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View Full Version : GM Reinvents The Automobile.


xcel
09-11-2006, 04:13 PM
Chevrolet Sequel is a better, cleaner, petroleum-free solution. (http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=74&docid=28536)

GM - Sept. 11, 2006

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Chevrolet_Sequel_Concept.jpg
Future Chevrolet Sequel Concept FCV

SAN DIEGO - General Motors today announced a driveable version of the most technologically advanced automobile ever built – the Chevrolet Sequel, GM’s solution to provide the world with a cleaner, petroleum-free vehicle that is better in nearly every way.

“General Motors is proving that advanced technology can remove the automobile from the environmental debate and reduce our dependence on petroleum," said Larry Burns, GM vice president, research & development and strategic planning. “Chevy Sequel clearly shows that our vision for the future of the automobile is real and sustainable.”

Sequel was introduced in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is the first vehicle in the world to successfully integrate a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system with a broad menu of advanced technologies such as steer-and brake-by-wire controls, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries and a lightweight aluminum structure. It uses clean, renewable hydrogen as a fuel and emits only water vapor.

“Sequel fundamentally changes the DNA of today’s automobiles … exchanging an internal combustion engine, petroleum and mechanical systems for fuel cell propulsion, hydrogen and electrical systems,” Burns said. “In Sequel, GM has created a real vehicle that promises to excite customers and lead to long-term, sustainable automotive transportation.”

Compared to other fuel cell vehicles, Sequel has an unprecedented range of 300 miles between fill-ups and spirited acceleration, attaining 60 mph in just 10 seconds. Sequel also has all the amenities one would expect in a premium, five-passenger crossover SUV, including impressive styling, a spacious interior and an all-aluminum body and structure designed to meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. It has a low-profile, skateboard-like chassis that houses all of its main propulsion, braking and chassis components.

“Sequel is a vehicle that is better in nearly every way – quicker, more sure-footed, easier to handle, easier to build and better looking, while being safe and emitting only water vapor,” said Burns.

Other benefits include:

Unequaled control on snow and ice, or uneven terrain.
70-percent more torque for unparalleled acceleration.
Shorter braking distances.
Ability to “talk” to other vehicles about traffic congestion or road conditions.
“Four years ago, our chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner, challenged us to completely rethink the automobile,” Burns said. “With the Chevy Sequel, we have now met Rick’s challenge by reinventing the automobile and making it real. We’ve proven a new DNA for vehicles that is viable for the future.”

AshenGrey
09-11-2006, 04:42 PM
Since this is a GM concept car, I place it firmly in the back drawer of the "I'll believe it when I see it" filing cabinet. GM's great at spending a billion dollars to produce one single unit of a concept car. I noticed that the blurb didn't mention the price of this little beauty. It probably costs over a million dollars to manufacture.

xcel
09-11-2006, 05:07 PM
Hi AshenGrey:

___Not only the $500,000 - $1,000,000 per copy FCV’s but I have yet to find what it actually costs in terms of a fill up to drive those 300 miles either? I know a Li-Ion powered EV with a 50 kWh pack could do about the same and I know that huge pack although not cheap has been built and is fast as nobody could practically anything one could afford anyway. T-Zero/Tesla vehicles I am speaking of …

___I have seen this concept as well as GM’s FCV pronouncements over the last 5 + years. I would say you are probably correct in that there is no way even with mass-production that this thing will be come anywhere near meeting the price the average consumer could possibly afford other then a one or two-off as a lease to someone lucky enough to have n H2 refueling station nearby and would be willing to take the chance on one. At least for the foreseeable future anyway? I keep thinking back to last years Honda’s FCV lease to the family in CA. I wonder how that is going seeing that automobile was smaller then a Fit/City and the practical results of the trial/lease have yet to be seen anywhere that I know of?

___Good Luck

___Wayne

AshenGrey
09-11-2006, 05:33 PM
I remember reading somewhere about a Ford Focus FCV -- and it literally cost a million dollars to manufacture. Ford could make a Focus hybrid and sell it for about $20k, or make a completely electrical Focus for $35k. Why even bother with the fuel cell fraud?



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