New Interview with Chevy Volt Chief Engineer Nick Zielinksi: Part II

17 Responses to “New Interview with Chevy Volt Chief Engineer Nick Zielinksi: Part II”

1. 
   
   MC Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 12:34 am

   It’s great to hear the confidence level still at 90% “or higher”. I’m really feeling they’re past the point of concept and really committed to production. Exciting times, my friends. Thanks again, Lyle!

2. 
   
   James Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 12:39 am

   Lyle,

   Excellent interview!! It sounds like they may have the battery packs from A123 and LG. I am also glad to hear they are progressing according to their plan. It was nice to hear Nick confirm their commitment to building the car. I believe he said the likelihood of them producing the car is significantly higher than 90%. Nice job.

3. 
   
   Scott Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 12:39 am

   Video and audio are MUCH better quality than in part 1, so for all the cry babies out there, check it out. Thanks, Lyle.

4. 
   
   Jim I Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 7:01 am

   Great Information!

   I just keep getting more and more excited.

   It will be interesting to see the final vehicle configuration, external styling, internal design and options, and performance.

   When the 2010 date is used, do they mean sometime in 2010, or when the 2010 models are usually rolled out in the third quarter of 2009?

5. 
   
   O.Jeff Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 7:26 am

   I am curious how many of the parts for the Volt require “special” development and engineering versus another car development program.

   For example, are the steering system, suspension system, doors, locks, climate control system, exterior lighting … all “off the shelf” parts? Does GM have a standard electrically-driven steering system and climate control system?

   Who is producing the motor and drive train components? (We heard Tesla say recently that their transmission is holding up their production.) Is a new gasoline engine being developed or is one already available?

   There seems like a decent amount of battery control, motor control, issues to engineer. Is some of this work common with GM’s other hybrid programs? Same concepts, same proven engineering teams?

6. 
   
   kent beuchert Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 7:41 am

   News flash: this morning the Detroit Free press has an article quoting Bob Lutz on the VOLT : LG batteries were delivered for
   testing Tuesday, sans cooling system. A123 battery pack will be delivered for testing in December. Lutz looking for 100,000 units first year for VOLT “and go upwards from that.” Seems VERY confident 2010 launch will come to pass.
   Link :

   http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071031/BUSINESS01/710310370

7. 
   
   Vince Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 7:43 am

   I’ve got my fingers crossed for 2010, my Honda will be ready for some trade in action by that time. As soon as the Volt is offered at the dealership I’ll be there with my checkbook! Go GM!

8. 
   
   Rashiid Amul Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 8:23 am

   Kent, thanks for the heads-up on the Detroit Free Press article. What a shame that the Volt is not going to look like the concept. I just hope that GM is not going back to their old ways of building cars that no one wants to buy. That would really be a stupid move.

9. 
   
   Steven B Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 10:41 am

   Personally I wouldn’t mind if the Volt just looks like an updated and more aerodynamic Cobalt, which is what it kind of is anyway. The Volt doesn’t necessarily have to look like a smaller E-flex Camaro, as long as it looks better than a Prius and does all it’s advertised to, I love to own it.

10. 
    
    ug Says:
    October 31st, 2007 at 3:09 pm

    “I just hope that GM is not going back to their old ways of building cars that no one wants to buy.”

    People are going to buy this because gas is probably going to double or more in price by 2010 and everyone will be more concerned with practicality than looks.

11. 
    
    Rashiid Amul Says:
    October 31st, 2007 at 5:01 pm

    Well, I just bought gas today for my Elantra. I paid $3.03 per gallon. While pumping, I was thinking of the Volt. I am looking forward to the day when I can just drive right by the gas station. One more point. I have oil heat as most people do in the New England. I filled up today at $2.70 per gallon. When I moved into my house 4 years ago, I paid $1.05 per gallon for heating oil. It has become really insane.

12. 
    
    noel park Says:
    October 31st, 2007 at 5:20 pm

    ug, #10:

    Exactly. God forbid that it should double by 2010, but it will soon enough. Even $4.00 or $4.40 will drive this.

    Anyone who is not ready with this type of product when the market shifts to reflect these new realities will perish.

13. 
    
    Charlie Says:
    November 1st, 2007 at 12:34 pm

    “When I moved into my house 4 years ago, I paid $1.05 per gallon for heating oil. It has become really insane.”

    No. It is not insane. It’s sane. The prices we’ve been paying up to now are the ones that are insane. Finally, we’re beginning to pay for the ecosystem services we’ve cut ourselves off from. It’s about goddamned time.

14. 
    
    D.J. Says:
    November 1st, 2007 at 8:11 pm

    Wow, where did the 40+ posts go??????? Very fishy.

    Anywho, I have an underhood picture of the Chevy Volt.

    http://hal10000.deviantart.com/art/Fake-Volt-68638340

15. 
    
    Lyle Says:
    November 1st, 2007 at 8:19 pm

    DJ
    You probably are referring to the 50+ posts from the part I of the interview, no comments are removed here:
    http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/10/28/new-interview-with-chevy-volt-chief-engineer-nick-zielinksi-part-i/

    Also, we talked long ago about the laundry detergent bucket under the hood of the concept car:
    http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/03/22/whats-under-the-volts-hood/
    The concept car is just a shell with a golf cart motor under the hood, it is not a true E-Flex vehicle as that doesn’t exist yet. Your picture appeared long ago on Tesla’s website:
    http://sirymarketing.blogspot.com/2007/03/more-on-volt.html

16. 
    
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    November 2nd, 2007 at 9:51 am

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