GM Introduces Third-Generation Hydrogen Concept Car: the Sequel

9 January 2005

At NAIAS, GM displayed the Sequel, its latest hydrogen concept car. Following on the AUTOnomy and Hy-wire concept cars, the Sequel is about the size of a Cadillac SRX, travels up to 300 miles on its hydrogen supply, and accelerates to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds.

Current-generation fuel cell vehicles have a range of between 170 and 250 miles and cover 0-60 mph in between 12-16 seconds, depending upon whether a battery is used.

The technologies embodied in Sequel—fuel cells, drive-by-wire and wheel hub motors—have developed so fast that GM has been able to double the range and halve the 0-60 mph acceleration time, compared to current fuel cell vehicles in less than three years, according to Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development and planning.

Three years ago, our chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner, challenged us to completely rethink the automobile. The Autonomy and Hy-wire concepts were the outgrowth of that challenge—a revolution in how vehicles would be designed, built and used in the future. But, they were concepts. Today, with Sequel, the vision is real—not yet affordable, but doable.

—Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development and planning

The Sequel packages everything in an 11-inch skateboard chassis, building on what GM first showed with AUTOnomy and Hy-wire. The Sequel offers 42% better torque than its predecessor, and shorter braking distances.

More details as they come.