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Poll Results: 65% Prefer Production Version VOLT, 35% Concept
In our last post we gave readers the chance to weigh in on whether they preferred the looks of the concept Volt or the production Volt as we’ve seen it so far from the leaked Transformers2 set video.
Understandably its not really fair to compare fuzzy, grainy, dark, and odd-angled shots of the production car to the beautiful studio renditions we have of the concept. Yet, despite this considerable handicap, the new production version wins hands down.
865 people voted, and of those 560 (65%) preferred the production version and 305 (35%) preferred the initial concept. Im sure the upcoming presidential race won’t come out so definitively!
Wait until we finally see the detailed proofs in the lustrous electric silver tone, and I’ll bet that percentage goes up.
Thanks to reader Zita who provided the photoshop comparisons shown above and below this post letting you compare the two versions in purple.
104 Responses to “Poll Results: 65% Prefer Production Version VOLT, 35% Concept”
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August 30th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I voted for the “beautiful studio rendition” of the concept car, over the “fuzzy, grainy, dark, and odd-angled shots of the production car”. I guess that’s style over substance.
But like many “voters”, as the picture is clarified, my vote will undoubtedly change as we get closer to Nov. 2008, oops, Nov. 2010.
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August 30th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I voted that the concept looked better.But then again i’d have to see an image of the production one thats silver color and good quality.
GM should give us real images of the production one.
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August 30th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
What i don’t like is how it looks like in the back.
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August 30th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I voted for the grainy shots of the pre-production Volt as they make some improvements on the oddities in the concept Volt, like that whole “dual beltline” deal that we knew would not make it into the final design. The pre-production Volt appears more balanced without that way-too-long engine compartment, and closer to something I can identify with more like a Scion tC and less like the Burton Batmobile.
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August 30th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
You know what guys?
While I’ve thought over which one to vote for before actually casting my vote, in the end, I voted for the production over concept.
The reason being is, no matter how much we stomp, beg, cry, protest, etc., GM is NOT going to bring back the concept design for the Volt. Then, we might as well as look ahead at the production version and try to like it for its own instead of looking back and comparing it to its concept sibling.
JMHO.
Have a good long weekend, people!!
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August 30th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
The production looks like it has more interior space. I voted for ‘production’. Concept was edgier, but production also unique in a softer way. Why all the glass on the roof, it would seem to be heavy.
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August 30th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Interesting how the ratio for production vs concept stayed very close to 65/35 throughout the whole voting period. Not many time series with random elements behave this way.
However that strange behavior happened, the comments included many from people who said they were only interested in the motor and fuel, not the appearance.
Taking them at their word and looking to the future one forsees this major advantage for greens and others interested in the car for the motor: Demand will be much less, so the price will come down much more rapidly.
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August 30th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I like both. They should just make both and let the consumer pick which one they drive off the lot with.
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August 30th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Rear view, I like and close to concept
Front view, I like and still close enough to the concept.
Side View, will need some getting use to.
Over all, this a production cas, I like it and waiting for the offcial pics (interior and exterior).
I still want it red…. will look so nice with the black top
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August 30th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
#5 Sam Y:
I think that you have it exactly right.
Even Honda has said that they made a mistake in making their hybrid a variant of the Civic instead of a stand alone distinctive car like the Prius. So the more GM learns from Honda’s mistake the better. Even so, economic reality is what it is. So:
“Let’s just get the Volt’s wheels on the road!”
Tagamet:
It’s not plagarism if you put it in quotes, right?
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August 30th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
i like the exterior of the spy shots but the interior was just hideous. “ipod” design was the novelty circa 2004. if i had the money when the car is widely available 2011/2012 i’d probably still buy it for the technology but definitely not be happy about the design of the center console
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I like concepts better than real world things. Concepts don’t have to compromise. Some conceptual things I also like; women that adore me, a well-paying job that doesn’t feel like work, health and strength, offspring that do better than me, infinite resources, good neighbors, and no one telling me what to do. Bring on the concepts!
One thing I’ve come to learn; sometimes, things aren’t as good as you imagine them. The real world creeps in.
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
#12 ThombDbhomb:
Dropping my lap time 2 seconds from last year without spending any money on the !@#$%^ car, LOL.
Edit: On second thought, doing the same lap time I did last year and keeping the !@#$%^ car on the track all weekend. It’s been a bit of a problem lately.
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
#10 noel park
“Even Honda has said that they made a mistake in making their hybrid a variant of the Civic instead of a stand alone distinctive car like the Prius. So the more GM learns from Honda’s mistake the better. Even so, economic reality is what it is.”
—————
Totally agree. Regardless of which you like better…the fact it has a independant look rather than a ’sticker’ on the side is something the market demands. Honda paid a big price learning that lesson.
—————-
Side note: If the poll was to get the honest truth of which car is more appealing, strictly appearance only, it would have been worded as such:
“Assume both of these cars are a reality today, both have identical specifications on performance and range, and you can buy either for $40,000, which would you buy?”
That would illicit a more honest response. Appearance only.
There is alot of people on the last couple threads and this one supporting/voting ‘production’ because the concept is no longer a reality…and why suppport something that isn’t going to be made?
Even at 65-35. I think a 35% loss of retention is a pretty big number considering it is coming from the Volt’s homebase. It means a full third of the faithful are not pleased at GM’s follow through.
I think almost all universally (myself included) think the ‘production Volt’ is a fine car by itself. It’s just for alot of us, we have this ‘other’ car stuck in our head’s still, and it’s taking some time to let all this sink in.
The bigger question, and what I don’t understand, is that GM has put out the Volt Concept’s image out to the general public big time in the last month. Why? If 35% here like the production version less, surely a equal or more likely a greater number of the public will have the same reaction. Why do that? It’s not like the Olympics (and primetime summer reruns) pull in a super big viewership in NA…and the car is 3ish years away.
I think if GM just held off a while, or featured the production ‘look-a-like’ instead when introducing it to the masses it would mean alot less headaches/abused expectations.
Most of the general public didn’t know the Volt (I know all my friends had no clue when I would blabber on about it), the production car should have been able to wet the appetite of the public quite easily…what you don’t know, you don’t miss right?
I don’t know…just a thought now that I’ve had a little more time to think about the whole thing.
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
As I mentioned in the thread that had the poll… the poll itself is flawed…. it only gave two choices, not much different than asking you when you stopped beating your wife.
There should have at least been a “none of the above” choice, which is what I would have voted for, and probably many others as reflected in the low vote count (there are over 40,000 signed up on this site’s interest list [the misnamed "wait list"], so only 2% voted).
The concept was at least different than all the other cars on the road already, but was not piratical, which is why I didn’t like that one. The supposed leaked skin of the production on the other hand does look like almost every other car on the road today, same bubble shape. And with the fake grill so it still looks like a Chevy doesn’t help either, something I would have given them more points on if they got rid of all together showing that the car is different that it doesn’t need an intake grill like other cars.
It’s why I’m glad I got my model year 2000 Volvo S70…. the next model year they dropped the S70 and replaced it with the S60 which has the same problem as the Volt “production”, it looked (looks) like every one elses car.
I know I may take heat for it, but it’s been mentioned plenty of times before… at least the Prius looks different, and the look has grown on me. I know Toyota is supposed to be changing the skin on next year’s (or the year after?) Prius, I hope they don’t morph it into yet another homogeneous looking car.
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
It’s hard to tell right now, so I didn’t vote.
BUT – I’m leaning towards the “production” version.
I’m just happy its got the full-roof sunroof still…
I’ll probably buy it, regardless.
(Hopefully by 2012 I’ll have a nice job and can afford 35,000.. err sorry.. 45,000 in Canada.. grr.)
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I still can’t wait for the official unveiling. 18 days and counting. What I really want is to get my hands on one. GO VOLT! GO GM!
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
#14 Statik…
Showing the concept car in the Ads of the Olympics = bad since they already knew it was not going to look like that. Just create confusion.
Using the production (or close to) in TF2 = good
as for
____________
“Assume both of these cars are a reality today, both have identical specifications on performance and range, and you can buy either for $40,000, which would you buy?”
____________
I think you can ask the same question about any concept car and get the same results (for concept that actually make it to production)… Concept car don’t take into effect reality (or rarely) hence they are called concept car. It’s pushing ideas to new liimits.
I like the concept but also like the production and I don’t see any conflitc from this.
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I added a rear 3/4 view. I will try to do something with that white center…well, maybe tomorrow, it is late here in Europe. Sorry for the quality, I am just a photoshop amateur.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bemova/sets/72157607025317063/
Looking forward to the real stuff.
Oh, and click on the picture, than on “all sizes” to see it bigger.
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
The reality is that the only poll that will ever count is when the production Volt rolls onto a lot and you vote with a check and receive a set of license plates and drive away.
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Shorten the hood on the Concept and they look alike.
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August 30th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Zita #19
Nice work. Shows that they’re actually more similar than even I thought. I’d sure like to see GM ditch those chrome front grill louvers. The car would look much better and more expensive if they were the same color as the body and w/o that faux chicken wire grille.
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August 30th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Zita, Nice job on those pictures. I wish I had that skill.
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August 30th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I voted for the original concept, but that doesn’t mean I am displeased with the production model. I’ll buy either one for $30,000.
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August 30th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Zita Very nice pictures. Thank you.
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August 30th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Thanks everybody for encouragement. Here is the black dash. Sorry I don’t know how to make it look glossy piano black (my favorit). I hope very much the white will be just option.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bemova/2812370004/in/set-72157607025317063/
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August 30th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I voted for the production volt simply because I was excited that it has become a reality. And that blue/purple paint job is reason enough to pick over the doo-doo brown the concept had. Never understood why they chose that color.
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August 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Can you do the exterior in earth tones and the interior with double stitched leather like the Malibu? I really like that Malibu! And I can buy one for now and one for a spare when I wear the first one out for the price of a single Volt. Wow, what a bargain…
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August 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
#26 Zita
Nice black dash! That looks a whole lot better. Doesn’t look like it’s just been stuck on.
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August 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
noel@10
re plagarism….
Now where did I put my “Registered Trademark” icon…
Naw, I’m just glad to see folks on the same page as I am (lol).
Statik,
Is it me, or are you getting wordier and more positive?
Be well,
Tag
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August 30th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
>> Even Honda has said that they made a mistake in making their hybrid a variant of the Civic instead of a stand alone distinctive car like the Prius. So the more GM learns from Honda’s mistake…
That’s not the lesson to be learned.
Over 91,000 Camry-Hybrid have been sold here over the past 16 months. So, your comment doesn’t make sense anyway.
It has to do with the technology & configuration, not the way the vehicle looks.
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August 30th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Wow, Zita. That change from white to black makes a HUGE difference (black looking much nicer, IMO)
Thanks,
Tag
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August 30th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
john1701a said re looks:
“That’s not the lesson to be learned.
Over 91,000 Camry-Hybrid have been sold here over the past 16 months. So, your comment doesn’t make sense anyway.
It has to do with the technology & configuration, not the way the vehicle looks.”
Are you saying that looks make no difference? I don’t think it’s that “black and white”.
Tag
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August 30th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
#28 hermant – “And I can buy one for now and one for a spare when I wear the first one out for the price of a single Volt. Wow, what a bargain…”
Yeah, great idea. Of course there is this pesky idea of running costs. I am constantly surprised at how the simplest concepts seem so elusive. Assuming the Malibu is $25K and the Volt $37K, over ten years the Volt will be 10K less expensive. And if you sell both before ten years you’ll find much less depreciation on the Volt.
This is why the Volt will be marketed to, in Bob Lutz’s words, “highly educated consumers.” Presumably highly educated consumers would be those who can add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
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August 30th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
How can anyone not love the production car? IT’S REAL!!!!
I can’t buy the concept car, no matter how cool.
I do see the concept “styling cues” in the production car. Too bad the hood styling is so different. The Camaro-esque hood of the concept really made the difference. But I’ll take the aero advantages over the styling. GM did a good job in trying to keep the concept car style in the production model. I DO hate the side view mirrors. I’m sure they will change for production. I take it they are just the “movie” side mirrors!
On a side note, I don’t believe the Volt is based on any current platform, as has been mentioned in other posts. The floor pan that will accomodate the battery pack makes the Volt unique and hence IT is the platform for other E-flex vehicles not a derivitive of some other platform.
Lyle, could you ask GM about the platform of the Volt and clarify for us?
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August 30th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
>> Are you saying that looks make no difference?
Since many here are obsessed with looks and avoiding the use of any gas whatsoever, I understand you having to ask that… especially because some refuse to see that Prius looks different because it is a HATCHBACK.
But does Toyota only offer one hybrid?
It should be obvious that the purchase criteria is quite diverse. Offering only one “choice” will doom GM to the niche category. Expansion is absolutely essential.
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August 30th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
#33 Tagamet
Obviously looks matter a great deal. What Honda learned with its disappointing sales of the Civic Hybrid is that people want to show the tech (though if everything has great tech that may change, eh?). Consumers preferred a distinctive car that displayed the tech inside — the Prius — more than a car which might or might not have the tech inside — the Civic (or so conventional wisdom has it). That’s why Tesla’s founder saw all those Priuses in Silicon Valley driveways and not Civics, notwithstanding that technologically and in every other way they were equivalent.
Of course if gas spiked to $8/gallon to a lot of people it wouldn’t matter. But given the choice people are going to choose the better looking alternative. In the case of the Volt this won’t be the choice, at least initially, because it will be better looking, have better handling, and have better tech. Can’t beat that combination.
The question is really one of price. Toyota and Honda are really trying to get costs down, with both vying to keep the price difference between an ICE and hybrid model to less than $2000. GM seems to be thinking they can sell a premium product at a premium price. There will be a market for the Volt but monster sales numbers will require a smaller price premium, government subsidies, some type of creative financing, or less of the thinking expressed in #28 above, which for better or worse represents how the typical consumer evaluates acquisition price versus running costs (there has been quite a bit of work in this area).
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August 30th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Kent T #35
“On a side note, I don’t believe the Volt is based on any current platform, as has been mentioned in other posts. ”
*** *** ***
It’s based on the next generation Delta platform, same as the Chevy Cruze.
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August 30th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I voted for the production Volt despite the fact that it’s very average looking.
The concept looks pretty in pictures but when you see it driving on the road it just looks HILARIOUS. Absolutely terrible. I call it the PT Cruiser effect – different than anything you’ve seen before but gets uglier with every look.
So normal car it is, for this vote. Doesn’t mean I think the “production” car is that special.
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August 30th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
>> The question is really one of price.
That by-far has been the highest priority, with looks near the bottom until quite recently. Read through old published articles and forum topics. Note how $$$ was given so much importance.
There’s nothing wrong with a Volt that’s well equipped. But if the price isn’t reachable for the majority, consumers wiill really complain. Another configuration aimed directly at the popular mid-20’s target is needed, since that’s where high-volume sales will come from. After all, how will an automaker survive otherwise?
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August 30th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Zita #26,
It is absolutely amazing to me how color can make a difference.
Black is beautiful. Thank you for making and publishing it.
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August 30th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Rashiid #41
I agree. I was surprised after the gaudy white interior of the concept that they stuck with that color in the most recent supposedly leaked photo’s of the production car. The black does look great but I’m thinking a dark gray would too.
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August 30th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
#37 DonC Says: “Obviously looks matter a great deal. What Honda learned with its disappointing sales of the Civic Hybrid is that people want to show the tech (though if everything has great tech that may change, eh?). Consumers preferred a distinctive car that displayed the tech inside — the Prius — more than a car which might or might not have the tech inside — the Civic (or so conventional wisdom has it).”
————————————————————————————–
It probably has more to do with the fact the Prius gets 44 mpg while the Civic only gets 37 mpg. This makes the Civic more expensive to own. See here for details:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzenu6hr/ebay_pictures/cr_hy_3.jpg
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August 30th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
#43 Dave G
Around here people wanted a Prius mainly for its appearance, that is, to be seen as having a politically correct outlook. Mpg was nice, but secondary.
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August 30th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
The money we spend on gasoline makes Iran more wealthy and influential. They’re building nukes. They’re chanting “Death to America” in their parliament.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/10/31/iran.nuclear/index.html
Meanwhile, we’re worrying if the Volt will look cool…
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August 30th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
The money we spend on gasoline makes Iran more wealthy and influential. They’re building nukes. They’re chanting “Death to America” in their parliament.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/10/31/iran.nuclear/index.html
Meanwhile, we’re worrying if the Volt will look cool…
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August 30th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Zita, those colored photos are great,
I like the original a bit more than I did with the darker colors, but I still think that I like the production more from most views, I didn’t like the concept’s rear view much.
If you haven’t already please send Lyle an email with a link to the photos, and maybe they will go into the GM-Volt gallery.
It would be great if you do something similar for the production one after GM unveil it, that is if they don’t provide multi colored pictures.
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August 30th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I think GM did a great job at keeping the feel of the concept alive. Nice job Zita! Keep up the great work!
A real, usable ,high volume production electric car. Amazing! I think we should all step back for a moment and ponder this.
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August 30th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Dave G. #45 said:
Right on! It would be great if the car looked nice, but I don’t care. I want an electric car and photovoltaics to power it and help support our energy issues. The Aptera looks fine to me, but not practical in winter climates. The EV1 looked just fine, people think it’s ugly, but it’s got (had, may it rest in pieces) great aerodynamics. I also don’t have a problem with the looks of the Prius, it’s energy efficient. There are more important issues like troops risking/giving their lives over seas that are there in part to make sure issues don’t get out of hand and have oil production curtailed.
Now to the topic at hand. Could they make the rear tail lights larger or longer across the back. I really really want to be seen when stopping and not be in a rear-end crash just after getting the car.
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August 30th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
#43 Dave G
Assuming 12K miles per year, the savings would only have been about $400/year or less for the time period we’re talking about. I think RB @ #44 has it right — display of politically correct or cool technology. As Lutz says, it’s the “exoskeleton”.
Most everyone would agree with you on #45. I am BTW very happy that Obama has put a time frame on the process of stopping the addiction to foreign oil. Hopefully McCain will follow (as he has on the retooling loans). If Kennedy had said “let’s get to the moon someday” we probably would still not have gotten there. Nothing focuses the mind like a deadline. I’m sure the Volt engineers know that! Go GM!
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August 30th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
#26 Zita
Thanks for the time you spent on these renderings.
The console in this pic looks like a night time view. It looks soo cool!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bemova/2812370004/in/set-72157607025317063/
Any chance you could show it in grey?
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August 30th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Dave G #45
“The money we spend on gasoline makes Iran more wealthy and influential. They’re building nukes. They’re chanting “Death to America” in their parliament.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/10/31/iran.nuclear/index.html
Meanwhile, we’re worrying if the Volt will look cool…”
——————————————-
Well put.
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August 30th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
john@36 said:
“…Since many here are obsessed with looks and avoiding the use of any gas whatsoever, I understand you having to ask that… especially because some refuse to see that Prius looks different because it is a HATCHBACK.”
No, the Prius looks different because it’s UGLY (g)
and
“But does Toyota only offer one hybrid?
It should be obvious that the purchase criteria is quite diverse. Offering only one “choice” will doom GM to the niche category. Expansion is absolutely essential.”
And you’ve been here long enough to know that that’s what GM plans. So what’s your point?
Be well,
Tag
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August 30th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
RB@44 said:
#43 Dave G
Around here people wanted a Prius mainly for its appearance, that is, to be seen as having a politically correct outlook. Mpg was nice, but secondary.
Around here, it was the mileage – at least that’s why my daughter bought a Prius and not a Honda. (shrug)
Excellent choice, I think.
Be well,
Tag
Be well,
Tag
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
If you base a decision on the two pictures above, I would have to chose the concept Volt. It is more dramatic looking. Aggressive styling versus a more “refined” looking production-like vehicle. It is really hard to judge based on these pictures. My preference stands as far as the above pictures go.
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I HATE THIS PRODUCTION VERSION! – It looks like a typical car? That FAILED with the Honda Accord! People who buy this type of vehicle want a UNIQUE look so that they can show the car off! This car looks like any new car – NOT a new ELECTRIC car! — If they try to sell a regular car and call it VOLT – It won’t work! You can find out more about the latest electric car news and more at: HiddenBuzz.com
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I Know it may not be a fair comparison, but the concept car looks wider than the “production” version shown. Looks can be deceiving, but it still looks wider. I never once thought GM could build the car exactly like the concept, but I was hoping it would be extremely close. I will just have to wait to see the real thing in two or three years. (And there is the “rub”.)
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I am not at all impressed with the iPod style control pod. Maybe it will look better in real life, but not so sure. I sure hope the interior comes in more than black and white. GM, the interior sells a car just like the exterior. It also loses a sell for some people. I spend all my time behind the wheel of my car and I want the interior to be very sharp. Chevrolet has done a good job on the Malibu’s interior. Don’t drop the ball with the Volt’s interior.
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
They do almost look the same.. The front of the production car is a lot better than the concept.. The only thing I wish is that the mirrors were better looking and the same color as the body.
Jay
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
#14 Statik
“I think if GM just held off a while, or featured the production ‘look-a-like’ instead when introducing it to the masses it would mean alot less headaches/abused expectations.”
I agree with you, once again. I think GM should show the Volt in commercials with a cover draped over it. Let the public wonder what is under that cover. Stop showing the concept because it is not going to be built and stop feeding those craving for the concept. Of course, if they are going to show the real thing around September 16th, it is a little too late to take my advice. I should have offered it sooner.
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
#22 Grizzly
“I’d sure like to see GM ditch those chrome front grill louvers. The car would look much better and more expensive if they were the same color as the body and w/o that faux chicken wire grille.”
I have to agree with you. From what I have seen, it would be better with a different grille look and the same color as the body. Maybe the real thing will look better. We can only hope.
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
#26 Zita
I like the black console better because it makes the control “legends” (or whatever the descriptions for each “button” is called) stand out better. Thank you for the pictures.
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
George Lewis #55
“That FAILED with the Honda Accord! People who buy this type of vehicle want a UNIQUE look so that they can show the car off!”
*** *** ***
I want to buy this car so I can flip the bird to OPEC, not to show off. And if no one in traffic understands the smile on my face, that’s just fine with me.
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I too like the black console much better than the white one. Yet, I’m really disappointed with the console design.
GM had been said earlier that the console would have a touch screen. That does not appear to be the case from these pictures.
The area below the swivel screen looks to be a dust/dirt collector, near impossible to keep clean; not good!
The console is so large, it would appear the driver will need to take his/her eyes off the road far too long to find and manipulate the console controls. Again, not good!
I could go on, but won’t. Instead, I’ll wait for the official GM unveiling of the production Volt to comment further. Hopefully, what we see in these pictures of the console will change before the production Volt appears at the Chevy dealers.
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Zita – I also wanted to thank your for your artistic contributions. (And besides everything else, it allowed me to pick up another Gravatar image. The new one isn’t there yet, but it will be later. Copper is a good color for electrons.) I probably just missed it, but what part of Europe are you in and is that your permanent residence?
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
#55 George Lewis
We don’t want the Volt to look like an Aptera. That is too extreme. An electric car can look “generally” like a normal car, but yet be distinctive. The word “VOLT” on the back will help some. I don’t know what else will make it distinctive until we see more of it. I like the looks of the Prius and the Saturn FlexTreme concept. I even like some of the “bubble” shaped Prius concepts Toyota has been showing. But, you can go too far and I believe the Aptera does that. It will appeal to some people, but not enough to make it highly successful.
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I just wish the Cruze was available this fall. That could be my “gap car”. Might be interested in the Malibu or the Camaro since GM saw fit not to redesign the Impala this year. Should have GM. It could have been another winner for you like the 2008 Malibu.
It will be very interesting here when the production Volt is released for all to see. Come on, GM. And be willing to make sensible changes as suggested by people like these on this site that have been following the Volt for over 18 months and that are ready to purchase one today.
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August 30th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Well, after scanning the other comments I find I don’t have much else to say tonight. Except I wish one and all a safe and happy Labor Day weekend and holiday.
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August 30th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Some here have said they don’t like the production Volt’s short hood and/or stalk-mounted mirrors.
GM greatly increased the windshield size (height) and slope to reduce the effective frontal area (drag). The mirrors were redesigned and mounted to the door’s “shoulders” on stalks because this also reduced drag. I suggest that anyone who’s still not pleased with the production Volt’s handsome hood or distinctive mirrors take a look at this Lamborghini Gallardo…..
http://www.lamborghini.com/2006/lamboSitenormal.asp?lang=eng
PS: GM, if you want to solve the “fake grills” problem, why not take still another styling cue from the Italian masters & use something like this Lamborghini Gallardo’s front end? This would eliminate the two upper grills, achieve low drag & would be HIGHLY DISTINCTIVE!
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August 30th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
OK, I get it – you all would settle for just about any body style with a Volt powertrain. Fine by me.
You also said you liked the Volt concept, but you like the production Volt better, because you can actually buy that one. Also fine by me.
What I’m trying to tell GM is – Please, can you make the production Volt look a little less dorky ? I would rather drive around in a sexy Volt concept with a 35 mile range than a dorky production Volt that looks like a big purple sausage with a fat butt (IMHO). Didn’t the US get enough of dorky cars with the AMC Pacer? Yuck !
I will buy one for the gas independence, but absolutely not for the looks. As for the ICE, I expect to see custom ICE-controller chips for the Volt within a year of rollout. If Bob won’t let me fully recharge the battery on long trips using the ICE, I will deal with his error myself.
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August 30th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Re: My post #67….
A better link to a Lamborghini Gallardo photo is……
http://www.lambocars.com/hr/hr.php?name=5601&folder=gal
(With a front end like this, probably even “The Grump” in #68 above would agree it’s sure not dorky looking!)
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August 30th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Hi people!
Do any of you know or think if GM will offer HUD (head-up-display…I think?) with VOLT? Does HUD take a lot of power to run?
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August 30th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
69 Nasaman – You got that right. If only the production Volt looked like that !
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August 30th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
When people actually see the production Volt in a showroom you can’t really judge its shape from an overhead camera. I bet the 65% 35% will change to a more 75% 25% once we actually get a full look at it from eye level.
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August 31st, 2008 at 12:18 am
Query…
Does the production car’s door glass extend into the door like it does on Zita’s renderings or is this just black accent? I can’t tell exactly what I’m looking at?
Thanks
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August 31st, 2008 at 12:22 am
The concept vehicle looks a little more sporty than the production in these photos but the side profiles are about the same, so I don’t see any difference other than a few rounded fenders on the production. As long as the fenders are a little differentiated on the production then its sporty enough for most people.
I’m looking forward to more details about the batteries and whether they will be upgradeable. It would be a sorry situation if more advanced batteries wouldn’t fit the first few years models.
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August 31st, 2008 at 1:39 am
concept volt looks much better not sure id be willing to pay 40 thousand for the new version the looks is just not as grabbing as the concept
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August 31st, 2008 at 5:22 am
Sam @ 70,
I’d almost forgotton about the HUD in the newer vettes. My brother’s ‘05 (I think) is awesome.
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August 31st, 2008 at 5:45 am
#49 DonC Says: “Assuming 12K miles per year, the savings would only have been about $400/year …
I am BTW very happy that Obama has put a time frame on the process of stopping the addiction to foreign oil. Hopefully McCain will follow (as he has on the retooling loans).”
————————————————————————————-
Yes, the Consumer Reports table comparing all hybrids assumes 12K miles / year, so that’s how they get $2000 savings over 5 years.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzenu6hr/ebay_pictures/cr_hy_3.jpg
Also, the Obama plan doesn’t talk about ending all foreign oil imports, but rather just imports from the Middle East and Venezuela. Still, it’s a good plan, and something we could do by 2018 if we want to as a nation.
Obama plan:
Eliminate Our Need for Middle Eastern and Venezuelan Oil within 10 Years
• Increase Fuel Economy Standards.
• Get 1 Million Plug-In Hybrid Cars on the Road by 2015.
• Create a New $7,000 Tax Credit for Purchasing Advanced Vehicles.
• Establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
• A “Use it or Lose It” Approach to Existing Oil and Gas Leases.
• Promote the Responsible Domestic Production of Oil and Natural Gas.
More info here:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/newenergy
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August 31st, 2008 at 6:09 am
#68 The Grump Says: “As for the ICE, I expect to see custom ICE-controller chips for the Volt within a year of rollout. If Bob won’t let me fully recharge the battery on long trips using the ICE, I will deal with his error myself.”
————————————————————————————–
What reason would there be for the gas engine to fully recharge the battery?
There are many disadvantages with this:
• Less efficiency due to increased electrical / chemical conversions
• Battery will wear out sooner due to increased charge/discharge cycles
• Less capacity to absorb regenerative braking down long hills
• Modifications like this will void the warranty
In addition, I can see no advantages. Keep in mind that the Volt constantly varies the ICE output to match the average demands of the vehicle. This is what keeps the battery around 30% charge. No electricity from the generator is ever wasted.
Why would you ever want to the ICE to fully recharge the battery?
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August 31st, 2008 at 6:22 am
#53 Tag — about why people buy a Prius
I agree that different people have different reasons for buying a particular car. For the Prius, in some cases that was to be a part of a particular group, especially early when it was a sort of insider’s choice. For others it has been mpg, especially lately. Sometimes form, sometimes function. Both are important, and the brilliance of the Prius design is that it is distinctive enough and performs well enough that it can attract both groups and many combinations.
I hope the Volt can do as well. After seeing its appearance this week, I think it is a nice car but not distinctive, so it may be riding on function alone.
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August 31st, 2008 at 7:10 am
#72 MikeD On whether the actual car will look different
It seems to me the majority have voted for a car with an unobtrusive, neutral appearance. It’s a different way to think about EREV than I had last week at this time.
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August 31st, 2008 at 8:04 am
79 RB, et al…………
You say, “…..I think (the production Volt) is a nice car but not distinctive, so it may be riding on function alone.” I AGREE!
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ATTN GM/Bob Boniface/Bob Lutz: The above sentiment has been expressed by many here. Only ONE styling feature of the production Volt I’ve seen video of from the Tranformers 2 shooting really needs changing …..its two (fake) upper grills.
Why not fix this with a single master stroke? …..redesign the front end/hood to taper downward more like the ‘09 ZR-1 ‘Vette’s hood, remove the unneeded upper grills and reshape the “under bumper” grill (and ducting behind it) as required for adequate under-hood air-flow/exit. This would eliminate the “fake grills” problem and allow an easy tradeoff between drag and under-hood cooling. I believe it would be the production design’s “finishing touch”.
How about using the ZR-1 front end design (click below) as a broad design guideline, for inspiration and for brand identity?
http://www.cars.com/features/autoshows/2008/detroit/coverage/images/2009_chevrolet_corvette_zr1/2009_chevrolet_corvette_zr1_0_430.jpg
You can be sure most people will LOVE the aggressiveness & distinctiveness of the production Volt’s design with this one important change! …..Anyone else here agree?
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August 31st, 2008 at 8:13 am
#74 MikeD said “As long as the fenders are a little differentiated on the production then its sporty enough for most people.”
There’s no reason to expect sporty performance, so having an appearance that does not stand out will be consistent. The Volt should be adequate in both respects, a good C+ car.
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August 31st, 2008 at 10:19 am
#81nasaman
I totally agree that the car without grill would look much more “electric” and less conventional. It seems that big Chevy grill is there 100% intentionally for whatever reason GM judge good. I hope that some e-flex car that will follow will be more sharp/expressive because its role will not be to promote Chevrolet (using the grill). I understand many people like Flextreme but it is not my cup of tea. I am waiting for a coupe/convertible. I love low sneak cars.
#46 Mark
everybody here is waiting for a real production car photo:) You can start to make a wish list of colors…
#50 George
Sorry, I don’t like gray=won’t do it. Most new cars have a part of console in gray pretending cheap plastic can look like aluminium, ugly.
There is only one truly beautiful gray console- in Volvo C30/S40 – and it looks 1000x better in brushed aluminium option.
#63Michael
I am from a country between High Tatras and Danube, currently residing more south;)
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August 31st, 2008 at 12:01 pm
When are you people going to finally learn that a new car cannot be everything that you imagine a car should be? Sports car, family car, SUV, pickup? Why don’t you leave GM alone and realize it’s trying to produce a first generation hybrid to satisfy the majority of people and at the same time generate enough money to finance the later developement of all those specialty styles that you, with all YOUR money, would like to have?? ‘Nuff said. Carry on GM, your philosophy is correct.
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August 31st, 2008 at 12:37 pm
#81 nasaman suggests “How about using the ZR-1 front end design (click below) as a broad design guideline, for inspiration and for brand identity? ”
I fully agree and wish GM would do it.
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August 31st, 2008 at 1:11 pm
now that I see them side by side they do look vary close, The concept still looks sportier though and I still like it better. The production needs that longer hood and shorter roof line that the concept had. I hope GM comes out with a Volt Sport edition Id buy that. and to be fair the production does have better detailing, in the lights and wheel wells and such. Just the overall shape of the car is boring.
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August 31st, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Author: Norman Borgman@84 said:
“When are you people going to finally learn that a new car cannot be everything that you imagine a car should be? Sports car, family car, SUV, pickup? Why don’t you leave GM alone and realize it’s trying to produce a first generation hybrid to satisfy the majority of people and at the same time generate enough money to finance the later developement (SIC) of all those specialty styles that you, with all YOUR money, would like to have?? ‘Nuff said. Carry on GM, your philosophy is correct.”
It’d be a very quiet place here is we didn’t express opinions regarding what we’d like. I believe most of us know that GM won’t be doing most of them. I agree with you when you imply that it’s time to ….
“LET’S JUST GET THE VOLT’S WHEELS ON THE ROAD!!”
Be well,
Tag
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August 31st, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I expect the production Volt to have a black dash cover. Almost all cars, trucks and airplanes have a black dash. Other colors would have too much glare on the windshield…
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August 31st, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Author: Norman Borgman@84 said:
“When are you people going to finally learn that a new car cannot be everything that you imagine a car should be? Sports car, family car, SUV, pickup? Why don’t you leave GM alone and realize it’s trying to produce a first generation hybrid to satisfy the majority of people…”
I don’t think anyone has said or been thinking the volt should be sports car, family car, SUV, and pickup. It is true that our thinking was conditioned by the repeated viewings of the Volt concept car, which of those listed is closer to a sports car or possibly small family car. As far as GM, they listen to people here, or not, as they wish. As far as satisfying the majority, that has to include some particular people, so it is in GM’s own interest to satisfy people who have expressed a desire to buy one.
No one is naive here, whether from the community of gm-volt authors or from GM. And, it certainly is more interesting if people express opinions directly and clearly, as they are doing. They try to do so politely, even if they sharply disagree.
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August 31st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
#81 nasaman
I agree with you. The more sleek front end would be a winner!
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August 31st, 2008 at 11:29 pm
The ‘91 Pontiac Firebird Formula was “SLEEKEST”:
http://www.thirdgen.org/pictures-1991-pontiac-firebird
There’s no grille at all, just a baffle plate below, the bugs and rocks hit the plate and went down, the air hit the plate and went up … ie no radiator damage.
GM, if you put this front end on the production Volt, I’d love it!!!
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September 1st, 2008 at 7:01 am
Folks, as we all know, the Volt will be a world car. That means the car has to be practical. A grill and a low front end, as suggested, makes no sense if the rest of the car will sit higher than say the Corvette. From an engineering standpoint, it just make no sense, so stop dreaming about it. All those pictures look nice but those are low slung sports cars. I own a new Vette spent time looking at the grill and hood and tried to imagine how the rest of the Volt would look. The Volt as is, is daring enough!!
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September 1st, 2008 at 8:08 am
78 Dave G – Because Marriot probably won’t let me run a Volt extention cord from my third floor room, down the emergency stairwells, out the front door, through the parking lot, to my new Volt. I thought this would be obvious, but I guess I have to spell things out.
And I know from your past postings that you dislike any gas usage whatsoever, and would prefer BEV’s to EREV’s. However, some of us need a longer leash than a Volt battery could provide, and we don’t always go home. Charging off the ICE in cases like this should at least be an option. It’s going to be a while until the future catches up to the Volt, and charging stations appear. A 2009 Prius with L-ion batteries might be a better choice for me unless Bob gets off his “It’s MY way or the highway” viewpoint on Volt options. Honestly, is the 300 pound Volt battery really that delicate ? Does everyone know this ?
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September 1st, 2008 at 9:23 am
Author: Norman Borgman@84 said:
“When are you people going to finally learn that a new car cannot be everything that you imagine a car should be? Sports car, family car, SUV, pickup? Why don’t you leave GM alone and realize it’s trying to produce a first generation hybrid to satisfy the majority of people…”
Couldn’t of said it better myself. Alot of guys in here don’t realize there views represent a small % of the whole. As a “desperate for electric drive” person. I agree with alot of what most of us are saying. Then to listen to all the “waaa i want the concept” is frustrating. It’s as if they don’t realize this will be the 1st available all electric drive car. My opinion is whatever GM puts out will be a huge victory for the consumer, and the country. So i’ll stick to supporting them, and appreciating whatever they can get out fast, and cheap enough for mass appeal. I feel like complaining about how “non concept” the production model looks (which i don’t even agree with) is a waste of time.
I’d rather just say thanks, and look for ways to be supportive by promoting the Volt to everyone i know, or meet.
John1701a
Toyota can’t make enough Priuses to support the demand and these guys are complaining about looks, as if the prius isn’t the least visually appealing car out there. They are missing the forest for a tree, it’s okay though. Other than about the same 5 guys over and over most of us on here realize the true signifigance of this car, and aren’t caught up on visuals.
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September 1st, 2008 at 11:17 am
44. RB, 50, 37 DonC, etc.
Honda did state that the Civic Hybrid didn’t sell well because it didn’t look unique enough. That was one possibility. The other was that people didn’t want to pay more than a Prius for a car with less fuel economy than a Prius. Of course Honda isn’t going to say that.
You can pretend that it was the looks that really mattered, but the strong sales of the completely non-unique Camry would lead most people to believe that it was the “pay more for less” value of the Civic Hybrid that hurt sales.
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September 1st, 2008 at 3:36 pm
First of all the Volt is NOT a hybrid. The ICE does NOT drive the wheels. The ICE is a ‘range extender’. The ICE cannot produce electricity as cost effectively as the grid. The ICE cannot produce electricity with lower pollution than the grid. I thought all of you were concerned with operating cost and the environment. Any way the NHTSA made that call, not GM, in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations.
“Marriot probably won’t let me run a Volt exten[s]ion cord from my third floor room, down the emergency stairwells, out the front door, through the parking lot, to my new Volt.” – WHAAAA!!! Must you make up things just so you have something to complain about, all hotels have external electrical plugs for maintenance purposes.
The glass is not going to extend into the door like the show car – WHAAAA!!, have you forgotten all about NHTSA Side Impact Intrusion regulations.
We like the show car, not going to happen, Lutz said ‘… aero might have been better if we put it in the wind tunnel backwards …’, GM must make 40 miles minimum on a charge or be crucified by you and the press.
GM should put PV in the roof, all ~12 sq.ft. of it, NOT. How about you start a company and design a car cover covered in 90+ sq.ft. of PV. That way you can keep your car cool and recharge it at the same time. Ooops, did I just give away a patent and invention. If any of you make this cover, I’ll looking for my cut or I’ll see you in court (litigation, it’s the new American way).
I my opinion the Volt is the GREEN (look ma no gas, environmentally friendly, hug a tree and save the planet from global warming) halo car for GM, the Corvette is the RED (I’m going to burn premium gas, not give a flip about carbon credits and drive by windmills fast enough to make them turn backwards) halo car.
If you want something that gets 5.4 l/100km (that’s 2.3 g/100mi or 40/45 MPG for those of you that do your math backwards) for under $20K, GM will start rolling out the Cruze globally beginning in March and in the USA a year later. But, it’s not a hybrid or an import, sorry, you’ll just have to get over it.
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September 1st, 2008 at 11:15 pm
People don’t care what it looks like? Are you kidding? Have you looked at the latest design of the Mustang? Camero, Corvette… How about the Ford F150… Design is extremely important! Mostly… people only care about what it looks like. Fact. GM Marketing execs will tell you the same. Most of us fell in love with both the concept and the looks. I’d say looks first. GM had to reduce the size and the shape of the volt in order to make the advertised specs happen. Is this a failure of design or trying to push technology before it is ready?
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September 2nd, 2008 at 7:34 am
#42 Grizzly
How about satin nickel, or brushed stainless steel for the console?
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September 2nd, 2008 at 7:46 am
Zita,
Thanks so much for your effort. I can get a much better sense of the car from your image.
Thanks
John C. Briggs
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September 2nd, 2008 at 8:21 am
I think from the side profile the production Volt is nice. Not sure I like the rear end as much. And definitely miss the longer trunk.
I also think GM missed a unique styling opportunity. In the concept car the roof frame wraps from the rear around the front to the other side. The front and side support pilons are black. I REALLY liked this. In the new production version the front pilons are colored and the front of the roof is black.
I’d like to see them go back to the concept car styling on this one. Make the front pilons black. And paint the front of the roof edge to match the car. I think this would make for a very unique look and allow the Volt to really stand out, as the Prius does, but with a much cooler look.
PS – Nice job on the comparison photos btw.
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September 2nd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I love the production car! I really dig the blue color. The price is what worries me. The closer we come to seeing this car in showrooms the higher the price seems to be speculated. I saw a show the other night on MSNBC that said over $40,000! I’m a blue collar guy, I can afford $30,000, maybe a little more if I’m not buying gas. A $45,000 car is out of my league, it’ll break my heart if I can’t afford this car.
I’ve been a die hard Chevy guy for years, I grew up drooling over the big orange V8’s under the hoods of Nova’s and Camaro’s, those days are gone. This is the 21st century, climate change and $4 gas are a reality. The Volt is the future of the automobile, and Chevrolet is taking the lead, that’s something I really want to be a part of.
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September 2nd, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Jimmy,
you and me both…
I like the production car. Looks like it is moving sitting in parking lot! Nice styling. Could you imagine talking motor head…”I got a new high voltage regulator and gold tipped connectors installed, fast as a four bolt main double humped 350 chevy with 202 valves. I only get 12 miles to kilovolt!…”Ha
I would like the full sunroof but at the same time I would like to have a very dark factory tint. My feeling would not be hurt with the production version either. GM, just GITTER DONE!!!
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