Opel, known for its innovative approach to automotive design, has recently made waves in the industry with the launch of the Rocks e-XTREME, an electric vehicle that combines cutting-edge technology with a “wow factor.” This extraordinary concept, originally conceived by Lukas Wenzhöfer, emerged as the winner of the #OpelDesignHack challenge, where Opel invited its community to design a unique electric vehicle. True to their promise, Opel transformed Wenzhöfer’s vision into reality, building the Rocks e-XTREME as a one-off masterpiece.
Rebecca Reinermann, Vice President of Marketing at Opel/Vauxhall, expressed excitement about the #OpelDesignHack, stating, “We have taken a new path of interaction and communication with this initiative. Opel has opened the usually closed doors of the industry and allowed the Opel community to participate in the creation of a concept car actively. The result is the Rocks e-XTREME, a unique and incredibly cool version of our Rocks Electric. It originated from a design challenge and was closely accompanied by ‘Making-of’ insights for everyone to enjoy. It has been a very successful collaboration.”
The Opel Rocks-e production version already stands out in the realm of innovative mobility, with its unconventional design and the promise of locally emissions-free driving for two people aged 15 and above. Lukas Wenzhöfer took these impressive features and pushed them to the “extreme” with his design. He aimed to transform the agile, all-electric quadricycle into an all-terrain fun vehicle that would truly wow its users. Wenzhöfer explained, “The off-road capability promotes the feeling of freedom, allowing users to reach any destination. Additionally, the increased sportiness promises extra driving fun, demonstrating that electromobility is more than just a practical solution.”
Realizing Wenzhöfer’s vision was a challenging task that Opel’s engineers eagerly undertook over the past few months. They aimed to remain as faithful as possible to the original 3D model when building the one-off vehicle. Key design elements included protruding wheels, which provided a wide and secure stance, as well as double wishbones at the front and a vibrant yellow roll-over hoop. The Opel Vizor, Opel’s distinctive front grille, was reimagined and equipped with LED lights, with the Opel logo highlighted in turquoise. To keep the vehicle lightweight while supporting the electric motor’s performance, the vizor and mudguards were produced using 3D printing technology.
An undeniable highlight of the Rocks e-XTREME is the prominent rear wing made of carbon fiber. This wing, originally from the Vectra GTS V8, now proudly bears the emblem “e-XTREME” and the serial number “001.”
The production process for the Rocks e-XTREME mirrored that of a concept car, requiring meticulous attention to detail. The Opel concept workshop worked tirelessly, step by step, to bring the design to life, and the results are nothing short of impressive.
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