GM still shows that they are innovative!

[TLS2000]

http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/04/gene ... bike-rack/

If you've been yearning for a long weekend on the campgrounds, and you've already made arrangements for a svelte hotel / tent hybrid to reside in, the only thing missing (besides the obligatory USB-powered lantern) is your bicycle. General Motors has developed a sleeker, more elegant method to hauling around your bike of choice than those awkward third-party apparatuses; its Flex-Fit system consists of an integrated bike rack that covertly hides within the rear bumper of your automobile, and at the presumed press of a button, the system pulls a stunt akin to those found in highly touted spy films. By sliding out from beneath the vehicle in order to holster the bike and expose a secondary license plate (in case the boys in blue need to check up on you), it removes the hassle of affixing a rack onto your ride, only to worry over its stability the entire trip. Once the bicycle has been removed, the mechanism slides conveniently back into the vehicle, leaving no trace of the SUV's carrying abilities. The system is only available on the (European) Opel Antara at the moment, and while we aren't sure if the Flex-Fit will ever find its way on to vehicles destined for America, having a bike onboard could be an excellent backup should you run out of fuel (or money to afford it).

Click the link for pics!

[GTPGuy82]

I know that'll make me wanna go out and buy a GM vehicle right away ....That's just another thing that can break.

[Toyz]

Thats pretty neat!

[TLS2000]

I know that'll make me wanna go out and buy a GM vehicle right away ....That's just another thing that can break.

Like power windows and power seats?

[jnak]

That's pretty neat. Too bad I don't own a bicycle.

[GTPGuy82]

I know that'll make me wanna go out and buy a GM vehicle right away ....That's just another thing that can break.

Like power windows and power seats?

yes, but people are more picky about power windows and seats. This is something you don't really need. So I guess if it breaks you wouldn't really need to fix it anyway if you don't use it.

[Tin_Indian_G6]

I think it's very cool, but I really don't understand where that came from. I mean it must have taken a LOT of engineering to make that work. To me it't the kind of thing that should be on prototypes at auto shows, but seems pretty extravagant for a production vehicle.

[TLS2000]

I know that'll make me wanna go out and buy a GM vehicle right away ....That's just another thing that can break.

Like power windows and power seats?

yes, but people are more picky about power windows and seats. This is something you don't really need. So I guess if it breaks you wouldn't really need to fix it anyway if you don't use it.

I understand what you're saying, but Power Windows, locks and seats were once considered to be luxury / not needed / something to else to fix if they broke.

I'd have prefered a trailer hitch that can hide itself or something, but I still think this is cool. I know that I hate to put my bike rack on my car (and in fact have not with this car).

[GTPGuy82]

I see how it can benefit people...I guess what I'm trying to get at is GM should be worrying about other things than bike racks.

[TLS2000]

Again, I see your point.

The thing is, things like this are what cause people to start talking about their cars. GM was the king of the automotive world because their cars had the BEST stuff in them. They're starting to think that way again, which is a great thing.

[GTPGuy82]

I hope so.

[beitodesstrafe]

huh... well ain't that something... I guess

[jonnycat]

My bike never gets carried on a car, it stays in the basement where it belongs

[blkGTPcoupe]

i'd mount a 50 cal on that thing

[Tin_Indian_G6]

Again, I see your point.

The thing is, things like this are what cause people to start talking about their cars. GM was the king of the automotive world because their cars had the BEST stuff in them. They're starting to think that way again, which is a great thing.

THAT is a valid point too, Tom. Cool stuff, even if it's not extremely practical, does sell.