2009 Geneva Auto Show Preview: Opel Ampera

General Motors' Opel subsidiary will unveil the Ampera, its version of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.

2011 Opel Ampera Geneva teaser 2009

It sits on the same Delta 2 global compact architecture. The production version of the Ampera is due in late 2010 or early 2011 and is expected be marketed in Europe under the Opel and Vauxhall brands.

2011 Opel Ampera Geneva teaser 2009

The Ampera is a 5-door, 4-seat hatch powered by GM's Voltec plug-in hybrid system and is said to have a range of 60 km running solely on the lithium-ion battery. An internal combustion engine acts as a generator to re-charge the batteries which GM/Opel claims will give the car an impressive extended range of 500 km. The Ampera's battery can be re-charged through any 230 volt electrical outlet.

2011 Opel Ampera Geneva teaser 2009

While body panels appear to be similar between the Volt and the Ampera, the Opel features a unique front fascia with styling cues derived from the new Insignia.