Vauxhall Flextreme

A CAR of the future has won one of the most important design awards for Vauxhall, hinting that the innovative concept will become a reality in some form eventually.

Vauxhall's Flextreme concept uses a combination of electric power and a diesel engine and has a body design like that of no other vehicle.

There are rear-hinged to enable easy access to the interior, a large transparent roof and twin tailgate doors that open from the side and swing upward.

The car uses the same electric vehicle technology system recently showcased in the Chevrolet Volt, which is also a GM concept car.

An electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, drives the Flextreme for up to 55km on electric-drive-only and a 1.3 turbo-diesel engine operates as a range extender and also drives an electric generator when the battery's energy has been exhausted.

The Flextreme has been awarded the international red dot design award in Singapore, which is acknowledged to be the most renowned design prize in the world and is awarded to the best design concept 'that has the power to improve our world in the future'.

The Flextreme was conceived at General Motors' European Design Centre and was first seen at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

It was created by a team led by GM's European design director Mark Adams, who style philosophy was first brought to market this year with the Vauxhall Insignia.

Last year's winner was another GM model, the Saab Aero X concept car.