There appears to be some sort of arms race going on with automakers these days with regards to futuristic urban cars. Audi and Volkswagen have already shown their models and now it's Opel->ke65's turn to have some fun.

The French automaker's concept is called the RAK e, which was derived from the rocket-powered RAK 2 that Adam Opel, the man who founded brand, raced back in 1928 at a then insane speed of 140 mph.

As far as the RAK e Concept is concerned, Opel built the city car with a steel space-frame chassis made from synthetic materials. The interior comes with a two-seater cockpit and covered with a canopy, similar to the Audi E-Tron Urban Concept. Opel even used a few spare parts from motorcycles in building the concept, which isn't all that surprising given that three-wheeled chassis' are pretty much motorbikes themselves. Inside, Opel designed the RAK e to feature with a front seat, steering column, and armrests that tilt forwards to provide easier access for both the driver and the passenger.

Powering this futuristic concept includes an electric motor that offers a peak output of 49 horsepower and a 5kWh battery that comes with a range of up to 60 miles. Needless to say, the powertrain isn't what you'd call overwhelming, especially considering that it's got a 0-60 mph time of 13 seconds and a top speed of 75 mph.

But power and speed isn't what the Rak e Concept is all about. Whereas other cars tout those things, the concept city car puts a premium on zero emissions and urban mobility. That's where the Rak e Concept has the bull by its proverbial horns.

2011 Opel RAK e Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Opel RAK e Concept
  • Engine/Motor: electric motor with battery
  • Horsepower: 49
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

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