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Artist’s Estimation of the Production Chevy Volt

July 1st, 2008 | Posted in: Images

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 )."

Posted by: Lyle

157 Responses to “Artist’s Estimation of the Production Chevy Volt”

Rashiid Amul Says:
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.

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Dave G Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:01 am

I don’t care too much what the car looks like, but that solar panel screams “geek”!

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Exp_EngTech Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:07 am

Looks good to me. I’ll take 3.

One Red, One White, One Blue.

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BillR Says:
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.

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brad Says:
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.

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BillR Says:
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.

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Dave G Says:
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.

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kenglen76 Says:
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.

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Joe Says:
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

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Schmeltz Says:
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

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Jay Says:
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!

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Keith Says:
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.

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Murray Says:
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!

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Todd Crenshaw Says:
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!

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Thom Says:
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?

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Spin Says:
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

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Dave B Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 7:35 am

Nice work Jason; here’s to a safe and speedy return for you and all the troops.

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Jeff Says:
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.

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Rob Says:
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.

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Grant Says:
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.

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CDAVIS Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 8:01 am

______________________________________________________
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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TOM M Says:
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

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Vincent Says:
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

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Jason M. Hendler Says:
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.

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TBK Says:
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.

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Gsned57 Says:
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

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cyclop Says:
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.

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DC Says:
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.

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Chris C Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 9:20 am

Jason,
Thank you for serving our country!

Chris

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N Riley Says:
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.

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Firefly Says:
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!

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Grateful McFly Says:
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.

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jes Says:
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.

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Dave G Says:
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?

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CDAVIS Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 9:54 am

_____________________________________________________
# 33 Jes

YES!
_____________________________________________________

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N Riley Says:
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.

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noel park Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 10:05 am

Works for me. Bring it on.

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Jason C Says:
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.

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noel park Says:
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.

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CDAVIS Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 10:32 am

______________________________________________________
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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MetrologyFirst Says:
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.

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MetrologyFirst Says:
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.

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Mark Bartosik Says:
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.

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Mike-o-Matic Says:
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!

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ThombDbhomb Says:
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.”

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OhmExcited Says:
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.

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Vincent Says:
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.

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frankyB Says:
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

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Joy Says:
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.

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Grizzly Says:
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!

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MetrologyFirst Says:
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.”

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Clark Says:
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..

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Vincent Says:
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.

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Grizzly Says:
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

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MetrologyFirst Says:
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.

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Artimus Says:
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.

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George K Says:
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!

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canehdian Says:
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.

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TOM M Says:
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

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TOM M Says:
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

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David Says:
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.

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DG Says:
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.

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N Riley Says:
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.

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OhmExcited Says:
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.

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cyclop Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 11:55 am

#64 Ohm
Thanks for the link. The Flextreme is my car to be — functional and beautiful

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N Riley Says:
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.

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THOM Says:
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!

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Rashiid Amul Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 12:21 pm

#66 N.Riley.

Ditto for me. That is one very cool looking vehicle.

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Kent Says:
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!!!

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Dave G Says:
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.

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Murray Says:
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)

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OhmExcited Says:
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.

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Mike D Says:
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

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Dave G Says:
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.

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Statik Says:
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

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mien green Says:
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.

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Statik Says:
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

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Statik Says:
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)

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Sasparilla Says:
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.

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Statik Says:
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)

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Statik Says:
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

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omegaman66 Says:
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?

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DaveP Says:
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.

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omegaman66 Says:
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.

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Jackson Says:
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.

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nuttzy Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:25 pm

Thanks for the effort in coming up with the rendering. If that’s the final product though, I’ll be very disappointed. I want something that looks sporty, not a golf cart (aka Prius).

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+1 DA Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:28 pm

My god, it looks better than the concept. GM should hire you work on the design!!!

I want this car even more than the concept. It looks so much more practical as the concept appeared to have a compressed canopy that looked like it might cut down on visibility. This looks like a very aerodynamic and spacious cab.

Build it GM!!!!

–
DA

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MetrologyFirst Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:30 pm

mien green @76

shallow egocentrists? Because a few of us want our cars to look cool? Whatever….

I get tired of all this function over form stuff. “Looks don’t matter. Function and utility only.” That’s BS. If the rest of our lives were this way, I’d humbly concede. But there not. My guess is everyone here cares about what their home looks like. My guess is we all want food on our plates that “look good”. I mean, if nothing matters but function, why do we send food back that is “unappealing”. What about clothes; we buy labels, don’t we? We buy food by brand and appeal, don’t we? When was the last time you past up that really good looking bundle of grapes and bought the puny ones instead?

Face it, we buy what we like; therefore characteristics, style, impression and personal taste matter. Most people I know drink water from bottles, The tap’s not good enough. How’s that for form over function.

I will not apologize for wanting my car to look cool. It’s too expensive a purchase not to matter. I am sure GM recognizes this. At least Lutz does (or did).

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Benny "Peak Demand" Cole Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:34 pm

I agree with those who say they would give up a mpg or two to have the car look as sexy as hell. It cannot say, “I am a greenie-weenie.”
It has to say, “I have the sexiest car on the road. You don’t.”
The concept car looks hotter. Stay hot, GM. No girl was ever sorry they wore the sexiest dress to a party.

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ThombDbhomb Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:35 pm

I likes my car like I likes my women; the girl next door with substance under the hood. Give me a plain Jane that knows how to make me deep down happy. I don’t need a trophy car/wife.

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kevin R Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:36 pm

Thanks Jason…great job and quite frankly, I really like it. If it looks like this I will be very pleased indeed. It still retains the look of the original. I’ll take mine in midnight blue for delivery in December 2010!

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R.V. Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:39 pm

Ha–..–rd-…-t-..o pos–..t ……to..—.o mu=-..=ch sssst..aaaattt.-.i..–c

Thanks Capt. Cullinane, it’s fun to see the Volt fleshed out like that.

The world is a better place because of you and others like you. Thanks for your service,

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Morgan Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:40 pm

Call me crazy but I don’t understand why so many people don’t like that rendering. The wheels are blah but overall it reminds me of my Z4 a a little. I like this look.

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Kent Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:40 pm

Dave G. and Omegaman66:

Thanks for the detailed stats. In my original post #69, I stated that if the solar roof can add decent mileage, I would be willing to pay. Of course, you two provided stats showing it would not be cost effective for which I obviously agree. When I wrote my initial posting, I was hoping (dreaming?) that by the time the Volt comes out, some new magical technology would be available to significantly increase the efficiency of the solar roof and/or charger to make it worth the extra $2,000.

Don’t hold my optimism against me….it’s this optimism that makes me still believe I will be able to afford a Volt!

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Murray Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:46 pm

…atta…way Jackson!

The binary rating system….and I agree on each of your 1’s and 0’s

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mien green Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:46 pm

mien green @ 76:

Hmmm. You know, teh dark solar panel on the roof would work if they added some dark stripes or complementory contour shading…

The design following function part that seems to be most at issue is the hood slope merging with the windshield to minimize air flow separation and aerodynamic drag at the roof line. Hence the similarity with the Prius and other Toyota offerings. It’s most likely convergent design that will be a staple of the future, and appears to be the Rubicon that is most anathemic here to the muscle car devotees.

Get used to the hood, fellas.

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MetrologyFirst Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 1:56 pm

mien green @ 96

The “rubicon” I worry about is the public accepting bland car designs because we have no other option. We clearly do, still, and I will promote them as much as possible so we can keep them. This is America.

anathemic??

Oh, and the “muscle car” designation describes more than power, to most of us “devotees”. It is a stylistic approach, moreso to me than one of acceleration. Research it a little if you are interested.

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N Riley Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:05 pm

Well, I like the looks of Capt Cullinane’s rendering of the Volt. It doesn’t matter what anyone comes up with. Some of us are going to like it and some of us will not like it. Just proves the point: “you can’t satisfy everyone”. If GM comes out with something close to the concept, I will be very satisfied. The changes to the concept we have learned of sound reasonable and should make it a great car. I can’t wait to see the actual car.

I say: Go GM and Go, Go, Go Volt.

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TBK Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:06 pm

I’m betting GM had the real Volt design done when they went into the wind tunnel tests with the concept. They suspected it wouldn’t fare well (it’s not like they haven’t designed a car body before).

When it failed they pulled out the backup and off they went. They probably didn’t lose any real development time.

The more I look at this rendering, it’s not half bad. We’ll see what reality is shortly.

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Vincent Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:08 pm

#55 Yes the Solstice is beautiful. GM is hitting home runs again. I just don’t want to see them screw up a fantastically huge opportunity and make the car look anything the the Gentleman’s rendition.

#9 Agreed… a vehicle need not be like a model…. IF I’m spending under 20K or there abouts.
At 40K it needs to be Cadillac CTS beautiful. I just want GM to succeed like most of us here. I do not see that style selling volumes. Maybe to Geek Squad at Circuit City…I can see them with taped eye glasses and pocket protectors cruising in it.

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DonC Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:09 pm

Jason, thanks for spending the time on the drawings. I’m sure you have other things to do. Also hearfelt thanks for serving your country. Hopefully it will be a sacrifice for something more deserving than allowing an unpatriotic yahoo to drive his jacked up F-150 to his office job or a soccer mom to drive her Escalade to the gym. Come back safe so you can drive your VOLT, ensuring that we will avoid any more Operation Iraqi Liberations (OIL) in the future.

#3 Exp_EngTech – I’m with you. I want a red, a white, and a bue one. Go GM go USA.

As for design, I think the design is nice but I am so over looks at this point. Give me 40 miles of electric so I don’t have to support terrorism by sending my $$$ to Saudi Arabia and I don’t care (much) about looks. Just make it not look like a Gremlin!

#55 MetrologyFirst — Though I personally don’t care about the looks very muchI agree with you about the design. You can trade off some mileage for looks without really affecting the overall value of the technology. Forty or thirty-eight miles in electric mode won’t amount to a lot in the real world. As a car guy I’m sure Lutz understands this.

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Vincent Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:09 pm

That was supposed to be #90 agreed to. Sorry lost the edit function.

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N Riley Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:10 pm

There is no rule I have ever heard of that says you can not have a good looking, stylish vehicle if it is economical and efficient. Just because Toyota chose to design the Prius like they did does not mean that all economical and efficient cars have to look like it. GM has great designers, although they must have been on furlough the past 20 years except the last two or three.

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mien green Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:10 pm

88 MetrologyFirst

You’re confusing looks with taste in your analogy. But since nutrition is the primary function for food, maybe you have a point. Or not. Preferring one taste for another only works when the offerings have equal nutritional value. Otherwise, it’s mostly stroking your vanity again.

Sending food back? Buying clothes for labels? You should just read your argument. If the shoe fits…

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kubel Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:50 pm

Nice rendition. Now make it 3D .

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MetrologyFirst Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:50 pm

mien green @104

I know my argument. I have never sent food back, I admit, but my wife has.

I’m not the one saying appeal, style, looks don’t matter. I think they all clearly do matter based on how most people live and make choices, which is why ALOT of people do care a great deal about how their cars look.

What I want is for car design to matter. A car is an expression of ones tastes, whether we like it or not. It says to others what is important to you, the driver. Whether you, the driver, care or not, is another matter entirely.

I am afraid that in this current frenzy; out-of-control gas prices ,electric car development, CAFE standards, sagging car sales, the manufacturers will abandon design for the sake of function. That would be a sad day. It does not have to happen, but it might if we allow it.

I don’t want all cars to have knock out style. That wouldn’t be fair to those who only want an appliance and don’t care about looks. Thats why we have Toyota and the Prius.

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The Anti-Oil Jihadi Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:52 pm

Captain C:

“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.”

I second that paragraph, written in message #8.

I would like to add: Death to oil! http://www.oiljihad.org

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MetrologyFirst Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 2:59 pm

For the record, I think Jason C.’s rendering isn’t bad at all. A lot better than some I’ve seen.

Wheel size and design can be an option if GM wants. As long as we get the option.

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Neutron Flux Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 3:11 pm

Joe #9 are you Iraqi? In case you missed it the Captain is deploying to Iraq. Last I checked the United States had 50 States & Iraq was not one of them, not even a territory. Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric! I support the troops, HEQQ I am 20 years retired military myself. Our back door is wide open; if the troops were protecting “our” country they would be brought home & deployed across our wide open Northern & Southern borders. We have documented armed excursions into the USA by Mexican military & police units & middle eastern origin people coming across and changing their names to those with hispanic surnames to hide among us. The Captain is doing his duty and serving his country but don’t get that confused with protecting it !When the Son of a US Army woman serving in Iraq is killed in LA by an illegal alien Mexican gang member released the day before by the LA County Sheriff, we are not protected! I do not believe “our country” is directly protected by the service of our military in Iraq, our borders are wide open and our Congress has abdicated their Constitutional obligation to defend this country against invasion Article 4 Section 4 US Constitution. The Captain had it right! We need to get off oil ! Does anyone really believe we will bring long term stability & democracy to Iraq? His family is much safer with him home than with him in Iraq! We fought our Civil war, we do not need to fight theirs! We had our Vietnam & do not need another. Captain I salute you for honoring your obligation to serve without question and follow orders and do your duty. Our job is to question whether or not your being there is in the long term best interests of this Country and elect civilians who will do that which is. The Volt will have no effect on your tour in Iraq & I pray you will come home safe to be able to own a Volt in a country less dependant on foreign oil with less need to send our young men & women into harms way to defend our lack of sound US Energy Policy!

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mien green Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 3:25 pm

MetrologyFirst:

Just to put a bowtie on this discussion, I have no argument with style and personal preference where it doesn’t compromise function, in this case optimizing AER and/or mileage. And there’s no doubt multiple approaches to that end, depending on the trade-offs you’ll accept compatible to your life style. Witness VW’s approach of a mild diesel hybrid 2 seater, which takes advantage of a narrow frontal profile bullet shape for aerodynamics. Does that purr “tres crool” to you and the missus?

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/01/vw-supposedly-still-working-on-one-liter-car-possible-2010-lau/

However, I personally do not choose to sacrifice function to be slavish to conventional fashion, mass market appeal notwithstanding.

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SamH Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 4:01 pm

Compare the above photo to this one of the 2009 Prius; the back 3/4 of the cars are nearly identical:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4212545.html

I personally don’t care about the similarities to the Prius or the deviation from the concept model. We can’t have it all – muscle-car looks, high performance, and high-efficiency. Give me whatever it takes to get the maximum range out of minimal gas, basic comforts, the ability to seat 4 or 5 people, made in USA, and sooner rather than later – isn’t that why we started coming here?

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fred Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 4:12 pm

Front looks great, back doesn’t look great . I’m still buying it first chance I get. Intrest free financing helps me. If GM needs deposits to show intent I’m ready to place one. I want a stripped down one. just basic transportation. I don’t even need air but heat would be nice.

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N Riley Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 4:22 pm

SamH #111

Not sure it looks anything like the 2009 Prius, but I agree with your second paragraph’s statements. 100%.

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noel park Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 4:32 pm

#111 SamH:

You can’t say it better than that. Gas is approaching $5/gallon. Form will follow function. Deal with it.

Note the very useful link from Vincent at #53 to a site dealing with car aerodynamics. Not to restate the obvious, but they emphasize the point that Cd is only part of the drag equation. The other part is frontal area. Drag = Cd x frontal area. So size does matter. whatever one may believe about the issue of weight.

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Anthony BC Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 4:48 pm

THX for your work Jason and I too will be buying a VOLT to help start us getting off of oil. Hopefully GM will keep it close to the concept version. @ 40K, it’s got to look good!

GM, per DC#28 comments regarding Tesla having a 4 door sedan in the $60k range with 225 miles per charge by 2010, MOVE FASTER GM! People on this site want to buy a VOLT, some like me even today, but if these predictions are true, you might not have an exclusive market by 2011.

GO GM, GO VOLT !

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kevin R Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 5:08 pm

SamH#111 I dont’ see the the Volt and Prius have the same back ends at all. The Volt has a projecting box like portion in the middle of the rear end whereas the Prius doesn’t. Both have steep rear ends but that’s about all there is in similarity.

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Rashiid Amul Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 5:37 pm

#90 ThombDbhomb says, “Give me a plain Jane that knows how to make me deep down happy. I don’t need a trophy car/wife.”

You said it, my friend.

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Rashiid Amul Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 5:38 pm

I’m getting 35 MPG out of my Hyundai with 167,000 miles on it. I would rather not use gas at all, and when I do get 50 MPG or better.

I don’t begrudge anyone who wants a cool looking car. I do too but I think practical is more important to some. But for $40K (gosh that is a lot of money), but for $40K, it should look stunning, be very functional and practical. I know. I know. Good luck getting all three of those at the same time and on the same car!

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Noah Nehm Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 5:44 pm

I think you can go overboard worrying about the style.

Remember, there will be only 10k of these produced the first year. If the car is solid, they’ll sell out regardless of the style. As they ramp up production in future model years, they’ll be able to refine the style and fine-tune the marketing.

IMHO, the quality of the engineering will make or break this car. If it handles well, if the power delivery is smooth, if they meet their mileage targets, and if the car is reliable, they’ll sell out their first 10k in California alone. If, on the other hand, they have constant breakdowns, firmware problems, recalls, battery fires, safety issues, rough integration of the ICE, etc, then the Volt will be dead and GM will be seriously wounded.

I’m sure Lutz knows this, which is why the Volt seems to be at the top of their engineering priority list.

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Rashiid Amul Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 5:57 pm

#107, The Anti-Oil Jihadi.

It is always nice to “see” you.

I have missed your slogan. —- Death to Oil.

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Rashiid Amul Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:01 pm

#119, Noah Nehm.

Absolutely right. There will be lots of people aching to see GM fail.
People will tear this car apart to find something wrong with it, no matter how infinitesimally small it is. Then they will do their best to get their voices heard so people won’t buy it. The Volt has to be “Spot-On” right out of the box, so to speak.

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Engineer Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:19 pm

I think it looks great, I like how it actually has the real skin stretched on it.

Although I do have a few criticisms via this post.

http://www.gm-volt.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7169&postcount=30

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Bill Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:21 pm

Based on the size of the depicted solar panel and the output I get off my roof mounted panels, on most days in Arizona, there would be about another 1kwh of power added to the batteries.

Jason, I appreciate your work on the car and for what you do! Remember when over there – many of us support what you are doing!

Have a safe deployment.

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omegaman66 Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:23 pm

Kent #94
“Don’t hold my optimism against me….it’s this optimism that makes me still believe I will be able to afford a Volt!”

I won’t. Even if the panels are 100% efficient they still don’t add meaningful milage while driving. But who knows if the price of solar panels comes way down they to something like 200 dollars for the same area as shown or if the car can be painted with a solar paint for only an additional 2 to 3 hundred dollars then you will get your wish of pv on the Volt. It won’t give you much extra milage but it might give you a little extra milage at a recoverable cost…. just don’t hold your breath.

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Grizzly Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:38 pm

Why is it that so many seem to think this is necessarily what the production vehicle will look like? There have been quite a few photoshop renditions from the 1/3 scale model and they’ve varied. It’s very difficult to get an accurate picture from a 2D taped model. The good news is that the peek-a-boo of the final model shows almost certainly that it will be better looking than the picture above IMHO. In fact, GM has also acknowledged the need for pleasing aesthetics. Aerodynamics and and appealing design don’t have to be at odds with one another. There may always be those who think that anything other than the concept is ugly, but I disagree.

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Jackson Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Re solar panels: Google CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide). Can be “printed” on cheap substrates in a continuous process, without high temperatures, in a normal atmosphere. No, they’re not more efficient than Silicon. But they are loads better than existing “thin film” technology, and less expensive than Silicon. They could be applied directly to body panels (not quite as good as “Solar Paint,” maybe; but still pretty interesting).

Uh oh. Honda is a major player (IBM to follow soon).

I’m on record here as saying that we’ll have to wait for multi-junction cells before on-board Solar is practical, but who knows? It will certainly be an interesting field to watch.

“Why is it that so many seem to think this is necessarily what the production vehicle will look like?”

In the absence of any official photos to comment on, and a need for at least one thread a day to help the (maybe) years go by, I’d find anything else extremely surprizing, Grizzly. Nobody really knows what’s coming out, so excuse us if we speculate. There’s not a lot else to do on the subject.

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Hous Volt Pharteen Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:41 pm

May God bless you and your men and women and light the way home very soon.

PS…Nice job.

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Grizzly Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:54 pm

Jackson #126

Maybe I wasn’t clear. I was not referring to the thread, or speculation I have no problem with either. I’m referring to those that seem to have written off the Volt as visually unappealing when after all we still don’t know what it’ll look like.

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j man Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 6:57 pm

The only thing I don’t like are the wheel choice.

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Jason C Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 7:24 pm

I love the discussion that this has stirred up, very good info for the people at GM (and for myself – for professional development).

I would like to note that many people have correctly stated that the solar panels shown are not sufficient to provide meaningful power for the Volt to drive. What they would be used for is to provide power to other systems during travel (to take a stress off the battery) and will likely be able to cool the car while parking out in the sun (power the AC). They may even have an option to charge the battery.

Lots of neat stuff…. I think that there will be so many little features that we will just think “that is so cool!” when the car is eventually revealed to the public. I believe that the Volt that they release (from inside to out) will be well worth $39,000.

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Grizzly Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 7:39 pm

Jason C. #130

“What they would be used for is to provide power to other systems during travel (to take a stress off the battery) and will likely be able to cool the car while parking out in the sun (power the AC). They may even have an option to charge the battery.”

*** *** ***

It’s not a bad idea at all. I think that if this were included it would need to be modular, i.e. bolted in rather than built in so that in the future it could be swapped out with much more powerful panels. In that case, it could even charge the battery if left in the sun for periods of time. The potential of this technology is almost limitless!

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Ed M Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 7:42 pm

Jason C

Very Sweet looking car and some great ideas for the solar panels.

May God bless you and bring you home safely and try and keep in contact while your away.

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GM Volt Fan Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 7:51 pm

I wonder …. are we getting close to GM announcing the date when they will unveil the version of the Volt they think they will put into production? Is there a big auto show coming up where they are likely to do it?

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435333

I don’t want them to rush the unveiling because I want them to do the best job they possibly can on the exterior and interior … BUT … it would be nice to know they ARE going to unveil it sometime this year and have a date to look forward to. GM better do the unveiling at an auto show with plenty of room for the press and us Volt fans. There might be a few thousand people who want to be there.

If they are waiting til this fall, I’m thinking that the LA Auto Show on November 21st might be a good one. There will be LOTS of Volt customers from California when it comes out in 2010.

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biodieseiljeep Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 7:54 pm

Problem:

Front glass and side glass doesn’t line up at bottom edge. Big design no-no.

I’m guessing that might be a rendering issue, no offence to the Capt., he’s working with almost nothing to go on! If correct, it is a goof-up on GM’s part. That always makes a car look pug-nosed. Slanting hood won’t help that. If fron glass + slanbt hood un-fixable, bringing the side windows starting point up in line would geek it a bit but help the cool factor.

ps Capt: keep your head low, come home soon.

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BillR Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 8:02 pm

I’m sure GM has to make some compromises between form and function. If they wanted the best aerodynamics, the Volt would look like the EV-1 (Cd = 0.19) or the Precept (Cd = 0.16). As far as I know, GM has no intention of adding wheel covers in the rear or using cameras in lieu of conventional rear view mirrors.

I’m willing to bet GM will exceed its original AER spec of 40 miles, and also wants to get 50+ mpg with the ICE in operation. However, any design concept that can meet these parameters will likely be acceptable. I don’t believe that AER and mpg must be maximized at the cost of all other design issues.

GM knows that a car must be a pleasing design as well as being functional if it is to sell in high volumes.

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250volts Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 8:04 pm

Jason, God bless you and your men. What you are doing is so much more appreciated that words can express.
I’m retired USN.

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Grizzly Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 8:12 pm

GMVF # 133

It was suggested by someone on this site (NOT me) that the 4th of July would be a good date. I couldn’t agree more although I have no idea how that could be done when everyone is out celebrating. The significance, however, would be unmistakable.

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GM Volt Fan Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 8:17 pm

Jason did a good job on his rendition of the Volt. It’ll be interesting to see if his rendition comes close to the final version. Us Volt fans would probably like to have some automotive design skills like Jason to help GM make this car into a hit.

When I was in junior high and high school, I used to have a whole wall in my bedroom full of car posters and torn out pages from Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Road and Track …. all the classic sports cars like Vettes, Mustangs, Ferraris, Porsches, etc. I wanted to design cars back then. I wish I’d followed through on it. It would be one of those jobs where you get paid the big bucks to have fun.

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The Grump Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 8:19 pm

First of all, thank you for your service to our country. Second, thank you for your service to GM-Volt.com. It’s one thing to hear about changes to the Volt – and another thing to actually see the changes.

About the Volt, who said the solar panel roof had to be functional? It could be a cleverly painted fake, just for the geek value (and instant recognition) – a real attention getter.

Geek is good, geek works – if you want to get off oil. If you want to be cool looking, forget the Volt. Get your Camero / Corvette / whatever. Just don’t complain about the pump prices – after all, you have a cool car. If you can afford the cool car, you can afford the gas. Being cool is THAT important – isn’t it? Well, isn’t it? Speak up, can’t hear you.

Face it. We’re all here to stop using oil. Some want to save money, some never want to send OPEC a cent again, some want to save the planet. There may be other reasons, but we all want the Volt. I would settle for an egg shape, a box shape, any shape, just to buy a Volt today.

We know the original Volt body design was “gone with the wind” – literally ! The original design failed GM’s wind tunnel test, and that’s why the Volt body was redesigned. It was reported here at GM-Volt.com. http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/26/lutz-details-volts-new-design-and-production-plans/

Like the EV-1, The original Volt design is history.

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Dan Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 8:21 pm

That looks better than I’m expecting the production Volt to look! If the real Volt looks close to that I’ll be a happy man.

The solar panels are great! I dunno if the business case makes sense but they add a ton of ‘eco-sexual’ style to the car. I’d absolutely love to rock those. I think the ‘nerd’ and ‘geek’ verdicts are way off base. Green is totally in these days.

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GM Volt Fan Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 8:35 pm

As long as they don’t make the Volt look TOO weird that’ll be fine with me. A good balance between aerodynamic drag and the “cool factor” is what I’m hoping for. I want this Volt 1.0 to sell to the masses. Millions of them. I want to make sure that ER-EVs like the Volt get a strong foothold in the marketplace and STAY there. GM and other car companies could come out with some funky looking ER-EVs later that have ultra low drag and look like they are out of a Star Wars movie or something. Maybe Mercedes will build an ER-EV based on their “Bionic” car to see if it’ll sell.

http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/fish-inspired-mercedes-bionic-car-most-efficient-this-category-aerodynamic-vehicle/

Who knows, maybe people will want an odd looking futuristic car like the Aptera in the next 5-10 years. If those cars sell, then GM ought to build one similar to it. Why not?

http://oneworldnews.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/aptera1.jpg

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omegaman66 Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 9:35 pm

I agree the pic looks better than I thought it would look. I like it.

How about Jason ditch the solar roof and make the car a gif or flash file that alternates colors so we can get a better idea of what it looks like in red, green etc.

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MetrologyFirst Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 9:56 pm

Jason C.

I agree with you. Lots of good discussion. And again, the more I digest your rendering, the more I like it. Three things:

1) The frontend will be somewhat more rounded, smoothing the sharp transition to the fender sides. If anything that will make the rendering even better.
2) The wheel sizes and style have been somewhat settled; 17″, and one of the videos on the website here identified the wheel design on CAD. I would have preferred 18″ wheels, but 17’s are OK.
3) I can not tell from your rendering if the side profile will be similar to Prius. My fear is it will be, and that would be truely unfortunate. Toyota will be breathing a sign of relief if so. Lets hope not.

I want GM to rise from the ashes and kick some butt. A cool Volt will really give GM a showcase car. Remember, EVERYONE IN THE WORLD will be watching when this is unveiled. GM has a unique opportunity here to really turn the tables and impact the direction of electric car design in the future.

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NoMoreSmoke Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 10:10 pm

Nice job Captain Cullinane. Thanks for the rendition and your continued service to this country. I’ll add this little piece of information for what its worth. I made it up to Detroit for the Auto Show earlier this year and talked to Samantha the spokesperson at the Volt display both this year and last and she told me the curved acrylic panels on the doors will not likely make it to production. I’ll be curious to see if she is right when GM finally gives a glimpse of what the final version. She seemed to have it right when she told me that the car would be ready for the public late in the 4th quarter in 2010. If GM gets this car right it would do a lot to restore my faith in ‘the General’.

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Paul-R Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 11:26 pm

Great job Captain! Truly great. Looks sharp. I agree with a few others that the Volt wheels would make it look even sharper. The wheels make the car IMHO, regardless of what it is.

Happy 4th and best of luck on your upcoming tour!

Thank you.

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NZDavid Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 11:29 pm

Well I don’t think it looks ‘exactly’ like the Prius at all. If it looks similar to this drawing I will be very happy.

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ghost Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 am

Gross wheels and loose the bubbly look on the roof.

Other than that it’s nice.

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2Snowboard Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:41 am

TBK @ 25

No, what ruins the Prius is that it looks like a pregnant rollar skate, the yellow car pool lane stickers are kind of a status-thing.

I miss the camero look too, but the look of this car will take on its own significance as people realize you are the one who is not using gasoline. In the end that is something far more important then looks for all of us, this country, and especially for people like Jason this 4th of July.

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koz Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:19 pm

This looks like the best rendering yet, as far as most closely matching the clues GM has given. I am interested to see a version without the solar on the roof. Also, I agree the concept rims would look much nicer but aerodynamics and price may rule them out for the base model. Hopefully, they will still be available as an upgrade.

Please, please allow line item options for this vehicle. I think GM could have a huge competitive advantage by doing this with all of their E-Flex vehicles as available options should increase significantly with this drivetrain.

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koz Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:57 pm

Omegaman
“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.”

The panels don’t stop producing just because the genset kicks. Energy is energy and as long as it’s transmitted to the bus, it’s used.

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Bobstar Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:01 pm

I must be fairly unique on this site. I was very disappointed in the look of the concept. I thought it was huge, ponderous looking and, frankly, ugly.

I like the rendering that Captain Cullinane provided. This to me is much more “sporty” and cool looking than the concept. If the production vehicle looks even close to this, I will be very satisfied.

However, at 40K, it’s way out of my range. I’m still hoping for a 2G or 3G Volt (or even a E-Flex offspring) that I can afford.

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Espressif Says:
July 3rd, 2008 at 7:52 am

Bobstar,

You’re not unique at all. The “batmanesque” and caricatural GM style as shown on the concept has absolutly no interest for me. It is just a “Hummersquely” brutal power exhibition with a massive front and so smallish windows openings.

All this still reflect the egoist culture behind the personnal car and specifically the paranoid post september 11 USA atmosphere.

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Fahrvergnugen Fanboy Says:
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:33 pm

I agree with Bobstar and Espressif. The concept looks way cool, like a cross between a Camaro and the Batmobile, but not very practical. Myself personally, there are times I like to be able to see out the windows while driving.

Captain Cullinane’s rendition looks like a Jetta, but with some good USA flash. I like it.

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Frank the brilliant!!!! Says:
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm

Now build one that looks like the CTS coupe prototype and make it go 80 miles on electric and make it available on a lease for 400 per month and the public will go nuts!

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joe Says:
July 4th, 2008 at 11:27 am

Nice job on the rendition but not what I’m hoping the final version
looks like. Take the concept and smooth out some of the creases to make it more aero, raise the roofline a bit to make it practical. Just
don’t mess with the basic concept which looks like a four door coupe. If they stray to far it will end up looking like an American
Prius, and who wants that. I think a two door version would also look amazing.

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Jonathon Corbridge Says:
July 4th, 2008 at 6:57 pm

Stay safe Jason! Come November, we’ll do our best to give you a commander-in-chief you deserve!

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kevin Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 5:34 pm

Its pretty nice an all but i think gm will still want a more refined look. The front of the car still looks pruisish and the solar panels are not gong to happen for atleast 3 years. . Gm needs to get the basics down to a T bfeore they can go with any more integration and advancements on the cat . But thanks for the photo

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Artist’s Estimation of the Production Chevy Volt

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