CONCEPT: 2008 Chevrolet Sequel Fuel Cell

[Flybrian]

PRESS RELEASE:

GM @ LAIAS

CHEVROLET SEQUEL IS A BETTER, CLEANER, PETROLEUM-FREE SOLUTION

LOS ANGELES – The first driveable version of the world’s most technologically advanced automobile ever built, the Chevy Sequel, is being featured at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show. Sequel is 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.”

[NOS2006]

Wait.. it's going into production?

[pow]

Nice... though what I'm really excited about is their upcoming plug-in hybrid, which is even greener given current hydrogen production possibilities.

Edited November 28, 2006 by empowah

[Cadillacfan]

Wait.. it's going into production?

221097[/snapback]

Hell no. Not until the price for developing the technology becomes cheap enough to mass produce and not until a suitable infrastructure is set into place to allow these vehicles to refuel. That will take about a decade or so to set in place at the current rate.

Empowah is on the money with the plug-in hybrids and it appears that GM has realised it in the process of developing it's Hydrogen fuel cell program. We'll have to wait a little while before we see hydrogen fuel cells become commonplace.

The plug-in hybrid tech will provide a boost in GM's environmental image and could give them enough revenue to push the fuel-cell program along even faster.

[griff7774]

i know this is a little off subject, but could we see the sequel styling cues and name on a chevy lambda if they decide to replace their dead minivan plans with a crossover?

[aaaantoine]

This is by far my favorite project coming out of GM, and I would like to see more news about it in the near future.

I know they have distributed some models for testing. Some has gone to the military, and others have gone to regular people like you and me.

The 300 mile range is excellent. And the gasoline companies would be smart to invest in hydrogen facilities of their own. Not only would it bring this technology forward more quickly, but it would also allow them to survive once gasoline is off the map.

[Sixty8panther]

This makes sense in the 21st century. The Prius is just lame.

[Satty]

Nobody is bitching about the taillights that stick out in the same way an FJ Cruiser's do?

[cletus8269]

sticking out that far they'll get broken off in a month and then you wont have to worry about them anymore.

this has the prius beat... it can talk to cars! take that toyota!

[aaaantoine]

Nobody is bitching about the taillights that stick out in the same way an FJ Cruiser's do?

221561[/snapback]

Well, the whole design is pretty weird.

But it does lead me to ask... What's in the "engine compartment" if all the mechanical bits are in the skateboard chassis?

[Bajaman]

A lil off the subject again, but what I find MOST interesting are the Ford Mustang/F-150 air vents. Whats up w/ this??

[AM6_Cutlass]

Love that interior... actually it reminds me of a cleaner more futuristic version of the interior in my Impala..

[Robert Hall]

A lil off the subject again, but what I find MOST interesting are the Ford Mustang/F-150 air vents. Whats up w/ this??

221826[/snapback]

Interesting..similar style. I like the tan & poo brown interior colors..