Production Volt Exterior Design and Appearance: When Will We See it All?
One of the top questions people ask is, "When will the final production Volt design be shown?"
I just toured GM’s Chevy Volt E-Flex Design studio. First let me be clear, GM is not showing anyone what the final production vehicle fully looks like yet.
I also spent considerable time talking to Bob Boniface, the director of Chevy Volt/ E-Flex design. I questioned him about the timing of appearance releases.
He explained to me that final car designs generally make their public appearance roughly two years before the car reaches production. He noted as an example that the Camaro design was actually revealed in December 2005, and will hit showrooms this fall. That’s a nearly 3 year interval which he felt was a too long. Bob says, "You want to time it so that the public and the media maintain their interest in the car, but you don’t want to show it too early because you don’t want to tip your hand to the competition."
Noting that the Volt is slated for production in 2 years and 7 months, he said "if you do the math, expect to see the car sooner rather than later"
He also said GM normally ties design releases to large public events. Some upcoming events to might be the media mule drives slated for July, or GM’s centennial celebration in the fall.
For those who have raised the concern here, Bob said "it can’t be a Cobalt with a battery..over my dead body."
About the design freeze, he said at this moment, "We’re tweaking some areas trying to get some last counts of drag out of it"…"we don’t have to start shipping data for feasibility just yet, so we’re going to keep working on it until the last minute, but if I showed you the car tomorrow, that’s what its going to look like."
In the design center Bob demonstrated the new front quarter panel, which we’ve seen before, but he also revealed a rear quarter panel. The rear has a harder edge than the show car.
What can be summarized about the production design compared to the show car is the following:
-it will look unmistakably like the Volt
-overall proportions have changed
-front end is much more rounded
-roof height has gone up
-low rear overhang stays
-dropped belt line is still there
-length is identical
-very sporty and athletic
-has a nice stance and rake
Bob said this about body color, "the car will be available in a lot of colors. Our color and trim studio has done lots of research on color and trim style. We have a board that shows a bunch of side views of the production car in different colors. In black it is wonderful. "
Regarding the show car’s transparent roof, "I wont comment on the appearance of the roof right now, there are still content decisions that have not yet been made."
I studied in person the 1/3 camouflage model seen in the picture above and I can say the theme is clearly futuristic and the car will make an electric statement and look like nothing else on the road.
Enjoy the high-def video below to see that same scene. And if you get a chance, check out my live interview Monday April 7th at 12:30 PM on the Fox Business News Network.
Production Chevy Volt Design from Lyle Dennis on Vimeo .
Popularity: 7%
(19 votes, average: 4.21 out of 5) 
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April 6th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
One of the main concerns is the price. Can working middle class families afford this fantastic car?
April 6th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Too bad it won’t be a Cobalt with a battery. That might have made it affordable for me. Now I’m crossing my fingers for Toyota or Honda to come out with a nice serial hybrid.
April 6th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Lyle, LOL great soundtrack! It feels like I’m 12 again, which is a good thing.
Shawn, I’m with you bro, but we’ve beat that horse to death already. I stopped in at Saturn a couple of weeks ago asking about the 2009 model year 2-mode hybrid VUE for my wife (her Xterra is killing me, but I’m probably going to hold out for the plug-in version). The rep was very up-front. Pricing is decided when they get closer to release date, and is sensitive to what the competition is charging. He had no price info for the VUE 2-mode, which is due out in less than six months. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, but I would not waste any thought on it until at least Christmas.
April 6th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Superb video, Lyle! The front view is VERY interesting because it clearly shows the hood’s front edge is a clean, distinctive semi-circular shape. I’ll order mine in “Boniface Black” (is that like the Corporate Limo’s in NYC ….so-called “triple black”)?!?
If you haven’t already, I’d suggest putting it on You Tube to promote this site as well as, obviously, the Volt itself. Hardly anyone I mention the “Chevy Volt” to has even heard of it!
April 6th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
“GM’s centennial celebration in the fall.”
This would be my pick for release of such a ground breaking technology.
Great work Lyle. BTW have GM confirmed your drive in the mule yet?
April 6th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
On looking closely at it again, I like it more than the original.
April 6th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Tom #2,
If Honda/Toyota decide to make a Volt or something equivalent, why would you expect it to cost less than the Volt? Honda and Toyota vehicles tend to cost about the same as their GM equivalents.
April 6th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
PS: I’ll venture a WAG that the final design will incorporate two features shown on the Caddy Provoq concept earlier this year…..
1) Actuator-controlled louvers behind the grill to improve range; these would be partially or fully closed at higher road speeds (to the extent underhood temperatures allow)
2) Tough clear polycarbonate or acrylic discs located immediately each wheel’s inside rim a) primarily to reduce turbulence/drag, and b) to block brake dust build-up on the wheels
April 6th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
After hearing the ZENN Motor CEO announce to his shareholders
that his company and EESTor will begin converting existing gas powered cars into electrics as soon as the EESTor devices start coming off the assembly line THIS YEAR, I have to assume the VOLT people are making contingency plans, because if these devices are what they have been claimed to be, the VOLT immediately becomes obsolete and would need to be converted to a battery-only EV. That shouldn’t be very hard - mostly everything gets a whole lot simpler. I’m betting a friend that the EEStor devices will work as claimed and that the current Volt design will never go on sale. At least that’s my guess. Won’t have long to wait.
April 6th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
ZENN? you mean the golf cart with an ugly paper thin body that only goes 25 MPH? in what universe does that “make the VOLT obsolete”????????
Do Tell!
April 6th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Wow…I can’t wait, it is like being in the delivery room waiting for your baby to be born. It is that big to me. Wow!
April 6th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Zenn is supposedly going to produce an ultracapacitor-powered car that is capable of normal highway speeds in…2009 I think. I will believe it when I see it, but it’s a cool idea nonetheless. If it is produced, that means ultracapacitor technology is ready for the mainstream (at least mostly), and it could greatly benefit all similar vehicles like the Volt.
April 6th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
kent beuchert the volt will come online as is even if EEStore isn’t pulling a scam. I share your enthusiasm for the promise and have been waiting since they announced this a year or so ago. I read some very discouraging comments about their technology that was beyond my knowledge level. There was talk about the voltage they were claiming the numbers for would not convert to very good numbers at the 350 volt range etc etc. I sure hope they pull this off.
But back to the reason I think the volt will come out either way.
The volts design is superior to the prius. But most of the cars coming out in 2009 will be hybrids and serial hybrids even though the design is not as good. Why because it will take time to bring manufacturing online. So even though if all things pan out for EEStore and even though the Volts energy supply will already be obsolute it will still come to market and be upgraded in the future.
April 6th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
What someone says in their patent application and reality are commonly miles apart. as for “cars rolling off the asembly line this year”… the company states that their next milestone is “permittivity testing” with no date announced… and is adding delays. So far, its a great Stock Hype play, but absolutely no one has demonstrated anything viable. just chalk talks…
I for one am buying on the rumor and selling on the news.
it would be great if it worked… we could all run out and install 480 three phase AC power in our homes to charge the car in 5 min. at a cost of more that the cost of the car… but if by some chance it works, I for one would love to see a 50% improvement over LION bats. (Which is what EEstor claims to be).
April 6th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
You know what I am sick and tired of this whole game. GM is playing
with us. We want a fine car and they want to see how much we will pay. I helped design this car but I will not be part of this game.
Take Care
Arch
April 6th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I am glad it will not be an electric Colbalt! I like what I could make out of the interior for the prior posts.
I also think that the 100 year celebration planned for mid September would be a great time to show off the “final release” version of the Volt, and announce the change of status from pre-production to production status!!!!
April 6th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
“Noting that the Volt is slated for production in 2 years and 7 months…”
I thought it was going to be sooner.
April 6th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
>> The volts design is superior to the prius.
If you want to play that game, think about how many EV supporters are going to point out the unnecessary complexities of Volt.
The measure of superiority has been quantity, whether you like it or not. Low volume production makes for a great trophy, but it doesn’t sustain the business.
Accept that reality that non-hybrid vehicles are the competition. They grossly out-number the hybrids.
We need designs that will be purchased in very large numbers.
April 6th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I think that that 1/3 model from what I can see is more appealing than the concept.
EEStor: even if they pull it off, it still comes down to a lot of factors like price, availability, working voltage. Not all the of Volt’s cost is batteries. Let’s say that EEStor costs arbitrarily $3000 vs $10000 for LI battery. Well the Volt may cost $7000 more than what you could eventually buy a EEStor based equivalent car for. But what production volume will EEStor cars be in 2010/2011? I doubt they’ll be in Volt numbers. So you’ll have a choice pay for Volt in 2010/11 or wait and maybe get sometime cheaper later.
It is the same with solar power. There’s lots of cool stuff happening with solar power, e.g. Nanosolar. But did I wait for that?
April 6th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Arch #14:
Of course GM is playing with us. It is to be expected!
They talk about selling at a loss for a few years, but how is the accounting to be done? If they dump all the E-REV development costs into the Gen-1 Volt, they could sell it at $75K+ and still show it as a loss on paper. Accounting is like statistics. You can make the numbers say whatever you want.
Until we actually see a sticker price on he window of a Volt in a local Chevy dealership, ignore everything you read or hear about price…
But in the end, I think that GM will price the vehicle with levels of options that will make most of us ready to sign the 79 forms when you buy a new car!
Now initial availability is a whole different discussion that can keep us going for a few more months!!!!
April 6th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
As always, Lyle, THANKS.
I’ll TIVO you on FoxBIZ tomorrow.
Keep up the great work.
BTW, I have TWO Volt magnets on the back of my Jeep (lol)
God Bless
PS @Kent - I’ll take a large part of that bet.
April 6th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Here is my only problem with ZENN and EESTOR:
This is from the press release announcing the ZENN for 2009:
“ZENN chief executive Ian Clifford said EEStor’s storage technology is in “advanced stages of commercialization” and that commercial product will first be shipped to ZENN in 2008. Though the company said it has not yet tested the technology in a vehicle application yet. The company also plans new 2009 versions of its low-speed ZENN, including a four-passenger car and a utility vehicle.”
So if the technology is not really available for commercial use, and has not been tested for a vehicle application yet, how can they be ready to have them for sale next year???
I have no problem being an early adopter of new technologies, but I would like to see the results of some extensive testing first, don’t you think??
April 6th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
” -very sporty and athletic
-has a nice stance and rake
In black it is wonderful. ”
Hearing these descriptions makes me giddy as a school boy
April 7th, 2008 at 12:10 am
Kent # 9
I wouldn’t hold my breath. What makes you think that Eestor is going to give their “best” to tiny lil’ Zenn and not the General or Toyota? Do yo think it’s because they have a soft spot for an econo-box maker over potential billions of $$ in revenue?
Between the two (Zenn and Eestor) I see some major grandstanding bent on attracting attention and VC, nothing more.
Demonstrate the product ( which Eestor hasn’t done yet even for Lockheed Martin) or shut up.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:20 am
PaulR, #7:
I would expect Honda and Toyota serial hybrids to be cheaper because they seem to have more business sense than GM.
If the Volt is priced over $30k, that’s in direct competition with entry-level luxury vehicles. A BMW or Lexus is going to give you a better ride, better handling, faster acceleration, more comfort, higher-quality interior, AND they are status symbols, the importance of which should not be underestimated. The Volt will be a $35k CHEVY. To most consumers, who do not have the appreciation for engineering we do, the only advantages IT offers are smaller charges at the pump and some greenie points.
GM is pricing the Volt into a completely inappropriate market segment and seems too stupid to realize it.
Honda or Toyota would change the battery to 8 kWh before selling a car like this for over $30k. I know a 20-mile all-electric range is completely “unacceptable” to most people on this board… I guess they will be forced to buy plug-in Priuses which will have 7-mile all-electric ranges… unless you step on the accelerator more than halfway… or drive over 60 MPH…
April 7th, 2008 at 12:31 am
As far as an EEStor breakthrough is concerned -
I still believe that most Americans would have “range anxiety” with an battery-only vehicle (BEV), regardless of any foreseeable range. If some miracle of electricity storage appears, let’s use a small implementation of this new technology to reduce the incremental cost of an E-REV, while maintaining the security of unlimited range, given additional liquid fueling. Very few people want to commit to never using a car for traveling, and charging 8Kwh in 10 minutes means that each “pump” would require 48Kw, so a 24 pump “gas station” would require almost 1.2 megawatts. We are a very long way from being able to do this.
The whole concept of electrifying transportation is going to be a big challenge. For mainstream, non-urban-only vehicles, let’s do the first few decades in “compatability mode” - where even if I get lost or have to stay somewhere where I can’t plug in, I can still keep putting liquid fuel in my car and keep going. Otherwise the high levels of customer acceptance necessary to make huge reductions in oil consumption will be much more unlikely.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Tom #24
Yes of course. The first 10,000 Volts are going to be overpriced and just like all the luxurious SUVs GM is criticized for selling over the years they’re going to have to threaten people to buy these at gunpoint.
Seems to me there should be a lot more lawsuits against GM for their sales techniques…..don’t you?
You’re right, maybe GM should realize they’re not the company to bring this product to market and abort the project in hopes that Toyota and Honda will be more responsible.
Why do I feel like I’ve just fed a troll????
April 7th, 2008 at 12:39 am
The “all-electric range” really doesn’t hold much importance to the non-enthusiasts. Typical consumers can better relate (in other words, justify the upgrade cost) for the MPG BOOST that augmentation to existing hybrids offer.
In other words, a “7-mile” reference really doesn’t mean much. It’s an additional improvement of 10 MPG that will people will be buying.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:41 am
BMW and Lexus as status symbols? Yes, but the Toyota Prius is seen as a status symbol in a different light. As in: “I’m a responsible human being who doesn’t believe in wasting energy.” Toyota now has a “green halo” thanks to the Prius. GM wants one as well with the Volt.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:50 am
Someone here was talking about Lexus and BMW. I have seen these cars and have not been the lease bit impressed.
Lexus has Styrofoam bumpers and the cheapest sheet metal out of any car I have seen with the most expenive price I have ever seen.
Compair to a Cadillac CTS the Cadillac is a much more solid car that seems a lot safer to me.
The Prius for example is the most Tinfoil car that could be taken out with a shopping cart.
I have a 2 friends with Toyota cars and they have both been in minor acidents with the other car not even showing any damage. However the toyota cars Crumple under any sourt of a hit and require over $8k in work.
My point is cheap metal costs you more in the end because of the expenive body work.
So I would never purchase a Lexus.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:04 am
The Volt is going to sell for somewhere around
$30,000 dollars. That will put it out of reach of many.
Can’t we just have a plug in without all the bells and
whistles?
April 7th, 2008 at 1:53 am
#26 Grizzly:
You’re right, GM can do what they want. Nobody is stopping them. They’re not forcing anybody to buy a Volt at gunpoint, but the way they’re pricing it, maybe they should. You may laugh at the idea that Honda and Toyota are better at the car business than GM, but last I checked, GM is swirling the drain while Toyota is happy and profitable and just overtook them in terms of vehicles sold.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:56 am
-very sporty and athletic
-has a nice stance and rake
I feel this is great information to know. I have been opposed to purchasing a car that does not reflect my desire to I drive a car that I feel attracts attention for the right reasons! The views of a sporty concept increased what I am willing to pay, so knowing they’re keeping “sporty” looks will help me justify this amount.
-higher roof line…
Since I don’t fit in many smaller vehicles produced currently (my head usually rubs the headliner…drives me NUTS!) I’m encouraged to learn this.
As for the cost issue…that is a completely mute conversation for us to volley back and forth on. The bottom line is that Chevy will sell the car for the pricetag that they feel the car is worth. We, as the consumer, will dictate whether we feel that this car is worth the amount they are charging. If the rollout is limited, do you really think that the individuals who would be willing to pay $50K for this car would suddenly NOT buy the car because it is priced at $30K to make sure that so those less affluent individuals can have one? I see this as being no different than any other purchase I make. I run the numbers, and determine what the ROI is, and then set my limit on what I’m willing to spend. If the Volt is within this range, I’ll buy one! If not, I won’t.
We’ve already created a poll on this website dedicated to determining metrics based on % of individuals vs. the price they’re willing to spend. If GM really wants this information…I’m sure Lyle would be happy to direct them in that direction. I have the amount I’m willing to spend sitting in my ING account, waiting for the release. If they don’t meet this number, then I look elsewhere (regretfully).
April 7th, 2008 at 3:38 am
I’m buying the Aptera Plug-In Hybrid. It gets 300 miles per gallon. I’m going for Miles per gallon. I also like futuristic looking design and interior. The aptera achieves that. the volt is at least a step in the right direction. It’s funny, Toyota is moving forward and GM killing the EV1 was moving backwards. Maybe now GM is once again moving forward with it’s Volt. Who Knows? lol.
April 7th, 2008 at 3:48 am
I hope GM will produce the Volt at a competitive price with reliability. Being a Prius owner (waiting for the Volt) I am offended by the statement that the Volt is a superior design–until the Volt is in the showroom, the Volt is “vaporware”.
Having purchased two Pontiac Fieros before and having relatives that bought two Vegas, a Buick Diesel (not to mention two Corvairs), I am reminded of GM’s prior numerous mistakes. I am not aware of any Toyota or Honda cars/issues that have reached the low level of quality/reliability GM obtained in the past. Bottom line: GM needs a “winner”.
A recent engineer who is converting his Porsche 914 to an all electric sportscar, stated to me that he thinks GM’s fear in developing electric vehicles is that there would be dealer push-back since there is minimal manpower available to service these (Electric) cars at the dealer level and the necessary costly training that would be required to get knowledgeable servicemen/women.
I (again) am putting my money where my mouth is, in the hope that the Volt I want to buy will be affordable, reliable and actually built!
April 7th, 2008 at 4:05 am
The smoke test car shape looks boring. Every car goes thru Aerodymaic tests - and guess what? There will be no breakthru in shape technology. The concept car though “looks” absoutely beautiful. Do a windtunnel test on that and tweak it. I’ll bet you’ll find out that your drag coefficient can be within 5% of the “smoke test car”. Are you working on the “K” class chassis? If you cant make a car that makes a bold statement then someone else will. PS - GM has done wonders with the Cadallic brand.
April 7th, 2008 at 5:42 am
When some say “GM is playing with us”
Don’t confuse stupity with intent.
April 7th, 2008 at 6:18 am
I don’t care what it looks like.. I just want a car I don’t have to put gas in –NOW!!!
April 7th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Well, once again I would like to see a real EV here not a plug in hybrid. Lets see EV what does that mean.. Electric Vehicle…Ah yes a real fully electric vehicle with no gas engine added. I want to be free of the oil companies. Don’t you ?
Oh by the way GM you can produce one if you really want to. Maybe its time to do the right thing. Where do you think that piece of ice that broke off on March 26th, 2008 at the south pole will be going ? Maybe melting ! yeap looks like it. CARB board you all need to look at your voting. Oh maybe its about money huh?
April 7th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Lyle’s report said: For those who have raised the concern here, Bob said “it can’t be a Cobalt with a battery..over my dead body.” As one person who has had that concern, I’m delighted to hear this response. I’m looking forward to seeing a Volt that’s attractive, maybe even exciting, and hope Bob can bring that to us. The future of the Volt may depend on its styling more than any GM car in GM’s long history, and the future of GM may depend on the Volt.
April 7th, 2008 at 6:34 am
To all those getting their panties in a bunch over the price of the Volt: who cares what you think! If you don’t want to pay the price, don’t buy it and go drive a Prius! And for pete’s sakes, stop going on about justifying your purchase by running ROI analyses! There’s no ROI on any car! it’s all negative. Buy a car and whatever options because you want to; there is no economic benefit to an expensive stereo, navigation system, or battery power. We’re not interested in your endless whining about cost, we like the technology and we’ll buy it at any price. For you other cheapskates trying to justify a purchase by how many cents you’ll save per mile, wait for the battery econoboxes from China.
April 7th, 2008 at 6:38 am
john1701a #17:
“We need designs that will be purchased in very large numbers.”
There is no argument with that point. But you seem to think that there should be unlimited amounts of vehicles available at low end scale pricing on the first day of initial rollout.
GM has said there will be 10K units for the first year. Why would they say that?
1. They want the car to fail - that seems rather silly at this point, don’t you think?
2. They want this first year to shake out the bugs of a new design - that makes some reasonable sense. The Prius was already available in Japan for three years before they shipped unit #1 to the USA.
3. Maybe the battery manufacturers have told them that this is all that they will be able to have ready in that timeframe - Also a reasonable possibility
Since everyone here seems to think that GM is “betting the farm” on the E-REV design, I think it makes complete sense to introduce the Gen-1 Volt as a bold statement. If, as we expect, the car over performs, the real change to GM will be in the following two or three years. Then they can introduce different models across all divisions, and all price ranges. I think that by 2015, the farm will be doing quite well!
My personal opinion is that the initial 10K units will all be sold or have deposits placed for orders within thirty days of the release…
April 7th, 2008 at 6:50 am
#25 Bill
I agree.
April 7th, 2008 at 6:54 am
I’ve got the DVR set for Lyle’s interview. With this national exposure we should go over 20k on the waiting list this week.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:08 am
A Cobalt with a battery is just what they should have produced. It would be on sale now. GM would have a chance for their techs to learn the simple technology. GM would see that there really is a market. They could find out what people like or don’t like about EVs. They would be making $ not spending them.
You’d have thought that GM would have learned from their SUV experience.(Maximize profits by minimizing development costs.)
April 7th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I have nothing bad to say about this thread.
/just saying
(=
April 7th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Waiting nearly another 3 years could be a problem. I wanted this car the moment I saw it. It is/was the first vehicle to catch my eye - and interest - in the last 8 years. Buying the Volt was #1 on my list but now I see as a competitor the German produced “Loremo”. At 100+ mpg and slated for intro in 2010 - batteries included, my interest could be swayed over the next 2 years.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:37 am
#46
Yep 3 more years is a bit much.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Looks like the aggressive stance, with the front wheels pushed out to the corners, with a minimum overhang, has been toned down from the concept. Profile seems to be close…
Price? The rumors haven’t scared me away. GM should up the warrantee to “bumper to bumper” for the 100,000 miles. That would silence the critics!
April 7th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Tesla defined a product (electric only sports car), executed it well, and is now in production. Think defined a car (electric only commuter), and seems to be well on its way (multinationally) to success. GM defined a product that they are having trouble executing (a “do everything” serial electric). Hauling a 1300 lb generator around in case you need to use it along with a supply of whatever fuel it ends up being just does not make a lot of sense. Half of the commentors here seem to need an electric only commuter car, and the other half seem to just need anything GM. Diesel electric makes sense for trains that need high startup torque, or (Battery only) Tesla for rocket-like off the line startups. Battery power makes great sense for commuter cars like Think. Aptera has the right car for the application (extremely low aerodynamic coefficient and weight) for a generator driven range extender. Their price point/weight bears this out. How can GM miss the mark yet again?
My thinking is car # 1) commuter electric, and car 2) older road car for regional/long distance drive. As time goes on 2) gets replaced by another electric only commuter supplemented by a very occasional rental for ranges outside improved electric only range.
Big heavy cars in the land of scarce expensive oil really do not make sense. New York city folks must LOL every time they read this site - most do not even own cars!
April 7th, 2008 at 8:13 am
A REEVer is just what I want…as an all electric vehicle is not likely to provide the distance I need while traveling for quite a while.
Sure when you can give me an all electric vehicle with a 300-600 mile range…and a 10 minute re-charge - I’m game. But until then, the REEVer model is far more intelligent and practical.
I am concerned the “new design” will lose that sophisticated, sleek, wide & low look of the prototype and look more akin to a Chevy Cobalt - bah. I don’t like high roofed looking vehicles.
And please…stop with the killed the EV-1. Honda & Toyota killed the EV-1 by pressuring California to drop the 0% emissions requirement.
As for GM quality versus Honda/Toyota. All my GMs have exceeded 145,000 mile lives. Many of these were abused vehicles. While I have my first Toyota (2002 Prius w/ 94,000 miles) and do not know it’s life. I’ve owned two Hondas. The longest lived died at 115,000 miles. And I do constant maintenance.
So I actually question Honda “reliability”. Toyota…reliability I have yet to discover. I truly hope it is good - now that I own one. That said, Toyota “layout, design, interface” is poor. I think Toyota and Honda get a lot of high ratings for their interfaces simply because they’re Toyota/Honda.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Lyle,
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
Now, since its Monday morning and I’m in a cantakerous mood, I’ll respond to some of the more inspiring comments:
# 24 Tom
“I would expect Honda and Toyota serial hybrids to be cheaper because they seem to have more business sense than GM.”
Write a book and call it “Great Expectations”. By the way, when are their E-REV vehicles coming to market?
# 34 Ken Newman
“Being a Prius owner (waiting for the Volt) I am offended by the statement that the Volt is a superior design …”
The truth hurts, don’t it.
#38 Joe
“Well, once again I would like to see a real EV here not a plug in hybrid. Lets see EV what does that mean.. Electric Vehicle…Ah yes a real fully electric vehicle with no gas engine added. I want to be free of the oil companies. Don’t you ?”
First, see #25 Bill, last paragraph. If you want an EV, go buy one. Tesla has one for about $100K. There are others as well.
I think most members here want to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, we don’t think the jump from conventional vehicles to BEV can happen overnight, and the Volt is a no-compromise solution.
If you want to be free of the oil companies, stop whining and do it! Get a bicycle, take mass transit, walk, boycott airlines, restructure your life! You can do it!
For me, I’ll take the more gradual route and be happy to reduce my gasoline consumption by 80% annually with the Volt, and wait for more proven BEV technology and infrastructure before making the same lifestyle changes that you need to make.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:43 am
The elevated rear deck in conjunction with a relatively small window impairs visibility and saftey. This makes reliance upon the rear view mirrors even more critical. Therefore, the rear view mirrors are too small. I have driven existing, Toyotas with such mirrors and find them frustratingly limited and dangerous. Please, don’t do the typical GM, overboard on the styling, sacrifice function mentality. If you are aiming at young families with kids, you have really screwed up. The rear of the car makes it the “back over the kid’s tricycle you never saw” type of car or worse!
April 7th, 2008 at 9:05 am
took 4years to make the atom bomb. so hire good men.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:08 am
^^^#51
Spot on…
#50
“So I actually question Honda “reliability”. Toyota…reliability I have yet to discover. I truly hope it is good - now that I own one. That said, Toyota “layout, design, interface” is poor. I think Toyota and Honda get a lot of high ratings for their interfaces simply because they’re Toyota/Honda.”
God I love that line, now if only we can get that published in Motor Trend!
And for those of you who mention Lexus in the same breath as BMW…
I guess I have been living under a rock since Lexus is a Buick competitor and is definitely no luxury maker or status symbol. Except for the 460 they are no better than Lincoln. They are not BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac….sorry. And are only status symbols for the geriatric floor at the local hospital.
On the topic at hand, Thanks for such a clear video and the car is gonna be a looker. The GM folks sure seem to like dropping hints!
April 7th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Dear Statik,
You made my week (even in jest).
Thank you,
Tagamet
April 7th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Did I miss something? The video could be of any car made by any manufacture produced at any time. The picture of the ‘concept volt’ is truly exciting. The video does nothing for me, looks like a High School Science project more than anything else. From a technology standpoint the ‘Volt’ powertrain is truly remarkable.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:26 am
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120733236876290335.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Take Care
Arch
April 7th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Late 2010 or Mid 2011…. I will be looking foreward to picking up my VOLT at my favorite Chevy Dealership….
….at wherever they are going to charge for it…
April 7th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Volt taking a few hits.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/02/08/tv-ad-for-chevy-volt-environmentalists-let-dogs-lick-you-inste/
Take Care
Arch
April 7th, 2008 at 9:42 am
If it is expensive and unreliable, like the rest of GM’s products, it will have its 15 minutes of fame.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I am so hunger for this car that I would write a check today, just knowing what little I do about it.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I am going to be 50 this year and grew up in the age of muscle cars and consuming mass amounts of fuel. We now live in a Geodesic Dome, have windmills and solar water heaters. I have been buying Mercedes Diesels because of the efficiency and longevity. I am holding off buying a new car because I am done funding the oil industry. (It seems there is more pollution generated in the production of a car than in the operation of the first owner). Yes this is a green car but it will likely be a long lasting car that will exceed my performance desires. Congratulations to you all for promoting something that will be good for safe travel, economy and environment.
Tony
April 7th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I am an Electric Car kind of person … just waiting for the right one.
Not knowing anything else, At first I wanted a Tesla … and dug into my retirement savings and put a deposit down. I also got a License plate “Tesla” to be ready for it. That plate is currently on my 96 Geo! I get a few strange looks…. but not many. That was before news of the other electrics came out. Now we have more on the horizon … and Tesla is late with trannie problems and I got worried about them failing … and worried about losing my deposit. Their financial strength is only one rich man. If he had no ability to get carry the company with further delays, it would go under and the big deposit would be lost. I am not able to take that hit.
Then I learned about a few others including the Zapp X and the Aptera and the Volt. I have always considered myself a Chevy man … having had a bunch of them over my life… a 65 Biscayne, a 72 Biscayne, 6 Vettes, and 2 Geo Metros … so I have wavered between economy and style/power. Now, the Aptera is really neat. and the Volt seems that it will be well tested and ready when it comes. So I have deposits on the Aptera and license plates reserved for both the Aptera and Volt (with those names simple stated …). I am not sure what to do with the TESLA plate …
but it would look nice on the garage wall, I guess. If ti really is delivered to real customers, it will be a nice sports car. But I can use the ability to put a bike rack on …. and the Tesla does not accomidate that. I hope the VOLT will, with a receiver hitch capability. “Green” people do have bikes!
Steve
April 7th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I just don’t get it. Nice looking vehicle and all.. BUT, why don’t you develop a bullet proof 3 or 4 cylinder turbo diesel with 125hp that runs on bio-fuel and cut the weight out with all this electric_crap.
If you built a car that looked this good and if it got 50mpg (possible today) you’d sell millions of them. I’m certain with all the brains-cells at GM you could even tweak that to 55mpg make 65mpg a goal.
SO, why not? AMP’s got your tongue?
April 7th, 2008 at 10:28 am
In the words of the late, great, Jim Healy:
Comment……………………………………..no comment.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:32 am
The VOLT is a nice thought. I would love to have a car that doesnt have to depend on gasoline. I work 15 miles from home. The problem is that where I live and work is bitter cold in the winter and sweaty hot and humid in the summer. From everything I have read about the battery range and with all the bells and whistles GM is going to put in this car, I will probably run out of electric before I hit the highway. I dont need an LCD screen for a dashboard. I dont need the stereo system GM is going to install. Plus the cost keeps going up…
As I predicted a while ago, the “under $30k” VOLT, which is now up to $35K, will be close to $40k when it arrives. It will definately be $40k if you get any extras in/on the car.
Lyle, GM, thanks for the effort. Sorry I dont make enough money to afford it. I still encourage you to lead the charge in getting away from gasoline guzzlers.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:39 am
# 59 Jim
You mean like the Corvette?
April 7th, 2008 at 10:46 am
As far as I remember when I look at automotive history, technological advances have been made from the top down. Automatic transmissions, disc brakes, V-engines, fuel injection and the like were all available on either luxury cars or on high performance sports cars. Also, some emergent technology has been developed from the bottom up. Mainly since the cost of prototypes are lower. Look at the current wave of ebikes and e-scooters being produced. Also look at the Aptera which is in essence a space age econobox. No offense. I think the car is beautiful. Eventually the new technogy makes it to the mid-priced product. Now,what everyone here should consider is while GM is trying to figure out what to do. Fisker is going to beat them to the market with the Karma, which is a sports sedan at $80K. I bet they have a waiting long list to buy one, too.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:00 am
#62 John
With electricity to power the Volt, your energy comes from coal, nuclear, natural gas, wind, hydro, solar, biomass, and other sources. Also, studies have shown that harmful emissions (NOx, CO, HC) are lower by this method as power plant emissions are better controlled at the plant than by emission controls on each individual automobile engine.
So, using electricity provides more energy diversity and lowers harmful emissions.
You have demonstrated your energy naivete by thinking the entire nation can switch to bio-fuels. Although I do not discourage their use and development, there is not enough biomass in this country to completely meet all of our energy needs. See one of my previous posts to get a feel for how much energy we use in the US every day.
See “US CO2 Emissions”
http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143&page=2
April 7th, 2008 at 11:16 am
When I went to the Chevy Cobalt page & turned the Cobalt in the same direction, there were a lot of similarities with the camoflaged volt…. Then again, it could just be me…
April 7th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Looks like they shortened the hood. Hope they don’t homogenize it too much!
April 7th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
It is hard to tell for sure with the camo, but I thing the thing that I miss the most in the production version is the line that carries through from the hood to the windows, to the rear hatch/spoiler.
I think that is one of the best design elements of the concept and I don’t think it made it from what I can see. It isn’t a Prius, but you’ve gotta admit that it is certainly more Prius like…
Lugh @ 66, I don’t think GM is worried about Fisker with their $80k offering - Tesla is already in that niche
April 7th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
# 55
I’m here for you tag!
Everyone needs a day off now and then.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
#59 Jim
My latest GM product is now at 140K miles. It was competitively priced. It has been, and remains extremely reliable. It also is comfortable, good looking, and, when needed, fast.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
#27 John1701a,
I think EV range may actually replace MPG in people’s minds. Consumers want to know two things:
1. Can I cover my daily commute/errands on ZERO gas?
2. What MPG do I get on long trips?
and will care most about #1. An EREV sticker which says 40 mile EV/50 mpg extended range is simple and answers both questions. If you have a long commute you look for a 50 or 60 mile EV range, if you have a short commute maybe you save some money with an EREV-20 or -30.
MPG is relevant to hybrids, but loses meaning once you plug in. These 100-150 mpg claims are not technically accurate and depend entirely on factors such as how much you drive. You think people complained when their 60/51 mpg-rated Prius delivered 45 mpg? Just wait until folks who drive 10 miles each weekday and 250 miles on weekends average 50 mpg from their “150 mpg” blended mode PHEV. Yikes. You could use MPGe to properly factor in electrical energy, but that’s complex and doesn’t address question #1.
In fact, most blended mode designs can’t really answer question #1. Rest assured GM will make this a big marketing issue. Blended mode may counter with lower cost due to downsized motor/generators and power electronics. It will be interesting to watch.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Do we have time for a young man of 72 ? Well, here goes my two cents worth.
I had the miss fortune of tapping the rear end of a Prius with my 07 Ford Ranger. Not a scratch on my Ford, the Prius looked like it was rear ended by a freight train.
I had the experience of driving an electric car for quite some time and really enjoyed it. I drove it every day to work and pluged in at the office for my return trip home. I will say that having a range extender makes sence because I was not a happy camper when stranded with no juice.
What are we all excited about with regard to price?
Right now anything that is in the market place (or soon will be) is
priced $50K and up. Mostly up. This includes the conversions that are available I am sure that GM has it’s goals and knows where this Volt fits within these market goals. It doesn’t make much sence to produce a product that no one can afford. This is GM’s shot at gaining marget share and they are trying to get it right the first time because I don’t think they will have the opportunity for a second try.
Let’s all set back, take a deep breath and see what develops.
God Bless America.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Just to clarify on David LG 70. Yes, the Fisker Karma is in the same $80k class as the Tesla Roadster but the Karma is Plug-in Hybrid same as the Volt. It will be much more easy to market than the Tesla since it will have the range extender engine. My guess is once Fisker catches the eye of people with the high end Karma they will put out a tamer addition to their line (just as all the other auto makers do). It makes good marketing sense to have a high end, mid, and economy edition on the same platform. Take the Camaro. Even the person driving the six banger Camaro can feel he is driving the same car as a Z28. That being said GM may want to do the same thing with the Volt. Put out an ultra sporty car then tame it down to a more affordable offering.
April 7th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Assuming people will only care about a contrived MPG number for these cars is completely wrong. The reason people care about MPG right now is because (virtually) ALL CARS SOLD RIGHT NOW RUN ON GAS so what else should they care about?
P.S. To the guy who brought up the issue of a 1300 lb generator, I thought we covered this in the last thread but the Volt will not have an industrial diesel marine generator. Give it a rest. It will have a generator that weighs like 200 lbs. Is that REALLY too much extra weight for you, in a 3000 lb car?
April 7th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
John #62:
Maybe you have missed the initial idea of the Volt…..
If you have a daily commute of less than 40 miles, or less than 80 miles if you can re-charge at work, you will use NO gasoline at all!
But if you need to take a longer trip, you have the capability of traveling up to 640 miles on only 12 gallons of gasoline, so you do not have to have a “city” car and a “travel” car.
This is not about saving money or just getting a higher mpg. It is about reducing the amount of oil that has to be imported into this country. And there are many reasons why that is important. Each of us has their own opinions on this.
GM and the US Govt’s research shows that a high percentage (I can’t remember the exact number right now) of the daily commutes are less than 40 miles. So your consumption of gasoline could in theory be ZERO! For my driving requirments, my gasoline consumption would go from just under 50 gallons per month to about 5. That is a 90% reduction!!!!
If people are just going to look at dollars, then go buy a base price Kio Rio for $11.5K and get 33 mpg. You will be way ahead……
April 7th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Lyle…. slightly off topic, but your outstanding live interview today on Fox Business News was the best 4-5 minute pitch I’ve ever seen on network TV for the Volt!!!
GM…. get Dr. Dennis to sign a waiver allowing use of portions of today’s interview in TV/radio spots for the Volt —and make sure 1) he’s one of the first to drive a Mule this July (or ASAP), that 2) he’s one of the first to drive a Volt protoype next year, and that 3) he’s one of the first production Volt recipients (he’ll need to replace that aging, gas-guzzling Mercedes E350)!
April 7th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
PS: Dr. Dennis will be able to do LOTS more for the Chevy Volt than my neighbor Tiger Woods has done for Buick!!!