GM May Reveal the Production Chevy Volt on it Centennial Webcast, September 16th
GM has been gearing up for a high-intensity Centennial celebration set to take place on September 16th.
The Detroit Press is reporting that "GM may even unveil the production version of the Volt as part of a centennial day webcast."
This webcast is supposed to last 40 to 50 minutes, occur live from GM headquarters on the morning of the 16th, and be broadcast around the world on the website GMnext.com. The Volt is expected to be a significant centerpiece of the event, and although GM is keeping its message and any "big-splash announcements" under wrap, GM spokesperson Bill O’Neill who is the architect of the event promises a big impact.
Frank Weber, the Volt’s vehicle line executive notes that, "the Volt plays a huge role in GM’s future, so it will clearly play a large role in the centennial." Oneill concedes "we have a unique opportunity on Sept. 16. It happens only once. Clearly it’s a huge opportunity for us to show where we’re going in the future."
Grab your popcorn and take that morning off from work, it’s less than one month away.
Source (Detroit Free Press )
Popularity: 2%
Related posts:
- Official (Sort Of): Production Chevy Volt Will be Revealed at the GM Centennial this Month
- Video Update: Ask Your Chevy Volt Questions at the GM Centennial Event
- Production Chevy Volt Will be Revealed to GM Employees in September, Public After That
- LIVE: GMnext Global Webcast (Starts 9/16 8:30 AM EDT): Production Chevy Volt to be Revealed
- Breaking: Production Chevy Volt to be Revealed in September!
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114 Responses to “GM May Reveal the Production Chevy Volt on it Centennial Webcast, September 16th”
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August 18th, 2008 at 6:15 am
It’s about time. I am very excited to see the final production look of this car. EREV is the future. I feel very strongly about that.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Woo Hoo !
August 18th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Can’t wait to see the entire car. I think I’m in the minority but I like the look of the teaser photos better than the concept. Personally though the body could be made of playdough and in the shape of a giant seagull for all I care. It’s what’s under the hood (or passenger seat I should say) that I care about! Go GM
August 18th, 2008 at 6:35 am
If the Volt is indeed a pre-production unit (not that golf cart motor powered concept) and is verified by the media it will finally shut many of the critics up. OK, maybe muffle them a bit. Nice job with the hype so far, GM.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:47 am
No surpise here. I always thought they’d unveil it in September….
And ditto to number 4 Texas about the critics.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:52 am
wel t hats some good news to start the monday off right ,
August 18th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Great. Go General…
GM is on a news release roll this August. The last 2 weeks have really re-affirmed GMs committment to this vehicle. It’s hard to believe we are still over 2 years out from the initial release. The hype will have to slow down for a while. It cannot keep this pace up for two years.
I for one will be happy to see the final production volt driving around just so I don’t have to hear the idiotic anti-capitalism blather from the “GM will never do it, did you see the movie who killed the electric car..” crowd.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Since GM plans to focus on the future, and the Volt is the centerpiece of GM’s future, I would expect a lot of content regarding the Volt and E-Flex.
I can see it now, ” And here, to present the production Chevy Volt to the World for the first time, is Dennis Neutron!” (Lyle, like all celebrities, will have to change his name to protect his privacy).
August 18th, 2008 at 7:03 am
“GM may even unveil the production version of the Volt as part of a centennial day webcast.”
Hopefully it happens, but the word ‘may’ is all I need to hear to not get excited. You’d think if they were going to do it…they’d say it. Let’s look at the scenerios–pros and cons.
If they say they ‘are’…they ruin the surprise, but media attention/public will actually care about the ‘100 anniversary,’ and pay attention.
If they say they ‘aren’t'….no one cares about the ‘100th anniversary.’
If they say ‘maybe’…they don’t ‘ruin’ the surprise, some extra media/people pay attention just in case it is revealed, regardless if it is or not.
Clearly the ‘may’ is the correct statement to go with from the corporate perspective. Does it actually tell us anything? …probably not.
August 18th, 2008 at 7:06 am
I can’t imagine them not showing the production Volt at this event. I will be watching……
August 18th, 2008 at 7:10 am
I dont get it. Two articles down say they are getting more malibu parts for test mules but this article says they are going to show off “production” models.
If you have production models doesnt it make more sense to use those for testing??
August 18th, 2008 at 7:29 am
# 11 THOM
They will show a model of the production vehicle. I will not have the Volt running gear.
August 18th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Six months ago I ask ten people if they have heard of the volt and only one person had , This month I asked ten new people and 6 out of ten not only could name the volt but could also give me a couple of car facts . This car is going to be HUGH!!!!
August 18th, 2008 at 7:56 am
It will be nice to see some pictures on the webcast, maybe. As it is only a webcast, these may be computer drawn pictures, clay model pictures, bodies with some prototype panels — we just don’t know.
The pictures may show the whole car, or maybe just the model lifting the skirt 1 inch higher in the back. Having been disappointed a number of times already, we are wise not to expect much — then we can be pleasantly surprised if we see any attractive body parts.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:17 am
to me personally the look matters little in terms of interest and intent to buy, this thing could look like an Aztec and I would still buy it.
However if it looked like a Firebird WS-6 (black, t-top) I would buy two!
The unveiling will be big, lets hope it satisfies the speed demons.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:24 am
I suspect the media will be invited and they will televise the unveiling in HD. Maybe not live, but by the end of the day. As someone properly observed above: Whoo hoo.
And while it might be reasonable to suspect it will have a “golf cart drive” akin to the “Tucker” unveiling, it is also completely possible it will have a prototype drive akin to those in the mules, lithium and all. Go Volt!
August 18th, 2008 at 8:29 am
What is it about Detroit that it doesn’t understand the importance of morphology in automotive design? This is a car designed by a marketing team, not engineers trying to break new ground for an energy tight world. The Volt is the wrong shape!
The Volt is a serial hybrid, so why is it designed as if it needs the space for a big honkin’ V-8 under the hood, with ridiculously oversized wheels and undersized windows? The Volt has a little genset, that can go anywhere.
GM’s skateboard chassis was a much more appropriate model: put the mechanicals underneath the passenger compartment. Free up the thinking to be really creative. Maximize interior volume while reducing overall exterior size and mass. The original Austin Mini of 50 years ago had an 80% space utilization efficiency.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Boeing hustled to get their 787 by 7/8/07. The plane looked great but the guts were a mess and the airplane is delayed by over a year. The rush to show something on that date contributed to the delays because stuff had to be put together and then taken back apart.
I hope GM doesn’t rush something just to hit a magic date. I’d love to see the Volt’s curves but, even more so, I want the E-flex to work well. How many concept cars look really good but underneath there is nothing. But I’m still excited to see her.
On a good note, its great that GM is making the Volt a centerpiece of their future. It shows a lot of confidence in the technology. From someone on the outside who is just looking in, this is a strong signal that GM expects the Volt to be a market success. Music to my ears.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Fred S.: It sounds like you’re still looking at the concept car, i.e. the car pictured at the top left of this page. The production car isn’t going to look much like that. However, as for “free up the thinking to be really creative,” it sounds like that isn’t really going to happen either; they’re saying the final shape is constrained by the need for very low drag. So it will probably be shaped similar to a Prius, or certainly much closer to that than to the shape of the concept car.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Cough… Cough… I’m feel a cold coming on about September 16… Must stay home that day…
I hope they do show it. Getting the public excited about a car early is a great idea because the enthusiasts will start saving for the down payment a few years early. Also, there may be those who want the car yet the significant other is hesitant because they don’t know what the car looks like or what features and options it will have. If they do show it, consider this the “convince the spouse” day…
August 18th, 2008 at 9:04 am
As a concept version lover …. I’m officially scared to see the updated version…
I know I’m stealing this (Statik I believe) but I thought it was hilarious when I first saw it… I dont want to drive a NERD SHOE !
Granted that is a bit harsh as these teasers do show some promise, but I’m not holding my breath on the Sept deal…or really anything anymore….I’m 4 to 5 years away from seeing the Volt available in my local dealership.
and now my mantra:
this is more about the electrification of the car - not how cool it looks - forget about the concept
this is more about the electrification of the car - not how cool it looks - forget about the concept
this is more about the electrification of the car - not how cool it looks - forget about the concept
August 18th, 2008 at 9:04 am
The public adopts to change slowly. The E-Flex has its critics and GM still has a great deal of education to do in the public square. If the car looks like a car people are used to, they are more open to have a look. Once the E-Flex platform proves itself GM can get more creative. Once the public buys the car for the E-Flex and not because it looks like their old car with better mileage, there will be more freedom of design possible.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:07 am
#1 Rashiid Amulaid said “EREV is the future. I feel very strongly about that.”
I agree; EREV is the future and not only for GM. Time will tell if the Volt is the right car for me and my wife. If not there will be other EREV vehicles soon to follow the Volt and one of them will surely be a family car which will meet our needs. I can hardly wait until I can own one of them.
#3 Gsned57 said “Can’t wait to see the entire car. I think I’m in the minority but I like the look of the teaser photos better than the concept.”
You’re not alone…I too like the look of the teaser photos better than the Volt concept. But, I’ve never been one for sharp lines like those on the Volt concept. The Cadillace CTS is another example. It is a nice looking car and is very popular, but those hard sharp fender lines, etc. really turn me off.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:08 am
No matter to the chatter on this site, GM will introduce the production Volt when they think it is ready to be shown. From what I have seen of the recent pictures, the production Volt is going to look better than the concept Volt. That’s saying a lot. I can’t hardly wait to see one, drive one and buy one. I have my deposit ready and it is growing by $1,200 per month. Come on, GM. Go Volt.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I just noticed the number of people signed up for this site has now risen to 38,105 and growing by leaps and bounds. Great job, Lyle. Welcome all you new comers. Please participate, but let’s keep politics out of the discussions held here. I am sure none of you want to hear everyone else’s political opinions as we don’t want to hear yours.
Nough said. I agree with Rashiid Amul that the E-Flex is the power train of the future. At least until something better comes along. And it will, eventually.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:26 am
#13 Jeff J “This car is going to be HUGH!!!!”
Who is hugh? LOL.
I Agree it will be HUGE
August 18th, 2008 at 9:42 am
If Ferrari can slap a prancing horse on a box of cereal and it sell, then the Volt should have no problem. Looks good enough to me so far…
August 18th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Isn’t that a charging point in the top right of the picture?
And the picture is one of the GM sourced production Volt pictures.
So we likely know where one of the changing ports is.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Great News! But how about having Lyle at the unveiling and having GM introduce Lyle to show the public that there is already a lot of interest in the Volt? I agree with #22 on the shape. People alwayc want something they are comfortable with. However, if they are comfortable with the shape, people will but the Volt because A) it is cheaper to rub than an ICE. B) it does not pollute. C) it reduces our dependency on oil. and D) It is American made. These are all big reasons why the Volt is going to be very important for GM and for America.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:57 am
The composure demonstrated by the GM VP’s & employees during demos or announcements regarding the Volt is incredible. They are either dead tired from over work or on heavy sedatives. I am so excited for them. They are changing the World & Saving the planet. If that’s not reason enough to be on pins and needles I don’t know what is.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:04 am
#29 ROBERT M. SPERRY
“…it is cheaper to rub than an ICE”
That’s kinda weird.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:05 am
#22 Bob C “The public adopts to change slowly”
With greatest respect, I disagree. It is a general put-down to people on this site and people in general to say things like this. The public has shown more interest in electric cars of whatever appearance than have car companies in producing them, until very recently. If the Volt turns out to be rather plain, it will be in order to borrow parts cheaply from other GM models, not because of reservations from “the public.”
August 18th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Ok… I am ready to be an official tester of the Production vehicle… They are putting out 50 of them right?
What better place that up here in Central Alberta Canada.. where temperatures run from + 35 C (right now) the -35 C ( in about 5 months)
A year of testing would be perfect… make that 2 years and then I will be able to return the “tester” and get the “real thing”.
GM.. Call or Email me.
I AM READY !!!
Ray
August 18th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I’d be a tester too. Texas 100+ heat. Nice 10 mile commute, monthly trips of 350 miles one way.
GM, you can call me too!
August 18th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Folks, I wouldn’t get too excited…. we’ve been hearing back and forth info on when the full Volt skin will be revealed… we were told Sept, then told it won’t be Sept, and now we are told Sept again. I’ve got whip lash!
August 18th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Tester? Pick me! Pick me!
North of Atlanta, in a 20 mile one-way cycle which includes bumper-to-bumper 2-lanes and a limited-access highway (the infamous GA-400). Tell Lyle, and he’ll send you my email
#13, #26:
Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent Florist Friars.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:29 am
#29 ROBERT M. SPERRY
“people will but the Volt because A) it is cheaper to rub than an ICE.”
We all make typos, but if you haven’t noticed, a few seconds after you make a post, it comes back up with an “edit ” link. It is available for about 7 minutes, and you can correct simple typos or add more thoughts. Just click on “edit” and your post comes up in a separate box. You get to fix it and almost no one knows.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Edit link only works if you’re using Windows Explorer (or at least, it won’t work using Firefox).
August 18th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Fred Schumacher asked…
“The Volt is a serial hybrid, so why is it designed as if it needs the space for a big honkin’ V-8 under the hood, with ridiculously oversized wheels and undersized windows? The Volt has a little genset, that can go anywhere.”
The Volt will have a 1.4L 4-cylinder engine (much like a regular car) powering a pretty substantial generator (bigger than in a normal car) to charge a huge battery system (not in a normal car) that powers a 160HP electric motor+controller (not in a normal car). True the Volt doesn’t need the traditional automatic transmission, but it still probably has more drive stuff (not less) that takes up valuable room in the car.
As for the wheels and windows … that’s a styling exercise, since cool looking cars get more attention.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I’d be a tester too. Mountains of North Central New Mexico. I’ll even buy a trailer to take it 100 miles to Albuquerque for maintenance when it can’t make it on it’s own.
GM, you can call me too!
August 18th, 2008 at 10:34 am
#32 RB writes:
“It is a general put-down to people on this site and people in general to say things like this.”
On the contrary it is a mass marketing fact. 38,000+ is very respectible and all change has to start somewhere. But the vast majority of consumers are not change mavericks. This site represents the early adopters. This is how it starts. But there is a long way to go before the 16,000,000+ vehicles sold in the U.S. every year are extended range EV or BEV. If you include the Prius (100,000+ per year for NiMH), and other hybrids (<20,000+ per year NiMH) the technology is still relatively small volume. Initial plans for the Volt (~10,000 per year) demonstrate that Li-ion is in its infancy for the mass market. And don’t babble on about the Tesla (Li-ion) being a mass market car. It will be some time before economies of scale are achieved with the Li-ion batteries and electric drivetrain in the mass market. I have no doubt it will get there, but be realistic!
August 18th, 2008 at 10:36 am
#38 Jackson
I am using Firefox and edit works fine for me. It just takes a few seconds for it to show up. Maybe you have some setting that could be changed.
(I just edited this post.)
August 18th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Jackson said,
“Edit link only works if you’re using Windows Explorer (or at least, it won’t work using Firefox).”
This problem may be unique to your computer. I use the edit feature with Firefox and Safari quite a bit. Seems to work fine.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Nice, but except for the webcast part we’ve known this for 6 weeks.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/07/production-volt-could-be-the-guest-of-honor-at-gm-centennial-par/
Still looking forward to it though.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:45 am
“#24 (N Riley N Riley) No matter to the chatter on this site, GM will introduce the production Volt when they think it is ready to be shown. From what I have seen of the recent pictures, the production Volt is going to look better than the concept Volt. That’s saying a lot. I can’t hardly wait to see one, drive one and buy one. I have my deposit ready and it is growing by $1,200 per month. Come on, GM. Go Volt.”
You and me both - my wife and I are socking away money every month for a new vehicle. Can’t wait until the Volt arrives in Texas (will that be ‘11 or ‘12?). We’ll be buying one and if EREV technology has worked its way into the small SUV market by then as well, we’ll be buying one of those, too.
Speaking with our consumer dollars!
August 18th, 2008 at 10:47 am
It looks like Wired magazine has a front-page article about an Israeli electric car company called “Better Place”. There’s a response here.
August 18th, 2008 at 11:00 am
#26 mitch & #31 ThombDbhomb:
Come on guys, it’s a blog, not the New York Times. People make typos, most of all me. Give us a break.
GM:
I have the money put aside. I am not going to buy another car until the Volt is available.
August 18th, 2008 at 11:10 am
GM needs to show this thing soon. I have been talking about the Volt and showing the teaser photos to friends lately, and the best thing I heard about it is: “Nice headlight.” Come on GM! Help me help you!
August 18th, 2008 at 11:10 am
If GM asked for volunteer “testers” for free use of Volts, at least 38,000 hands would go up instantly, LOL.
I live in L.A., home of the world’s (well at least the US’s) worst freeway traffic. Look it up, it’s a scientific fact. Plus, I climb a huge hill on the way home, right at the tag end of the 40 mile range. Give me a minute, and I’ll think up something even worse! I even offered to lease one and give them all the feedback they want. They probably know better after reading my comments!
August 18th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Jackson said,
“Edit link only works if you’re using Windows Explorer (or at least, it won’t work using Firefox).”
This problem may be unique to your computer. I use the edit feature with Firefox and Safari quite a bit. Seems to work fine.
Fine here too.
Does either article say WHEN the webcast will be?
Be well,
Tag
August 18th, 2008 at 11:18 am
“at least 38,000 hands would go up instantly,”
Make that 76,000 hands!
Be well,
Tag
August 18th, 2008 at 11:18 am
If we are talking about volunteers for test drivers… I would be a great one! I live in Denver and go deep into the mountains almost every weekend. One of the biggest reasons I want a Volt because the loss of power of the ICE due to high elevations drives me nuts. Plus, I will be more than happy to test the steering and handling as I am driving down the mountains!
August 18th, 2008 at 11:19 am
#15:
NOTHING should look like the Aztek! Ever.
August 18th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I’ll try to capture it and YT it if I can remember. Looking forward to the GM propa… err… to the webcast.
August 18th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Tag,
I agree, 76000 hands (if everyone is like me and you)
August 18th, 2008 at 11:39 am
#41 Bob C says: “And don’t babble on about the Tesla (Li-ion) being a mass market car. ”
To whom are you addressing this instruction? I don’t remember anyone saying that Tesla was a mass market car.
With respect to your larger point, certainly electric cars do remain a niche product, as you said. In large part that is because the Tesla is sold out, the Prius is sold out, the Mitsu is not yet available, and the Nissand and Volt is not fully designed. So the limitation in volume has nothing to do with resistance to change, but rather springs from the lack of supply. That may change, but it is the situation at present.
August 18th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hey Dr. Dennis,
I have an idea.
Since the number of people on the Wait List seems to be a major element in most news stories about this website, how about putting a REAL-TIME COUNTER on the Wait List Page?
Perhaps one that LOOKS LIKE AN ODOMETER.
I know you can access the info from that page, but a counter like that would be an simple display that many of us would visit often to see how demand is growing.
And isn’t that what the site is about: To demonstrate the demand for the VOLT?
Thanks
August 18th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Jackson #38 says,
Edit link only works if you’re using Windows Explorer (or at least, it won’t work using Firefox).
———–
Sorry Jackson, your statement is completely false.
I only use Firefox and NEVER use Internet Explorer.
Window Explorer is a file browser, not an Internet Browser.
The edit button in Firefox work perfectly.
It must be you, your computer, or how you have Firefox configured.
EDIT: Yup. No problem with the Edit function in Firefox.
If you want to review your settings with me, let’s talk.
August 18th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I like the production headlights and running lights better than the concept.
August 18th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Have you considered that Jackson may not have Firefox. He may be just thinking that Internet Explorer is the way to go. Both are good browsers as is Safari.
August 18th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I agree, production nose actually looks nicer than the concept. Like some extra time and effort were put into the production one. Like love into a child. : )
August 18th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
N. Riley, #60.
No, I didn’t consider it. How would he know if it didn’t work in Firefox if he doesn’t have it or never had it?
He clearly stated it doesn’t work in Firefox, when it clearly does.
I am offering him some help if he would like to take me up on it.
That’s it. Nothing more.
August 18th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Bob Lutz to speak about the Volt on The Charlie Rose Show on PBS, tomorrow. Rick Wagoner will be on the show tonight speaking about GM. http://www.charlierose.com/home
August 18th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
#47 noel park
“Come on guys, it’s a blog, not the New York Times. People make typos, most of all me. Give us a break.”
I’m not so pedantic that I point out all typos. It just struck me that “…it is cheaper to rub than an ICE,” was a funny typo. If you can’t see the humor, don’t wait for me to give you a break. You should voluntarily take one.
August 18th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Well, we all make typos that are not caught even when Firefox points the spelling error out. Sometimes we just keep typing and hit the submit button without really paying much attention. Some of our typos do create “funny” sentences that I have found amusing. But, I certainly do not think “bad” of the person who lets a typo past him or uses bad punctuation or grammar in their sentences. We all make mistakes because we are all human. God bless us all.
August 18th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
A little while back, GM toyed with the idea of changing the chevy icon from the bow tie to something else. But they thought better and reversed themselves. I think the E-rev vehicles should have a vertical lighting bolt imprinted on the icons, green in color.
August 18th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
#47 Noel…ease up dude!
I make typos, and when they are pointed out..I shake my head ruefully and laugh at myself…
I even included an LOL (indicating laughing out loud, by the way (BTW))) to show a joke..
The MAIN point of my post was that I agree…it will be HUGE..(not just hugh (LOL, BTW))
August 18th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
For the record, I certainly do not think “bad” of ROBERT M. SPERRY because he made a funny typo. I hope no one took it that way. I admit, I am human too (if superhuman is a category of human…JK!).
August 18th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
My, what a firestorm of controversy I’ve sparked! Glad I didn’t post that on the Microsoft site.
All I know is that the text window displays wrong, widgets don’t appear and the text is uneditable when it comes up if I use the Firefox that our IT guy loaded on my computer; but works fine if I bring up Explorer instead, just for those handful of sites which are more Microsoft-friendly, shall we say.
I’ve got a work-around, don’t sweat it.
Oh, and shouldn’t I mention … Go, Volt –?
August 18th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
#66 Van
It would be nice if the emblem could be different, as you say, with a lightning bolt on the “bow tie” of as the background for it. They do put a small lightning bolt on the V in the word Volt.
Edited:
Or they could add a lightning bolt in the front grill (maybe to the lower right in the lower panel).
August 18th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I’m sorry my typo caused so much discussion about editing. I will try to do better in the future. I still think that GM should invite Lyle to be on the unvieling.
August 18th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I’m also interested in testing which is why I’m on Lyle’s list too (#87).
I drive 20.2 miles each way to work every day, almost all freeway, right past the Tesla manufacturing plant.
Go Volt!
August 18th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
#71 ROBERT M. SPERRY
Do not worry even a moment about your typos. Everyone here will get over them. Have a good day.
August 18th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I haite typoes albost as mucsh ast I ate vaiting 4 thes Bolt
August 18th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
GM I don’t want to test a proto-mule, I have no interest, I wouldn’t enjoy it, I would be horrible at it, please don’t consider me …. Wink Wink!
August 18th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
#74
I know, i can’t wait for Bolt either!
http://www.boltmovie.com
August 18th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Me here @75. GM, please do not throw Lyle in that buyer patch either.
August 18th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
If you want a true test of the car, I live in Houston, Scorching heat in the summer 100+and cold wet winters, yes 30 and rain is cold and I drive 110 miles round trip every day to work, takes about 3 1/2 hours on a good day, in stop and go freeway traffic. That is the true test of any battery! I really hope it works for me!
Has anyone said anything about the kind of plug that would be required to charge the car and how much my electric bill would go up to do it? Just wondering? Not that it will make much of a difference in my decision to want the car, but I haven’t heard that addressed yet, and what about charging it when you are on the road traveling? I do that a lot. How are you supposed to charge at a hotel?
August 18th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Wonder if we’ll see a dip in the gdp when millions take off from work around the country to watch this webcast.
And subsequently crash the webcast, then no one sees it
August 18th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Sept 16th, eh? hmmm … nice. Just happens to be a scheduled “Work At Home” day.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing this webcast. And I suspect I may be in the minority, but I’ll also be hoping for a glimpse or two of the other models under development.
August 18th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
#78 TCook
>> If you want a true test of the car, I live in Houston, Scorching heat in the summer 100+and cold wet winters, yes 30 and rain is cold and I drive 110 miles round trip every day to work, takes about 3 1/2 hours on a good day, in stop and go freeway traffic. That is the true test of any battery! I really hope it works for me!
Oh, please. I moved here from the Washington DC area a couple of years ago. With the possible exception of hurricanes, Houston ain’t got nothin on D.C. The 95/95 summers are standard fare in D.C. and the winters actually get COLD in the northwestern suburbs (as in sub zero temps and snow). Two winters ago Huston closed down because they MIGHT get freezing rain! ArArAr
And for the last 10 years D.C. has always been in the top 3 worst commutes in the country.
I know there are numerous PR benefits to have test Volts running around in D.C. but there are real engineering lessons to be learned there as well.
August 18th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
#78 TCook
Has anyone said anything about the kind of plug that would be required to charge the car and how much my electric bill would go up to do it?
Should put you out 8kw a day, for me that is 13c each so $1.04.
Plug should be a normal 3 prong 110v household outlet (GFC if outside or in wet envr?)
August 18th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
#78, me here addressed everything except the hotel charging. Because it has the on board range extender, you don’t need to ever plug it in if you wanna just buy gas all the time (but honestly why would you do that). Basically you’ll just need to carry and extension cord along with you and try to find a parking spot outside of your hotel window. Some finer establishments might frown on running a bright orange extension cord outside of your room and to your car, but hey maybe that’ll encourage them to have a few dedicated PHEV parking spots.
Yeah for us early adopters I don’t think the infrastructure is going to be around to encourage our patronage at least for a few years. Although I can see it now, Free charge while you shop at the mall, Preferred parking and charging stations at work for EREV cars, and who knows what else
August 18th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
How about sending a Volt to the local dealership with my name on it. They can keep it for a few days for show then let me pick it up. This way they can use the list and still let the Dealership have the sale. I would like to be one of the first to tour Route 66 in a Volt.
August 18th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
#83 gsned57:
Yeah, I’ve had this picture in my mind’s eye of the high class motels we stay at in our (ever decreasing) travels with orange extension cords snaking out of the windows into the parking lots. Might as well try. It’s easier to get forgiveness that it is to get permission. I think we learn that from our children. How’s this for a business opportunity, camouflage extension cords? Or at least black to match the asphalt.
Come to think of it, when nobody travels because gas is too expensive, maybe they’ll have a good incentive to let us charge up. How can I send a good suggestion to Tom Bodett? Maybe Mr. Lutz can give him a call.
August 18th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
What was this thread about again????
As far as testers, you guys are WAY BEHIND! This was discussed at length months ago, so you are all at the end of the line on this one…..
August 18th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
#22 Bob C Says: “The public adopts to change slowly. The E-Flex has its critics and GM still has a great deal of education to do in the public square. If the car looks like a car people are used to, they are more open to have a look. Once the E-Flex platform proves itself GM can get more creative. Once the public buys the car for the E-Flex and not because it looks like their old car with better mileage, there will be more freedom of design possible.”
————————————————————————————–
I agree. I think GM may have taken their eye off the ball a little with the touch screens. The Volt was supposed to be a car for the masses, not a niche car for techies.
But E-Flex has the potential to be mass market. It’s the perfect way to transition from one gas to electric.
August 18th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I would like to be a beta tester for the Volt. My 57 mile, one way commute from Long Island to Manhattan would allow for 2 charging cycles per day, since I have the ability to charge at work. The car would be parked next to the sidewalk, in midtown Manhattan for all to see. Probably several hundred thousand people a day would walk right by it. I have 20 years of experience working in a test lab at a major aerospace company.
You guys can get on line right behind me……
August 18th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Dave G #87.
I respectfully disagree.
Touch screens are fairly ubiquitous.
They are on ATM machines, credit card swipes machines,
DVD machines such as Redbox, self checkouts at stores, etc.
I don’t think touch screen are for techies anymore. They just about everywhere.
August 18th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Not that anyone here is running out to buy a GM vehicle…but wait until Wednesday. They just had their ‘dealer pow-wow’…(or how to get more sales), naturally ‘cut the price’ is always the answer.
They are doing the ‘employee pricing’ again, lol. Runs from Aug 20th to Sept 2.
/just in case
(But if you want a truck, Chrysler is giving 40% off the base MSRP on a Ram, which sounds like a deal, hehe…so thats probably the best deal, lol)
http://www.nextautos.com/dodge-offering-up-40-savings-ram-28-durango
Other news: Hyundai is considering bringing its crapbox…er, super small, highly efficient i10 five-door hatchback to North America. Sounds like we are going to be flooded with these cars in 12-24 months.
August 18th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Somewhat off topic, the Financial Times article linked in the last post said that GM signing the battery contact would take place by the end of the year. That’s a further delay, it seems. Do we have any word from anybody at GM as to why this shift was necessary?
Two kinds of reasons come to mind (1) financial, need more time to work out who can and is willing to put up how much or (2) unresolved technical issues, so that a few more months are allowed to address some shortcomings. If this is the case, perhaps neither of the suppliers offerings is completely satisfactory at this time.
The battery is obviously critical, so it is good to take the time that is needed. It is also on the critical path, with control systems and testing dependent on it. So it is likely that every delay in the battery contract is a delay in the time of introduction. [Of course, a small miracle or two never hurts anything...]
August 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
90 Statik:
We have a guy in SoCal who has a string of mattress stores. He has become locally famous via his radio spots. He screams out “We will beat any competitor’s price or your mattress is FREEEEE!!” Of course the weasel words are right there in the sentence, but the “FREEEEE” overpowers everything.
Maybe that’s next in car merchandising?
August 18th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
#89 Rashiid Amul,
What other cars have touch screens as standard equipment?
I think the controls and indicators on the Volt should be similar to existing cars. This is the best chance for the Volt to appeal to the masses.
As an example, we test drove a Prius last year. I didn’t really like the high tech dash, but I could live with it. My wife, on the other hand, hated the dash. It was a deal breaker. We ended up with a Honda CR-V instead.
Now if GM wants the Volt to appeal only to men that like high-tech gadgets and displays, then they should admit that this is a niche car and not for the masses. But then, this wouldn’t really change things much. In order to break our addiction to oil, we need to sell the Volt and other E-Flex type cars in much higher quantities - millions of cars per year. A niche car won’t do much beyond greenwashing…
August 18th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I have a TomTom GPS with a touch screen. No one who rides with me, man, woman or child, has any problem understanding how it works.
The disadvantage of a touch screen is that it gets dirty and may get scratched, and that you sometimes can’t see the screen with your fingers in the way.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Dave G
“My wife, on the other hand, hated the dash. It was a deal breaker.”
Dave if your wife hates the Volt because of the touch screen and futuristic amenities, can I have it?
August 18th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Dave G
“My wife, on the other hand, hated the dash. It was a deal breaker.”
So you got rid of her?
August 18th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
#93 Dave G:
Amen. KISS.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
#71 ROBERT M. SPERRY - “I’m sorry my typo caused so much discussion about editing. I will try to do better in the future.”
Since I was part of the process earlier, I just want to say that I in no way intended to be critical. I also thought the typo was funny, and I was just spreading the good news about how easy the edit function is to use. I always make typing mistakes and I really appreciate being able to correct them after I hit “submit.” I think that would be a thanks to Drake (is that the correct name?).
I don’t think you should be sorry that it caused discussion about editing. Editing on the site is part of the site and I don’t think anyone was making fun of you. Let’s all laugh more.
August 18th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
noel park #97
” I kissed a girl and I liked it “; give it a try.
August 18th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Hey, is this, a spy photo of the Volt undergoing performance testing? lol
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/08/lithium-technol.html#more
/No wonder the wait list is up today, hehehe.
August 18th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Here are some new peek pictures of the Volt just release a few hours ago.
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/production-chevy-volt/984077/
August 18th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Great comparison pics Joe.
That reminds me, in the original concept the motor/generator was positioned lengthwise, whereas now the 1.4 litre version is transverse going by Joe’s pics.
It would seem, to me, like quite a bit of work to reposition everything under the hood.
So Lyle, looking forward to your post in about ‘10 days’ about how good the mule ride was.
/Hint to GM!
August 18th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Where I live (Eastern Canada) temperature is as hard as it gets. Terribly cold in winter, snow storms, icy rain, frost, you name it. It goes down to -25 C and sometimes worse than that.
In summer, rain, sunshine, lots of humidity, fog, +30 C.
Can’t imagine a better place to test a prototype
On top of that, I’m a teacher working in a College. The prototype would attract A LOT of attention all around when I park the car in the parking lot.
Just mentionning…
Pete
August 18th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Tall Pete #103
Ah, eastern Canada, 8 months of winter 4 months of poor sledding. Maybe GM will come out with an electric snow mobile for you.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
From what I’ve seen from the teasers, the production Volt should look pretty good. Even if it doesn’t turn out to be a visual heaven on wheels, let’s remember that the Prius, one of the ugliest cars on the road, is selling so fast that Toyota can’t meet the overwhelming demand.
One undeniable positive about a production unveiling is that not only will consumers know that GM’s car is for real, so will the rest of the automotive world. Other car companies have been far more reluctant to go the electric route, but once they realize that the Volt’s e-flex design blows their hybrids out of the water, they will be forced to get serious about mass-producing electric cars. If the Volt becomes a hit with the press, we could see electric cars from Ford, Honda and others early in the next decade… which means more options for consumers.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Why I should be a beta driver for the Volt:
I am a dynamic figure, often seen scaling walls and crushing ice. I have been known to remodel train stations on my lunch breaks, making them more efficient in the area of heat retention. I translate ethnic slurs for Cuban refugees, I write award-winning operas, I manage time efficiently. Occasionally, I tread water for three days in a row.
I woo women with my sensuous and godlike trombone playing, I can pilot bicycles up severe inclines with unflagging speed, and I cook Thirty Minute Brownies in twenty minutes. I am an expert in stucco, a veteran in love, and an outlaw in Peru.
Using only a hoe and a large glass of water, I once single-handedly defended a small village in the Amazon Basin from a horde of ferocious army ants. I play bluegrass cello, I was scouted by the Mets. I am the subject of numerous documentaries. When I’m bored, I build large suspension bridges in my yard. I enjoy urban hang gliding. On Wednesdays, after school, I repair electrical appliances free of charge.
I am an abstract artist, a concrete analyst, and a ruthless bookie. Critics worldwide swoon over my original line of corduroy evening wear. I don’t perspire. I am a private citizen, yet I receive fan mail. I have been caller number nine and won the weekend passes. Last summer I toured New Jersey with a traveling centrifugal-force demonstration. I bat .400. My deft floral arrangements have earned me fame in international botany circles. Children trust me.
I can hurl tennis rackets at small moving objects with deadly accuracy. I once read Paradise Lost, Moby Dick, and David Copperfield in one day and still had time to refurbish an entire dining room that evening. I know the exact location of every food item in the supermarket. I have performed covert operations for the CIA. I sleep once a week; when I do sleep, I sleep in a chair. While on vacation in Canada, I successfully negotiated with a group of terrorists who had seized a small bakery. The laws of physics do not apply to me.
I balance, I weave, I dodge, I frolic, and my bills are all paid. On weekends, to let off steam, I participate in full-contact origami. Years ago I discovered the meaning of life but forgot to write it down. I have made extraordinary four-course meals using only a Mouli and a toaster oven. I breed prizewinning clams. I have won bullfights in San Juan, cliff-diving competitions in Sri Lanka, and spelling bees at the Kremlin. I have played Hamlet, I have performed open-heart surgery, and I have spoken with Elvis.
But I have not yet driven a Volt.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Lurtz@106
You only omitted Modesty (and that you work for Toyota)(evil grin)
Be well,
Tag
August 18th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
noel park # 92
“We have a guy in SoCal who has a string of mattress stores. He has become locally famous via his radio spots. He screams out “We will beat any competitor’s price or your mattress is FREEEEE!!” Of course the weasel words are right there in the sentence, but the “FREEEEE” overpowers everything.
Maybe that’s next in car merchandising?”
*** *** ***
Noel,
We could only hope that E-flex would reach a level such that it would approach the almost “pure” competitive market that is indicative of the mattress industry. One could only hope that competition has it that there are so many of the product that to induce demand manufacturers are producing ever-so-slightly different Volts (or E-Flex cars) so that each retailer could hope to sell based on a perceived difference. You no doubt understand that no one will ever get a “FREE” mattress because despite the fact that a competitor’s mattress is the same mattress from the same manufacturer, they are varied ever so slightly and model named appropriately such that every retailer can/will claim that they are in fact “not” the same mattress.
I can only hope that this will one day be the case WRT RE EVs because it will SIGNIFY that we are well on our way to energy independence.
August 19th, 2008 at 1:50 am
In case it didn’t ring a bell, google “But I have not yet gone to college” and you’ll see where I plagiarized that from.
But seriously… I’ve been known to cure narcolepsy just by walking into a room. My organ donation card also lists my beard. I’m a lover, not a fighter. But I’m also a fighter so don’t get any ideas.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:30 am
[...] Americans still have still driven 53.2 billion fewer miles so far this year. (USA Today) GM May Reveal the Production Chevy Volt on it Centennial Webcast, September 16th: General Motors may reveal production-ready prototypes of the eagerly awaited plug-in vehicle next [...]
August 19th, 2008 at 10:58 am
#100 NZDavid:
That’s what I’m talking about! Evidently there is going to be some kind of a regenerative braking system in F! cars next season or the one after.
#108 Grizzly:
Well, in response to Statik’s comment about “employee pricing”, I was just sort of joking about how in the !@#$%^ the dealers are going to get rid of the left over 2008 SUVs and pickups.
In response to your comment, God send that it shall be true.
August 20th, 2008 at 8:16 am
#97 noel park Says: “Amen. KISS.”
————————————————————————————–
Yes. “Keep It Simple, Stupid”. KISS. I’ve had to tell myself that many times. Most people want things simple and the way they are used to.
For the base model of the Volt, I suggest making the controls and indicators as simple and normal as possible. If some people want high tech touch screens and such, make it an option. Don’t force all Volt drivers to be geeks. People won’t buy it.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Volt
I would test it!
I would buy it.
This is just the begining of a new generation of automobiles.
October 31st, 2008 at 7:49 am
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