14 DAY TRIAL // A new experimental vehicle saw daylight these days in Frankfurt, as Opel took the wraps off the RAK e concept at the IAA 2011. Aimed at changing the way we see urban driving, it comes with great 'production potential', the German automaker claims.
If the name of the concept sounds familiar, then you should know it takes after the RAK 2, Fritz von Opel’s revolutionary rocket-powered car from the 1920s.
The RAK e’s bodywork is reportedly made of fully recyclable synthetic material. Other highlights include a large cockpit canopy that offers all-around visibility.
The front seat, steering column and armrests automatically tip forward to enable easy-entry, while the remote control via smart phone enhances the optical effect of this action. In addition, the pedals and the steering wheel adjust to the size of the driver.
Inspired by the Ampera, the RAK e is capable of reaching a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h) and has a driving range of 60 miles (97 km). According to Opel, it can travel 100 kilometers (61 miles) for one euro ($1.36), while weighing a third of a modern small car. In fact, the RAK e tips the scales at 380kg (838lbs).
Other fun facts and figures about this zero-emission two-seater include the fact that the useable battery capacity of 5 kWh enables a range of 100 km (61 miles), which corresponds to fuel consumption of just 0.6 liters (0.16 gallons) of gasoline. Over an annual 10,000 km (6,214 miles) the RAK e’s energy consumption would be 525 kWh. According to Opel, this could be supplied by a five square-meter, 500-Watt solar panel mounted on the roof of the garage.
"We want to develop electric vehicles that everyone can afford,” said Karl-Friedrich Stracke, Opel CEO, at the world premiere in Frankfurt. “The RAK e experimental vehicle aims to deliver pricing that even younger customers can afford. The RAK e has cool looks and production-potential.”
Feel free to enjoy the image gallery below, provided by autoevolution:
