Here’s some interesting news out of the U.K. that could have applications here in the U.S. Opel’s new Corsa ecoFLEX model has record setting efficiency, getting 50.8 mpg U.S., making it the most economical production vehicle in the company’s history.
OK, so why is this important to us here in America? Because Opel is owned by General Motors, and GM, like all other U.S. auto companies, are facing increased CAFE fuel economy standards. And here’s a car, or at least a drivetrain, that GM already has on the shelves that gets over 50 MPG in a thoroughly modern package (air bags, ABS, and all that). What the Opel Corsa ecoFLEX shows is that you CAN have efficiency AND all the modern safety and convenience features that people expect.
And the Corsa ecoFLEX is easy on the wallet when you first buy the thing too.
In Britain, the Corsa ecoFLEX is available in two trim levels (humorously called Life and Club) with prices starting at $17,270 in U.S. money. The Corsa ecoFLEX also qualifies for the British governments ‘scrappage’ incentive, like the “cash for clunkers” deal which is being proposed for the USA, which means you get another £2,000 discount.
So, it might not be a Corvette, but here’s a car that GM has sitting in its quiver, and already rolling in the streets of England and Europe. It would seem like this would be an easy enough car to get federalized and get on the streets & highways of America if GM wanted to.
Source: CarScoop
Photo from FLickr user gmeurope
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