Bob Boniface, head of Volt desigin
Mostly we have been discussing the remarkable engineering that will propel the Chevy Volt. Alot of thought also goes into design.
It is interesting to note that the first hybrid cars strove to appear different, so much so that the Honda Insight is discontinued, and the original Prius modelling was later changed. Drivers, it is determined by automakers, want others to notice that they are driving fuel-efficient cars. In the present day, the unique but not radical appearance of the Prius has become synonymous with hybrid. Other models, that carry a hybrid badge only have not fared as well (Accord Hybrid). A new report about this discussion was published today in the Boston Globe.
GMs latest hybrids such as the VUE greenline comes in green with a large badge.
The Volt, is meant to be differnent. Not frumpy, but camaro-esque, and bold-grilled, with its unique glass dropped into the doors and windows up high.
There is talk about a secret new Toyota hybrid to appear at Frankfurt, and others are guessing about a new battery deal to be announced for Toyota next week.
In any event, the Frankfurt show will certainly be a source of some potent information, both with regards to engineering and design.
This entry was posted on Sunday, September 2nd, 2007 at 4:07 pm and is filed under Asthetics, Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Sep 14th, 2007 (10:44 am)I totally agree that the car has to have its own styling personality. While the Prius has more advanced technology than the Civic Hybrid, I would bet that most of its sales advantage comes from its stand alone styling. Even Honda has acknowledged this.
Keep in mind that a lot of the Prius styling is related directly to practical aerodynamics. I have read that it has the lowest Cd in the industry, something like 0.26.
Maximum fuel economy is the critically important key to bragging rights. Do not compromise the Cd in favor of styling. Form follows function. Get a better Cd than the Prius, whatever you do.
Sep 14th, 2007 (2:32 pm)I hope they keep the mockup’s hoodline on the production car.
Sep 14th, 2007 (3:26 pm)I don’t understand the current American trend of minimizing the apparent size of the passenger cabin. Don’t you want to be able to SEE while you’re driving? What is edgy or macho about driving a bar of soap?
Nissan and Acura make some fast-looking manly cars. Mazda makes hella sleek cars. The Volt looks like it was designed by some bozos on shrooms.
That said, I’m dying to own an electric car, and if the first one out of the gate is the Volt, then I guess I’ll have to buy it and hope that I don’t get into an accident while trying to look out the windshield.
Sep 19th, 2007 (9:03 am)How many people really think that owning a hybrid car will help the environment ? I mean look at all these hybrids here http://www.topgreencars.com/ would owning one really save a tree ?
Nov 30th, 2007 (4:57 pm)hello…
agree…
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Apr 9th, 2009 (2:44 pm)An interesting view of the automotive industry. Where do you see the future of the industry, will it ever recover or will there be major casulties?