We tried everything! The Opel Rocks e-Xtreme (prototype)

Opel lets loose by beefing up its Rocks, cousin of the Citroën Ami!

PHOTOS: A. SAUNIER

Dince the end of 2021, Opel has been selling the Rocks (in Germany only). It is a clone of the Ami, the two-seater electric quadricycle from Citroën, accessible from 14 years old (15 years old across the Rhine), without a B license. Born from a competition launched among design students, the Rocks e-Xtreme is a radical version of the small cube, mixing the worlds of buggy and car competition. With its roll bar in the same yellow as the bodywork, its huge spoiler (borrowed from the Opel Vectra GTS V8 from the 2003 DTM championship) and its large studded tires, the chip is impressive. And the technology is not left out since the wheelbase has been lengthened and the front and rear tracks widened excessively (the little Opel is thus 2.10 m wide!). In terms of damping, there is a double wishbone at the front as well as adjustable and long-travel suspensions at all four corners.

A unique example (hence the “001” on the wing), but a successful concept, the Rocks e-Xtreme only offers limited pleasure on asphalt. Using the same mechanical assembly as the standard Rocks (8 hp electric motor and 5.5 kWh battery), the Opel displays modest performance. Especially since with all its hardware, it gained more than 200 kg. In addition, the large tires and the new running gear reduce handling and degrade comfort. Not very comfortable on asphalt, the Rocks e-Xtreme was obviously designed for off-road use. There remains a look apart, terribly cute.