Artist’s Estimation of the Production Chevy Volt
GM has yet to show us the final complete design of the production Chevy Volt, which we know will be different than the concept. GM has shown a 1/3 scale model heavily camouflaged. Above is the expert rendition of Captain Jason Cullinane of the U.S. Army who thinks he may be very close.
Here’s what Jason has to say about it:
"This all started when I sent Lyle a draft logo I designed for the GM-Volt.com website. I wanted to help and this was a way I thought I could contribute. Lyle asked me if I could flesh out one of the frames of the 1/3 size "camo" Volt that was shot in the wind tunnel so I decided to try my hand at it - and this was the result!
I researched a lot of the photos of the concept Volt from multiple angles since Mr. Lutz said that the final version would be distinctively like the concept. I also referenced the "sneak peak" shots when building the nose. I even outfitted this version with some EV1 rims - I doubt that the concept rims were very aerodynamic. This design may be have more hard edges than the final design but I am speculating where I didn’t have good data and just tried to make it look good.
I used to be a full time graphic designer (with an art and design background) and always enjoyed designing cars in school but I have been called back to service as an officer in the U.S. Army. I will be heading out to Iraq in a few months to lead my troops in combat.
I have been eagerly watching the developments of the Volt ( I check the site daily) and have started to put money away so I can afford one. I really do believe that the Volt project signals the start of a US shift away from mideast oil. I think that this will be good for us all.
I still do some freelance design projects and have even wrote, designed and published my own book, LogbookONE: The Log for Runners, Joggers and Walkers. I used to also be a competitive runner (U.S. Olympic trials 3000m Steeplechase in 1996 and was 9th in the US at the 1998 US National Track & Field Championships).
You can order LogbookONE online at www.runninghat.com (I give discounts to team orders :-))."
Popularity: 5%
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July 1st, 2008 at 5:58 am
Jason, Thanks for the picture. It is not as cool as the concept, but I wouldn’t be too surprised that you are very close to the production model. This one doesn’t stand out like the concept and to me doesn’t scream “BUY ME!”. This, of course, is GM’s “fault”, not yours.
I wish you a tremendous amount of luck and success in Iraq.
Please stay safe. Thank you so very much for your service.
It’s people like you that should get a Volt at a steeply discounted price. Stay well.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:01 am
I don’t care too much what the car looks like, but that solar panel screams “geek”!
July 1st, 2008 at 6:07 am
Looks good to me. I’ll take 3.
One Red, One White, One Blue.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:17 am
Jason,
Excellent job!
This still captures the overall design concept of the Volt, yet incorporates the needed changes to make it more aerodynamic and efficient.
It still seems like a very distinctive car to me.
Wishing you the best for your tour in Iraq and a safe journey home in the near future.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:22 am
I like it. I think the solor panels make it look better. I would put different rims on it but otherwise great job.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:36 am
For the wheel rims, see this post from the forum:
http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=568
FrankyB has posted a picture of the rims taken from the design studio. Although these are not as aerodynamic as solid rims, I believe nasaman had indicated that GM can use clear polycarbonate “fillers” behind the rims to make them more aerodynamic.
Not sure these are truly the final rims, just a possibility.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:41 am
By the way, for those who haven’t seen it, the Nova “Car of the Future” program features the Volt prominently toward the end:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/car/program.html
I would call this a “must see” for Volt fans.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:42 am
Captain Cullinane,
Nice job! I hope the real things looks much like your rendering.
Please keep yourself safe during your tour in Iraq. I just want to you to know that my main motivation for buying a Volt is so fine Americans like yourself no longer have to risk their lives in the Middle East. The Volt will show everyone that Middle East oil is unneeded and replaceable. I have never served my country as you are but I can certainly put my money where my mouth is. Good luck.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:51 am
Captain Jason Cullinane, first let me thank you for protecting our country. We wish you a safe tour and return. I enjoy your rendition of the Volt and and once again, thank youl
July 1st, 2008 at 6:59 am
Jason:
Thanks for the picture! You did an awesome job with it. Looking forward to comparing your picture with the real thing!
Thanks for serving too. We wish you safety and a quick return from your next tour.
Best regards,
Schmeltz
July 1st, 2008 at 7:08 am
If the production Volt looks like a smaller version of the Malibu and does not have the low lean green look of the concept, then I’ll take a Fore Two and be on my way. At least it has a functional form and doesn’t make excuses for its looks. If I have to drive a butt-ugly car or rubber stamp of current Chevy models, I will just run the wheels off my Vibe GT until I can get the new Solaris coupe that Pontiac is coming out with. It may be another 4-banger, but you have to love the lines. I just bought my wife a new Solaris rage-top and she loves it and it is reasonable on gas!
July 1st, 2008 at 7:12 am
Don’t expect solar panels… I think this was a Bob Lutz mis-quote. He spoke about the Volt being charged by solar panels overhead, but he was referring to the house of the future, not the car. They said from the beginning that a solar roof would not be worth the expense.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:12 am
Thank you Capitan Cullinane and thank you Lyle…
Wise choice to post a design estimation today, should be a great day to just look at pictures and avoid reading any words (or numbers).
Again THANK YOU Capitan…for EVERYTHING you do!
July 1st, 2008 at 7:26 am
Thanks for the work but I do hope that the car doesn’t look like what you’ve come up with. It has lost some of its sporty appeal. I still may purchase it if it looks like that but not for 40K. I would certainly give up 5 or possibly even 10 miles on battery for the better looks of the concept car. What I think will also happen is that there will be a flood of after market plug in battery packs to put in the truck or other places which will extend the milage on batteries. Just watch, some back yard inventor will come up with a lead acid battery pack that may not charge but will add another 20 miles to the Volt. So what if you have to plug two chargers into the Volt. Of course I may look at something like this after my warranty has run out!
July 1st, 2008 at 7:26 am
Looks better than the Prius and the Aztek (anyone notice those two look the same from the back for some odd reason?).
I’d be surprised if the “creases” on the front bumper ended up as pronounced as suggested in this rendition. I didn’t get that impression from the sneak peek shots and, honestly, it’s a design choice that’s already starting to look dated so I’m happy to see it go away for a car that won’t be widely available till 2011.
What was behind the choice in wheel covers? Like them, but don’t think I’ve seen a GM car ever having a similar design. Why the departure from the 5 pointed star?
July 1st, 2008 at 7:34 am
Thank you Jason for your service to our great nation and thank you for your unselfish sacrifice and your bravery. We honor you and your contribution to the war in Iraq. I cannot find the words to express how grateful my family and I are that you put yourself in harm’s way to protect our country. The U.S.A. is the land of the free and the home of the brave…but only because of courageous people like you.
Spin
July 1st, 2008 at 7:35 am
Nice work Jason; here’s to a safe and speedy return for you and all the troops.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:43 am
The concept has bigger wheels and a body to accomdate them which gives the vehicle a “roadster look”. This rendition is more of a sedan or hatchback look…is it drawn to be a hatchback or sedan?
Thanks Jason…maybe we will get the GM drawing or prototype in few days.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:52 am
Lyle -
You ought to pass along Capt. Cullinane’s drawing to GM and ask for them to comment on it!
Be careful in the sandbox, Jason.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:55 am
I think you’ve done a great job especially with how little data we have to work with. I certainly do hope that you and Mr. Lutz are/were right and there is a solar option. In the real world, a PV panel tends to add about five miles a day to the driving range, and that, for me, is free Chinese food at the least. Or at least run the panel to the cooling system so I won’t have to waste valuable battery power or engine running on keeping the battery within a decent range…
And a link so people won’t crucify me about the driving statement:
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/06/uncle-sam-rolls.html
You have to admit, parking your car in the sun deliberately in order to keep it cool would be a conversation starter if nothing else.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:01 am
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Thank you Captain Jason Cullinane for your service to our country.
As similarly stated by other posters, I have not served my country in the military but I do believe I’m serving my country (albeit in a much smaller way as you are) by purchasing a VOLT. What I love about the VOLT is that it gives an American like myself the opportunity to make a difference in a very meaningful way; the power of one. There have been many posts on this site about the cost analysis of purchasing a VOLT; those economic formulations for the most part don’t take into account the cost savings of our country being less reliant of foreign sourced energy which in turns mitigates the chances of our country in the future being drawn into a military conflict over protecting our energy sources (I’m not inferring that’s exclusively why we are in Iraq). Those more dynamic cost savings find their way into the lives of every American in many forms and will deeply impact our own lives and the lives of our sons, daughters, and grandchildren.
Your VOLT rendering is very well done. I will be interested to see how close it will be to the production version. I like your including a photovoltaic roof; hopefully GM will do the same for the purpose of cabin exhaust/climate same as the APTERA.
Good luck on your upcoming tour to Iraq.
I and my family pray for your safe return.
CDAVIS
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July 1st, 2008 at 8:12 am
Great job Jason,
I think the auto looks great and hope that GM does make a comment on this rendition.
Thank you for your dedication to all of us in the U.S. and may God protect you as you protect us.
Tom
July 1st, 2008 at 8:18 am
I really hope it doesn’t look like that.
Thanks for trying to give us a “look”. Your efforts are appreciated and you did a great job working with what was there.
It’s just Ugly (not your work)….especially at $40K
July 1st, 2008 at 8:27 am
Jason,
Thanks for the time you put into the rendering. I think it looks good, and imagine the real Volt won’t be too far off.
Thankyou for serving our country and may God bless you.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:42 am
I’ll have to see it in real life but the Prius isn’t looking so bad now. I still like the Volt functionality more.
Now imagine this with 8 of the California car pool lane tags on it. Dreadful. That is what ruins the Prius.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:44 am
Jason, Thanks so much for serving us and your country in Iraq. Get home safe. I think your rendering was pretty slick and I’d be happy if the volt ended up looking like this come 2010.
Although they wouldn’t provide much of a recharge, I still like the idea of a thin film solar panel on the roof. It wouldn’t cost very much and it would just make my day so much better getting into the car after work and seeing my fuel tank a little fuller than when I left it (how friggen cool would that be!)
Good Luck Jason and thanks for all of your service
July 1st, 2008 at 8:54 am
Captain Jason Cullinane
Thank you for your service. I hope your tour is uneventful.
When you come back
It might be fun..
To park in the Sun
In your Volt.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:55 am
Yuck. For $40k this will have to be a car I *LOVE* the looks of. Not just something I’m willing to deal with or put up with. Sorry, but thats just not going to fly, not with a 40 mile range at $40k. Great for people with tiny commutes - but then again if you have a tiny commute you probably arent as affected by gas prices as those of us with 100 mile commutes are.
In other news, Tesla announced today a 2010 4 door sedan in the $60k range with 225 miles per charge with hopes of bringing the price down in the years following. I am starting to get the feeling that if Chevy doesnt get their S together they are going to be run over in the next few years. There’s a lot of potential out there on the horizon in the next 24 months.
I loved the look of the first concept car - who didnt. But slowly its been morphing into a generic ughmobile. So sorry Chevy, but if you make a nice generic Prius lookalike with a minimal range at maximum price, I’ll happily make room on the waiting list for whoever was behind me.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:20 am
Jason,
Thank you for serving our country!
Chris
July 1st, 2008 at 9:28 am
Captain Cullinane,
Thank you for your version of the Chevy Volt. It looks really good and may be pretty close to what GM will announce.
Also, I want to thank you for your service to our country and I pray that you and the men and women you serve with will come home safely. God speed to you and your troops. May He keep you and your families safe.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:31 am
Jason,
From an Ex-military 31U to the present defender of our homeland, I’d like to wish you all the best and that you and your team meet your objectives. But most importantly, a swift return home to you and those who now do the job that for 8 years I proudly did. The prayers of many here are with you (those that do not believe in God are still wishing you the best). Your rendition gives us at least an idea of positioning of certain design elements that the concept displayed but not to a viable scale. At least until the actual design is revealed by GM, this does give me something to think about. I find your rendition to be a very close approximation, however I must frown on the EV-1 wheels…not your fault but I’m pretty sure GM doesn’t want to remind anyone else about THAT issue!
Godspeed…hurry home. Huuaaah!
July 1st, 2008 at 9:33 am
Cpt. Cullinane,
Thanks for your effort on this rendering and your service to our country.
A lot of people will purchase the Volt to save gas money or make the Earth more green. My reason for purchasing the Volt is to reallocate my income from the Middle East. Hopefully, my contribution will have a positive impact on your service to our country.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:34 am
Dave G wrote “I don’t care too much what the car looks like, but that solar panel screams “geek”!”
Well, then geek me up. I want royal blue to match the rooftop.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:49 am
#33 jes,
Given that you’ll probably spend an extra $2000 for the solar roof option, and that this will not significantly power the car, what do you expect to gain? Are you willing to pay $2000 for a fan that helps keep it cool in summer parking lots?
July 1st, 2008 at 9:54 am
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# 33 Jes
YES!
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July 1st, 2008 at 9:55 am
I am not sure anyone really expects to see solar panels on the roof of the Generation One Chevy Volt. Maybe Gen 3 or later. Depends on advancements in solar panels, etc. But, If you are lucky enough to park where there is a charging station, maybe for a small amount of money you could have the charging station supply power for a “cooling system” to keep the car cool in the summer and warm in the winter. More for the battery than the car itself.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:05 am
Works for me. Bring it on.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:08 am
Wow!
First I want to thank everyone for their very kind words, my men and I really appreciate that people are behind us (can separate us from the conflict) and we won’t be spit on when we get home.
As for the Volt pictured here:
I only put a few hours into this design and it takes massive amounts of man hours to make a car really sexy. I based it on the wind tunnel 1/3 model which may even be an “in between” rather than a final design. Either way, I was stuck with following what they had put out. The final will probably have softer lines than what I have indicated but overall, I think it came out Ok. I hope that I am a little short of what is released but be prepared to see something different from the concept.
I talked with Lyle about the solar panels before the post. I had several versions including one without the panels but since it had come up in a previous post and since Aptera was already including them I thought it would be nice to see them and hear what people had to say. I also told Lyle that I thought I did a better job on that particular picture.
Oh, yes… I almost forgot - The EV1 rims. I used them, not to make a statement but rather because I knew that GM had already invested time and effort into making them aerodynamic. Not super sexy but they are better than the all white wheels on the 1/3 model.
Thanks again to everyone. Just because you don’t serve does not mean you are powerless. Every one of you has a vote…. in many ways. I am sure that everyone on this site is doing what they can (including the purchase of a Volt) to help wean us from our addiction to mideast oil.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:28 am
I like the solar roof. It makes a great statement, no matter how much power it atually contributes. Put me on the list with #33 jes and #35 CDAVIS.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:32 am
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I would be surprised to see GM not include a PVT roof for cabin exhaust/climate as a standard feature in production v1. This feature is just too good of a feature/benefit pitch item for GM to pass up. Also keep in mind that each v1 VOLT build will be a marketing billboard drawing other peoples interest in the VOLT; the PVT will make a great added conversation item.
A company like http://www.nanosolar.com would jump at the opportunity to showcase their product on the VOLT and in turn provide GM a low cost provider for the PVT element. Hint..Hint.
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July 1st, 2008 at 10:34 am
The front end will be somewhat more rounded than shown above, I believe; I hope that the side detail will be kept in production. PLEASE, no slab sides.
I hope an alloy wheel and size option is offered. I care a great deal about the wheel size and look. Nice wheels are an inexpensive way to really dress up a car. Don’t care a lick if it drops the range a little.
I wish the view we see above was from the side. I am rather concerned it is “Prius-like”. If it looks too much like a Prius, then I AM OUT. Period.
I’ll wait for the E-Flex Camaro.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:40 am
DC @28
100% agree.
GM has a unique opportunity to change the electric car paradigm. They could really get out in front of the competition with a cool, sleek, attractive design. A cool Volt will put the others on notice to perk up their designs or be left behind.
If the Volt turns out to be watered down and look like any other drab car out there, then GM let the competition back in the game and all we will see in the near future will be dreary, boring, and ugly electric designs. That would truely be a shame and an opportunity wasted.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:42 am
I hope that you are as skilled in your military work as you are in your artistry. This is an outstanding rendering, even more so since you only spent a few hours on it.
Personally I would like to see the next President do a TV ad for the Volt, but that’s not likely to happen. Another way to make the same point a is a TV ad for the Volt featuring some of our heroic military.
Good luck and stay safe.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:43 am
I don’t get the negative comments. Given the real-world requirements of the car, if it wound up looking just like this, I’d still want one! I think the rendering looks mighty damned nice! Make mine white, please
Thanks for the artists’ impression Captain, and be safe over there! By serving, you’re carrying the weight of many who do not serve. But that does not mean it goes unnoticed or unappreciated by the rest of us!
July 1st, 2008 at 10:55 am
#38 Jason C
Since aerodynamics are so important for AER, I also expect softer lines. I know, GM gave us seemingly divergent information; the production Volt needs to be slippery yet the concept was not. I’m not sure how you make a tugboat look streamlined.
#41 MetrologyFirst
Since aerodynamics are so important for AER, I expect “slab” sides. Jutted out wheels aren’t very “aero.”
July 1st, 2008 at 10:56 am
Nice job, Jason. It’ll be interesting to see how the predictions match the final product. It looks like because of aero considerations the Volt will end up looking more like the Prius or Honda FCX.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:59 am
There are soooo many examples of form following function that are simply beautiful. This is truly Ugly. (no offense to the Gentleman that worked hard to show us what it might be)
GM makes amazing concept cars….yet they never produce them. Peoples jaws drop at auto shows over concepts….but we never see them hit the streets. Just build the concepts and excite people with spectacular designs.
That rendition of the Volt is right in there with the Edsel.
It’s an instant flop if it looks like that.
Place the concept Volt next to the design shown here. If the concept looses several miles of range due to aerodynamics so be it. The ugly one will sit in the dealership parking lot while people will flock to the cool concept. this is a no brainer.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:02 am
#6 thanks for refering to my post
Jason, I think this is a great job and from the other rendering I have post, yours is the one that seems to integrate most elements of the concept car with the few elements that leek in public eyes.
Great job.
I wonder if Lyle will get a “no comment” from GM on this one
July 1st, 2008 at 11:04 am
Thank you, Captain Cullinane, for your service and your work on the Volt design. Like most, I prefer the concept design, but this one looks very nice as well. I have been a little down having read the lengthy article posted by Joe a couple of days ago regarding business practices in Japan, but feel encouraged with today’s thread. I’ll be buying a Volt to get us off of foreign oil and to support a product made by a U.S. manufacturer.
Be safe.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:12 am
Jason,
Thanks for your rendition of the Volt. Excellent job, and thank you for serving your country. My brother served in desert storm, so I have some small understanding of the commitment. Best wishes and we’ll see you back home soon!
July 1st, 2008 at 11:18 am
Mike @44
My comments are not negative. There is nothing to be negative about. Yet. My opinions are about car design. I want the Volt to succeed and bury the competition. Absolutely.
All I am saying is that this car, in particular, must be an inspired design. If not, it will not bury the competition. It may be first to market, but others will follow and GM would not have raised the bar high enough to gain a significant advantage.
Car design matters to me. I worry about the future of car design. I am not convinced that the majority of the public is willing to roll over and accept any boring, lame soul-less design offered, just because “it gets great mpg” or is electric. The people who don’t care what their car looks like and would drive anything are the most vocal and a growing group, for sure. I hope GM is looking past them to the bulk of the public, those who DO care what their car looks like and take pride in what they drive.
GM employed some of the greatest care designers in history in Bill Mitchell and Harley Earl. The Volt needs a similarily inspired design. If so, GM will really be making a statement: “Electric cars are efficient, environmentally conscious, fun to drive, enjoyable, and great looking. You can aspire to own one for lots of reasons.” I prefer THAT statement to this one….
“Electric cars are efficient, environmentally conscious, impersonal, bland, and ugly. You will own one because you have no other choice.”
July 1st, 2008 at 11:25 am
I guess I’m unique in not liking the concept car.
I mean I get the appeal, but the car of the future isn’t some pimped up muscle car. The Prius, while not the greatest looking (certainly not as good looking as this rendition), wins big in my book because of it’s mpg and utility value. The hatchback design is incredibly convenient and there is very few things I need to borrow a truck for anymore. As we look forward, and more people are hoping to trade in a truck and get a car, this type of design is much more forward thinking.
P.S. I have never heard a confirmation but was always under the impression that the volt would be some from of a hatchback, this rendition also seems to follow that. I could be wrong..
July 1st, 2008 at 11:30 am
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/12/14/designers-working-to-lower-drag-coefficient-to-improve-gas-milea/
Link for elementary aerodynamics.
I’m sure they can make a sweet design.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:30 am
There are a couple of things I’ve noticed about this rendition of the Volt. First, the final wind tunnel 1/3 scale taped model may be difficult to read, but it’s clear that it does not have a boomerang shape like the rendition above. Second is that the grill is off. If you watch the video posted below and pay particular attention to :50 and 1:38 you’ll see a front grill that gradually slopes backward to complement the hood.
I think Jason has done an excellent job, but I’ve got to say that I’m positive the Volt will be better looking than that.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=x-JVPLZ22Tg
July 1st, 2008 at 11:32 am
Vincent @47
GM has done it, though. Go back and check out the initial concept of the Solstice in 2002. The production car was VERY close to the original concept. It is also credited with reinvigorating GM design, for a while. Who championed that car? Bob Lutz.
I just can’t believe that as involved as Lutz is with the Volt that he will accept a bland design.
You said…
“Place the concept Volt next to the design shown here. If the concept looses several miles of range due to aerodynamics so be it. The ugly one will sit in the dealership parking lot while people will flock to the cool concept. this is a no brainer.”
I could not have said that better myself! A few miles less range will be irrelevant to most. If the car looks good in substitute. Absolutely. Do the electric/gas cost analysis for even 20% less range. Pretty small numbers when you conside the design advantage.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:36 am
I too think this looks a little too clunky right now. It would be far better to bring the front end in further and streamline more. The PV roof should match the overall texture. It will not do more than cool/heat interior but it will be an added selling point and look great on the energy use/energy generated display.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:42 am
Thank you Captain Cullinane for your service. My son just returned from Ba’qubah, Iraq (3rd time). You are probably aware that things are going much better over there than our news people would have you believe.
Great job on the sneak peek rendering. I’ll be very proud to drive it. And I’m liking the solar panels now. I just hope the are available on Volt I, and within buying range.
Thanks again. Stay safe, and let us know when you’re back!
July 1st, 2008 at 11:44 am
I know its based on the ‘original’ volt, but it just doesn’t seem right to me.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the work that went into the image - but if the final volt looks like that, they’ll sell… oh… 3.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:45 am
Vincent #47.
I read with interest the many comments and thoughts of our guests to this site. All I can say is, “To each his own”, what you conceive as ugly many of us many like the looks. It is way to early to make a judgement call on the looks of this auto. We all need to step back, take a deep breath and see what comes down the line. I’m sure GM is not spending the billions it is spending to come out with a dud!
God Bless America.
Tom
July 1st, 2008 at 11:46 am
Vincent #47.
I read with interest the many comments and thoughts of our guests to this site. All I can say is, “To each his own”, what you conceive as ugly many of us may like the looks. It is way to early to make a judgement call on the looks of this auto. We all need to step back, take a deep breath and see what comes down the line. I’m sure GM is not spending the billions it is spending to come out with a dud!
God Bless America.
Tom
July 1st, 2008 at 11:49 am
Although GM may not respond directly to Jason’s rendition, they will no doubt read these posts about what people think about it. For the most part, they seem to be positive which the exception of those who don’t understand the functional design requirements of the vehicle. Yes, people jump all over “Concepts”, but they don’t exist in reality. Give me a design of a car that truly exists and that form that follows function is inherently beautiful.
Yeah, I doubt the roof will incorporate PV, but I’d buy a $200 PV fold-up windshield shade that I plug in to charge while at work.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:50 am
Im not the biggest fan of that interpretation but give it to me in black and 19″ rims and Im sold.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:51 am
Although I remain skeptical about the Volt gen 1 having solar panels on the roof, I too would love to see them there. It would definitely make a statement especially if they were actually useful.
Go GM and Go, Go, Go Volt.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:51 am
Sorry to change the subject, but of interest to many of you:
Opel not planning any new small cars, focuses on Flextreme instead
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/01/opel-not-planning-any-new-small-cars-focuses-on-flextreme-inste/
I really like the futuristic look of Flextreme, and it’s probably even more aerodynamic than the Volt. I hope they make a Saturn version, stat.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:55 am
#64 Ohm
Thanks for the link. The Flextreme is my car to be — functional and beautiful
July 1st, 2008 at 11:57 am
I would buy the Opel Flextreme in a heart beat. But, you can leave off the Sedgeway equipment. Other than that, I think it makes quite a statement.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Has GM even started work on the “volt”?? Lets see, they dont have the aerodynamics worked out, dont have the battery worked out, not sure of the supplemental engine, changing mileage figures, then publish an article about producing more efficient cars and drop the “volt” but are supposedly going to have it into production in the next few years…..I waiting for this bomb to be dropped!
July 1st, 2008 at 12:21 pm
#66 N.Riley.
Ditto for me. That is one very cool looking vehicle.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:27 pm
1) I don’t think the design is anywhere near as “ugly” as some of you think and I would be happy to own one as is.
2) I wouldn’t give up any range at all for a more attractive design. One of the main reasons for owning one is to get the best mileage/range possible so as to use the least amount of gas as possible.
3) As for the solar roof: I have 27 solar panels on the roof of my house which cost $20,000 US. These solar panels save me about $3,000 a year on electricity costs. That being said, I don’t mind the solar roof even if it screams “geek”, but I can’t justify spending $2,000 (as some of you have quoted) on it if all it does is provide cooling/heating for when you enter the car. I’ll gladly pay the $2,000 if the solar roof can extend the range or recharge the li-ion batteries.
4) Thanks Jason, for everything!!!
July 1st, 2008 at 12:30 pm
#66 N.Riley,
I also like the look of the Opel Flextreme, but I’m not so keen on diesel. If GM made a gas engine Saturn Flextreme, and left out the Segways for more cargo space, that would be perfect.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:33 pm
By default, most people rate things on a scale of 1 to 10…
I’d like to shift from the standard 1-10 scale to a Binary system in order to keep things simple..
….is it a ‘1′ meaning “yes, I would”
OR
….is it a ‘0′ meaning “nope, I’ll pass”
Even though this an estimation and doesnt really have that Forty Thousand Dollar look in my opinion …. I still rate it a “1″
(feel free to use the binary rating system explained above for various other situations in your daily lives)
July 1st, 2008 at 12:35 pm
The Saturn version would likely be gasoline/E85, not diesel, because of the emissions requirements in the US. The nice thing about E-Flex is that the design is generalized for any suitable onboard generator.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I like it but the wheels look HORRIBLE. GM: use cool looking rims with polycarbonate filling in the space just like the flextreme and/or provoq concept
July 1st, 2008 at 12:44 pm
#69 Kent says: “I’ll gladly pay the $2,000 if the solar roof can extend the range or recharge the li-ion batteries.”
A solar panel that size won’t extend the range much.
Each solar panel on your house roof produces 150-200 watts max. I would say the Volt’s roof is about 1/2 to 3/4 the size of these house top solar panels, so figure around 100 watts max for the Volt’s roof. Usable sun only lasts around 4.5 hours in most areas, so figure around 450 watt/hours of energy on a good day. The Volt uses 8000 watt/hours to go 40 miles, so the solar roof option might increase your range by 2 miles, or 42 miles total.
There are also issues about the car moving and flexing that make silicon crystal solar panels problematic for mobile applications.
Bottom line: solar panels belong on your house roof, not your car roof.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Ford is out first with the numbers today:
“Ford Motor reported that its U.S. sales tumbled 28% in June from a year ago…”
Side note to somehere here who shall remain nameless who called me out when I said the Fusion was a winner and that Ford needs to bank on this car and others like it, I believe the quote was something like, “not being able to compete, and that it was a waste of resources”
From the press release from Ford, “But only the Ford Fusion, the Mercury Milan and the Volvo V70 and C70 posted year-over-year gains in sales”
http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/01/news/companies/auto_sales/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote
Still, 28% off is a real monster, Ford shares trading off about 5% at $4.50
July 1st, 2008 at 12:52 pm
For all the postering and chest thumping about oil independence and global warming on this site, it still comes down to “Hey, look at me in my oh so very cool ride.” So now it’s “Pfft. That’s it, I’m outta here.”, eh?
I just hope all of you shallow egocentrists were ahead of me on the signup list.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Toyota is off a impressive 21.4% this month as well. 6.8% off for the year.
“(21.4%)…far worse than the forecast from Edmunds.com of only a 12% drop in sales. It was the biggest year-over-year decline in U.S. sales in 10 years for Toyota.”
The Prius, the nation’s best-selling hybrid offering, saw its sales fall by a third, due to tight supplies and the complete dry up of inventories at dealerships that had pushed sales higer than factory sustainable levels.
Toyota of 99 cents at $93.01
July 1st, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Wow fast and furious. Honda is out.
Honda is up 13.8 percent (although their calculation is on a adjusted basis–24 selling days this year, versus 27 last year).
“Honda, which has the most fuel-efficient line-up of any major manufacturer, said sales of its Fit subcompact sedan more than doubled to a record 10,003 in the month. Total car sales were up 34.2 percent at 97,639.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINN0127978120080701?rpc=44
Quote on Honda 3,720, up 110 (in JPY)
July 1st, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Captain Cullinane that is awesome, I hope the final model looks like this - love the EV1 rims, nice touch. If it looks like this, I’ll buy it. Here’s to seeing how close this is to GM’s final version.
July 1st, 2008 at 1:04 pm
And finally GM. Not too bad actually, pretty good actually:
“Tuesday reported an 18.2% decline in June U.S. light vehicle sales to 262,329 cars and trucks from 320,668 in June 2007. Sales of cars slid 21.1% while trucks declined 16%.” Not sure if this is market adjusted, didn’t say in the mixer.
Looks like the truck sell off/4 day sale/72 months at 0% let GM get alot of trucks off their inventory. They took a real hit discounting them, but I’m sure it’s a relief to just get away from the glut. Will be interesting to see the breakdown of sales in the last week of the month.
Market likes: GM swung from down 4% to up 3% @ $11.85 (+.35)
July 1st, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I’ll repost with corrected for market adjustment…have to do the same for the Toyota numbers as well:
“DETROIT, July 1 (Reuters) - General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) posted an 8.3 percent decline in June U.S. auto sales after adjusting for sales days in the month, a better-than-expected result for the embattled automaker.
GM sold 265,937 vehicles in June, down 18.5 percent before adjusting for three fewer sales days in June than in the same month a year earlier.
Boosted by a month-end sale and zero-percent financing, GM’s sales tally was high enough for it to remain the sales leader in the U.S. market, ahead of Toyota Motor Corp”
Estimated that a third of the sales came in last 4 days of the month.
GM @ $11.99, up .49 cents
July 1st, 2008 at 1:13 pm
“”"”Sorry, but thats just not going to fly, not with a 40 mile range at $40k. Great for people with tiny commutes - but then again if you have a tiny commute you probably arent as affected by gas prices as those of us with 100 mile commutes are.”"”"”
The volt will give you better mpg on a long commute than any car out there produced by a major automanufacture, but somehow since it doesn’t look almost exactly like the concept vehicle it is a no go??? What do you propose as a substitue. You mentioned Tesla’s second car. Good luck getting one of those if the production capabilities of teslas first car are any indication of what is in store from them in the future. So what is your third choice?
July 1st, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Thanks! Nice job, I know it’s a lot of work. The EV1 wheels were a clever touch, too.
I note that there may be some issues with photographic proportions. Looking at the photo of the camo proto on this website, I note that it’s definitely taller. Well, in the photo, it’s about the same height but its notably shorter. This could be a scaling problem converting from the original video (sometimes the video pixels aren’t square but are coverted as such, for example. (DV pixels aren’t square, they’re wider than tall)).
If not, then the camo proto is taller than the \Volt concept, which is what this drawing seems to be scaled more like.
However, given that in my mind I’d estimated the camo proto to be about 10% taller, I realize that is exactly the amount by which DV pixels aren’t square; 10%. So, I’m fairly suspicious about the camo proto proportions.
Good luck in Iraq.
July 1st, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Dave G mentioned the 2 miles extra from the solar panels. Just an FYI to everyone. The extra two mile will NEVER give you a 42 mile range. Unless you drive less than 10 miles and hour in the sun.
The panels can give you back two miles while you are parked and away from a plug in. But the panels will never allow you to get in the car and drive 42 miles AER instead of 40. It would actually be more like 40.2 miles vs 40. And they panels would be wasted money anytime the car is at full charge during the day.
If you parked each day in the sun after driving somewhere in the morning without the option to recharge the panels would give you a maximum of 730 miles of charge per year. Something that few if any of us will really reach. This would save you about 14.6 gallons of gas per year. At 5 dollars a gallon that is 73 dollars of savings a year in the best case senario.
Not economical… not even close. That number goes down if it is ever cloudy. That number goes down if you ever leave the house after early morning hours, that number goes down if you ever drive to a friends house where you can plug in.
July 1st, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Saturn Flextreme = 1
Diesel generator = 0
Onboard Segways = 0
40+ mile range = 1
35- mile range = 0
How’s that?
If the Volt can live up to it’s specs, it will excuse a lot of appearance concessions to get it, IMO; but then, I drive a Saturn SL2 (luckily, I got the last production model, hope it lasts). Whatever excellent attributes the SL2 had (and they were many), styling pizazz was not among them.
Having said that, the concept at the top, despite being well rendered, kind of leaves me flat. It lacks both the “my ego-centric ride” lustre and the “I’m an environmentally conscious/techie” modernism which would please one group or the other. It seems likely that neither group would be pleased by this pic.
GM has a tightrope to walk between the needs of aerodynamics and the ever-dwindling car-buying market.
I don’t know that as many Americans are as shallow as some here believe, but if we want the car to truly break trhough as a mainstream development, it had better be a looker.
Captain Cullinane reminds us more by his example what the Volt is about than his work, here; and he is to be commended.