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Production Chevy Volt Will be Revealed to GM Employees in September, Public After That

July 30th, 2008 | Posted in: Design

We have been waiting patiently to see the production redesign of the Chevy Volt concept.  Speculation recently indicated that GM would reveal the car at their Centennial celebration on September 16th.

Today, the Detroit News is reporting that the September 16th revelation will be a sneak peek only for GM workers who will not be allowed to bring in cameras.

Sources within GM told the reporter that the production car won’t actually be shown to the public until the LA Auto Show in November or the Detroit Auto Show in January.

A consumer focus group in California was shown the production version last month and the response was “very positive” per GM spokesperson Karla Coleman.

While we’re waiting anyway, the graphic above shows a fantastic artist rendition of the production Volt created by a group effort in our GM-Volt.com forum, primarilary by Dinosaurus and finished up by Jason C.  You can see more of Dinosaurus’ 3-D modelling here.

Source (Detroit News)

Posted by: Lyle

156 Responses to “Production Chevy Volt Will be Revealed to GM Employees in September, Public After That”


  1. Järn
    Vote -1 Vote +1Järn     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:11 am

    The automaker recently showed a near-production version of the Volt to a focus group in southern California.

    “It was very positive,” Coleman said. “It’s not like we can change the design at this point, but we want to hear feedback about how we’re doing.”
    ———————
    The final design is done.


  2. FME III
    Vote -1 Vote +1FME III     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:21 am

    “Sources within GM told the reporter that the production car won’t actually be shown to the public until the LA Auto Show in November or the Detroit Auto Show in January.”

    Reading this closely, it could be a reference to the car itself not appearing at an auto show until November, while still leaving open the possibility that GM will unveil the production model beforehand at a press event. Given GM’s need for good PR and earlier indications of a Centennial Celebration unveiling, I think we’ll see it in September….IMHO


  3. ThombDbhomb
    Vote -1 Vote +1ThombDbhomb     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:32 am

    I’ll bet some GM employees have already seen it. How will it be revealed to GM employees? Will there be a production Volt at every GM facility? Will it be revealed electronically?


  4. Rashiid Amul
    Vote -1 Vote +1Rashiid Amul     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:33 am

    From the article:
    Sources within GM told the reporter that the production car won’t actually be shown to the public until the LA Auto Show in November or the Detroit Auto Show in January.

    ———————–
    This sounds like back tracking to me.


  5. Dave B
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave B     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:36 am

    Why the wait? IMO bad move by GM for a few reasons:

    1) they need time to explain this isn’t a parallel hybrid like the Prius;
    2) since production is on such a short schedule, not much time to market it;
    3) if they want to bolster GM’s stock price AT ALL, better start hyping;
    4) what would it hurt?


  6. Arch
    Vote -1 Vote +1Arch     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:38 am

    First electric wreck.

    http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/07/worlds-first-fo.html

    Take Care
    Arch


  7. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:39 am

    #4 Rashiid

    “Sources within GM told the reporter that the production car won’t actually be shown to the public until the LA Auto Show in November or the Detroit Auto Show in January. –”This sounds like back tracking to me.”"

    Actually sounds exactly what I said, and when I said it would debut.
    /pats back

    Wagoner’s ‘very near future’ two months ago at the annual meeting was a total sideshow to the numbers. Seemed pretty obvious. You don’t debut monster cars like this at teeny wheeny events.

    I do like this part of the article:

    “No final decision has been made on when and where the Volt will be revealed to employees — and eventually the public, but spokeswoman Karla Coleman said, “It’s going to be soon.”

    Very soon? It’s already past that.

    Good news is…if they actually let employees see it there is no way they can stop someone from ’stealing’ a picture and leaking it. They couldn’t even stop the handful of guys testing the Camaro production line in Oshawa from taking a picture and getting it leaked to the internet.

    (As I speculated before…maybe they want a ‘fuzzy’ internet picture leaked out there. Doesn’t really say if the employees will get a ‘real good look close-up look’ or just a partial viewing…time till tell).


  8. nathan
    Vote -1 Vote +1nathan     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:45 am

    I’ll just be the first to say that this rendering of the Volt is HOT!! If the car looks half this good GM will truly have a smash hit on their hands.

    Now if they would just build it as a 5 seater.
    Nathan


  9. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:49 am

    #8 Nathan:

    “I’ll just be the first to say that this rendering of the Volt is HOT!! If the car looks half this good GM will truly have a smash hit on their hands”

    Looks like the Malibu to me:
    http://www.autospies.com/images/users/Htay7500/0701_z+2008_chevrolet_malibu+front_corner.jpg


  10. Dr.Science #11 on the list
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dr.Science #11 on the list     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:56 am

    Oh, the anticipation!!
    I’m ready for mine..


  11. Murray
    Vote -1 Vote +1Murray     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:58 am

    Statik making yet another call for Lyle’s posts !

    Hey Statik, I know the internet is a big place but could I possibly have seen a post from you over on Seeking Alpha about satellite radio? If it was you…your talents for posting truths and calling people out extend well past this forum (not surprising)….if not, someone has stolen your personna !

    I like this rendering from Dinosaurus, it will still take me a while to get over the concept car not making it past the wind tunnel…I loved that design…………


  12. Aspherical
    Vote -1 Vote +1Aspherical     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:00 am

    I think this website needs a GM spy… Any volunteers? :)


  13. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:12 am

    #11 Murray

    “Hey Statik, I know the internet is a big place but could I possibly have seen a post from you over on Seeking Alpha about satellite radio? If it was you…your talents for posting truths and calling people out extend well past this forum (not surprising)….if not, someone has stolen your personna !”

    Weird. Not only that you mention that…but I actually troll that site as well. I seen that post just a few minutes ago.

    My first love, while one would think it was electric cars or ‘green technology’ is business/finance, so I happened acrossed it.

    While the ‘other’ Statik may have been accurate in his assessment of the article (about inherent demographics of how Sirius users acquire the technology)…he is a little to ‘terse’ to be me, lol. I rarely shoot people down directly with insults…I’d have to be having some kind of full internet war in PMs or something.

    Whoever that was definitely owes me a royalty of some kind…as I like my handle for it’s uniqueness, hehe.


  14. Marcus R.
    Vote -1 Vote +1Marcus R.     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:19 am

    saddest thing i’ve seen all day:
    http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/29/shed-a-tear-tesla-roadster-crashed-in-san-francisco/


  15. dodahman
    Vote -1 Vote +1dodahman     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:39 am

    I hope it doesn’t look like that. :(


  16. Bernie Torbik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Bernie Torbik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:41 am

    I hope the picture accompanying this article isn’t what the real Volt will look like, because it’s all too similar to the miserable Cobalt. If it is, I’ll take a next-gen Prius, thank you!


  17. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:42 am

    #6 Arch

    “First electric wreck.
    http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/07/worlds-first-fo.html
    Take Care
    Arch”

    Maybe we can afford that one now? I’ll give them 50K and fix it myself, hehe.

    But seriously, you think they just write that off? I think they have too.

    I don’t see how Tesla can repair that at all. Lotus makes the gliders in England like 10 at a time, alot of unique parts that I’m sure Tesla does not have just lying around at this point in their itsey-bitsey industrial park shop

    Clearly they have a full year’s production all booked up, where would they get the time to repair it? Would they even know how to go about it here in North America? What do they value their dozen or so techs time at per hour? $300? $500?

    I guess if it is just cosmetic, it’s not a problem if the owner doesn’t mind a patch job.

    SIDE NOTE: I find it ironic that Lotus has plans for a hybrid/EV sportscar now. Seeing how they build the Tesla pretty much from the gound up…seems like a conflict of interest? Or a souring between the two parties?


  18. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:44 am

    Article also said “GM said it plans to build tens of thousands of Volts beginning in late 2010. The News reported the company currently plans to build up to 200,000 through 2015, with many of them being exported to other markets and some to be sold under different nameplates.”

    I don’t remember hearing “many of them being exported to other markets and some to be sold under different nameplates” before.

    Take 200,000 by 2015, which is only about 50K per year, subtract those exported, subtract those “sold under different nameplates”, and how many are left in the USA? The Volt sounds more and more like a real car but one that is very rarely seen.


  19. Mike-o-Matic
    Vote -1 Vote +1Mike-o-Matic     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:45 am

    @8, Nathan:

    >> Now if they would just build it as a 5 seater.

    NHTSA might not be thrilled about this idea, but as a passenger you could always let your significant other sit in your lap. This would, in effect, increase seating from ‘4′ to ‘5′. Hubba hubba. ;-)


  20. MC
    Vote -1 Vote +1MC     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:46 am

    Nice work on the 3D model! That’s looking pretty good (although the lower lights seem a little skewed from the “sneak peak” we’ve seen)… I do hope GM shows us the look pretty soon, it should be exciting.

    Also, on a vaguely related note, I find this Ford F-150 conversion to a 15 AER + 41 MPG plugin hybrid a promising development (with video):
    http://gas2.org/2008/07/28/startup-converting-ford-f-150s-into-41-mpg-plug-in-hybrid-electric-vehicles/

    (Although at about $60k for the conversion, it still needs some cost improvement…)


  21. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:53 am

    #20 MC.

    “Also, on a vaguely related note, I find this Ford F-150 conversion to a 15 AER + 41 MPG plugin hybrid a promising development…(Although at about $60k for the conversion, it still needs some cost improvement…)”

    Also, vaguely related to your vaguely related note:

    From the the Plug-In 2008 Conference …there is a $4995 Lead Acid Prius conversion kit out there now too…10-15 mile range (up to 50 mph)/’up to’ 100 MPGs.

    As long as you don’t mind replacing all the batteries every 2 years for about a thousand bucks, lol. (I guess you can also switch to Li-Ion easily when they are available).

    http://www.pluginsupply.com/

    I’d buy a Volt with lead acid now…if I knew I could swap the batteries out in 3-4 years when they were available/cheaper.


  22. dodahman
    Vote -1 Vote +1dodahman     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:55 am

    #17 Statik

    Earl Scheib (and lots of Bondo) can do it for $199.95…


  23. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:58 am

    The rendering shown in the post is very nice work, and it is consistent with the limited data we’ve been given. To me, though, it has none of the bold attractiveness of the concept car. Rather, it reminds me of the Honda Insight. I hope the real production car gets back some of the concept car’s visual appeal.


  24. MC
    Vote -1 Vote +1MC     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:01 am

    #21 Statik: “I’d buy a Volt with lead acid now…if I knew I could swap the batteries out in 3-4 years when they were available/cheaper.”

    I’m with ya, man!


  25. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:13 am

    #21 Me

    “I’d buy a Volt with lead acid now…if I knew I could swap the batteries out in 3-4 years when they were available/cheaper”

    That obviously should read, “…in 3-4 years, when they” as in Lithium, “are available/cheaper” I think that is implied, but it reads…oddly (and therefore drives me insane).


  26. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:25 am

    The Los Angeles show will be a natural debut. That’s the primary market for the car. It’s not a coincidence that a focus group met there. The goal was to be sure the car would get a good reception at the show.

    I hope that it does get a good reception in LA. GM management seems to trot out the Volt concept car whenever they need a distraction, and at the same they seem to be immensely uncertain about the car, almost as if they are afraid of it. The result is that there are constant teaser details but every substantive commitment is minimal or very tentative, such as the very low production numbers projected (not just at first but for several years) , an engine that is a variant of the one in another car, and of course, as of now, no announcement of a battery contract.


  27. N Riley
    Vote -1 Vote +1N Riley     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:29 am

    The above rendering looks good but, not as good as the concept. The above rendering kinda looks like a Mustang, in a way. I hope they release the car to the public as soon as possible. GM needs the public relations event and then they need to start a campaign to educate the public about how this car is different from the Prius.


  28. DonC
    Vote -1 Vote +1DonC     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:32 am

    #21 Statik

    The Poulsen Hybrid is a simpler version. Rather than trying to integrate the batteries with a serial hybrid design they just add a battery pack and a couple of hub motors. With lead acid batteries the price should be modest though I suspect the question is: where does the battery pack go?

    #17 Statik

    AFAIK Lotus builds the bodies for Tesla but the bodies are not Lotus bodies per se — they’re a unique Tesla design. Some potential for conflict, aka Fisker, but this tends to be par for the course, especially in technology. You’re often partners and competitors at the same time.

    Tesla cars do seem prone to front end damage. As doubtless you know, delivery of Martin Eberhard’s car, #2, was delayed by about six weeks after it suffered significant front end damage when it rear ended a truck. Martin had the choice of repairing that one or getting a new one, and decided to have it repaired, which it was. I suspect that without much ado this one will be as well, though probably not in a week!


  29. Van
    Vote -1 Vote +1Van     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:33 am

    Slip, slip, slip. Reporters were supposed to ride in the mule this month, but it has not happened. The car was supposed to be unveiled in Sept, but now it is a no camera sneak peak by insiders. Slip, slip, slip.

    I think the picture of the Cruze gave us a better preview of the Volt.


  30. noel park
    Vote -1 Vote +1noel park     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:37 am

    I really don’t car what kind of a marketing/image building tap dance they go through in the meantime. I just want to see a real production car that I, as a consumer, can get my hands on and buy.

    #18 RB:

    How sad. Very discouraging, alas.


  31. Aspherical
    Vote -1 Vote +1Aspherical     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:38 am

    Hmmm… To be unveiled at the LA auto show in November….. I’ll be there. :)


  32. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:38 am

    29 Van — Obviously the engine in the Volt did not go as originally planned, so with a new engine, and a new engine compartment arrangement, the schedule changes. You are right — slip, slip, slip — but let’s hope the time is being well used to get things right so that the Volt is a car that GM and Volt owners can be proud to drive.


  33. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:49 am

    #26 RB

    “The Los Angeles show will be a natural debut. That’s the primary market for the car. It’s not a coincidence that a focus group met there. The goal was to be sure the car would get a good reception at the show. ”

    #31 Asperical

    “Hmmm… To be unveiled at the LA auto show in November….. I’ll be there. ”

    I don’t want to always bring the bad news…but honestly, the Detroit autoshow has always been the target for the release of the Volt. Everything else is hyperbole.

    The Detroit Autoshow is the ‘big show’ That is where the next gen Prius is going to be unveiled…the ‘official’ debut the the i-Miev, and about a half dozen other EV ‘in development’ products.

    The only ‘SURE THING’ to see the ‘production-alike’ Volt is the Detroit autoshow…always has been. I would pin your hopes to that, and then be surprised if it comes out early…rather than be depressed everytime GM pulls the ‘wool over our eyes’ along the way.

    /sometimes being a pessimist has it’s advantages, this is one of those moments


  34. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 11:03 am

    #33 Statik

    Detroit is the big show and it comes later, so yes, probably there.

    The only reason I nudge up the LA show’s chance is that the Volt is designed for the California market, so GM wants to show it off in CA and get attentiont, They also want to pick up any image points the Volt will bring GM in the CA market. And they did do the focus group there for some reason.

    But on your side, there’s still a long time after the Detroit show until any Volts are for sale, including more shows in CA, so you may well be right.

    I am hoping to go to the Detroit show to see the Volt, but also to see the other cars you named. It’s going to be a memorable year.


  35. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 11:11 am

    noel

    give us a sentence or two on the earthquake. Are you and yours ok?


  36. Brian M
    Vote -1 Vote +1Brian M     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 11:13 am

    #16 Bernie Torbik:

    “I hope the picture accompanying this article isn’t what the real Volt will look like, because it’s all too similar to the miserable Cobalt. If it is, I’ll take a next-gen Prius, thank you!”
    ______________________________________________________

    Are you nuts? You would buy a Prius over a Cobalt-like Volt based on LOOKS?????

    Well, to each his own I guess.


  37. Murray
    Vote -1 Vote +1Murray     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 11:15 am

    I will continue to learn and abide by the pessimist ways…
    Contrary to a pessimistic view, it always makes things that much better IF/when they work out

    I really dont care when they unveil the new Volt, sure I wanna see it as it will help me gauge my “I want it” level….but NONE of it matters right now…

    The ONLY place and time that matters is when it can be unveiled in my local dealerships — who BTW still have no answers for my questions about their possible “rank” with GM or their own “interest levels” in actually getting their service folks in the specialized training class for this new technology….

    Although, I could be more diligent and/or more thorough as I’ve only contacted 2 dealerships here in NE Pennsylvania…but on top of being pessimistic, I tend to procrastinate….call me a typical American I guess…


  38. CBK
    Vote -1 Vote +1CBK     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 11:22 am

    Given GMs stated limited production and areas of sales, maybe that’s
    why they aren’t in a hurry to release the production images. Why hype
    the car if you don’t plan on a production to support what I believe would
    be a large demand?

    I am really unhappy with GM’s stated off shore sales. GM needs to think
    in terms not only of recovering development costs, but the larger picture
    of getting us (USA) off the oil bandwagon.

    Maybe GM figures they can sell the idea of the Volt to the Europeans
    easier then Americans in spite of the cost of gasoline given the
    Europeans pay about twice as much per gallon?

    Just wondering…


  39. john1701a
    Vote -1 Vote +1john1701a     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 11:27 am

    5 >> they need time to explain this isn’t a parallel hybrid like the Prius

    Up to 62.1 MPH (100 km/h), the vehicle can be propelled by electric motor alone with the engine stopped. It can also use electricity for propulsion directly from the engine via generator.

    Both are SERIES abilities. Stop fighting those on the same team. Just accept that fact Prius & Volt have many common traits.

    The typical consumer won’t care as much as you do. They’ll judge based on factors like battery-pack capacity and electric-only speed.


  40. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 11:49 am

    #39 john1701a

    Further to your thought about public perception. If I was GM, I wouldn’t even mention the Prius at all. If anyone asks I would simple state they are different ‘classes’ of vehicle and leave it at that.

    Of course, the difficulty with that is we have yet to see the next-gen Prius, so it’s still too early to tell whether the ‘fit and finish’ will indeed be as wide a margin as we expect.

    As I’ve said before, there is no need to get into a ‘war’ with the Prius, lots of room for everyone in this segment…indicative of my complete lack of ability to buy ANY plug-in vehicle, lol.


  41. Anthony BC
    Vote -1 Vote +1Anthony BC     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:00 pm

    Sooner, rather than later GM!

    Although I’d buy the red car now, if I can get off gas!

    GO GM, GO VOLT for 2010!


  42. Rashiid Amul
    Vote -1 Vote +1Rashiid Amul     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:09 pm

    Noel Park

    Several of us have been inquiring on your well being and your family as well.
    Are things okay with you and yours?

    - Rashiid


  43. THOM
    Vote -1 Vote +1THOM     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:12 pm

    Problem is, The prius drivetrain design with a larger capacity battery and larger motors is far better and more efficient than a engine driven gen set (like the volt).


  44. Rashiid Amul
    Vote -1 Vote +1Rashiid Amul     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    Mike-o-matic # 19 says,
    NHTSA might not be thrilled about this idea, but as a passenger you could always let your significant other sit in your lap. This would, in effect, increase seating from ‘4′ to ‘5′. Hubba hubba.

    —————-
    Not to mention that it would make the trip much more enjoyable.


  45. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:16 pm

    Nothing to do with the thread really, but if people are interested in such things (from the WSJ):

    DETROIT — General Motors Corp. is looking to cut its U.S. salaried headcount by 15%, or around 5,000 workers, by Nov. 1 as part of a plan to trim $10 billion in annual expenses, according to people briefed on the plan.

    In addition to job reductions, GM previously said it plans to eliminate health coverage for salaried retirees older than 65 years old, instead adding $300 to their monthly pension payments to help cover the cost of Medicare

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121743238233397231.html?mod=yahoo_hs&ru=yahoo


  46. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:18 pm

    #44 Rashiid

    Mike-o-matic # 19 says,
    NHTSA might not be thrilled about this idea, but as a passenger you could always let your significant other sit in your lap. This would, in effect, increase seating from ‘4′ to ‘5′. Hubba hubba.

    —————-
    #44 Rashiid Amul says,
    Not to mention that it would make the trip much more enjoyable
    ————–

    …depends on your significant other

    SIDE NOTE and also unrelated, but interesting to the economy of which the Volt shall be entering:

    The National Debt was raised $800 Billion this weekend in the new Housing Bill H.R. 3221. The National Debt ceiling can go as high as $10.6 Trillion or roughly 75% of the US Gross Domestic Product.

    Linky to Ron Paul doing…well…what Ron Paul does:
    http://activerain.com/blogsview/615892/Housing-Bill-Add-Another


  47. Rashiid Amul
    Vote -1 Vote +1Rashiid Amul     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

    #39 John1701a says
    The typical consumer won’t care as much as you do. They’ll judge based on factors like battery-pack capacity and electric-only speed.

    ———————–
    Right. Let’s assume I’m a dumb customer who is not at all familiar with the Volt. Some of my questions might be:

    What’s its mileage?

    How far does the car go?

    What happens when the battery goes dead? Do I have to pull over to the side of the road and start the engine?

    What do I have to do to maintain the car? (ie. what extra thing do I have to do)

    If it’s electric, why do I have to put gas in it?

    Do I need a special plug?
    Do I need an extension cord or does the car have one already?

    How often do I need to plug it in?

    Will I get electrocuted?
    ——————
    And the list goes on and on.
    Education will be an important part of this, in the end.


  48. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

    #46 Statik (Me)

    Disregard that little 5 second political ditty at the end of my video if you happen to watch it…I didn’t realize it was on the back of the vid. I don’t make political statements like that…ever.


  49. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:31 pm

    #47 Rashiid Amul

    Good list.
    Might I add the probable first question:

    “Hey thats a cool car! How much is that thing over there?”


  50. Rashiid Amul
    Vote -1 Vote +1Rashiid Amul     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    Statik, #48. I loved the last 5 seconds.

    Now about what Ron Paul was saying.
    I agree. This bailout is stupid.


  51. Lurtz
    Vote -1 Vote +1Lurtz     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    Re: The artist’s rendering above

    I happen to think the glass or accent-color roof is a very nice touch, if it’s intended for the production version. I have a Mini Cooper, and the white or black roofs give the cars a lot of character, compared to the Minis without the different color roofs.

    And it doesn’t look like a Malibu to me. It shares design elements, yes. That’s a good thing. But the proportions look appropriate for a sporty compact car.

    I like the stretched back, ‘angry eye’ angular headlights. I like the jutted out airdam, and the sweep of the fender bulge into the door. I like the height of the hood relative to the roof. My fear would be these unique characteristics would get “GM’ed” into soft rounded generic shapes. I’m all for making the car as aerodynamic as possible, but my Mini has a Cd of .36 (I think), the same as a 2008 Dodge Challenger – or in other words, a brick wall. I don’t care – I love how the Mini looks, because it’s so unashamed about its style.

    Please keep some personal design touches of the concept at the expense of drag, please.


  52. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    #38 CBK on offshore

    Think China as well as Europe as off shore destinations for the Volt. China now is GM’s most important growth market, and China is sensitive to being left out. I expect quite a number of Volts to go to Asia, and of these the largest fraction to China. Thinking positively, a car like the Volt that helps their air pollution should find a market. Moreover, GM probably is negotiating with the Chinese to build Volts in China, just as they are doing in the UK.


  53. Murray
    Vote -1 Vote +1Murray     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:48 pm

    Statik…what a “convenient” mistake leaving that last 5 secs in that video…I got a chuckle.


  54. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:54 pm

    #53 Murray

    “Statik…what a “convenient” mistake leaving that last 5 secs in that video…I got a chuckle.”

    Hehe, it really was a honest mistake.

    If someone asked me who I like in the next election. I would say, I really don’t care. US politicians in the two party system tend to have platforms based on the knee jerk reaction to the last administration….and therefore are, for the most part, virtual twins of each other.

    #52 RB

    “I expect quite a number of Volts to go to Asia, and of these the largest fraction to China.”

    I’m not sure a 100% foreign made auto (non-Chinese) by a wholly owned US company could import a car like this into China.

    I’m really not up on the Chinese imported car market even in the slightest, so I don’t pretend to be a expert, it is just something I am hypothesizing based on GM only being allowed to own third of Wuling in China now.

    I’m sure someone else lurking here could tell us the ‘ins and outs’ of it. I assume there is alot of ‘this’ type of action:
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7514592.stm


  55. Jack
    Vote -1 Vote +1Jack     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:09 pm

    #38 CBK

    “I am really unhappy with GM’s stated off shore sales. GM needs to think in terms not only of recovering development costs, but the larger picture of getting us (USA) off the oil bandwagon.”

    Why is this GM’s responsibility? Should it also be McDonald’s responsibility to fight America’s increasing obesity?


  56. noel park
    Vote -1 Vote +1noel park     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:09 pm

    #33 Statik:

    Suits me. I live in the greater LA area, but I don’t care if they debut it in Detroit. Just debut it somewhere, and get on with production

    #35 RB & # 42 Rashiid Amul:

    Many thanks for your concern. As Jean-Charles Jacquemin says, it is amazing how you can develop sort of a sense of community of people with a common interest, even when they are thousands of miles apart and have never seen each other. Maybe there really is something to this internet age.

    Actually, I was typing a comment to gm-volt.com when the building started to shake. I actually added a sentence to it about the shaking, but I guess it was pretty low key.

    We are all fine, thank you very much. We are about 20 miles from the epicenter, but I have to say that things shook pretty impressively. Even so, it takes a bit more than a 5.4 to slow SoCal down very much.

    My office is downstairs in a concrete block building which was built in the mid-50s. There are several tons of old auto parts stored upstairs. So I have to confess that I was sort of looking at the ceiling and hoping for the best. They are tough old buildings though, and everything seems fine.

    As you can imagine, the local talk shows are filled with seismologists and earthquake engineers this morning. I just heard one say that the Northridge quake of 94 produced ground displacements on the order of 1 foot. He said that the sort of “maximum credible” quake, in the mid 7s somewhere, could produce displacements on the order of 10 feet! If and when that happens, it will be our Katrina, or Chicago fire. It doesn’t bear thinking about.

    PS: Thanks Lyle for the edit feature. It does allow one to retrieve most of the embarrassing typos.


  57. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:16 pm

    noel

    Glad you are ok. We read that one sentence you wrote when it happened, and we all wondered what happened next.

    You’re right that our common interest has brought us a sense of community. I feel like I know people here, even though I never have and probably never will meet most of them.


  58. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:22 pm

    #54 statik

    The article said “some to be sold under different nameplates”. Maybe, in China, it will be the Wuling Volt. After all, there are Buicks and Hummers in China, in large numbers.

    Really it is going to depend on what the Chinese leadership wants to do. The Volt may be particularly attractive because of Beijing’s serious air pollution issues. If there are to be large numbers of Volts in China, they will be made at a Chinese facility. But for a while, they might wish to see what the car is like, with imports. We think of China as if it only exports, but China imports a lot, too, so I don’t think it is at all out of the question.


  59. Toby
    Vote -1 Vote +1Toby     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:25 pm

    Is it just me or does that modeling pic above look like a current model Acura TL? I know the car will be smaller (and this is only a guess based on scaled down model), but really like the front and side design aspects of it.

    I currently own a TL and think its one of the more sexy <$40k cars out there.


  60. Aspherical
    Vote -1 Vote +1Aspherical     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

    #59 Toby

    It’s not just you. The TL is a very good looking car, especially the Type-S. Now that makes me think, will the Volt have a “sports” package? That would be nice….


  61. Murray
    Vote -1 Vote +1Murray     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:33 pm

    Toby #59… you are not alone, my first gut reaction to this and even a very simaliar rendition seen previously was …. Acura TL… its not a bad thing by any means, that is a nice looking car…BUT… in Yoda speak I must say this:

    Love it as I did the concept … I do not


  62. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

    #43 THOM said “Problem is, The prius drivetrain design with a larger capacity battery and larger motors is far better and more efficient than a engine driven gen set (like the volt).”

    Both designs are good, but I don’t understand why the Prius should be more efficient. Please explain why you think so. It seems to me the other way around. Of course, the Prius exists, and the Volt does not, yet, so comparison involves speculation. If and when perfected, though, I think the Volt design will be more efficient, even in ICE mode, as it allows the ICE to operate in its most efficient range all the time.


  63. DonC
    Vote -1 Vote +1DonC     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

    #50 Rashiid — “I agree. This bailout is stupid.”

    I think it’s a good idea in that the consequences of not stabalizing the housing market could be dramatic. The oversight over Fannie and Freddie is still way too lax for my tastes — obviously lobbying had its intended effect — but otherwise the bill seems sensible.

    The underlying problem is this notion of the free lunch. Whether it’s the goofy idea that you can fight a war and cut taxes (oh my, how shocking, now we have a huge deficit) or that housing prices or the stock market will just keep going up at 20% a year, people want a magical answer (see also the offshore drilling “oil fairy”). With that attitude it’s unsurprising that we have lurched from crisis to crisis for the last ten years.

    At least with respect to oil we have not yet gone off the deep end. A lot of very large countries, including India and China, subsidize the price of gas and (espeically) diesel. That of course leads to higher demand, which in turn leads to higher prices, and so on in an never ending upward price spiral which becomes politically more difficult to stop as time goes on. (Which is BTW why those advocating diesel cars are misguided – China’s heavy subsidy for diesel virtually insures sharp price increases for that fuel into the foreseeable future).

    From this perspective, the offshore “oil fairy” crowd, who damage our security by allowing people to postpone the hard work needed to move off oil by preying on the popular desire for a rapid return to the normal and comfortable routines based on the gas prices of the last decade, can only damage the country for a short period. Unlike government subsidies, which can always drive prices down and demand up, offshore drilling will have absolutely no effect on prices. And as time passes more people will figure out that, as T. Boone Pickens says, “this is one problem we can’t drill our way out of.”


  64. George K
    Vote -1 Vote +1George K     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:48 pm

    #26 RB
    “the Detroit autoshow has always been the target for the release of the Volt”

    I find myself agreeing with Static on this. I, too, thought that since the Volt was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show, the “2010″ Volt should also be shown there. And I hope they make as big a splash!, with Lutz driving it in, etc.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXHkPUOJV3s

    It’s hard to beat this intro. Perhaps this time (wishful thinking) it will actually be sitting on the E-Flex power train!!? Wow, that would be cool!

    RB, did you ever find that E-85 station?


  65. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:53 pm

    #59 Toby
    The rendition does look like an Acura TL, which I think is a beautiful car. Whether the shape would give the same effect in a smaller car is hard to say. Size matters.

    On the gm-volt homepage, the concept is shown at the top, and the rendition in the heading for this topic, just underneath. Although I like the rendition, there’s no question that I like the concept better.

    I think there must be some uncertainty at GM management, too. That’s why they needed the CA focus group, to be soothed. They have gotten themselves into this pickle by showing the concept so aggressively. Now there probably is going to be some disappointment. But maybe we will grow use to the new Volt design and come to like it.


  66. Tagamet
    Vote -1 Vote +1Tagamet     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:54 pm

    Score one for the pessimists (but “the game ain’t over ’till it’s over”.
    Be well,
    Tag


  67. noel park
    Vote -1 Vote +1noel park     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    #36 Brian:

    Amen.

    #58 RB:

    I have read a couple of places recently that 25% of the air pollution in California comes from China. The prevailing winds just bring it right across. The fine soot particles from uncontrolled diesels and coal fired power plants stay in the air for days, if not longer. The stuff is classified as toxic by the State of California, and leads to cancer, asthma, heart disease, and literally dozens of other nasty health “end points”.

    No, I am not making this up!

    Plus, China is going to face the same oil price economic challenges as we do. So they need the Volt as badly as we do, if not worse.


  68. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    #64 George K
    I did find the E-85 station; thank you. It is near the RTP, an employment center, but a mile or so off the beaten track, not exactly where one would expect it to be.


  69. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    #67 noel park

    Troublesome but also fascinating. I knew some pollution came all the way across from China to CA, but I had no idea it was that much. That makes it all the more in the US interest for some Volts to go to China.

    Many people from our area (in NC) visit China on business, and virtually every person comes back talking about air pollution. Even a few years ago, it was rare to hear such a comment, but now….


  70. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 2:17 pm

    #64 George K — Very impressive video link of the Volt concept’s introduction at Detroit. I agree that it would be natural for the production Volt to be introduced there also. Looking at that video, I wonder if GM might have been wiser to just build the concept (shape) as the production car, even if it did have bad aero. Styling sells cars.


  71. ThombDbhomb
    Vote -1 Vote +1ThombDbhomb     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 2:26 pm

    #29 Van

    I have to admit, I’ve had deadlines slip myself. Normally, if I set the milestones, I build in some cushion time. That way I can be on time, or even early. That makes me look good. If my boss sets my milestones, they may be unrealistic. I think the Volt program had milestones set by upper management. It is no wonder that some things slip. Even though things slip, I trust that GM is working hard. Its life depends on it.

    #56 noel park
    Where is Jean -Charles Jacquemin? I miss his/her perspective.


  72. wwskinn3
    Vote -1 Vote +1wwskinn3     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 2:29 pm

    Why does the Tesla get such greater mileage from it’s batteries than the Volt. What is the difference in batteries/drive trains?


  73. Ed H
    Vote -1 Vote +1Ed H     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 2:58 pm

    Now this has been one diverse thread…

    My opinion on the rollout is that the company NEEDS something to kick its image in the butt. With all of the news that the average (non-gm-volt.com reader) American is hearing on the news every night they think the company is going to close up shop overnight. Who wants to buy even an economical car from a company that might not be there to support it next week? Their latest commercials with the hybrid Tahoe are pretty good but they need to show the future, not just a revamped past. Even more important would be the future with GM taking a dramatic leadership role with this outstanding drivetrain/platform.

    Damn it GM! Stop depending on Lyle, blogs/periodical articles that the average person doesn’t read, and word of mouth from those of us who care about this project. Put out the production model (it better be at least as slick as the thread’s pic) and get the pictures everywhere. Get the average person talking about GM’s forward-thinking future and not the dismal layoffs and plant closings.

    Allright…I’m vented…

    Glad to read you’re OK Noel. Best wishes from sunny South Florida.


  74. Lurtz
    Vote -1 Vote +1Lurtz     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 3:08 pm

    #67 Noel Park: “25% of the air pollution in California comes from China”

    As they say in wikipedia: [Citation Needed]

    Seriously, though… I recall reading that 1-2% of California’s overall pollution is from China, but there may be subsets for which 25% is true, like percentage of small-particulate pollution. Even the East Coast of the US receives particulate matter from Sahara dust storms.


  75. Ed M
    Vote -1 Vote +1Ed M     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 3:20 pm

    How come the back wheels are so small ?


  76. Jackson
    Vote -1 Vote +1Jackson     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 3:22 pm

    “The only reason I nudge up the LA show’s chance is that the Volt is designed for the California market, so GM wants to show it off in CA and get attentiont, They also want to pick up any image points the Volt will bring GM in the CA market. And they did do the focus group there for some reason”

    My understanding is that GM designed the Volt to break out from the “California-only” eco-car niche. If they pitch it to the Left coast early on, they may find it difficult to fan out into the heartland later: Joe Six Pack in “flyover country” is likely to recall the Volt as another “granola-mobile” and write it off, sight unseen.

    I understand that GM may want to make peace with the EV1 “Who Killed The Electric Car” crowd, but they’ll never fully succeed at this (as we’ve seen on this site). I’d hate to see them hurt their chances in other parts of the country in the attempt.


  77. Arch
    Vote -1 Vote +1Arch     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 3:24 pm

    #43 THOM said “Problem is, The prius drivetrain design with a larger capacity battery and larger motors is far better and more efficient than a engine driven gen set (like the volt).”

    I disagree. The Prius engine still has to run at many different RPMs. Any time you design an engine to run at different RPMs and different loads you have to compromise to get a smooth running engine. The main difference will be in the camshaft. An engine designed to run at one speed and at a given load will get about twice the milage as one designed for a variable load and different speeds.

    Back in the 70s people tried to run industrial one speed engines in cars. They did this because the industrial engines got much better mileage than car engines. They would fall flat on their face at a stoplight. They would also not run at high speed.

    Old Ferdinand Porsche Way back in 1901 proved that the serial hybrid was the way to go. From 1900 to 1905 he held most of the land speed records. JMHO

    Take Care
    Arch


  78. George K
    Vote -1 Vote +1George K     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

    #68 RB
    “I wonder if GM might have been wiser to just build the concept (shape) as the production car, even if it did have bad aero. Styling sells cars.”

    An interesting trade-off – Style vs. mpg, each car costing the same.

    Let’s say the stylish Volt would look like, well, the Volt, and the mpg Volt will look like the Cruze.

    http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2010-chevrolet-cruze.htm
    http://www.gm-volt.com/galleries/album/72157603653293621/photo/2173005770/Chevy-Volt-2007-Chevrolet-Volt-Concept.html

    The mpg Volt will get 40 electric miles and then 50 mpg. the Stylish Volt will get 35 electric miles and 40 mpg.

    For the same price, which would you buy?


  79. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 3:46 pm

    #78 George K — A provocative question.

    If I had the choice (and what a wonderful day that would be), I would buy the concept Volt even though it had lower economy, and I would do so without a 2nd thought. It is not as though I dislike the appearance of the Cruze, but the appearance of the Volt concept has an impact that the appearance of the Cruze does not.

    I understand that some fraction of buyers would choose the other car. Even so, while performance and economy are important, styling sells cars, so I think I would be in the majority.

    It’s not out of the question to put them both out there and let the market decide.


  80. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 3:56 pm

    Like all things. The which is more efficient question of Volt vs. Prius will be determined by time.

    Although with ‘this gen’ Prius already getting a certified 46MPG US rating, and ‘future Volt’ with the 3 banger was estimated at 50MPG, I wouldn’t bet the farm that the Volt would win this comparison…if MPG is the measuring stick you are using.


  81. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 3:59 pm

    #77 Arch, regarding the advantage of staying at uniform speed

    That’s really fascinating, that the mileage difference can be so big, just from maintaining constant RPM. Thanks.


  82. noel park
    Vote -1 Vote +1noel park     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 4:39 pm

    #78 George K:

    mpg Volt.

    #79 RB:

    I respectfully disagree. I think that, as time goes by and fuel prices climb, fuel economy will become an ever larger part of the car buyers’ equation.

    #80 Statik:

    Alas, I fear that you are right.


  83. noel park
    Vote -1 Vote +1noel park     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pm

    #73 Ed H:

    Many thanks for your concern. The truckers don’t call it “Shakey Town” for nothing! Oh well, what was the hurricane that wiped out Homestead a few years ago? Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornados, blizzards, we all have our crosses to bear. I guess you just name your poison.


  84. Steve
    Vote -1 Vote +1Steve     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 4:54 pm

    Style vs mileage? I’d have to think it was pretty darn ugly to pick style.

    For the why does the Telsa range question again, the battery is a lot bigger and you you can’t refuel it at a gas station for virtually unlimited range.


  85. Jack
    Vote -1 Vote +1Jack     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 4:55 pm

    #78 George K

    maybe a more realistic question would be:

    The mpg Volt will get 40 electric miles and then 50 mpg. the Stylish Volt will get 30 electric miles and 40 mpg. The Stylish Volt will cost $8000 more.

    Which car would you buy?


  86. Len
    Vote -1 Vote +1Len     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 4:59 pm

    The four banger was more efficient than the three in testing so I would think if the 50 mpg guesstimate was correct for the three then the four should do ok.


  87. Dave G
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave G     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

    #77 Arch

    Sounds like you’re assuming the Volt will be constant RPM. GM has stated the Volt will use a variable RPM engine.


  88. Rashiid Amul
    Vote -1 Vote +1Rashiid Amul     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 5:29 pm

    Noel Park. I am glad you and your family are well. I also feel like I know a lot of you guys / ladies. What a funny way to have a relationship, don’t you think?

    Oh well. Back to the Volt. Stay well, my friend.


  89. Grizzly
    Vote -1 Vote +1Grizzly     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 6:02 pm

    CBK # 38

    “I am really unhappy with GM’s stated off shore sales. GM needs to think in terms not only of recovering development costs, but the larger picture of getting us (USA) off the oil bandwagon.”

    *** *** ***

    I agree and the number, 200K units over a 5 year period, doesn’t sound like it will come close to meeting demand. I’m wondering if this is because sometime after 2011 we’ll start to see other E-flex offerings like possibly a Vue or Provoq or even a pickup?


  90. Plug Free Volt
    Vote -1 Vote +1Plug Free Volt     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 6:06 pm

    Since the Volt is switching to a normally aspirated ICE, I think we might see the new 1.4L engine programmed to run at a constant RPM.

    Since the turbo has been nixed, there’s no need for increased RPM (boost) and the 4 banger should make more torque on the bottom end – than the turbo 3.

    I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a constant RPM 1.4L engine that is programmed for maximum efficiency and power to maintain 65 MPH on a 5 degree incline.


  91. Arch
    Vote -1 Vote +1Arch     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 6:06 pm

    #87 Dave G GM has stated the Volt will use a variable RPM engine.

    Dave please show me where they said that. Anybody that has worked with this problem knows that constant speed of the generator is the key to top mileage. If it is going to be a variable speed generator then it will be a very narrow speed range. That is why you are seeing the new 6 to 8 speed transmissions. They are trying to keep the engine speed range a narrow as possible.

    Now if all GM does is pull an engine off the line and then tune it to run well at a narrow RPM range all bets are off. The engine has to be designed to run in a narrow RPM range. The design of the camshaft will account for 80% to 90% of the change.

    Take Care
    Arch


  92. Dave G
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave G     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 6:10 pm

    #91 Arch says: “Dave please show me where they said that.”
    ————————————————————————————–
    http://gm-volt.com/2007/08/29/latest-chevy-volt-battery-pack-and-generator-details-and-clarifications/

    “Interestingly, the motor will likely be programmed to increase rpm when you step on the gas and quiet down when you stop to “simulate” the driving effect people are already used to. This will avoid the sudden unexpected ons and offs.”


  93. Dave G
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave G     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 6:20 pm

    #91 Arch says: “Anybody that has worked with this problem knows that constant speed of the generator is the key to top mileage.”
    ————————————————————————————–
    Constant RPM may be the most efficient for a given range of driving speeds, but at low driving speeds or high power requirements (e.g. up a steep hill), constant RPM is probably not the best solution.

    Since we’re all guessing at how the Volt’s engine RPMs will be regulated, here’s another possible scenario:

    1) For low driving speeds, perhaps 30 MPH and less, the gas engine’s RPMs will vary between 1000 and 2500 RPMs according to the power demands of the vehicle.

    2) At speeds between 30 MPH and 75 MPH, the engine will hold a fairly constant 2500 RPMs for maximum efficiency, but will vary the throttle according to varying load.

    3) When driving at speeds above 75 MPH or up steep hills, the gas engine’s RPMs will vary between 2500 and perhaps 5000 RPMs according to power requirements at any given time.

    Of course, the exact number of RPMs and MPH in the scenario could change, but the concept remains the same. The engine runs constant RPM throughout the range of typical power demands, but switches to variable RPM when power demands are very low or very high.

    To me, this scenario seems like the best of both worlds. A constant RPM is used to increase efficiency throughout the the majority of normal driving speeds. Lower variable RPMs are used at low driving speeds to keep the car quiet and prevent the engine from cycling on and off frequently. Higher variable RPMs are used in cases that require more power. Seems like a win-win…


  94. Bruce
    Vote -1 Vote +1Bruce     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 6:31 pm

    I LIKED THE AGGRESSIVE LOOK OF THE CONCEPT AND NOW I SEE A GENERIC CAR. PEOPLE WANT THE MILEAGE BUT LOOKS MUST ACCOMPANY IT.


  95. GM Volt Fan
    Vote -1 Vote +1GM Volt Fan     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 6:33 pm

    I just want GM to make sure their exterior design guys are “going the extra mile” to make sure that the Volt is going to make a good compromise between aerodynamic drag and “the cool factor”. If it takes them til the Detroit Auto Show then so be it. It’s the end product that comes off the production line in late 2010+ that matters. I am just as impatient as everyone else, but I guess I could wait a little longer … until GM’s best exterior design guys agree that it looks good and it’s ready for prime time.

    GM should NOT underestimate how much people will “judge a book by it’s cover”. I bet a large percentage of people wouldn’t buy a Volt if it didn’t look too good. … even if there was truly revolutionary technology under the hood. Non-technically oriented people in particular probably rule out a LOT of cars purely by how they look before they even consider learning more about the technical features and benefits of a car.


  96. Arch
    Vote -1 Vote +1Arch     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 6:44 pm

    Dave G

    Thank you very much! I was on the road when the subjects were posted. I guess I was right! GM is just going to pull a production engine off the line and use it. I am sorry to hear that. That leaves a lot of room for Toyota to come back with another win.

    Take Care
    Arch


  97. Tagamet
    Vote -1 Vote +1Tagamet     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 6:46 pm

    GM Volt Fan@95
    I agree with everything you said in the post above, BUT the same could be said of the original Prius. Not an awful lot of people fell in love with it’s looks. As word got out about it’s mileage, fit and finish, it’s sales improved markedly, to the point of having a 6 month waiting list. I believe that the same will happen to the Volt (but then again, I tend to be a dreamer).
    Be well,
    Tag


  98. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 7:09 pm

    Tag

    So if the car a person drives gives a statement about its owner, the original Prius said of its owner “Whatever I look like, I am proud to be green.” Some would say the Prius added “and a better person than you are, because of it.”

    What will the Volt say about its owner?


  99. mien green
    Vote -1 Vote +1mien green     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 7:11 pm

    54 Statik

    Yeah, those Tories and Liberals are pretty much Tweedledee and Tweedledum alright.

    83 noel

    I would think San Fran would be “Shakeytown”, but then that whole San Andreas fault thing is a piker compared to the Cascadia fault. You do not want to be anywhere within 300 miles of that monster when it finally slips.


  100. Grizzly
    Vote -1 Vote +1Grizzly     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 7:34 pm

    Arch #96

    “I guess I was right! GM is just going to pull a production engine off the line and use it. I am sorry to hear that. That leaves a lot of room for Toyota to come back with another win.”

    *** *** ***

    Arch,

    Regardless of how it’s applied, the 1.4 running in RE capacity should have excellent fuel economy. The stated highway mileage of the turbo version in the Cruze will be about 45mpg. Not only will that not be a fixed rpm, but it will also be turning a transmission that the Volt will not have.

    We’ve also seen conflicting accounts on whether or not the Volt’s ICE will be fixed rpm. I’m guessing that whatever engineering path GM takes, the Volt will have outstanding mileage while running in RE mode. I’m guessing it will be better than 50mpg.


  101. Tagamet
    Vote -1 Vote +1Tagamet     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 7:36 pm

    RB@98
    I don;t know that accept your premise that:
    “So if the car a person drives gives a statement about its owner, the original Prius said of its owner “Whatever I look like, I am proud to be green.” Some would say the Prius added “and a better person than you are, because of it.” ”

    Take it from a shrink, there are far too many variables in every individual (hence the term individual) to think that a car makes an accurate statement about the driver’s inner workings. Take a look at the diserse personalities evidenced on this site. e.g.Statik and I both want to buy a Volt…..
    Be well,
    Tag


  102. Dave G
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave G     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 7:42 pm

    #96 Arch says: “I guess I was right! GM is just going to pull a production engine off the line and use it. I am sorry to hear that.”
    ————————————————————————————–
    Actually, a variable speed engine with Atkinson tuned cam cycle is said to be be very efficient. For example, the Toyota Prius uses a 1.5L, 76hp, variable RPM, Atkinson cycle engine and they get 46 mpg.

    If GM uses the 1.4L with Atkinson tuning, and does a good job at regulating the engine in different scenarios, it may still be possible for the Volt to get 50 mpg.

    But until Lyle gets GM to answer this question, we have to guess how the engine’s RPMs will be managed. It’s too bad, because knowing how the engine sounds and responds to different situations would give us a good idea of what it would be like to drive a Volt after the first 40 miles.


  103. Voltik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Voltik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:28 pm

    #56 noel park

    Glad to read all is ok there…. I did see your sentence about shaking and went right to the wires to see how things were in Ca. Yes it is something how we do start to develop a group community with others we read and post with daily.

    GOOOOOOOOOO VOLT


  104. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Tag

    I don’t think I said that a car made an accurate statement about the owner’s inner workings. A car is definitely not a shrink :) I do think a car makes a statement, about its owner, however.It may be an accurate statement, or not, but other people receive a message.


  105. NZDavid
    Vote -1 Vote +1NZDavid     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:08 pm

    I might have to wait until 2009 to see the final version?

    Life is so, so, cruel.
    I wanna see it NOW.

    /Throws toys out of cot. Roll on 2009.


  106. Grizzly
    Vote -1 Vote +1Grizzly     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:15 pm

    What I’m wondering about is just how much “repackaging” is necessary to accommodate the 4-banger? Will this seriously set back the Volt release date?


  107. Arch
    Vote -1 Vote +1Arch     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    #100 Grizzly

    I sure hope so. The problem is that I have lost a lot of faith in GM the last few weeks. I think they will put a fancy skin on it but I am not sure how good the technology will be. JMHO

    Take Care
    Arch


  108. JEC
    Vote -1 Vote +1JEC     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:25 pm

    I think the global energy problem may be solved!

    They found Saturn’s moon, Titan has lakes full of ethane.

    So all we need to do is go get it. Anyone gotta nice size spaceship for rent?

    http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/07/lake-of-petrole.html


  109. Tagamet
    Vote -1 Vote +1Tagamet     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:29 pm

    RB@104
    You said: “So if the car a person drives gives a statement about its owner…

    It is **MOI** that is the shrink. Please re-read my reply.
    Be well,
    Tag


  110. Tagamet
    Vote -1 Vote +1Tagamet     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    JEC@101
    “They found Saturn’s moon, Titan has lakes full of ethane.
    So all we need to do is go get it. Anyone gotta nice size spaceship for rent?”

    No, but I have a large bucket. Will that help?
    Be well,
    Tag


  111. Statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1Statik     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    #101 Tag

    “Take a look at the diserse personalities evidenced on this site. e.g.Statik and I both want to buy a Volt…..”

    It’s hard to believe isn’t it my friend? The world is a strange place.


  112. Dane
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dane     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:57 pm

    ARGH! my internship @ GM ends in august, one month short of getting a peak


  113. koz
    Vote -1 Vote +1koz     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:07 pm

    Dave G, Arch, Grizzly:

    That is an old quote from when GM was planning to use a 3-cylinder turbo engine that Dave G linked. They have changed the engine and have changed their strategy as evidenced by the recent announcements. We are still doing a lot of guessing, but the recent batrery duscharge graph clearly shows cycling of the engine during RE mode. When GM planned to the 3-cylinder turbo, their strategy was to run the ICE constantly until plugging in once RE mode was reached. As others have mentioned, I believe they intend to insulate the passenger compartment as much as possible from the ICE noise and vibration. They will use their testing to determine the most efficient way to run the ICE, without concern for driver “feel”.


  114. canehdian
    Vote -1 Vote +1canehdian     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:16 pm

    I think they’ll show the production version at the CA show.
    Not because of the focus group/target market/whatever that was mentioned, but simply the other point.
    Everyone else will have THEIR EV options at the Detroit show.
    Show off the goods 4 months (I dunno the dates, just a guess) ahead of everyone else and get people excited about it.

    And i’d just like to comment on the pollution statement:
    “I have read a couple of places recently that 25% of the air pollution in California comes from China. The prevailing winds just bring it right across.”
    Cross-border pollution is not news. (granted this is across an ocean, yes)
    But something like 66% of air pollution in Canada comes from the States. I looked it up for a research project a couple years ago. I could find the government report again, but that’s too much work – if you don’t believe me you can look it up, I don’t need to defend the truth :P .
    The number’s probably wrong, but I’m almost certain it was a majority %.


  115. Dave G
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave G     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

    #113 koz says: “We are still doing a lot of guessing, but the recent battery discharge graph clearly shows cycling of the engine during RE mode.”
    ————————————————————————————–
    The humps and dips on the graph during RE mode may have more to do with the series hybrid design. The gas engine only provides average horsepower. The electric motor and batteries provide peak horsepower.

    When you accelerate or go up hill, the ICE can’t meet the peak power requirements, so the battery drains. When you let off on the accelerator, go down hill, or brake, the battery charges. This would cause the humps and dips you see on the chart.

    Note that there were humps and dips during RE mode on the graph from last summer, and that’s when they said it would be variable RPM:
    http://gm-volt.com/2007/08/29/latest-chevy-volt-battery-pack-and-generator-details-and-clarifications/

    But that was a while ago, and GM could have changed their minds started using constant RPMs for some or all of the Volt’s dricing speeds. All I’m saying is there is no way to tell from the graph.


  116. Jason C
    Vote -1 Vote +1Jason C     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 11:53 pm

    98 RB & 101 Tag

    The reason for the action is as important if not more important that the action itself.

    The reasons that Tag and Statik may be interested in the Volt may be light years apart but the end result is that you both are keen to purchase one.

    The selection of a car is (as you say) not the best way to determine the personality or behavioral traits of the individual. It can (when you also consider other behavior patterns) be very illuminating. However, lets not forget that most Americans like to generalize (like “you driver a Hummer? why you selfish, low esteemed, Republican bastard!”, and so on). Terrible…


  117. Sam
    Vote -1 Vote +1Sam     Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 11:59 pm

    well, it’s a shame that we can’t see the VOLT earlier…still with the Volt nearing 50 all electric range in city plus gas mileage of AT LEAST 50MPG after the battery runs out of juice sounds pretty good! Bring on the Malibu/cruze design! I’ll take that over Prius design any day =)


  118. Jason C
    Vote -1 Vote +1Jason C     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 12:02 am

    Hey everyone!

    Dinosaurus did a great job with making some excellent renderings based on what we have seen. I have added a little to the project but I have to agree with many people who have written above, it is not what the final design will look like…I hope.

    There is a huge difference between making a design that we want vs. trying to figure out what someone else had created. If I were building the design from the ground up I would have it look very different from either the concept or what we produced here.

    The bottom line is that there are a lot of constraints on the GM designers (size, engine, CD, chassis, etc.), and so we will have to just wait for the real thing. I still find it immensely rewarding to guess for the time being and to hear what all of you have to say in response.


  119. GM Terminator
    Vote -1 Vote +1GM Terminator     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 12:55 am

    GM will be terminating 5,100 high paid white collar employees by November. Will there be anybody left to manage the Volt. GM is trimming to the bone. I wonder how much R & D cutbacks are coming ? This cannot be a good thing.


  120. Fat Boy
    Vote -1 Vote +1Fat Boy     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 12:59 am

    I think the Volt will be WIDER than this photo suggests. It is supposed to be heavily influenced by the new Camaro, which has a much wider stance.


  121. Boltz Quiz
    Vote -1 Vote +1Boltz Quiz     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 1:05 am

    Poll Question: How many lightning bolts will be on the outside of the production Volt ? My guess will be FOUR(4). You heard it hear first.


  122. koz
    Vote -1 Vote +1koz     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 4:55 am

    #115 Dave G

    I understand the Volt’s proposed funtionality. I was not attempting to guess if their current plan is to cycle the engine. It is stated on the graph at
    http://gm-volt.com/2008/07/26/gm-has-decided-on-the-14-l-4-cylinder-engine-as-the-range-extender-for-the-chevy-volt/
    “Engine will be off at certain times” on the RE portion of the graph!


  123. Jim I
    Vote -1 Vote +1Jim I     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 6:32 am

    You guys sure get depressed easily…………..

    In a project of this size and complexity, I am amazaed that it is as far along as it is. There are always bumps in the process that will take a bit more time to work out. If this was as easy as many of you make out, there would already be a half dozen PHEV’s on the road, don’t you think?

    What have we been saying here for almost 18 months?

    GM has to get this right from serial number one. And I think they are doing that. So what if they use some off the shelf parts and/or sub-assemblies, like the engine. I think that makes perfect sense, since there is already so much that is really new in this vehicle. It is one less thing they will have to worry about from a reliability standpoint. Plus it means that it will be available in quantity, when they get the Volt assembly plant ready to go.

    And lets not forget that most of us here would buy a Volt, unless it costs so much that it becomes affordable only to the Brad Pitts of the world, or unless it really looks like a giant turd……. So GM does not really have to worry about sales to us here at gm-volt.com. How many regular posters here have given up and gone over to the dark side and bought a Prius instead of waiting for a Volt?

    I think that holding off on showing the final design of the Volt also makes some sense. Why give the competition two years advance notice to try to copy anything, or that much extra time to find and write about what they might perceive to be flaws in the design, whether or not they are correct? Why let them introduce FUD into a general public that has almost no knowledge of what an E-REV is?

    Finally, I think that GM knows a bit more about marketing than most of us here, so I am just going to let them do their job. If they think that the LA or Detroit auto show is the best place to show off the fruits of their labors, that is fine wih me.

    They said November, 2010 as a 2011 model year for the first Volts. That is the date I am watching for……………

    Keep the faith people!!

    GO GM Volt Team!!!! Jim I – # 1196 On Lyle’s GM-Volt.com List


  124. Dave G
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave G     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 7:08 am

    #122 koz says: “Engine will be off at certain times” on the RE portion of the graph!”
    ————————————————————————————–
    Yeah, I forgot about that. So we do know that the engine will turn off sometimes. That could mean the engine is constant RPM, or it could mean the engine will shut off when the car stops or brakes down long hills. How do we know?

    Lyle,
    Any info you can get from GM on the tuning and control of the engine (constant vs. variable, Atkinson vs. Otto, etc.) would be greatly appreciated.


  125. THOM
    Vote -1 Vote +1THOM     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 7:13 am

    #43 THOM said “Problem is, The prius drivetrain design with a larger capacity battery and larger motors is far better and more efficient than a engine driven gen set (like the volt).”

    I disagree. The Prius engine still has to run at many different RPMs. Any time you design an engine to run at different RPMs and different loads you have to compromise to get a smooth running engine. The main difference will be in the camshaft. An engine designed to run at one speed and at a given load will get about twice the milage as one designed for a variable load and different speeds.

    Disagree:
    1)Talk to lycoming, continental (aircraft engines) or Kohler (lawn engines) ..they are designed to run at a fixed and not any more efficient than any other internal combustion engine.
    2)Volt drive train issues. Volt has internal combustion engine->generator->battery charge->battery discharge->speed control->motor all which have 5->25% losses. Then add the weight….far less efficient than mechanical drive of the prius.

    Volt is still a “concept” , prius is not.


  126. CDAVIS
    Vote -1 Vote +1CDAVIS     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 8:20 am

    _____________________________________________________
    #118 Jason C
    Thanks for your and Dinosaurus’s contributions to keep things interesting on this blog. You mentioned that you would design a car different if it was your design vs. trying to guess what GM is doing; perhaps one day you can show us what a “Jason C” EV design would look like. It might inspire GM for one of their future models. It would be very cool if GM opened up their design division to outside contributors such as yourself.

    GM VOLT Marketing Team:
    You guys are doing a great job getting the VOLT word out at the gass-roots level such as working with Lyle’s GM-VOLT blog. It’s amazing to me that this blog site has pre-registered over 30,000 VOLT buyers without GM spending traditional marketing dollars to get those buyers; perhaps that’s the future of smart automotive marketing.

    Lyle,
    What can I say? You are the MAN.
    I hope GM marketing is wise enough to find some way to give your GM-VOLT Wait List members the first shot at purchasing a VOLT. If not, GM will be passing up a great opportunity in so many ways.

    Mr. Lutz,
    Thanks for demonstrating strong leadership and courageous vision; you are what is right with America.
    _____________________________________________________


  127. Tagamet
    Vote -1 Vote +1Tagamet     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 8:48 am

    JasonC@116

    Hmmmm, so you think that I’m a “selfish, low esteemed, Republican bastard”, you damned treehugger ! (lol, just kidding!)
    I see your point, but having come up through the 60″s (and a LOT of Baby Boomers have, too). I couldn’t give two hoots about what others think about just about anything. Certainly not what car I drive.
    Now I do tend to “milk” what others SAY. There’s an old joke about two shrinks that pass each other in the street. One says “Hi” and the other says “Hi” and they both walk on thinking “I wonder what he meant by that” (lol). “There are no wrong answers, but everything you say counts” is another one. No, I don’t analyze everything everyone says, but when it’s important stuff, I do. I also tend to “script out” what I’m going to say in an important upcoming conversation. That’s just me, but it sure helps (me).
    I GUESS my point is that most people may not buy a car based on it’s “message”.
    JMO and thanks (seriously) for yours.
    Be well,
    Tag
    PS I’m not a “selfish, low esteemed, Republican bastard!”, I’m generous.(g)
    PPS Yes, Statik, it’s a very strange world -and getting stranger all the time. Especially in the North America.PPPS Good optimistic post Jim I.


  128. noel park
    Vote -1 Vote +1noel park     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 11:06 am

    #114 canehdian:

    I wouldn’t doubt it for a minute. Here in SoCal we have a microcosm of the same thing. Most of the air pollution in Riverside and San Bernardino counties comes from LA. RFK, Jr. points out in his book that a huge amount of the particulate air pollution in NY and Conn. comes from coal fired power plants in the Ohio River valley. Sattelite imaging has shown the exhaust plumes from container ships stretching from Shanghai to LA and back.

    #98 RB, #101 Tagamet, #116 Jason:

    I dunno, but here in California they say “You are what you drive.” My sense of it is that plenty of Prius owners are making statements with their cars. Good for them, IMHO.


  129. Tagamet
    Vote -1 Vote +1Tagamet     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 11:24 am

    noel@128

    I hope that you are not implying that people who live in Calif are “normal” (lol, just kidding)
    Be well,
    Tag


  130. John
    Vote -1 Vote +1John     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 11:52 am

    Isn’t anyone getting it? the Cruze is the Volt! GM is dropping hints everwhere!

    The General must be laughing so hard at the fact that we all are “waiting” for the reveal when it has been under our nose all this time.


  131. Cire
    Vote -1 Vote +1Cire     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 12:54 pm

    126

    “GM VOLT Marketing Team:
    You guys are doing a great job getting the VOLT word out at the gass-roots level such as working with Lyle’s GM-VOLT blog. It’s amazing to me that this blog site has pre-registered over 30,000 VOLT buyers without GM spending traditional marketing dollars to get those buyers; perhaps that’s the future of smart automotive marketing”

    No I think its more like…

    GM Marketing: “We are so screwed… GM’s gona cut our budget reduce our department by 50% because they finaly realized how to make automobiles that are in demand instead of using crapy marketing.. lets screw em over the worst we can before we are gone.”


  132. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 12:59 pm

    #130 John, regarding the Cruze being the Volt

    So which particular GM hiints of Volt=Cruze are you thinking about?

    I imagine that the Volt and Cruze will share quite a lot of parts, simply to save money, and likely they will share some appearance aspects too. Still, with the price difference as large as it likely will be, and with appearance being a large factor in a decision to purchase, it seems to me that GM will want some visual differentiation.


  133. MetrologyFirst
    Vote -1 Vote +1MetrologyFirst     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    RB @65:

    GM got themselves in this pickle by advertizing 40 miles electric range from the get go. Now that is the meterstick (yardstick for you inch guys) people will judge the car by and whether it is all GM said it would be. I think promising a mpc up front was a mistake. The exterior design and style is now severely hamstrung by that promise.

    Relating to that, did GM say the Malibu mules got better than 40 miles per charge during testing e few weeks ago? If so, I think they are overdoing the aero panick. Those things didn’t appear “aero optimized”, if you ask me. 30mpc or 40mpc, it really doesn’t make that much difference if you won’t routinely drive over 30 miles between charges. How often will most of you do that? I, for one, will, twice a day on my 50 mile one way commute. But I spend $16/day now vs. $4/day for a 40mpc bubble Volt or $5.5/day for a 30mpc stylish Volt.

    Either way I win by a lot. I would rather drive a stylish Volt though. Most would.


  134. CDAVIS
    Vote -1 Vote +1CDAVIS     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 2:14 pm

    _____________________________________________________
    #130 John

    WOW…that is an interesting thought John has:
    Two versions of the CRUZE.
    1) CRUZE w/ ICE Only = CRUZE
    2) CRUZE w/ ERVEV = CRUZE VOLT (aka VOLT).

    That works for me if that’s the deal!
    ______________________________________________________


  135. John
    Vote -1 Vote +1John     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    As a American car enthusiast (and Volt follower) I got to thinking of how a Volt logo might look like. This is one of my suggestions for how Chevy should brand the volt. (although not polished, I think you get the point)

    The symbolism here is simple yet powerful. Part of it is that the Volt changes the Chevy brand by shocking it back to life. Or it symbolizes that the Volt runs through the Chevy brand. It is electifying how GM makes cars. Take your pick.

    But most importantly this logo is a revehersal of thought: Currently all automobile models are branded to a particular line up. But this is difference. Instead of branding the Volt to Chevy …this is an opportunity to do the unthinkable and brand Chevy to the Volt. ” what??! Did he say that right? ” Yes.. I repeat, this an opportunity to brand Chevy to the Volt!

    http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8296/chevyvoltjelogoen2.jpg

    Changing the game has always be a part of GM’s industry leading DNA . Lets remember that these are the people that brought us the Corvette!

    Hey GM…if you going to try to build and sell a “game changer” you might as well go all the way!!


  136. noel park
    Vote -1 Vote +1noel park     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 2:40 pm

    #129 Tagamet:

    Nope. And proud of it too.


  137. John
    Vote -1 Vote +1John     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 3:11 pm

    #132 RB

    Please correct me if I am wrong about any of this.

    Your question is a good one. “So which particular GM hiints of Volt=Cruze are you thinking about?”

    To start …I am thinking the Volt and Cruze are sharing the same platform. Sure..that could mean a lots of things. Well, how about that they are both being developed by “a” global design and engineering team in Germany (albiet the Volt is a US/Germany development because of the time crunch).

    They both are slated to target the same audience and both are slated to come on sale at the same time.

    Finally the most definitive clue is that the Volt just got an upgrade in its ICE engine. It just happens to be the same engine GM plans on putting in the upcoming Cruze.

    So lets review: Same engineers, Same platform, Same engine, Same audience and same release date.

    I could be wrong but something about all this seems repetitive? :)
    Atleast GM should answer the question. “Is the Cruze actually the Volt?”

    On a side note… check out my suggested Volt logo. Tell me what you think.

    http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8296/chevyvoltjelogoen2.jpg

    GM should have a contest. I twould win (I just jinxed myself).


  138. bruce g
    Vote -1 Vote +1bruce g     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 3:29 pm

    Im inclined to agree with John although I think Cruze will be more like Volt 2 (aka Son of Volt),

    Cruze will be more like the Opel cars when they arrive in my opinion. Remember the Opel engineers want to enlarge the Delta II platform a little? Also it will be closer to the Mazda 3 in dimensions

    I like Dinosaurus’ Volt it is the same but just a little different, it should sell well.


  139. John
    Vote -1 Vote +1John     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 3:43 pm

    As a American car enthusiast (and Volt follower) I got to thinking of how a Volt logo might look like. This is one of my suggestions for how Chevy should brand the volt. (although not polished, I think you get the point…it was fun to hack around with the idea)

    The symbolism here is simple yet powerful. Part of it is that the Volt changes the Chevy brand by “shocking it back to life”. Or it symbolizes that “the signifigance of the Volt runs through Chevy”. I Or it is electifying how GM makes cars. Take your pick on those.. hehe.

    But most importantly this logo is a reversal of thought: Currently all automobile models are branded to a particular line up. But this time it is different. Instead of branding the Volt to Chevy this is an opportunity to do the unthinkable and brand Chevy to the Volt. ” what??! Did he say that right? ” Yes.. I repeat, this an opportunity to brand Chevy to the Volt!

    http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8296/chevyvoltjelogoen2.jpg

    Changing the game has always be a part of GM’s industry leading DNA . Lets remember that these are the people that brought us the Corvette!

    Hey GM…if you going to try to build and sell a “game changer” you might as well go all the way!!

    (OK I am done with my sales pick!)


  140. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 3:57 pm

    #136 John

    I love the logo. Hope they use it (buying it from you, of course) :)

    You make a strong case for Volt=Cruze+. It may very well be true. The thing I find most compelling is that a strong resemblance is likely if the same people designed both (hard to think two ways at one time). Beyond that, it makes business sense. If the Volt is adjusted to be more upscale, and a buyer can’t afford it, then shifting down to the Cruze becomes easy.

    While I don’t like the Cruze as much as the original Volt concept, it is a nice looking car, so that would not be at all a bad outcome.


  141. canehdian
    Vote -1 Vote +1canehdian     Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 7:37 pm

    I didn’t say anything, but I too had some thoughts that cruze and volt would be “fraternal twins” – not quite the same, but very, very similar.
    The timeline is almost identical, the same ICE, just the cruze is slated to come out a little sooner.
    Then they just add some new organs, and a couple months later, electric-cruze (volt) is born.

    Personally, if the volt looked like the cruze, I wouldn’t be too disappointed. In fact, it looks better than a lot of cars I see on the road today


  142. James C
    Vote -1 Vote +1James C     Says:
    August 1st, 2008 at 11:41 am

    #28 Don C
    “…unique Tesla design. Some potential for conflict, aka Fisker, but this tends to be par for the course, especially in technology.”

    It sould be mentioned that Tesla ripped off Baldor Electric Co, a US company, by reverse-engineering Baldor’s induction motors that were originally used in GM’s EV1. Now the motors are being made in China thanks to the theft of intellectual property facilitated by Tesla. Turn about is fair play, I guess.


  143. john meschede
    Vote -1 Vote +1john meschede     Says:
    August 1st, 2008 at 6:53 pm

    It looks like a Cobalt. YUKKK!:( The windows are all wrong and the front end looks like a Dodge truck. Creepy. The color is wrong too. Use GM copper, get rid of the dicky spoiler (Holy eighties Batman!) and reduce the height of the windows. Its reminescent of the AMC Gremlin.(and we all know how well that sold). It has to look SEXY to SELL. Remember SEXY= Sales. JM


  144. bruce g
    Vote -1 Vote +1bruce g     Says:
    August 1st, 2008 at 7:01 pm

    #143 jm,
    How do you reconcile that viewpoint with the best selling small cars in the US being the Civic and the Corolla?
    In my view they look positively middle aged but they sell …


  145. Tagamet
    Vote -1 Vote +1Tagamet     Says:
    August 1st, 2008 at 9:00 pm

    bruceg@144
    “#143 jm,
    How do you reconcile that viewpoint with the best selling small cars in the US being the Civic and the Corolla?
    In my view they look positively middle aged but they sell …”

    Senility?
    Be well,
    Tag


  146. GM-Volt …… I Am On The Waiting List ~ The Blade by Ron Schenone, MVP
    Vote -1 Vote +1GM-Volt …… I Am On The Waiting List ~ The Blade by Ron Schenone, MVP     Says:
    August 5th, 2008 at 4:16 am

    [...] GM Source #1 [...]


  147. Jocke
    Vote -1 Vote +1Jocke     Says:
    August 5th, 2008 at 9:06 am

    Cool, that GM is getting closer and closer to production of the Volt. Being a native Swede I of course would like to see the car at the EVS24 in Stavanger, Norway (check it out at http://www.evs24.org). I did visit the EVS23 in Anaheim, CA which was great! So far only Toyota, Daimler and Th!nk have placed interest in the Exhibition hall.


  148. Tagamet
    Vote -1 Vote +1Tagamet     Says:
    August 5th, 2008 at 9:11 am

    Jacke @147
    Thanks for the link. The trailing parens ) is “in” the link, but it works when the parens is removed.
    Thanks again,
    Tag


  149. j man
    Vote -1 Vote +1j man     Says:
    August 5th, 2008 at 5:28 pm

    HA HA, I get to see it before all of you!!!!


  150. Ro Tomas
    Vote -1 Vote +1Ro Tomas     Says:
    August 5th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    I know everybody is drooling for a Volt, but the pics that are coming out make the Volt look more like a wanna-be Prius each time. What is going on with the back end in the article’s picture…looks funky. I think the Volt appealed to many in the mock up form because it said the car had confidence, a bit aggressive in looks, not a, ohhhh look…another green car. Guess I’m just never going to be on the softside of life.


  151. Inside Two Electric Cars - Tesla Motors Club Forum
    Vote -1 Vote +1Inside Two Electric Cars - Tesla Motors Club Forum     Says:
    August 7th, 2008 at 2:37 pm

    [...] Originally Posted by graham Also I do not think I like the new front end of the Volt as much as the original one. But it is still nice enough I suppose. I wasn’t aware that the much anticipated Volt redesign had been unveiled yet. GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site


  152. Rendered Speculation II: Production Chevy Volt, closer but no cigar | 9autos.com
    Vote -1 Vote +1Rendered Speculation II: Production Chevy Volt, closer but no cigar | 9autos.com     Says:
    August 8th, 2008 at 5:00 pm

    [...] from the concept that debuted in January 2007 at the Detroit Auto Show. Will it look like the image above or more like the one we showed you earlier today from another site? From what we know it will [...]


  153. Car Guides » Rendered Speculation II: Production Chevy Volt, closer but no cigar
    Vote -1 Vote +1Car Guides » Rendered Speculation II: Production Chevy Volt, closer but no cigar     Says:
    August 9th, 2008 at 4:14 am

    [...] from the concept that debuted in January 2007 at the Detroit Auto Show. Will it look like the image above or more like the one we showed you earlier today from another site? From what we know it will [...]


  154. Rendered Speculation II: Production Chevy Volt, closer but no cigar :: Auto News Review
    Vote -1 Vote +1Rendered Speculation II: Production Chevy Volt, closer but no cigar :: Auto News Review     Says:
    August 9th, 2008 at 6:08 am

    [...] from the concept that debuted in January 2007 at the Detroit Auto Show. Will it look like the image above or more like the one we showed you earlier today from another site? From what we know it will [...]


  155. Rendered Speculation II: Production Chevy Volt, closer but no cigar | Auto Articles
    Vote -1 Vote +1Rendered Speculation II: Production Chevy Volt, closer but no cigar | Auto Articles     Says:
    August 10th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

    [...] from the concept that debuted in January 2007 at the Detroit Auto Show. Will it look like the image above or more like the one we showed you earlier today from another site? From what we know it will [...]


  156. Motofi.Com » Blog Archive » Rendered Speculation II: Production Chevy Volt, closer but no cigar
    Vote -1 Vote +1Motofi.Com » Blog Archive » Rendered Speculation II: Production Chevy Volt, closer but no cigar     Says:
    August 18th, 2008 at 2:32 am

    [...] from the concept that debuted in January 2007 at the Detroit Auto Show. Will it look like the image above or more like the one we showed you earlier today from another site? From what we know it will [...]

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