Opel unveiled today in Frankfurt the RAK e, and released all the details of the new concept. Unfortunately, they forgot to release some new images of the RAK e. In case you're wondering about the origin of the concept's name, Adam Opel, the company's founder, raced the rocket-powered RAK 2 up to a top speed of 140 mph. This happened back in 1928, when it was considered to be blistering fast.
The Opel RAK e concept is a full electric vehicle, powered by a motor with a peak power output of 49PS and a 14PS of continuous power. The RAK e concept is juiced by a 5kWh battery which offers it a range of up to 60 miles. The performance figures of the Vauxhall (in United Kingdom) / Opel (the rest of Europe) RAK e are
not very impressive, but you have to consider the fact that it is a city car. It's top speed is rated at 75 mph and its 0 to 60 mph acceleration time at less than 13 seconds.
The Opel RAK e concept targets the younger customer, who's looking for an affordable urban EV vehicle, with zero emissions. It weighs 380 kg and has a 5.5 meter turning circle, which makes it very nimble through city traffic.
Opel built the RAK e around a steel spaceframe chassis, with made of conventional synthetic materials. It has a two seat cockpit, covered by a canopy. The RAK's front seat, steering column and armrests tilt forwards to offer easy access, which is controlled via a Smartphone. Opel used a few motorcycle spare parts for building their new concept. The RAK e features wheel-integrated front disc brakes and a rear swing-arm.
Currently, Opel has not plans of putting the RAK e concept into production, but who knows what the future might bring?
