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New Video Sneak Peek at Production Volt
Thanks to the watchful eye of one of our readers, DaveP, we now have some new never-before-seen footage of the production Chevy Volt.
ABC news got into the design studio and filmed portions and angles of the car never before seen in public.
Included in this post below are several screen grabs of that video which can be seen in it’s entirety at this link:
or in lower quality on YouTube::
[flash http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZk4A7lUlD4]
The interior is confirmed as "i-pod-esque" although only the clay model is acutally shown.
Some shots of the battery lab reveal a bank of LG Chem/CPI prototypes.
More images:
Posted by: Lyle
127 Responses to “New Video Sneak Peek at Production Volt”
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August 9th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Looking like it’s coming along!
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August 9th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Woah! Awesome. Well done, DaveP and Lyle.
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August 9th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
This is truely going to be a beautiful “cool” looking car
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August 9th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
OK. I watched the video. I’m glad Denise Gray is feeling confident.
But where did this information come from, and what did I miss?
…….designers and engineers are frantically trying to live up to that promise to put tens of thousands of Volts in showrooms by 2010.
This implies more than 10,000 Volts.
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August 9th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
The front looks pretty good!
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August 9th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Sweet… When am I going to get the full strip tease?
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August 9th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Looks like my Toyota Camry Hybrid, maybe not quite as tall. Nice job Chevy.
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August 9th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
All I heard was, “The finished product will look alot more like a typical 4-door than the concept…”
Really nice find though Dave, more information and clear exposure of both the exterior and interior than we have seen all together in the last 6 months.
For the record if that is basically how the interior will look in production, then I like that part alot. Very ‘non-typical’ but still functional, and thats all you can ask for.
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I like the front end so far if that’s the final version of it. It looks like the grill is might have a technology where it pops open to let air in only if it is needed. This is for optimal aerodynamic drag. I could be wrong though. Maybe the Volt won’t need a big air intake grill for the IC engine at all. I wonder if they are going to change the rear end a lot from the model? I think the rear end could have been better on the model car.
As far as the interior of the Volt goes … it does look different. It has that “modern look” alright. It looks iPhone-esque with lots of touch screen menus. Let’s hope they make it user friendly so people will be comfortable with it quickly. I bet they are making a lot of the interior controls in the Volt more like computer-like in order to save battery power. Digital devices that use the latest and greatest miniaturized electronics will use less power than the old energy hog versions.
In order to get optimal “all electric miles”, all the devices in the Volt have to be considered in terms of its energy drain. If the device can be miniaturized and run just as well on less energy, I’m sure they’ll consider using it on the Volt. The Volt will be a bit like the space shuttle in that respect. Until we get 200+ mile, quick charging AER batteries, every watt and volt that is used in the Volt counts. I bet the engineers are looking forward to later generations of batteries that have more capacity so they don’t have to compromise on using certain devices in the Volt.
I bet the devices in the Volt will easily qualify for “Energy Star” certification. The stereo system will probably be one of the most energy efficient ones available. Hopefully, ALL the devices in the Volt will work just as well as anything in the cars on the road right now and be super energy efficient at the same time. Those devices could eventually go into all cars.
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
This video quenched years of burning desire in my heart to see Volt. I am feeling very happy, elated and confident that Volt will change the world and how we think and what we do. Lets bring back the innovation crown to USA. Lets rule the world with love!
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Yeah DaveP!
Also kudos to ABC News. This was one very well done segment — quotes, peek at the interior, graphics. Much better than the CNBC story.
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Speaking of the iPod, I wonder what connection the Volt will have for mp3 players. Have they talked about this? Personally I’d like either just a standard plug or a slot for a flash memory card.
The docks or dedicated accessories limit you to the IPod and the ones I’ve checked out ended up being too clumsy. Since a 40 hour iPod extended battery costs $50, and since the IPod or other MP3 player comes with a great UI, the plug works as well or better than the much more expensive and limiting dedicated solutions.
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I don’t know about anybody else, but I am running out of patience.
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
If GM could bottle hype and sell it, the SUV profit margins would not be worth the effort. I would use the term “image changer” not “game changer” at this point…subject to review later.
Let me get this straight…
A 35K + compact 4door sedan with a non-luxury brand with an expected volume of 10K units per year with no profit margin (possibly sold at a loss) is going to save a company that sold 9.7 million vehicles last year.
10K units is 0.1% of GM’s sales last year. I’m in desperate need of a definition for the word “save”.
However, the potential for the Volt (pun intended) is huge…more correct, the potential of EREV is huge. Let’s hope other auto companies buy into the tech…as rumors suggest.
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Noticed in the video.
They referred to the 1200 lbs. lead-acid battery of the EV1 instead of the latest (last) generation EV1 with much more efficient and durable NiMH battery.
“Yet to see a battery light and durable enough, powerful and affordable enough to power a car 40 miles…”
The NiMH battery pack if sized for 40 miles would be a lot lighter than the 1200lb lead-acid. They also seem to last well in the Toyota RAV4e vehicles.
Links:
http://avt.inel.gov/pdf/fsev/eva/ev1_eva.pdf
It’s like rewriting history when leaving technological breakthroughs out of the picture. Let’s see, the space program had Mercury, Gemini and then the space shuttle. Where’s the moon shot, Apollo?
Also looks like the production Volt front end won’t be as smooth (slippery) as the EV1.
Suiting up in asbestos, ready for the EV1 hater flamers…
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Perhaps they can make the various screens and controls will go into a sleep mode if not messed with for a while. That would help save energy. Then you could give them a light tap to “wake them up” for adjustments. Otherwise, love the sneak peeks. Looking forward to the real thing.
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Well that was fun. I’m liking the look of the car quite a bit.
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Lets bring home the gold already!
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I’ve said it before that while the Volt won’t look exactly like the concept it WONT be B.A.U. as some thought it would. That’s a pretty darn nice looking vehicle. Personally, I’d prefer plain grill louvers w/o the faux grill look, as I think it would look more expensive.
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August 9th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
The video didn’t load for me at first.. I thought it was more of the lovely geo-specific BS that our “free” internet loves to include these days..
but thankfully, it wasn’t.
I like the front end so far. But that means nothing until I see the rest. Thats only like 2% of the whole car.
And the interior seemed a bit… weird to me. Hopefully it gets fine-tuned or maybe once it’s done in ‘real’ and not red plastic/whatever that was, it will look fine.
Teasers are no fun.. now I can’t wait to see the whole finished design!
#16, Firefly
LCD panels don’t really need ’sleep mode’ its the backlights.
So the panels can stay on the whole time, and you can dim the backlights to barely visible or completely off (you would still see if it sun shined on the LCD just right)
Though really, they’re probably using LED backlights, which would probably use like 1 millionth of the power of the motor
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August 9th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
#15 LyleL
I wonder that too, as it says on the document from the US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, the NiMH EV1 range at a steady 60 mph was 160 miles. If you were averaging 45 mph, your range goes up to 220 miles!!!
Why is this always forgotten in news blurbs about the EV1?
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August 9th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Grizzly #19
“Personally, I’d prefer plain grill louvers w/o the faux grill look”
I have to agree with you. That look has been done on cars in the past. Looks somewhat cheap. Otherwise, the car looks pretty nice.
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August 9th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Some time ago, WRT the LCD Bob Lutz talked about a main display and a sub-display but never elaborated. While this interior still looks conceptual with the clay like appearance, it does show both displays. Looks like the main speed-o display will have the same info as most, but it looks like the sub display between the two seats will have things like the radio, security, locks, onstar, internet etc. This is amazing.
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August 9th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Looks nothing like the concept. It has entirely lost its bold look. But it still looks nice!
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August 9th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Looks like this updated version of the EV1 will be just as easy to crush after being confiscated by GM goons.
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August 9th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Thumbs up on the video. One day closer.
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August 9th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
#15 Lylel:
That was a hilarious analogy. Unfortunately, everybody knows that the Apollo missions were filmed in Hollywood. Get Real, Man.
Also, this picture offers no proof that it is an actual EV. Remember, this is the company that destroyed the EV so don’t believe anything they say in a staged video.
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August 9th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Good explaination of the E-REV concept vs. hybrid. Glad the media is now starting to call this car an electric vehicle instead of just GM’s new plug in hybrid. Looks like it’s coming along nicely. I still much prefer the orginal concept’s look, but maybe this look will grow on me. Lots of potential for aftermarket grills I suspect. Not a big fan of the Buck Rogers interior, but at least it’s better than a Prius. That thing is silly.
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August 9th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
#25 Mistake;
“Looks like this updated version of the EV1 will be just as easy to crush after being confiscated by GM goons.”
No. Don’t worry. This car is made out of all carbon fiber and it’s 10x stronger than steel, so it’ll break their crusher. They’re going to have to let these ones go.
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August 9th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I couldn’t honestly care less about how it looks (with some caveats of course). Camry, Prius, Civic…as long as the Volt achieves its performance claims I will be buying one. I am not paying $35,000 for a cool-looking car, I am paying to drive electric and reduce our dependence on Middle-east oil. Who’s with me?
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August 9th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
They can stage as much as they like as long as they bring me my VOLT.
Take Care,
TED
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August 9th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
What’s iPod-esque? White plastic that cracks in 6 months? Haha, seriously though, I didn’t see how the interior was Apple style at all.
@14 Jeff
10k is first year only. Read post: http://gm-volt.com/2008/06/19/lutz-gm-to-build-10000-volts-in-first-year-and-60000-in-second-year/
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August 9th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Does anyone still think this car is going to look like the Prius? Just shows how difficult it is to pop a 2-D taped model photo into Photo shop and come up with anything remotely accurate.
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August 9th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
#23 Grizzly …
The display in the center of the dash is a Garmin GPS. It looks identical to the screens on my Kenwood DNX5120 head unit, but lacks the volume knob on the side. That makes me believe they are using Kenwood DNX7120’s or DNX8120’s for their mockups.
pat—-
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August 9th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
“I am not paying $35,000 for a cool-looking car, I am paying to drive electric and reduce our dependence on Middle-east oil. Who’s with me?”
.. Can’t we have both?
I mean if I’m paying this much, it had better be nice.
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August 9th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Interesting video and very exciting to see more of the car… overall, I really like what I have seen.
Did anyone else notice that there were multiple vehicles that were covered? There is one that is far too high on the rear to be a cammback compared to the Volt that they showed. It looks like a large spoiler! Either not all of them were Volt prototypes or there are other final forms they are looking at.
Now for the negative shots:
The fake grill looks cheap and cheezy, I was hoping that they were going to go in a different direction – something that has more pizzaz and class. I have to hope that they will improve on it for future versions. The interior shots look too “Star trek Next Generation” esque…but that could also be that we only saw the clay version. I’ll save my final word for the final version. If there is only an option for plastic on the interior I will be pissed – especially if they expect us to shell out $35,000 (~$30,000 after other incentives are factored in).
Looks like Dinosaurus and I will have to make a new guess based on these images
.
It will be nice when they get the final version out there for all to see. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas.
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August 9th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
#13 noel park
“I don’t know about anybody else, but I am running out of patience.”
Your in trouble then my friend.
(=
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August 9th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
All the batteries that were shown in the video appears to be from
CPI. I think they have more confidence in CPI than A123. Hope GM
will select technically best battery, not the cheapest one.
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August 9th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I liked it, interior looked cool to. I guess the i-pod esque reference was referring to the lcd with the scroll wheel below it.
Did anybody else notice that in the pictures above. Pic 1 & Pic 2 have different rims?
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August 9th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
harrier1970-
I thought it looked like ST:TNG too.
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August 9th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
7. Toyota Copycat
“Looks like my Toyota Camry Hybrid, maybe not quite as tall. Nice job Chevy.”
Could you remind me again who is following suit with the more important aspect of this car – the plug-in capability of the powertrain?
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August 9th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
hi i wish to know if theres a you tube of this .. because i cant get that link to work
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August 9th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
It’s really just about as vague as everything else we’ve seen and heard so far. Not much new except the touch screen interior. One down side of that is you can’t operate a control by feel you have to take your eye off the road and look at it. Wonder what the cost of doing things this way is compared to more traditional controls.
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August 9th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
#42 jeremy
Just go to the Yahoo home page. It’s among the most popular stories at the moment. You should be able to see it right at the top.
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August 9th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
31. JonP
“Did anybody else notice that in the pictures above. Pic 1 & Pic 2 have different rims?”
I believe it is the same rim… Pic 1 – you catch the color of his suit reflecting on the wheel, Pic 2 – the rim looks brighter, as if the color from the light-colored floor were reflecting off of it.
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August 9th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Looks like there are 3 LCDs…there is one to the left of the steering wheel as well.
One thing that kind of worries me….
There are no AC vents in that clay mock up.
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August 9th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Morgan #46
“There are no AC vents in that clay mock up.”
*** *** ***
Since the dash seems to be at least semi-concept, or post concept they probably design those last. Seems logical that you’d design the vents around the dash, radio, LCD etc rather than the other way around.
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August 9th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
So glad to see that they have a simple touch screen like we asked for, where everything can be software upgradeable. Looks like GM is finally embracing technology and true innovation instead of seeking profits by cheaping it down.
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August 9th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Looking forward to some more 3D models from the community based on these new shots. The car looks a lot more like a Civic than it does the 2007 Volt concept, but I for one love the design. If you look at the front shot, it still has the tinted inset lamps that give it a much more aggressive look than you would find on other plain 4-door sedans.
If anyone is having problems with the video, it’s also on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZk4A7lUlD4
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August 9th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
#9 GM Volt Fan
Good observation on the grill, but I suspect otherwise. The radiator is responsible for a lot of the aero drag. By moving it closer to the ground, this drag is reduced. The moment on the rest of the vehicle goes down as well. This fact has been known for a long time. Problem is, people don’t like the styling. They like to see a grill where “a grill is supposed to be.” So I suspect the grill we see just looks like a grill, but the radiator is actually lower to the ground with a separate inlet. The inlet is barely visible.
I’m glad to see the styling looks halfway normal. This means the car is meant for the masses. It already looks better then the Pious.
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August 9th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
For those wondering about the smaller LCD, Tesla has a small LCD dedicated to charging options. I tried to post the link previously but, alas, Lyle forbid it. I can’t find it now. Can anyone else find it? It was in a video shot in England I believe.
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August 9th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
It does seem (what appear to be) CPI packs prominantly displayed in the video.
If the Volt’s back half looks as good as the front half, people will pay $40k+ to aquire one.
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August 9th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Just saw an ad on the channel showing the Olympics channel for the Volt. It’s a good one – not that dog licking the feet abomination. Can’t find it on the internet yet though.
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August 9th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
WOW. That looks good. The way things are shaping up, the Volt looks likes it’s going to be an icon.
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August 9th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Am I the only one who thinks that the hollow orange bow-tie looks better than the solid yellow/gold? Removing the faux grille marks on the louvers and adding a hollow orange bow-tie that’s a little smaller would look a lot better IMHO.
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August 9th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
No you aren’t the only one. I would also go with the diamond wire CTS V grille instead of the faux grill marks. I also think an electric blue OLED hollow bow tie instead of the plastic solid bowtie would be sweet
It could double as an exterior charge indicator when plugged in as well.
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August 9th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
That will do just fine…now go to ramming speed!
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August 9th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Guys..
Volts grill is not faux, its just appears like that in clay model.
Real Volt will have real grill.
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August 9th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
It looks like I might be the only one a little disappointed by the little bit I saw in the video. One of the main things that attracted me to the Volt (in addition to being battery powered) was it’s aggressive styling. I fell in love with the look of the concept and it seems that they have completely redesigned it. That looked more like a Cobalt than the Volt concept to me. I could, of course, be wrong and I will reserve my final judgement when the whole thing is unveiled.
Am I also the only one who thinks that the interior reminds me of a chessy remake from the bridge of the USS Enterprise (Star Trek: Next Generation)? Again, from the little I saw I was not impressed.
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August 9th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Go Michael Simcoe and that’s an Aussie tha can get it done!
Excellent Mick !
You can make happen vs the stodgy GM HD mentality.
-Even GM HD had to break down the typical American Style managment crap for this one.
Mick’s an excellent choice – He’s been doing a lot with not much for a long time and done it really WELL.
Typical Ozzie Allrounder unlike some so called specialists who have trouble co-ordinating with each other.
I now have confidence it WILL be PRACTICLE / USABLE and he will delivery the design / body on time if they give him some decent people under him – hint there’s more Aussies from GM Holden and even Opel who would be willing to lend a hand I’m sure.
Can’t wait now
It’s going to be good, hope the price in Australia will reasonable so I really can drive one. ASAP !
Production Volt design by an Australian Oi! Oi! Oi!
Well Done !
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August 9th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I’m disappointed by the “normal looking” front grille. Styling should reflect the technological innovations under the hood. What will they do next : produce fake engine noise? I say they style it so that everyone can see this is no normal car.
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August 9th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Morgan: Yep. It could go slowly from Blue to Red, hehehe.
I really like the front, I want, I want.
/Must not dibble on keyboard.
Talks: I agree.
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August 9th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
We stand at the threshold of a new age, this tommorrow will be here before you know it. Savor the anticipation.
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August 9th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
ausmartin #60
Ya gotta’ love it. He says “It’s going to work don’t worry about that….there’s no alternative”.
I’m with you on that one!
Did anyone notice the glimpse of the rear of the Volt at 4:05?
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August 9th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
I hope they put the keyboard in the middle of the steering wheel instead of a touch screen on the display. I need easy access for texting !!
Also, would be nice to have an iPod docking station.
Looks like a sweet ride, can’t wait to get one (or maybe two)
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August 9th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Grizzly #64
Glad to hear we all believe.
I think the rear at 4:05 is a concept.
GM will keep it for later
Cheers!
PS Can’t wait for the unveiling for this years GM Anniversary.
Hope they release some more pic’s again then.
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August 9th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
The interior looks great.
I can’t wait to test drive one.
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August 9th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
______________________________________________________
Ten years from now we will look back and laugh about our passionate VOLT jabberings. We will wonder how we got it so wrong. How we could have so grossly underestimated, even among the most bullish of us, the game-changing impact of Lutz’s VOLT Project. I have enjoyed being a witness to the development of the VOLT. It’s as though each one of us have reached out to help will the VOLT into existence. Very cool! Thanks for the venue Lyle.
Regarding the sneak peek, I generally like it except the fake grill reminds me of a stick-on grill you put on a match-box toy car. Also, the graphics in the fake grill overly competes with the Chevy logo. It may look more elegant if the grill surface was a solid color.
I’m ready for the FULL MONTY! Bring it on!
______________________________________________________
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August 9th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Ausmartin #66
Actually it’s a pretty quick glimpse, but if you use the slider you can move through it very slowly and you’ll see it’s not like the concept. The lights are shorter and it actually has a longer trunk. This may not be the production model, but it is definitely much different than the concept.
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August 9th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Ted #31 – agreed.
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August 9th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I think we’ll have to come up with about as much money as the Brad/Joliie twin’s baby pic’s to get to see the whole Volt
Put me in for $10 (g)
Be well,
Tag
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August 10th, 2008 at 12:13 am
As I have said before, I am ready to put down a good sized deposit.
Seeing these pictures, and the video, I am even more ready!!!
GO GM Volt Tean!!!
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August 10th, 2008 at 12:25 am
#19 Grizzly-
I agree…I think the faux grill lines are a little on the cheesy side.
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August 10th, 2008 at 12:31 am
#30
You have the right attitude. I agree with you.
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August 10th, 2008 at 12:58 am
My favorite part at the end when the 2 host are talking:
Man Host:
“Could cost north of 35K”
Lady Host:
“for a four door sedan”
People act like that’s crazy. Again like i’ve been saying for a year now.
If you drive a:
Mercedes, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Range Rover, Jaguar, Cadillac, Saab, Audi, BMW, Volvo, Porsche, Hummer.
YOU PAID OVER 35K
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August 10th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Yup, as I’ve said before “All is well regarding VOLT!
Like the ST Next Gen look with Ipod adaptor!
GO GM, GO VOLT for 2010
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August 10th, 2008 at 2:40 am
$35,000+ for a Pribalt©!! That’s just crazy talk!!!
Seriously, it won’t cost that much. I think that price is is g-handout bait as in “Oh noes! We’ll never sell enough to save the company at this price, we need a hand-out from tax-payers to keep us and the country from going to ruin”.
Now, I personally think a g-rebate on environmentally friendly vehicles is ok (especially if it’s paid for by increased gas taxes) but GM’s tactic here could backfire on them.
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August 10th, 2008 at 3:44 am
Is it just me or does that steering wheel look like it is made out of clay? I hope the production one looks better.
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August 10th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Grizzly,
It looks like that rear shot is from an interview with Rick Wagoner where the volt is in the background. They likely took the picture then, the tail appears to match up perfectly.
Here is a link to the video. It is right about 21 sec in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQUvt0Y2cpM
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August 10th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Ummmmm…Doggone WOW!
I really like what I got a glimpse of so far! This was the best interview I have seen so far on this subject.
Thanks to Dave for catching this!
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August 10th, 2008 at 8:52 am
#78 TK
Um, that IS clay.
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Keep it going GM!!!
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August 10th, 2008 at 8:58 am
“the Volt’s battery is a third of the size of the EV-1’s.” I wonder if they meant weight or volume?
That is an excellent achievement. Does anyone else think that means something? Why not pop one of these batteries into the EV-1 and see what happens?
…big fan of BEVs.
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August 10th, 2008 at 10:02 am
It’s a little deceiving. All EV1s, whether PbA or NiMH had better than 40-mile AER, so naturally their pack will be bigger.
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August 10th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Aggressive or futuristic appearances may go over well with early-adopter types like many of us who follow Volt’s development, but for appealing to a mass market, it is best to keep the car looking fair “normal”. As a matter of fact, as long as it doesn’t have a bizarre Prius or EV-1 look, more people will be willing to adopt it into their lifestyles. A nice, clean, fresh appearance that hints of newest technology is all that is really needed here.
After that, the most beautiful thing about this car will be the EXTENSION CORD, which enables most folks to drive it for about a dollar a day.
And don’t forget, the first Volt will be only one of many different models eventually available. There will eventually be sports cars, convertibles, trucks, suvs, vans, and other varieties to fulfill market demands.
Let’s all relax and enjoy what’s coming.
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August 10th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I still think it’s interesting that all we’ve seen recently when there have been shots of the battery lab are CPI’s packs. This doesn’t mean that they’ve won the contract, but you’ve got to wonder why it seems that we haven’t seen any more silver packs. I’m guessing that if they had both then it could just be that each manufacturer’s packs are all together for testing and that this particular shot was taken in the CPI area.
What makes this “duel” of the pack makers so interesting is that the odds on favorite has always been A123/Conti, but recently only seeing CPI’s packs you’ve got to wonder.
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August 10th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Whats the price of the car?
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August 10th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
#31 Ted:
I’m with you, but in order to really reduce our dependency on oil from the Middle East, Chevy needs to appeal to consumers’ sense of desire. In other words, they need to make it sexy so everyone wants one. You and I would buy one anyway, but we need everyone to buy a Volt to really make a dent in our oil consumption. The best way to do that is to make every 16 year old kid in the country want one. To that end, I think Chevy is allowing the Volt to be featured in the movie Transformers II next year….
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August 10th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I think this post is fantastic…what a great video and love the openness of GM that is just enough to show them they’re dead serious and that they do indeed plan on pulling this off in 2010 and in quantity so that whoever wants to buy one can and with those kinds of numbers hitting the streets, it does indeed become a game changer. I’m buying one in the fall of 2010 and I can’t wait. It will be a Christmas present to myself!!!!
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August 10th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I thought it looked kinda like the Probe from the late 1980’s. I always loved the way that car looked. 35G? not a problem in California.
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August 10th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Way to go GM!!! The grill looks great and the propulsion technology is truly a game changer. When it is ready, I will be buying one!
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August 10th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
I DIDN’T LIKE WHAT I SAW. Looks to me like all the styling is gone, however, I’ll reserve judgement until I can see the final.
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August 10th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Hey GM, after I buy the Volt in 2010, I’ll be ready for the XLR-V(olt) in 2011. I’d even be willing to manually crank down the top to save electrons.
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August 11th, 2008 at 12:32 am
The biggest problem is the price of these vehicles. Most of us are not celebrities or sport stars. Most of us earn average incomes and a decent portion with families to feed.
If this car is under 30K, then add me to waitlist. If not, well I will just have to wait for a decently priced used one.
The initial drive range for the Volt is only 40 miles so it should be fairly inexpensive compared to full electrics that have been developed. The motor should also be very cheap (specs are comparable to the old Metro’s).
Also concerning the Metro’s, my first car was a Metro. I beat the living crap out of that car and still got 50 MPG. I sure hope that this gets alot better mileage than what I am hearing so far when the car goes into extended range. Since the motor is only to act as a generator, it should easily go a couple of hours on a gallon of fuel considering that it only stays at a set RPM and nothing added on like power steering, AC, alternator etc…….
BTW I still like my F150 but it is pretty painful to drive right now
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August 11th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Question on battery life – if the owner of a Volt never plugs in and charges the battery up to full charge, but instead has the gasoline engine keep the battery charged at around 30-40%, how will the life of the battery be affected?
And, what sort of prevention will there be for stopping somebody from getting in and driving away without unplugging the car from the electrical outlet?
Regarding styling – I disagree it should look like a conventional car… it needs to look unique so it stands out and makes a statement. There currently are several hybrids now available, and by far the best selling one is the semi-radical Prius. Why? So there will be no mistaking the car they are driving is at the cutting edge in motoring efficiency. Contrast the Prius with Honda’s Civic hybrid which looks meekly like a standard Civic.
That said, I do not think the styling of the showcar Volt, with its bizarre side windows bulging out at the bottom, is very elegant. Tone down the wierdness a bit, please.
And lastly, bring out a Cadillac version with a little more power and a lot of luxury. In that class of cars, price is less of a factor than perceived value, and image. Two things the Volt should have going for it. I hope….
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August 11th, 2008 at 2:50 am
As a retired Air Force veteran, I’m personally glad to see the prospect of our addiction to Oil potentially coming toward a change in direction. As T-Boone Pickens suggests, our debt, our addiction, our fate, our future, is hinged on the need to escape the age of Oil.
My career was spent primarily aimed at the Oil Highway. For what others called valor, I still believe buying a Volt will do more than sending me as a soldier if the same Americans turn right around and buy a gas guzzling SUV. I’ll need to go again, and again, and again. The Volt is the first real chance at Optimism I’ve had seeing the brutal waste of resources thrown at protecting the Saud’s oil for them and for the world. China, Japan, Europe, and a host of other countries don’t bear the same burden for oil as we Americans. THe real price of a gallon of gas is $10/gallon when factoring in the protection money and paying off the Sauds and Middle-East oil barons, in turn subisidizing nearly everyone who competes with we as Americans.
|Come on GM – build it and we will come.
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August 11th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Nose is looking fine to me. I THOUGHT we were going to get a glimps of the side body detail behind the wheel. But the video angle was just barely hiding it, then the host was standing right behind the wheel during the side shots! Almost like they planned to keep that side detail a secret.
I am still very worried about slab sides on this car. That would cause the car to look like a NASCAR cup car. Not a good look for everyday drivers. Lets hope the sides of the car will have some of the concepts boldness and style.
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August 11th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
The interior looks Star Wars I, II, III-ish to me (Naboo).
I would like to know how spacious it is going to be.
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August 11th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Hmmm. Beige interior with a silver body. What’s up with that?
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August 11th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I am just now getting to read this post, watch the video and look at the screen shots. I must admit I am impressed with the look of the front end of the Volt. I think it looks better than the concept car. I feel really good about the looks of the production Volt. I think it is going to be a beautiful car. The interior view was hard to tell much about because of the color (clay?) and could not see enough of it. To say it will be futuristic, will be to say nothing. It is going to look very 21st century. I can’t wait.
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August 11th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Might as well make it 100 comments. I say GM is further along with the car than they are saying. I still think we will see it in the show rooms by early or late summer 2010.
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August 11th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Oil is not an addiction; it is a necessity.
None of you would be able to repeat that “oil addiction” canard on the internet if we didn’t have oil–and lots of it.
That said,
1) This is a clay model.
2) The grille is operable (it opens and closes with the use of memory metal technology). This was previewed in the BRX concept a while back. Who wants to bet?
3) He might be alluding to iPod/iPhone integration when he talks about Apple-lovers.
Did they develop the software? Interface?
Is there touchscreen technology available?
That might be what he is getting at.
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August 11th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Maybe by “iPod-esque interior”, he was referencing the fact that the volt concept was originally called the “iCar”, because it was meant to save GM like the iPod had previously saved Apple from going under.
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August 11th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
All of you that keep questioning the tan color or that it better look better in the production vehicle…..come ‘on. Did you read anything or really LISTEN to the video? That is a clay mockup! It’s not fiberglass, it’s not metal, it’s not plastic….IT’S CLAY !!! Geeeze …. READ. LISTEN. WATCH.
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August 12th, 2008 at 8:00 am
It all looks great. The price has gone from $30,000.00 to $48,000.00 before it even gets close to production. It will have a 1200 lb. $15,000 battery pack that has not resolved yet. The 3 cylinder gas generator to electric motor system is supposed to get 50mpg. My question is why not leave the battery pack out for now, put the gas version out and let us have a 50mpg vehicle at $ 15,000.00 less in price and work on the batteries for later? The lack of the 1200lb battery pack would increase the mpg also. The batteries still seem to be the biggest issue. GM don’t put another over priced vehicle on the market.
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August 12th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Kudos to the effort, bring back the American ingenuity! And hopefully it won’t look like another “egg on wheels”!!! Ala early Escorts, etc. It’s my understanding that battery design and research is ongoing….Hopefully they’ll get it right and this can be a path to American design and manufacturing to lead the way once again! Remember when America led the way????!!!
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August 12th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Bob McGovern, I’ll second that. Very good suggestion, possibly introduce it in stages. Being an active participant is the 50’s and 60’s, how’s about labeling it with a newer version of the SS designaton?
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August 12th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Doesnt look anything like the volt pictured in the ads for the olympics.
Why would they advertise the concept igf they hade the production model ready??
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August 12th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Bob McGovern said “My question is why not leave the battery pack out for now, put the gas version out and let us have a 50mpg vehicle at $ 15,000.00 less in price and work on the batteries for later?”
I think you’re missing a critical aspect of the efficiency of that motor configuration which is that it will run in a steady state (as a generator) not like current engines which are run at the whim of the foot on the gas pedal. Add a gas pedal to the mix and you won’t see 50mpg in a battery-less Volt. The only reason for the Volt and the only hope GM has is that it really will be a game changer. And as for the price… I hope it is within the realm of the middle class BUT even if it is luxury car priced at least it will be available to someone. At this point in with our economy, environment, and ecology… something is still better than nothing!
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August 12th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Kudo’s to GM for taking such a bold step. They have been their own worst enemy in the past, and I hope that they do not kill this like they killed Saturn and EV-1. This looks to be an industry game changer.
The reason that this is a game changer is because GM is not looking at the Volt as an end-product. They are seeing it as a begining of a entirely new platform that will eventually spread to all segments of their business – luxury, SUV, economy, commercial, fleet, etc. With their E-Flex platform, they actually are poised to replace the gasoline generator with a ready for prime time hydrogen fuel cell, which will then leverage their battery investment and provide better performance, which is one challenge of a fuel cell only drivetrain.
As has been said before: GM, if you build it, US consumers will buy it. Guaranteed.
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August 12th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I’m somewhat disappointed. Sounds like they are going to make it look like a typical 4 door sedan. That’s not the Volt I wanted to buy. I want the one that looks like the concept car.
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August 12th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
It seems the more you find out about the Volt the less GM has decided on. They now are going to a 4 cylinder NA engine. They say this will give smoother performance than the 3 cylinder without a loss in economy. My feelings about leaving the batteries out until the battery design could be resolved still has merit. The electrical power to the motor would not involve an accelerator to the engine but rather a variable rheostat feed from the generator to the motor. We have had this oil dependency since the 70’s so this isn’t something that has been dumped on GM overnight. The ad I just saw today about the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid for 2009 selling for $79,995.00 shows GM is still after a richer buyers market and will the Volt fall into this category? I am 74 years old and still would like a 2009 Volt but not if I have to give all my gas savings to GM.
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August 12th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Dump the conventional styling, go with the upscale look the concept has and I’d buy.
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August 12th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
35K is a little high, but it’s alot cheaper than the Tesla! Hopefully GM will power and market a version of the Volt along the same lines as the Tesla. Make it a muscle car with acceleration unparalleled in the production gasoline world and buyers will have another reason to buy it. Electric cars can be built to accelerate faster. The Tesla screams!
On the flip side, economy versions of the volt need to have the total cost of ownership less than a regular gasoline powered car if it is to be successful. There are two types of green. The environmental green and the green in your wallet. The volt has to succeed with both types of green. If a new battery pack costs $5-8K every few years it’s gonna be hard to make a financial case for the average consumer. As always with electric vehicles….it all comes down to the battery.
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August 12th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Styling of the concept Volt…. how in the world do the side windows roll down?
I hate things that are impractical and lacking in beauty.
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August 12th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
seriously, the comment that it will look more like a four door than the concept hit me like a train of bricks, the whole point i liked and stressed to all the people i tell about it, is the bold look and unique style. If they mess that up, that will really reduce my wanting to buy it
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August 12th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Is there any way to make a petition and send it to GM saying that if they change the style of the car from concepet to 4 door, a lot of people wont buy it. because it seems to be repeating in the posts above
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August 13th, 2008 at 12:31 am
The Volt will be bought because it will be at the cutting edge of efficiency. If people won’t buy it simply because it looks different from the concept, they were poor prospects to buy the car in the first place.
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August 13th, 2008 at 7:01 am
#116 Richard,
I can certainly understand the desire to buy a car for its looks, but … there *are* a lot of us for whom a two door just isn’t all that practical, *but* we really want the other benefits of this vehicle.
Every car I’ve owned since 1977 has been an SUV (back in the early 80’s when the U for utility really meant something), a station wagon (I currently own a Subaru Forester, previously a Saturn SW)), or a hatchback. I’ve never owned a even a simple sedan before and a two door, non-hatchback/SUV is likely to turn out to be a problem for people like me that can only afford to keep one vehicle and need it for more than commuting and grocery store runs.
The ideal vehicle for me would be my Forester (it’s the first car I love more after 4+ years than I did the day I bought it) with a Volt like powerplant/drive system. But I understand that’s not going to happen by the time I expect to be ready to trade in in 2012. So a 4-door sedan ought to be a compromise I can deal with.
pat—-
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August 13th, 2008 at 8:38 am
#117 Starliner
You have to remember the approach that GM is taking with the Volt.
They are making 10,000 vehicles the first year. They are then making 60,000 vehicles the second year. REGARDLESS of styling and price, they WILL sell that many, with a healthy waiting list of people signed up to buy whatever comes after that initial 70,000. This is because there are enough consumers in the US that can and will spend that kind of money to be on the cutting edge of automobile transportation.
Toyota and Honda make a big deal about how the Volt is not going through limited trials before mass production. Guess what folks – the initial 10,000 IS the trial run. This is because GM’s plans for the E-Flex platform is to convert their entire product and sub-product line to work with it. They are betting the farm on this platform, and mark my words, it will pay off big time.
So to sum it up – don’t worry about how the Volt will be styled. By 2013-14, I am willing to bet that you will be able to purchase a new Camaro or Corvette with the E-Flex drivetrain, as well as a Cadillac, Pontiac, Saturn, GMC, etc.
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August 13th, 2008 at 8:46 am
#118 psklenar
I have had two Subaru’s over the years – an Impreza and a Legacy (my current car, along with a Chevy TrailBlazer).
I absolutely love my Legacy. My lease is up on my TrailBlazer in 2010, and I was planning on just handing it back in and getting a Forester, but I am now going to be waiting for the Volt. If the Volt is delayed, I may just find a used Suby to get me through the wait time.
One interesting thought though. It would have been REALLY interesting for Subaru if GM had kept their 20% stake of Fuji Heavy Industries, which is the parent company of Subaru. They sold it off a couple years ago when they were strapped for cash. You may recall that GM and Subaru shared some platforms – Saab got to use the Impreza when they needed an AWD hatchback QUICK, and for a couple years, you could get OnStar in select Subaru vehicles.
How sweet would it have been to get a Suby with AWD and the E-Flex platform? Maybe in the distant future.
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August 13th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
The Volt Concept was beautiful. I had fully intended to purchase one, but seeing the production version I am reminded that there is very little that GM can fail to ruin.
At least they still make the Saturn Sky. I’ll get that instead. The aggressive styling more than compensates for the “good enough” mpg.
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August 14th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I’d like a bold design as well but let’s face it – the first generation needs to be as good-looking and functional as a Toyota Camry (the number one selling car in America). That’s it. A design like that is Chevy’s best hope, because this thing isn’t going to be cheap so it’s going to need to appeal to as much of the population as possible. Subsequent models (sports, SUVs, crossovers) will add flavor and decreases in pricing will occur as battery production and platform expansion grows (driving down cost). But initial adoption is the key. Baby steps lead to bigger ones.
I’m soooo excited for GM (and for the planet) with this project. Please pull it off, guys.
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August 14th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
The EV1 should never have been abandoned no matter the cost. GM and Big Oil collaborated to kill it off even though there was public demand. If electric and fuel cell cars are too expensive to own for the average consumer, then they should be manufactured to last much longer and car companies should line up unique financing where everyone can afford to lease them. If all the money that has been poured into development of combustion engine vehicles the last decade were instead funneled into electric cars, batteries, fuel cells, etc, then we would already have viable cost efficient vehicles today.
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August 25th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I love the idea, though I have to say I’m not in love with the interior. And I go 40 miles *each way* to work, so I think I’m stuff with a hybrid at best for a while…
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September 7th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
The car looks fantastic, and I am glad to hear about the sedan version…. To be brutally honest, I have never been a fan of GM cars but this one has my attention. Keep it up!
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September 20th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
When is GM going to wise up and build an affordable, decent milage vehicle? Selling economy cars to rich people is a joke. As Bob Lutz said” Initially there will be enough demand from rich people, so there won’t be a worry for the first year or two. But if we want to generalize the technology the price has to come down.” How about people who can’t afford luxury priced flashy vehicles like the Volt? They should wise up and look at other countries contribution to the high fuel prices in more reasonable priced vehicles. I for one look at my fuel guage more than I do the sleek body styles. That went out with $2.00 per gallon fuel.
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October 11th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
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