Outer space, endless expanses… Exploring these expanses has always been a dream of mankind – which is becoming more and more likely today with increasing space tourism. Exactly the right time to deal with the mobility needs for the extraterrestrial exploration tour. Opel is once again a pioneer in this new dimension and gives a first glimpse of the groundbreaking space mobility concept. The name: Opel Corsa Moon II. With the space Corsa, the brand with the lightning bolt will soon be the first mobility provider to enable relaxed tourism on the moon. True to the Opel credo of making innovations accessible to everyone – everywhere!
Efficient solar cell energy
The Mond-Stromer is based on the battery-electric bestseller Corsa-e. With the Corsa Moon I study from 1997, Opel gained important insights into moon design. Now the Opel research and development team has identified solar energy for the power supply of the new lunar car. With the Corsa Moon II, solar cells integrated into the vehicle supply the 500 kWh battery both efficiently and sustainably. In this way, the Corsa can cover up to 7,000 kilometers on a single battery charge according to the ULTP cycle (Universe-wide harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Procedure).
With the Corsa Moon I in 1997, Opel emphasized its efforts to set an example for future-oriented mobility in space as well.
Opel’s space ambitions began with the first Corsa Moon, which was presented in 1997 as a design concept based on the second Corsa generation. The now introduced Corsa Moon II (photo right) is a solar-powered vehicle designed to help boost space exploration.
The innovative space glider from Opel is the first vehicle in the entire universe to introduce the pioneering adaptive Intelli-Lux® laser light. The laser headlights shine with the highest intensity, react faster and more precisely than ever before and illuminate the lunar surface like a stadium. Small laser modules in each headlight generate adaptive beams of light that precisely illuminate the area several thousand meters in the direction of travel. The light intensity is ten thousand times stronger than with “earthly” LED technology.
Grip on extraterrestrial surface
Another key innovation in Opel’s concept for space tourism is the extra-strong vacuum tires. The Corsa Moon II’s fabric wheels offer exceptional traction on extraterrestrial surfaces. Thanks to a highly elastic and at the same time stable nickel-titanium connection, they are absolutely puncture-proof. Driving fun is also guaranteed by the Corsa Moon II’s raised chassis, so that there is always enough ground clearance on the rough lunar terrain.
Ready to explore the moon: Solar cells integrated into the vehicle charge the 500 kWh battery efficiently and sustainably. The Intelli-Lux® laser light ensures optimal vision, the nickel-titanium tires were specially developed for space travel.
“With our revolutionary Corsa Moon II, we are bringing sustainable mobility solutions to space.”
– Quentin Huber, Opel Head of Marketing –
In the interior, the future space explorers can expect the Pure Panel Space – a fully digital high-tech cockpit with a view of the essentials. It is tailored to the unique challenges of exploring the moon. The Corsa Moon II also interacts with geostationary satellites for comprehensive human and technological exploration of the planet. This also makes communication with other astronauts and moon travelers possible.
Advance into new territory
“With our revolutionary Opel Corsa Moon II, we are once again venturing into completely new territory and bringing sustainable mobility solutions into space. The goal of the Corsa Moon development project is to take a significant step closer to a long-term presence on the moon,” says Quentin Huber, Head of Marketing at Opel. In the more than 40-year success story of the Opel Corsa, far more than 14 million units of the best-selling small car have been built to date. Each model generation has further advanced the democratization of individual mobility.
April 2023
Photos: Opel