We guess the euro boys n' girls are big fans of biking. All we know is we can rarely get our asses out from behind the laptop long enough to even ride a bike, much less require a rack to carry them. Nonetheless, we're sure there's a decent sized chunk of the population — both in Euro-land and here in the good old US of A — that'd love what Opel's cooked up. It's called the "Flex-Fix" and it's coming as an add-on for the '07 Opel Antara and Corsa. It's a rear-end hatch popping open and pulling out a two-bike carrier out of the bumper without the need of tools. And speaking of tools, the Antara's expected to replace the tool-mobile that is the current Saturn Vue. No word if we'll get this little tech-goodie over here, but if Saturn knows what's good for them, they'll drop it into some accessory package. Maybe they can call it the "trail mix" option pack. Full press release below the jump and gallery located via the link.
[Opel Antara Flex-Fix Gallery]
Always Ready: "Flex-Fix" Also in New Opel Antara
# Integrated carrier system already successfully debuted in new Corsa
# Practical innovation available for 4WD crossover as of early 2007
R sselsheim. Following the successful world premiere of the integrated rear carrier system "Flex-Fix" in the new Corsa, Opel will offer this innovative, exclusive extra with the new Antara as of early 2007. The four-wheel drive crossover Antara is currently debuting at the Paris Motor Show and will be available at Opel dealerships in a few weeks.Having already established the interior flexibility benchmark with the Zafira's patented "Flex7" seating system, Opel now sets new standards in exterior on-board flexibility with the practical Flex-Fix system. It can carry up to two bicycles and be easily pulled out like a drawer from the rear bumper, so no tools are needed at all. Two major benefits compared to conventional bicycle carriers are the more convenient loading, as bicycles do not need to be lifted as high, and the fact that Flex-Fix is always available, because it is an integral part of the car.
Quick and spontaneous
Owners of SUVs and crossovers like the Antara are often active people who want to transport bicycles, just like the Corsa's young target group. This is where the spontaneity and versatility of Opel's Flex-Fix perfectly matches the needs of these customers. It is capable of transporting loads of 40 kilograms and is suitable for standard bicycle tire sizes of 18 28 inches.
In the Trixx concept car at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, Opel first presented the idea of increasing car cargo capacity with a permanently integrated carrier system that disappears into the body when not in use.
But there was still much work to be done before it could be used in a production car; all important car design specifications, such as crash safety, had to be met without compromise, and the system had to be quick and easy to use, requiring no prior technical knowledge.
Tough tests before use in production cars
As the Flex-Fix system is an integral part of the vehicle, it must conform to Opel's strict requirement that it last the car's lifetime. The steel parts are therefore not only galvanized, but are also primed via cataphoresis and protected by a resilient topcoat to withstand years of abuse from grit and road salt.
Related:
Parkour Your Fanny Right Here: GM Presents The New Opel Antara [internal]