It has been a whirlwind day through the Volt battery lab, wind tunnel, VR studio, and design studio. Lots of information to get out there. Considering I was in the accompaniment of 80 other journalists, expect a flurry of articles from many sources.
The first new thing I wanted to share was what we were told about how the Chevy Volt will start. First of all, the design freeze has essentially been reached. the exploration phase is over and only minimal changes could take place from now on. I saw a large photo of the finalized interior, and it is beautiful. Lines will sweep out from the center display, and will give a spacious and comfortable experience. It is futuristic, high-tech, and speaks eloquently to the electrical nature of the car.
To that end the car will start uniquely. There will be no key or ignition!
You will have a fob, and the car will recognize you as you approach, it will give forth visual and audio signals, "come to life" as designer Tim Creig says.
Once inside you will push a start button on the enter console, which will depress. To begin driving, there will be a paddle-type shifter in the console. One squeezes the lever and engages the drivetrain.
The interior will feature ambient lighting, and use a bounty of recycled and recyclable materials, and conceivably biofabric seat covers.
The center display I saw showed options for radio, back-up camera, navigation, and internet access. The seats will be wider apart then the conventional delta compact platform to accommodate the battery pack running down the center of the car from front to back.
Overall a very pleasing and exciting interior. Sorry, but they would’nt allow us to take in any cameras.
This entry was posted on Thursday, April 3rd, 2008 at 3:11 pm and is filed under Design, Interior. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (3:20 pm)Sounds great, Lyle. I hope you’re having fun!!
I look forward to hearing more, but get some rest, and take your time posting all the new information. With the design freeze, not much else will change now, so we’ve got plenty of time to discuss everything that you have learned.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (3:24 pm)Good for you. Thanks a lot.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (3:30 pm)Glad we’ve ‘essentially’ reached the design freeze, not quite sure what that means, as we know virtually nothing about the interior or exterior of the car to hold them to it. I kinda thought we had a discussion saying it was already frozen a couple weeks ago to tell you the truth.
As always, ‘this thread is useless without pics’ hehe.
Get your camera phone out or something Lyle! We are circling the building as you type with our torches!
Apr 3rd, 2008 (3:31 pm)All I can say is EXCELLENT!!! It can not get here soon enough.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (3:35 pm)Looks like they are going to go with those paddle shifters. I was really hoping they would just leave well enough alone. I’d like to know if that picture is it or from the concept ??
Apr 3rd, 2008 (3:41 pm)#5
Definitely the concept.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (3:46 pm)Yup, didn’t look at the giveaway dash.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (3:59 pm)Lyle
Thanks for all the effort you have put into this project.
Take Care
Arch
Apr 3rd, 2008 (4:01 pm)This is awesome, Lyle. I don’t mind the paddle shifters and actually I’m looking forward to different designs in this car. Cars are about the experience and for good or bad something different makes the car that much more interesting. Of course there are limits http://www.aptera.com
Apr 3rd, 2008 (4:16 pm)This is really great, Lyle! I’m assuming that there is a publication ban on photos for now … do you know when we (your blog readers) will be able to “see” the interior or exterior?
I really like the ambient lighting, and recyclable materials concept …
Apr 3rd, 2008 (4:22 pm)Few Questions.
1. Can we change the batter after few years of use, if the new battery pack has better performance, does the car perform better? We can do this to computers today, and computer BIOS(i.e the software which hooks up battery to laptop) recognizes the new battery and takes advantage of the enhanced capacity. This will be good to know, as I have a feeling the battery technology will grow exponentially going forward.
2. What is next, is there a Volt 2.0? Can we get the next Volt in 4 Wheel drive, Unlike Prius, the Volt has only motors running the wheels, so they can just add another two motors and make it 4 wheels drive. This in near impossible to do in a Prius.
3. If we have to write up a Moors law for the battery technology, what will it be. How long does it take for the battery capacity to double for the same cubic space and for the same amount of $.
Anyone wants to share your thoughts. Lyle?? Please read this Note
Apr 3rd, 2008 (4:25 pm)The concept car seems to have slits for windows. They look sleek from the outside. But, the slits must hamper visibility. I’ll bet the production car has bigger windows. Bigger windows may be uglier, but I’d rather be practical (i.e., safe).
For those of you who think the Prius is ugly, a low Cd is not ugly – you need to get your priorities straight (WADR).
Apr 3rd, 2008 (4:27 pm)The “start” sequence for the Volt sounds just about like the way the Prius works.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (4:29 pm)Lyle & GM:
From the description, this is still the car I want to drive!!!
I knew they would not build an electric Vega…………..
Thank you so much design team!
Now it is just a question of when we will be abole to get our hands on one?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Apr 3rd, 2008 (4:36 pm)CNN went on the tour
http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/03/autos/bc.na.fin.com.us.gm.volt/index.htm?eref=rss_topstories
Apr 3rd, 2008 (4:43 pm)I’m not trying to highjack this thread or anything, but I was just watching the local news here in Detroit and they actually had some wind tunnel footage of a 1/3 scale model of the final design for the volt!!!
It was covered up in tape so I couldn’t really see any details, but the basic shape of it is probably going to surprise some of you.
I’ll try and find a picture of it and post a link.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (5:00 pm)With regard to the startup sequence, I guess I’m old fashioned because I prefer a key that you stick in somewhere. I’d also prefer it if the car was built simply, so as not to be too expensive.
Then again, if you’re going to charge $30k+ in the first place, people will expect some gadgets. GM will probably need to do that if it wants to appeal to the lexus/prius-loving, fancy-technology-just-for-the-sake-of-it gadget lover crowd.
I sincerely hope a basic version is available.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (5:01 pm)#16, DetroitJoe wrote: I’m not trying to highjack this thread or anything, but I was just watching the local news here in Detroit and they actually had some wind tunnel footage of a 1/3 scale model of the final design for the volt!!!
If you can find a picture – please post it in the forum! I’d love to see the final design …
P.S. “David L” = “DLewis”
Apr 3rd, 2008 (5:01 pm)Detroit news usually posts its videos online, so we’ll see what turns up.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (5:13 pm)I’m hoping there’s a reason they’re delaying revealing the final design other than that it’s just plain ugly or shocking.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (5:15 pm)Great article from Motor Trend:
http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2008/112_0804_chevrolet_volt_update/
Of note, GM has been driving Malibu mules around for months using NiMH batteries to test all other systems, and the range extenders will be gasoline PZEV and E85 compatible ULEV engines.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (5:25 pm)#17 AES,
At first my wife didn’t like the fob instead of a key either. After a few months, she would not give it up.
It’s pretty cool walking up to your locked car with packages, and as you get close to the trunk, it automatically unlocks!
Apr 3rd, 2008 (5:53 pm)George K
How does the car know you have packages and unlock the trunk instead of the driver’s door….or does it unlock both?
Apr 3rd, 2008 (6:16 pm)Hey Lyle, Don’t forget to let the team know WE want you to drive in a mule at the end of April. Keep up the good work.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (6:24 pm)>> Can we get the next Volt in 4 Wheel drive, Unlike Prius, the Volt has only
>> motors running the wheels, so they can just add another two motors and
>> make it 4 wheels drive. This in near impossible to do in a Prius.
It’s important for Volt credibility to not spread incorrect information. So, I’m going to sound off when an error is sighted.
Prius is the same, it too “has only motors running to the wheels”. The large motor is the final propulsion component… which is how electric-only drive is made available. (The PSD seperates the engine further upstream.)
As for 4-wheel drive, it too can be done. All that’s needed is a wire feed to the back for an additional motor, just like Highlander & Estima & RX400h already offer.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (6:49 pm)Nice quote from the car connection web site: “So far, a Malibu equipped with a prototype Volt drivetrain is living up to the challenge. ‘On Day One, the vehicle started and it hasn’t been down since,’ boasts Micky Bly, who oversees battery and control systems on the Volt project.”
Apr 3rd, 2008 (6:57 pm)#12 ThomDbhomb:
I agree on both counts.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (7:10 pm)Excellent news. It sounds like their approach for ignition is largely similar to most new BMW’s.
Still hoping the cost comes in around $35k or less though!
Apr 3rd, 2008 (7:31 pm)Statik,
It’s gratifying to see you struggle more and more to find SOMETHING (anything) negative to say. Maybe you are just having an “off day” and can’t hit your normally extraordinary level of trash talk. Picking out a single word? Not to worry, you’ll be back up to speed tomorrow.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (7:32 pm)Am I the only one that thinks “Tron” when I see the interior design?
They seem to know how to appeal to geeky types like myself.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (7:39 pm)WRT to the possibility of “sport mode” with a chip upgrade:
Could there be a toggle in the cockpit? And maybe the ambient lighting changes color from blue-ish white to red to indicate the more aggressive driving mode?
Just thinking a few additional years ahead for you modder types out there.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (7:40 pm)4 seats or 5 ???
Apr 3rd, 2008 (7:50 pm)News is starting to flow. Some good pics here with both battery packs side-by-side.
http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2008/112_0804_chevrolet_volt_update/
Apr 3rd, 2008 (7:55 pm)What is an fob? I have been wondering for at least ten years why car companies didn’t move away from keys to a keypad code or something similiar. Ever loose your keys away from home???
What is going to keep this car from locking and unlocking and coming alive everytime I walk past it at home?
Apr 3rd, 2008 (8:01 pm)Well I tried to post a link to MotorTrend’s article on today’s visit but it hasn’t updated yet. It has a picture of both battery packs and also includes this statement – “Engineering development teams have been working two six-day shifts per week, at GM’s Milford Proving Ground to meet the Volt’s aggressive development schedule.”
Apr 3rd, 2008 (8:17 pm)Dang! I wish it had an armrest! I hate that GM cars seem to always lack them.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (8:39 pm)Sorry, but I just can’t seem to find a video or picture of the model in the wind tunnel.
The model didn’t appear to be as aggressive looking as the concept. It seems to have slightly smaller wheels, a shorter front end, and a very different rear (I didn’t get a really good look, but it gave a hatch back type impression).
Before you react keep in mind that this was a scale model covered in tape to obscure it. While it certainly isn’t as cool looking as the concept it should more than satisfy mostly everyone here.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (9:15 pm)Love the thinking car concept where it “comes alive” as it is approached with the fob. Just fob u less!! Can I get a matching electric lock for my house door? Yippeee, no keys!!
So if I keep the fob in my billfold and get car-jacked, when the thief yanks me out of the car and he drives off (without my wallet) will the car detect loss of fob signal and under software control either disable the car so it comes to a stop or hinder driving speed to 2 MPH so the cops can catch him? It would be nice if the car could get a respectable distance from me before going in to protect/theft protect mode so the disgruntled thief doesn’t come back to take out his frustration on me.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (9:40 pm)#22 Grizzly / omegaman66
“How does the car know you have packages, and unlock the trunk instead of the driver’s door….or does it unlock both?”.
Yes
I went into the garage just to make sure… Walking up to the car, nothing happens. But when you are next to the trunk, or doors, and put pressure on the handle, it unlocks the trunk and front doors.
The system runs off the 12V, so if you leave it parked for more than a few weeks at a time, the book recommends turning off the “smart fob” feature, and then you use a little key inside the fob to get in, if it’s locked.
Once you get used to it, you just ignore any issues, and walk up to the car and start to open the door, or trunk, without thinking.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (10:22 pm)George K,
Thanks, I had do idea it worked that way. Given all the glitzy stuff I’ve got definite concerns about the price. Earlier we were told by Frank Weber that a lot would be “carried forward”. It just isn’t looking that way.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (10:27 pm)#31 Brian M
The CNN story (see #15 above) said,
“The Volt will be a four-seat car. Not having a center seating position in the back will allow room for the car’s battery to run longitudinally down the center of the car while keeping the roof low for better aerodynamics, according to a GM press release.”
Apr 3rd, 2008 (10:29 pm)33 mmcc….
I tried 3 times hours ago to post that link to the new Motor Trend article – twice here & once on yesterday’s thread. NO JOY! Lyle’s new server or software must quarantine (or outright kill) posts with links in excess of a certain length?!?!?!?!
So here goes again….. For a look at an excellent photo of the two different batteries side-by-side on test dollies, google…..
“Motor Trend Chevy Volt Update”
….& click the response at or near the top. It’s a good article (with some minor errors), with the photo that mmcc & I both like showing one battery pack with a bright metallic-looking package & the other with a flat black package. Could the reason be thermal control?
Apr 3rd, 2008 (10:38 pm)#28 Tagamet
You seem like a nice person. Your message came across as trash talking Statik for trash talking. That’s like hitting your kids and saying hitting is not allowed.
I think, in this forum, constructive criticism is acceptable. Taunting – not so much.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (10:38 pm)Thanks nasaman,
I’ve had the same problem on this site. Let’s see if this will work:
http://tinyurl.com/2wxlpf
Apr 3rd, 2008 (10:40 pm)The seats far apart from each other will be very familiar to me from driving my Fieros that have the fuel tank in the center tunnel. It is the safest part of the car and very well protected in a collision.
I’m looking forward to seeing the final design too, but I’m assuming GM will reveal the design in some dramatic fashion…life half-time of the Superbowl.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (10:51 pm)42 Grizzly….
Congrats, Grizzly! http://tinyurl.com/2wxlpf takes you right to the photo (note that the article can be accessed from this photo as well.
To return the favor, note that the GM press release for this event is included at http://www.autobloggreen.com/
Apr 3rd, 2008 (11:08 pm)#42 Grizzly. Thanks for the link. Pics are great. For some reason I prefer the black battery pack.
#43 jscott1000. The battery pack is way to valuable to put it on the outsides, and have, the passengers in the middle!!!
Wonder if they could put brackets in the back for a baby booster seat between the two rear seats. Probably not quite wide enough for that.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (11:19 pm)I feel kind of like a kid that wants something really bad but can’t have it for 3 years. I am counting the days until I can finally buy a Volt. Keep up the good work GM.
Apr 3rd, 2008 (11:40 pm)NZDavid #44
It was nasaman’s find, not mine, site can be finicky. I prefer the silver one, because I know what’s in it
.
Can anyone imagine pulling into a Project Better Place pit and saying
“replace my 400lb battery please” ?
Apr 4th, 2008 (5:30 am)Thanks Grizzly, The tinyurl works, I’ll have to start using it.
#43 jscott1000
“life half-time of the Superbowl.” No! If they do that then the huddled masses will find out about this car and everyone will want one. It’ll be 2015 before they ship any to Idaho and then it will only be the Sun Valley/Ketchum area.
Apr 4th, 2008 (7:56 am)Good Morning Lyle,
Thank you for being our eyes and ears for this project. We are all
excited for GM to complete this auto and deliver it to the consumer.
Apr 4th, 2008 (7:57 am)Did GM say anything about battery design during the media tour? Do we know if the batteries are prismatic or cylindrical in final spec?
Apr 4th, 2008 (8:18 am)50 Wiz….
The cells in both battery designs are definitely prismatic in the final spec. One apparent change (I don’t remember it being in the initial specs) was that the packs will now be supplied in TWO halves, which will certainly make them easier to install/remove/replace.
Apr 4th, 2008 (9:02 am)Here’s a link to the video on you tube. Hope the link works, I’m not a wiz at html stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_8uF8QKfeI
Apr 4th, 2008 (10:18 am)Forgive me if this has been covered before, but along the lines of “how the Volt will start” …
If the car is plugged into the grid and I jump in and push the ‘start’ button, will a warning sound/light-up that says “Hey Dumb Sh!t!, I’m still plugged into the wall!”.
Just curious.
Apr 4th, 2008 (11:06 am)It sounds Perfect. Make mine to go asap.
Apr 4th, 2008 (11:07 am)Nasaman #53
“the packs will now be supplied in TWO halves, which will certainly make them easier to install/remove/replace”
Well, that is really big. On the Prius, if a cell goes bad, it can’t simply be replaced, as putting one brand new cell in an old battery throws off the voltages, and ends up burning that cell. So, the entire battery must be replaced.
Toyota has a very good reputation on replacing failed batteries, and as far as I know, no owner has had to pay for a failed battery (about $2000 today). This is very important. New people buying a Prius are VERY concerned about battery life, as that is a part of the car they aren’t familiar with. The same will be true of the Volt.
Apr 4th, 2008 (12:26 pm)I’ll take mine in silver or white. Next week ok? TED
Apr 4th, 2008 (12:55 pm)nasaman #53:
Where did you get the data about the packs being supplies in two halves? I have never seen that info presented anywhere.
Do you have a spy up in Detroit?????
Apr 4th, 2008 (2:55 pm)Someone mentioned the startup sequence is like the Prius and I agree. I hope GM didn’t copy that from Toyota. On the one hand good from them as it is a great feature when I get in my Prius but on the other hand couldn’t GM have been a bit more creative?
Apr 4th, 2008 (3:35 pm)58 Jim I….
A clear photograph of a snapshot Bob Lutz had at Volt Nation (at the top of the thread below) shows a broadside shot of the two battery halves, with the “T” section on the right & the other section at the left. Note the white wall behind/between the two sections….
http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/21/gm-has-ten-prototype-battery-packs-picture-of-a123cpi-pack/
Apr 4th, 2008 (3:47 pm)PS: Another very recent photo showing the separation between the two battery sections is at….
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080404/FREE/978770661/1024&template=zoom&Site=CW&Date=20080404&Category=FREE&ArtNo=978770661&Ref=AR&Profile=1024&CRED=
Apr 4th, 2008 (8:19 pm)#29 Tag
“Maybe you are just having an “off day” and can’t hit your normally extraordinary level of trash talk.”
Sorry tag, I don’t trash talk…I just tell it how it is. I want a Volt, but I just don’t put up with BS, I don’t accept peope’s statements at face value after they have abused my trust.
Again, I’m batting 1.000 still here on my ‘trash talk’….so it’s more like ‘tough talk’ or ‘reality talk’ GM needs people here to make them accountable.
I’ve said it before I will be the first one here to say, “My bad, I am completely in the wrong’ and will own up to my error, whenever anyone calls me on a ANYTHING I have gotten wrong on ANY post on the Volt.
Peace…and I’ll see you tomorrow.
(=
Apr 4th, 2008 (10:49 pm)nasaman:
I don’t know….
The first picture link looks to me as though it is a single unit, with just the top cover removed. Take another look and let me know what you think.
The second link has the space where the tech with the white coat has his hand, but again, it appears that the base of the unit is one continuous unit.
I am not saaying you are wrong, but if they did it as two separate units, wouldn;t it introduce new points of failure for the electrical and liquid thermal reglation connections?
Apr 5th, 2008 (12:04 am)64 Jim I….
Re: battery photos ….you’re probably right! The deep notches or cutouts now shown in the batteries in both photos (links in my #61 & 62 above), although they look like two separate packs resting in a tray, have likely been added to allow clearance for the Volt’s cross beam needed to achieve a 5-star side impact rating. The electrical cables & cooling pipes are no doubt routed through this notch near the bottom of the interconnecting “tray” —thanks for clarifying this!
Apr 5th, 2008 (10:55 pm)Yea, I have smart entry on my Prius and love it. I think it is a technology that is going to become the new standard. Point is great, but GM is by no means breaking ground there. Of this whole list, I think the newest thing I see is internet access. Also, the combination of all the above is awesome. They should just slap all those features in every volt, to make it cheaper. I want all that crap, but in my Toyota Prius, it was quite a premium. I love the idea of the car talking to you, displays coming on, and “coming to life.” However, it would be great if all this happened without the start button, yet the start button could be required to start the drive-engagement sequence or wtv.
Apr 6th, 2008 (4:08 pm)Let us stop whining and move on.
I like the advances I hear about here.
Good work, Lyle!
No need to whine about things that do not need to be whined about. The car will be th8e car that it will be. All serious people get on board.
Apr 6th, 2008 (7:38 pm)What about the stupid looking steering wheel?
Don’t tell me they’re keeping it.
Apr 6th, 2008 (9:02 pm)Here’s another view:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2011_chevrolet_volt_car_news+view-photos.html)/12/(zoom)/0
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2011_chevrolet_volt_car_news+view-photos.html
Apr 17th, 2008 (10:58 pm)The 4 seat thing makes it pretty limited, but it is better than nothing. With 4 kids, it knocks me out of the running. 5 seats would have been much nicer, even a crappy 5th seat.