General Motors unfurls Sail electric concept at Guangzhou Auto Show

At the 2010 Guangzhou Auto Show, General Motors dropped the curtain its Sail electric concept vehicle. Developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), the battery-powered Sail is designed as "an environmentally friendly small car that is targeted at ordinary Chinese families." The electric concept on display is based on the gasoline-fueled Chevrolet New Sail (pictured above), a vehicle which burst into the Chinese market in January of this year.

The electric Sail's specs look to be rather average for the battery-powered segment. The vehicle's lithium-ion battery pack provides juice to a 65 kW (87 horsepower) electric motor that cranks out around 162 pound-feet of torque. The Sail soars to a top speed of 91 miles per hour and rambles on for 93 miles on a full charge. GM has not committed to launching a production version of the electric Sail, but we suspect that more info on this vehicle will start to trickle down the pipeline early next year. Of course, the American side of GM would scoff at the Sail EV, preferring something that's "more car than electric."

[Source: General Motors

PRESS RELEASE

General Motors Participates in Guangzhou Auto Show

Introduces Sail Electric Concept Vehicle

Shanghai – General Motors is participating in the 2010 Guangzhou Auto Show, which began today, through its Shanghai GM joint venture. Under the theme of "Drive to Green and Leading Innovation," it is showcasing 23 production and concept vehicles. Among the products on display are the Sail electric concept vehicle, which is making its global debut, and the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle.

"GM is committed to delivering a range of advanced propulsion technologies and offering a portfolio of solutions that will allow our customers to choose the vehicle that best meets their needs," said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. "GM's expertise in batteries, electric motors and power controls will enable us to provide the best possible choices when it comes to vehicle electrification technologies."

Sail Electric Concept Vehicle

The Sail electric concept vehicle was developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai. Based on the Chevrolet Sail that went on sale at the beginning of the year, it is an environmentally friendly small car that is targeted at ordinary Chinese families.

The Sail electric concept vehicle is powered by a lithium-ion battery with maximum output of 65 kW and maximum torque of 220 Nm. It has a maximum speed of 130 km/h and can go up to 150 kilometers on a single electric charge. It uses regenerative braking to produce additional energy. The Intelligent Charging Assisting System maximizes the energy conversion ratio.

Its simple contemporary design is aerodynamic. Inspiration has come from leaves, and is reflected across the exterior. The Sail electric concept vehicle features a simple yet modern interior along with a range of electronic amenities. It has adopted electric vehicle standards for safety set by SAE and ISO.

Chevrolet Volt Extended-Range Electric Vehicle

The Chevrolet Volt is the world's first extended-range electric vehicle that provides the benefits of an electric vehicle without the range limitations associated with other electric vehicles on the market. Powered by GM's revolutionary Voltec propulsion system, it provides maximum torque of 368 Nm, maximum output of 111 kW and a maximum speed of 160 km/h. It can run solely on electric power stored in its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery for up to 80 kilometers without consuming a single drop of petroleum and with zero emissions.

When the battery is depleted, its on-board engine-generator starts producing electricity to drive the Volt another 490 kilometers, giving the Volt a range of up to 570 kilometers. When launched in China in the fourth quarter of 2011, the Volt will be equipped with the OnStar system, which will offer a smart phone application co-developed by Chevrolet and OnStar. Owners will be able to control all vehicle functions and OnStar services on a 24/7 basis.

The Volt has received several awards in North America including Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year, Automobile Magazine 2011 Car of the Year, 2011 Green Car of the Year from Green Car Journal, and Best Innovation from Popular Mechanics magazine.

"The Sail electric concept vehicle and Chevrolet Volt are examples of industry-leading solutions being developed by GM and our partners globally," said Wale. "GM is also establishing battery electric vehicle demonstration fleets around the world to better understand driving patterns, battery charging, market needs and customer acceptance of electric vehicles. At the same time, GM is investing in start-up companies with innovative ideas to accelerate next-generation electrification technologies."

Other Premieres

Among the production vehicles making their debut in Guangzhou is the new Chevrolet Spark, which takes functionality and environmental friendliness to a new level in the mini-car segment. The new Spark is equipped with a 1.0-liter engine. It offers a personalized interior in line with the demands of younger customers and is priced between RMB 77,800 and RMB 88,800.

Another new car that is making its global debut is the Cadillac SLS 2.0T SIDI, which sets a new performance standard for low-emission luxury business cars. It is the first vehicle in Cadillac's 100-year history to offer a four-cylinder turbocharged engine. It represents the brand's entrance into the 2.0- to 2.5-liter luxury business car segment. Three variants are priced between RMB 388,800 and RMB 488,800.

Making their maiden appearance in Guangzhou are two new models from Buick. The New Regal GS Sport is the newest member of the upper-medium sedan family. It takes driving excitement to a new level with its 2.0-liter turbocharged SIDI engine that generates maximum power of 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque. It has three different driving modes, including the FlexRide adaptive driving system.

The new Buick GL8 luxury MPV, which will reach the market next month, builds on the heritage of the original GL8, China's first family of executive wagons. It features seven innovations and 27 technological breakthroughs along with improvements in design, space and safety, technology, power, features and quality for business users. It comes with a choice of a 3.0-liter V-6 SIDI intelligent direct injection engine or a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with segment-leading fuel efficiency.

GM's EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) concept, which was a star of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, is also appearing on the Shanghai GM stand. EN-V introduces a new automobile DNA based on electrification and connectivity. It represents GM's vision of future urban transportation in which driving promises to be free from petroleum, free from emissions, free from congestion and free from accidents.

General Motors Company, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

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