors Europe boss Carl-Peter Forster began this morning's press conference in Geneva with an acknowledgment of the dire financial straights that the entire industry is experiencing right now. Forster also candidly admitted that GM is currently investigating all options when it comes to changing its relationship with Opel, including outside equity investments. Once he got past all the bad news, however, he introduced the production-intent version of the Opel Ampera. If it looks familiar, it should. If it doesn't, well, what rock have you been hiding under for the last two years? The Ampera is the Opel badged variant of the Chevrolet Volt. It uses the same Voltec powertrain as the Volt, as well as most of its body.

The main differences are the markedly more aggressive front and rear fascias and the black (rather than white) interior. Like the Volt, most of the front fascia is closed off to optimize aerodynamics. The styling of the nose is a mix of the 2007 GTC and Flextreme concepts, and we rather like the bold new look, particularly the chevron-like forms that grow downward from the headlamps.

The Ampera is planned for production in late 2011, about one year after the Volt. A right-hand drive Vauxhall version is scheduled to launch a year after that.

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Opel goes Voltec, Ampera coming in late 2011

Geneva 2009: Opel goes Voltec, Ampera coming in late 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Opel/Vauxhall Ampera officially looks better than Volt

John Neff — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Green, Opel, Vauxhall

Click above for image gallery of the Opel Ampera

Holden. Chevy. Opel. Vauxhall. These are the brands that we know will get a version of the plug-in Volt. Granted, the Europeans will call it the Ampera, but under all those models will be the Voltec technology that gives the sedan a 60-km (37-mile) electric-only range and a 500-km (310-mile) total range when the gas tank is filled up. At the Geneva Motor Show this week, General Motors announced that British Volt fans will be able to get a right-hand drive version of the Vauxhall Ampera some time after the Ampera's production start in late 2011.

In Europe, GM is testing a vehicle plug-in infrastructure with utility company Iberdrola of Spain, among others. One difference between the Ampera and Volt is that most European outlets supply higher voltage, between 220v and 240v, instead of the 110v plugs commonly used in the U.S. How this affects the car's charging time remains to be seen. See new pictures of the Opel- and Vauxhall-branded Amperas in the galleries below. If you only have time to look at one image, check out what they've done to the interior. Wow.

Video and more after the jump.

Gallery: Vauxhall Ampera

Gallery: Opel Ampera

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Opel/Vauxhall Ampera officially looks better than Volt

Geneva Preview: Opel/Vauxhall Ampera officially looks better than Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First official image: Opel Ampera (with Poll!)

Alex Nunez — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Green, GM, Opel

Click image to enlarge

With the Geneva Motor Show set to kick off this week, the dam holding back any remaining images and info is ready to burst. Exhibit A: the Opel Ampera. We've seen it leaked on the European Registry site, teased by GM, and spied in the wild. Today, the first full, official shot has been released, and honestly we have to wonder whether GM would have been better off giving the Chevy Volt the Opel's fascia. Seriously, for a car that's supposed to be so important, cutting-edge and revolutionary, the Volt looks pedestrian compared to the Ampera. The European cousin gets a more modern, and frankly, more attractive appearance. Sure, underneath, it's all the same tech, and the two cars' profiles are identical. But the Ampera's clearly the head-turner of the two. The Volt? Not so much. It could and should have been, as we can now plainly see.

Agree? Disagree? Let's take an informal poll. Follow the jump to vote.

Gallery: Geneva Preview: Opel Ampera

[Source: GM]

Continue reading First official image: Opel Ampera (with Poll!)

First official image: Opel Ampera (with Poll!) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Ampera caught in the buff ahead of Geneva reveal

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Chevrolet, Opel

One of the many cars we'll be seeing at the Geneva Motor Show is the Opel Ampera. The Ampera is essentially nothing more than a Chevrolet Volt with a new face. The Opel grille and headlights have largely been lifted from the Flextreme concept that appeared at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. General Motors has already said it will sell both the Volt and an Opel-badged car using the same Voltec powertrain in the European market. Judging by the appearance of the Ampera, it looks like GM's money troubles mean that body changes for the Opel will be kept to a bare minimum. Of course, a big part of the reason for the production Volt's shape is the need for optimized aerodynamics, so it's unlikely the Opel would have changed much anyway.

Although AutoCar reports that the Ampera will be built at one of GM's European factories, the reality is that initial production volumes are likely to be small (in the very low tens of thousands annually, at best). That means for at least the first few years, even the Opel- and Vauxhall-badged versions will be sourced from GM's Detroit/Hamtramck factory where the Volt will be made. Thanks for the tip, Mehdi!

[Source: AutoCar]

Opel Ampera caught in the buff ahead of Geneva reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Ampera revealed in European registry

John Neff — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Opel

Click above for image gallery of the production Opel Ampera

As we learned yesterday in the Viability Plan that General Motors submitted to the U.S. Treasury Department, there will be two additional versions of the Chevy Volt sold in various markets. One is a production version of the Cadillac Converj concept, and the other is this car, the Opel Ampera, that will officially debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Thanks to the European Registry, we now have more than just GM's official teaser to show you. These images reveal the production Ampera from every angle, and as you can see in the gallery below, it's basically the same exterior as the Volt with a new front and rear end inspired by the Flextreme concept with additional Opel design cues. The Ampera will use the same Voltec drivetrain as the Volt, which means the extended-range EV will be able to power the wheels using electricity alone for up to 40 miles.

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Opel Ampera revealed in European registry originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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