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BREAKING: New Full Production VOLT Studio Pictures Leaked!
September 8th, 2008 | Posted in: Images
A whole set of Production Chevy Volt pictures have been leaked each with one member of the GM executive team standing before it. See the car in its native silver in all its glory! These are official studio photos although it doesnt seem like GM meant for them to break yet.
That’s vehicle line engineer Tony Posawatz above. And in order below, Andrew Farah (chief engineer), Tony P again, Frank Weber (vehicle line director), Bob Boniface (chief designer), and of course Bob Lutz (GM vice chairman).
Source (TheCarConnection)
Thanks to Luis O. for the tip!
Gallery:
Popularity: 5% [?]
Related posts:
- New 2011 Chevy Volt Picture Gallery
- GM Releases Pictures of the Chevy Cruze and Invests $500 Million to Build it in Ohio
- The Day The Volt Was Reborn
- Opel Ampera Sketches Leak to Web
- Interview with Chevy Volt Chief Designer About the Production Car: Plus Leaked Pictures and Video
(79 votes, average: 4.09 out of 5) 
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Posted by: Lyle
September 8th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Wow Cool! Not a bad looking car.
First Post!
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Looks pretty attractive to me . . .
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
It can’t be the real thing. Lutz is not wearing his pink tie!
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
More rounded shape then expected, but the over look is very nice… I won’t be ashame to ride around in my red Volt
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Sweet!!!
When do they start taking orders?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
YAY!!! Now they just need to release the car so I can get mine!! I love it.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Get the guys out of the way and get a Higher resolution PICs.(jk)
Otherwise…..nice looking car….can’t wait.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Autoblog has 15 large shots in their gallery.
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-volt/1023888/full/
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
This is awesome
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I’d be happy to have one in my driveway! Nov. 2010 seems soooo far away!
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Nice! OK, we got the looks right. Time to get fire up the procurement sledgehammer warmed up, and get the COSTS optimized! $27k all-black or chili-pepper red volt for me, please!
PS. Don’t you think the side mirrors “fit” with the look of the vehicle much better than the all-metal lookin’ ones on the “Transformers 2″ spy-pics car? I sure do.
EDIT: … HEY LYLE… does this mean it’s finally time to remove the Volt Concept from the gm-volt.com site banner?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Amazing! It’s everything the Volt should be. Very aggressive, modern / futuristic, and expensive looking. Really like the confident expression on the “face” of the car. Also it’s got great detailing and really shows off it’s price.
It does have a little bit of a Prius / Civic look, but the overall shape and the details are much much nicer. This is a car that people can feel good driving down the road, and not just because of the symbol of the car, but because it’s actually a NICE LOOKING car. In fact I can’t think of a single compact that I think looks better.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
ok time to start analyzing:
Hard to see in the one pic of the rear end but can we tell if the center exhaust stayed to production?
From the look of that rear end it looks like this will be a hatch-back, which is just fine with me I love the versatility they offer.
where did they hide the plug port? under the bonnet? under one of those Volt badges by the side mirrors?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I’m still looking forward to the detail shots from all angles, but my first impression is that it’s pretty nice. It’s a bit more “inflated” than I’d hoped. With what we see so far it certainly looks to be in the same family as the Prius and Insight, but with a little bolder look. I don’t see too many similarities to the concept, but that’s not all bad. However, I kinda liked the black front pillars on the concept, with the paint line coming up from the back, around the roof and back. I really hate big front columns obscuring my vision of the road…
So, when do we get some interior?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I like it!
Now, if they don’t make me take my eyes off the road to press a bunch of those danged little buttons from the ‘leaked’ interior shots a couple of weeks back . . .
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
#12 Paco3791 - “where did they hide the plug port?” I think most people believe it’s behind the “Volt badge.” The question remains, “one side or two?”
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Criticism: it has that same steeply-sloped front glass all GM cars have, which is such a challenge to keep de-fogged in inclement weather. That’s not a turn-off by any means, it just emphasizes that they dare not ‘wimp out’ on the battery-powered A/C (if you’ve ever driven a late-model GM car in the rain, you know exactly what I’m talking about).
Praise: it manages to avoid those awful newt-eye taillights from the Malibu.
…and where the heck is the charging port?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Not bad at all; in fact, I’d agree with earlier statement that
this is perhaps the best looking compact car ever!
I really like the color a lot, too; it’s silver alright, but with a blue accent! NICE!!
I guess the only remaining issues are the interior design (esp. the buttons, HUD) and price!
Go VOLT!
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
DOG’GONE WOW!!!—Excellent job GM!
Congratulations to Lyle for developing this site. This site and the many people who post here have contributed greatly to the making of this machine. Wow–I need some time to digest this!
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
it looks more like silver green, can you say money green?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
The redesign for aero consideration definitely changed the emotion the vehicle evokes, but I can live with it. This actually reminds me of some old Chrysler vehicles in the 80s that I can’t remember the name.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
This is a nice looking car. It’s not smash mouth aggressive like the concept but it’s sleek and appealing. More appropriate for what it’s designed to do. I can see why Bob Boniface said he liked it better.
Way to go GM!
Statik, you were disappointed with the shots from the Transformer movie set. What are you thinking now?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I can say it enough: this is a very, very good looking car. I hope its powertrain will all promises. Good job GM !
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I love it, especially how they blacked-out the top of the doors to line-up and integrate with the mirror and power port. I hate the silver colour though (just me). There are so many silver cars in my neck-of-the-woods! seems like 75% of people here buy silver for some reason. Make mine anything but silver or white.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I can not say it enough: this is a very, very good looking car. I hope its powertrain will all promises. Good job GM !
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Does anyone know how tall Tony Posawatz is?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Where did they hide the charge port? The panel next to the mirror where the concept plugged in doesn’t look big enough for the new J1772 Yazaki connector.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Wow. I’m disappointed. All the edginess is gone…. looks like a ‘09 toyota corolla now. bleh. That’s a big let down to me. I’m glad everybody else is excited though.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I’ll change my vote from the Transformer poll… I do like this one better than the concept.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
It’s ok verging on acceptable.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Zita, are you online today? I think we could use some of these photos in the previous choice of colors. Hi Res photos @
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-volt/1023888/
What do you think?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Gosh… I hate to be the Debbie Downer here, but gosh is this a letdown! The prototype had me hoping for something truly revolutionary- a really aggressive-looking, low-to-the-ground badass batcar- sort of like a futuristic Chrysler Pacifica. Instead we have a souped up Toyota Corolla with a Pontiac rear-end. I just don’t see how GM can reconcile the very ho-hum appearance with the lofty price tag.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I love the material they used on the bottom sides and bottom front. I believe it is some type of dark gray plastic that can take the beating from the road grime - easier to clean and better at hiding lose gravel dings that can pit the bottom sides of cars.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
OK Photoshoppers, now is your time to shine!
Photoshop ideas:
1) Wack the fleshy bits standing in the way. (obviously)
2) Color variations (I’d like to see it is white. Red and Black have already been mentioned)
3) Sportier wheel/tire combo. These are OK, but a bit on the tame side. Can it handle sportier wheels without it looking pimped?
4) A REAL grill insert, instead of the paint on grill.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
These photos really get the adrenaline flowing and bring credibility to the anticipated launch. I can’t wait!!! I can only hope GM accepts and honors the committed waiting list.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I”m all for it. Good looking. I liked the concept better because it was so radically different but I also like this.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
#27 I am also a little disappointed. I think the design went to far towards the prius shape. But I am reserving my full judgment for when I can see a different color (ack! what is that green-silver, teal?! argh my eyes the goggles do nothing). And also for when we can get some clean shots of the whole car full rear full side profile the whole ball of wax.
The drive train is still the main selling point for me, but this is not a home run as far as styling is concerned.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
The looks are very watered down from the prototype. It looks more like a Toyota Camery than the original Volt concept. I will probably still buy one, but I will not be as proud to drive one as I’d hoped.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Does anyone know any of the guys in these photo’s? Any feeling for a) just how low to the ground this is and b) how much head room it looks like we’re going to have in there?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
31 Ed:
Most of that is the Camaro…but I agree with you…why on earth is the gray plastic around the bottom?
yikes.
Other than that, it looks good for a small car. It isn’t meant to be a roadster or bubble car. They need some very bold color choices for it though.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Well, be still my heart.
As someone who consistently has harped on the style of the production Volt, these photos are coming as a little bit of a shock.
Other than being “slightly disappointed” with the wheel/tire size and losing the swooping detail on the front roof line, the rest looks quite good.
I will wait until I can see a better collection of photos from side and rear corner, BUT I must say right now…..
I LIKE IT!
It does not look like a Prius, best I can tell!
Nice job GM!
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Well, I have to say that these shots make the car look much, much better than the leaked Transformer movie photos. That being said, it looks absolutely nothing like the concept which we were promised it would retain much of that styling. I absolutlely loved the concept.That still makes GM a bunch of liars in my book.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Damn, so much for a sporty electric car. I guess I’ll have to wait for Tesla to come up with a cool sedan.
It now kinda looks like a Prius with a Bowtie on the grill.
It looked much better as a low-slung “chop-top”. Maybe someone will have to buy one and take it to Chip Foose to make it look decent like the concept.
It does look like a hatchback though. I guess that’s a plus.
You can take me off the list for a new one. I’ll keep my Mazda6.
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
How do we make a deposit/down payment?
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Looks good to me. I still want one
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
It’s a nice looking compact car. There is no question about that. Now, I prefer if GM came out with a coupe version, but I will still be very interested in the current 4-door configuration. I wonder if they will have a sports package (I am talking looks only).
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September 8th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
@26 Randy C.
>> new J1772 Yazaki connector
FWIW, I found this: http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/4062
Have you read somewhere that this is going to be the connector for the Volt? Got a link or citation? Personally, I was hoping for a connector a little more “svelte” than that. Bleah. IMO, you’re definitely right, I don’t think (eyeballing it, of course) that will fit behind the Volt badging.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I wish the designers would get out of the way!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I must say that overall I am pretty disappointed with the execution. I find that the design and shape of the vehicle do very little to attract me to the car or get me excited.
The concept version had style and flair and this is just weak.
I favorite view is the 5th picture of the rear and rear quarter. It has a nice shape and some pretty bold lines although I’m not a fan of the black plastic on the back. I think they are trying to make it look like the concept but I think it looks terrible. I would rather just see it in body colored sheet metal for a more uniform look.
Maybe it look more appealing in person but I’m underwhelmed.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Well, I think this is a sharp looking car, and I’m sure there are some features that will be very cool (one site mentioned LED foglights).
I must admit, however, that I didn’t realize the Volt would appear so small.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Looks rather milquetoast to me….like an old man’s car…sigh.
Those are really funky side rear view mirrors.
The final production design will NOT prevent me from buying the car though as I am much more interested in the technology and fuel savings…
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
To those who don’t like the styling, stick around. E-flex is just getting started.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I think it is a very good looking vehicle. When you consider that it will have significantly better acceleration than the Prius, as well as better mileage, the better looks are merely icing on the cake.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Personal Opinions/Wish list:
Comparing the top of this page photo with that in the heading:
1. I wish it would have kept that slight pointed styling detail on the frontend, above and below the grill.
2. I miss the longer hood, but knew it was a goner from the beginning.
3. If you compare these two pictures, the Volt clearly lost a lot of the aggresiveness. That is truely sad. But the cars clearly look similar. GM did a good job morphing the concept Volt into the production car.
I just think they went a lttle too far on the aero tuning. The car looks a little too smooth. That alone may be the feature that cools some people’s opinions.
Hopefully there will be a larger wheel option!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Not the coolest design but not to shabby either. I agree with most of the posts regarding the bottom color - they should stick to one.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Hats off to GM on this car , the styling and size represents the technology expected , now if the pricing is sub $35,000.00 then they had better look to more than one battery supplier and start to work right away on a Cadillac version of about the same size with a price range of $45,000 to $50,000 for upper management and successful business owners to drive.
GM should set their goal to sell as many of these as the public wants.
It wont be a selling problem , it will be a supply the demand problem.
These cars should have distinctive colors like the Cadillac to set them apart from the normal vehicles of the past and all the colors should be rich and beautiful , just like the cars.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Great job GM; keep innovating. Crank out a Sky Roadster, and perhaps extend the range. Maybe make Volt 2.0 a BEV.
No doubt I will become a GM customer AGAIN!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I’m not very thrilled with the “corporate” gm front end either. This is going on every car now starting with the Malibu. The Vue and Equinox are getting this look, the new Cruze is getting this look, the Aveo has this design and I think it’s getting old fast.
They should have went with something more unique and bold. The concept front end looked good because it was a little unique yet identifiable as GM.
I think the Volt really could have used something that was all it’s own as opposed to something shared with other models. It needs to set itself apart from the others and not just fit in.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I like it, especially the back. Nothing like the back of the prius which I really don’t like.
On thing I find interesting is the “scoop” out of the hood. Must be for some aero reason. Still, I think that gives it any interest look.
Nathan
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
The body has changed quite a bit over the yrs….looks like GM couldn’t resist the Prius look-alike contest! Oh well, at least its going to production…hopefully we wont be forced to lease instead of purchase : )
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
No thanks. The concept versions were more aggressive and impressive to me, this one looks horrible and effeminate. I will not buy one of these.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Maybe someone will come out with a body kit and some aftermarket rims. Then maybe I could drive one.
Oh ya, also a computer hack that makes it put out enough power to eat up Mustangs. Now we’re talking. Fast and Furious 5, the Electric Revolution.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
So, call me what you will. I am still disappointed in GM for complete straying away from the concept. A “Cool” electric would have won the world over and set a new standard. Now they will only continue with the uglyness and add a plug. Yes, I know most of you are just happy to have one and that is why you have lost the dream, but step back and look at it…really. I’ll still buy one because it is from GM and it has a plug, but they could have done better….sad…Honda looks like they might try to seal GMs vision with a “cool” hybrid with their CR-Z. http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/ It’s not nearly as nice as the GM concept, but they are on that path; The tuner way
I know the volt wasn’t but,
Please GM give me a Electric Muscle
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I like the looks, but its a shame all the suits have their mugs in the way.. I want to see the carI I hope the volt makes a difference for GM and especially its dwindling workforce in US plants.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Nice!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
terrible redesign. It’s one thing to build a revolutionary car, but another to have it actually sell. This just deminished the possible user base immensly. I am glad that some like it. I’ll wait for Tesla whitestar.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
If you go in close on one of the photos, you can make out that the tires are Bridgestone.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Beautiful! Much smoother and more refined than the concept. I like the front end more than I like the back (I understand that the Kammback is aerodynamic, but I’m not a huge fan of it), but overall I love the package. Great job!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
First impressions:
a. I think the rear looks slightly smaller then the Transformer video although that could be due to the angle of that shot.
b. Love the color. MUCH better that that color in the video.
c. Love the LEDs
d. It does look like a single exhaust exist in the middle rear.
e. Love the way the lights wrap around the front and rear.
What do you folks think about the roof? Is is just poly or black sheet metal or solar?
Jim
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
This looks nothing like all the previous release / prototype pictures..it no longer has the cool sporty looked that they made everyone think it was going to have.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Well looks good, What worries me is the price tag.!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Sorry, but I am, with Ed and Paco, one of the few dissenters. I think it looks wretched. Like an ugly Prius. Sorry — I don’t mean to rant, and I really don’t want to start a flame war, but I think it’s awful. Nothing like the Crossfire-styled prototype. Not at all a sports car anymore. I’m afraid it may sell poorly as a result: too many potential purchasers will see it as an ugly, expensive Prius and buy the latter. I’d love to be proved wrong, but I think GM’s ace in the hole just turned out to be another Hummer.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
It looks ok, but I
HATE SIDESKIRTS AND PLASTIC DETAILING THAT ARE NOT PAINTED. IT LOOKS LIKE CRAP IN A COUPLE OF YEARS.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
God, the more I look at these pictures, the more I want one. I mean, not just for environmental reasons, but because it’s just such a good-looking car. It looks like a pleasure to drive, and something to be excited about being seen in. Purely, viscerally, this is a car I want to drive. Maybe instead of waiting for the second generation, I’ll save up and make this my first car in a few years.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Well.
The Volt Concept looked like a 40k car.
The Volt Production Version looks like a 20k car…
I aint saying i dont like it, i think it stil looks nice, but it looks way cheaper than the Concept.
Frankly speaking I am a little dissapointed.When it comes to looks, a car that costs 40k should compete with a gasoline car that costs 40k.
The fact that it runs on electricity shouldnt be the only reason to buy this car.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
It won’t turn many heads, unless it comes equipped with a noisemaker. It is not aesthetically sexy, but it has beauty beneath it’s skin.
I remember the day when manufacturers put attractive female models in front of cars. I often thought the models looked better than the cars. GM is smart for putting these men in front of the Volt. It makes the Volt look better by comparison. Maybe Lutz could wear a pink, striped bikini.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Cool!…I wonder if the vehicle in the photos is a “mule”…and did any of the execs drive it home after the photo shoot?
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I have to say I’m quite disappointed with the look of the car. It looks like every new Chevy I’m seeing on the road now. I loved the edgy look of the concept. It had some ‘growl’ to it.
This car has nothing exciting about it that makes me want to run right out and buy one.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
The new body style not unique to all the other cars in todays markets. I like the original concept design by far and that is what intrigued me about wanting one. I will not buy one of these. I agree with the others who see the association with the Prius, which i think is an ugly car.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
It is a nice looking car. I would have hoped that the front end would have been just a bit longer, but other than that I have no problems with it. I dont mind the color, but I am looking forward to seeing what else they have to choose from. Maybe there will be an “sport” version also?
And for all of you that have been spouting off, IT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A PRIUS!!!!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I can’t believe all of you who think this car looks good. Maybe everyone in your neighboorhood drives a corolla or other grocery-getter, but this car has almost no styling at all. The shape is entirely for aero.
Compare it to the concept, which looked aggressive, something sporty, something unlike what you see on the road. It actually stirs emotion. This has nice headlights & taillights, but that’s it. Cover them up and you could mistake this for any other bland car on the road.
For a car like this, that’s supposed to appeal to those on the cutting edge, I can’t see anything that appeals to me. If this car wanted to go curvy, make it look more organic. There are tons of examples of modern organic type designs out there. And no, an egg doesn’t qualify.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Wow. Looks much better than I figured it would. I think they kept fairly faithful to the concept version, too.
Any word on an all-electric version? I’m brainstorming to think of ways I might be able to afford a Volt.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Boring!
It should look more aerodynamic and futuristic. This looks…ordinary.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
OK, it is not the concept car, but we all knew that was never going to happen.
But I really like it! Don’t forget - sky blue metallic for me. And if you are going to keep a two tone color scheme for those bottom panels, I want mine in black.
And now we need to see some complete photos of the interior. Maybe those will appear just before September 16th….
I am all prepared. My wife thinks that the second home we just bought in FL was because I finally gave in for a vacation home. Little does she realize that this was done to be in the prime Volt initial sales geographic area………… I love it when a plan comes together!!!!!!
GO GM - GO GM Volt Team!!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
It looks way better than the EV1 - finally, a conventional look for revolutionary tech - always a winner.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
UGH..they turned my sleek sports car into a malibu. WTF ???
the design team should be shot.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
The front isn’t as ugly as the concept was, but the back is just downright boring. Fortunately, I never planned on buying it for the looks, though it would have been nice if that could have been a factor.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I’m glad the project is moving forward. But once again, I’m disappointed at the difference between the concept and these latest pictures. For the time being, I’m turned off. But, I will continue to track this closely. I am very interested in getting a production plug in hybrid. GM has 2 more years of work ahead of them. Good luck!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Totally disappointed. Photos are nothing like original concept vehicle. A lot less aero and sporty. Sorry but a real turn-off.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
psklenar — from what I remember of standanding next to Tony Posawatz (picture at the very top) at the Volt Nation event in NY, I would put him at ~68 inches tall.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Definitely disagree with a lot of you on here…one of the reasons I was so excited about the volt (besides the obvious reasons) was that it looked very much more like a sports car in the original prototype version. We have hybrids a plenty on the market and although they run on different technology, the cost savings is very similar when factoring in the electric cost of the volt.
Volt was exciting because it was an electric car that looked like a sports car.
not happy with this smooth as a turd design.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I knew the side window glass from the concept wouldn’t make the cut. Too expensive to manufacture, and that curved-glass-shoulder that it created would make for a distorted image looking out from the inside. These photos show a similar ’shoulder’ at the base of the side glass, but now it’s a nice black accent stripe that will look great on mine in Victory Red! The simulated front grill plates should be blacked out to keep the same family look with the rest of the Chevy lineup. One more thing: Do any of you know the exterior dimensions? Is it the same length as a Prius or Civic, or more like a Maxima or Altima?
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Maybe they should offer an E-Flex Powertrain option for the Camaro, with a tuned up motor. Stupid corporate politics ruined what could have been the car of the century. My 4 year old could come up with a better looking design than this.
Oh, and by the way, #76 TCook, IT DOES LOOK LIKE A PRIUS!!!!! (I have Caps Lock too.)
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Bummer! Aggressive looks are TOTALLY gone. Now it has the same shape as the current hybrids you see tree-hugging, smug San Franciscans driving around in. I wanted to car that helps the envronment and infuses jobs and money in the US economy without looking like a total tool driving around in it.
I’ll just wait for a Plug in Camry, that car still has a shape that suggests more than a 0-60 time of a weekend!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I think it looks real good for a car that will knock the bottom out of the oil market.
I betcha de gummint could buy one for each of us for less than the cost of a couple aircraft carriers, or the cost of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac takeover or the cost of Medicaid for illegal immigrants or………
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
It looks like something they would drive in Oklahoma, for crying out loud. And 40k is too much, it needs to be under 30 out the door to succeed.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Funny how earlier posts here are in the majority of…
“I love it” and “It looks great good job GM!”
Then later posts start to come back to what I see as reality…
“Underwhelming” and “Ordinary”
Well, I’ve been hard at work with my mantra and I keep telling myself that its working for me ….
Its more about the electrification of the car — not how cool it looks — forget about the concept
Its more about the electrification of the car — not how cool it looks — forget about the concept
…. and if I am still willing to leave BMW for GM by the time this car is available in my local dealerships, then my mantra will have worked. But I must be diligent and stick to it because the death of the concept, the design that had me at ‘hello’, is still a fresh wound in my heart of hearts.
One good thing I can say is that when I look at these pictures, I don’t think of a ‘Nerd Shoe’…..so that is a good sign.
Bottom line; the new design is just good enough for me to stick this out and see what happens.
I have not yet reached the “Customer Depletion Point”
Thanks for the photos Lyle, keep up the good work
<>
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Black out the grill covers and it will look sporty again. Those brushed aluminum panels are taking away from the agressive look it used to have.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I am also disappointed in the the production design. If had wanted a Prius, I would have already bought one! I like the idea of driving a plug-in but I dont like typicals. The concept look along with it being a true plug-in had me in line to be the first to buy one. But now I guess I will have to wait to see if the price comes down on the Tesla.
I really hope this set of pictures is misleading!
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I don’t know why I should be surprised. We have been hearing “expectation management” language for months now that the car would depart from the concept design. But here is the thing, I don’t see why we needed to wait for YEARS to get a knockoff of a Toyota design with a battery.
Frankly, aside from highlighting the massive disconnect between the concept visionaries/designers and the production engineers, this puts an exclamation point on the fact Detroit can’t really deliver on their innovation promises.
I have been telling myself for months I didn’t need that Mustang or Camaro retro style, because I was going to get a edgy package with Green benefits. Now I need to rethink, since apparently Detroit can’t currently give us the best of both worlds.
Instead, we get…and I agree with Tom…boring and ordinary.
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September 8th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Imagine that thing in black / black
EDIT: I think the car would looks worlds better with slightly more flared out wheel wells. This shouldn’t do much harm to the aero
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Utter disappointment!
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Wow! I am thoroughly crushed….
I was so waiting for this car to come out and be my next purchase. Why did they have to stray so far from the concept. This is not revolutionary anymore, just another stock looking car from GM, way to kill it guys…
And expect enthusiasts who wanted it, to not want it any longer….
I am not buying this ugly piece now, so Thanks…
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
It’s about time an Amreican company came up with a good looking small car (hybrid or not). Good job. Best looking vaporware I ever saw!
I hope the mirrors pivot. Otherwise dealers better stock them before they ever start delivering the cars. Women are gonna be clipping them on garage doors right and left. (Ok ladies don’t yell at me for being sexist, maybe its only the women I marry that can’t drive).
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Ughh. This is so bad that i want to take myself off the list. (1200 ish) Along with the ipod like interior this thing has been cheapened and massified so much that frankly i’m embarrassed for GM. Toyota execs must be popping the champagne right now.
http://jalopnik.com/5043202/chevy-volt-interior-photo-lifted-from-internal-gm-presentation-looks-like-an-ipod
That plug-in Prius is going to wipe this off the radar screen.
I’m getting an electric scooter. For $2,500, who can beat that?
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
To be honest, I am very disappointed in the production design compared to the concept photo (featured at the top of the Website) -
The production car looks like any other sedan out there - and they are talking $30-$40 grand? Typical GM -
For $18,500 I’m going for the new Honda Insight - much better design, half the price, and shipping in our life time.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Looks good enough…give me mine in black on black with another set of rims and 30K price tag and I’m happy.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
This is worse than what Ford did with the Thunderbird!! I would have bought the concept design….but…this is no better than the ugly Prius.
What a disappointment!
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
great..except for the weird pics of the guys in front of it..
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Never cared too much what it looked like anyways, but I think it looks better than the concept. Can’t wait to learn more about the Engineering and Innovation!
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
EEEEEEKS! The concept in the upper-right corner of the site is svelt, aggressive and COOL. The model is blubbery, round and boring. What happened?
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
To say this looks good?????????? I was thinking about purchasing more GM stock, but if this is the car… forget-about-it.
I think those people saying good things about this look are seeded by GM or a Marketing Co. The release is suspicious. Bottom line is, you’ve got to be kidding me! The car looks like an old Escort. Crap! I’m sooo dissapointed. 40k will keep this car, with this look on the show-room floor. I’m going to buy me an Aptera and sell the rest of my GM stock. Didn’t they do any Consumer research? Blaaaa………
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I am EXTREMELY disappointed in the “Production” version versus the “Concept” version - It’s a 4-door old man’s car! YUCK! I doubt that I will even get one now, especially if THAT costs $30K+!
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
must…stay…focused… …losing…interest…fast. too prius/econobox!
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I must say I am very disappointed. GM and Chevy have lacked style for a generation. They were showing a move back to great style with the concept car. It looks like they chickened out, maybe in an effort to sell more cars to a broader market.
Looks to me like they got lots of publicity out of the sports car just to switch it to a boring compact for production.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
For all of you who want an aggressive looking sports or muscle car, and there seems to be a lot of you: Don’t worry. It’s a lot easier to make a $75K sports car with E-FLEX than to produce a a conventional four passenger sedan with E-FLEX for $40K.
Soon enough you’ll have plenty of choices. They’ll just be very expensive.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Too bad. It started off looking like it would have been a cool car to have. Now it looks like everything else or worse. I will keep what I have. Still you have done a great job on the site..
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Looks like a chevy not cool, but hey volkswagen sold, I judge by apearance but that doesn’t always get you a good wife or car.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I think this is a much better look than the concept, which looked slightly ridiculous to me. It nice to see they toned the look down a few notches.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I have to say I’m pretty disappointed. It really does not look much like the concept at all. Pretend for a moment that that car is not an electric car. Now it just looks like a civic/prius combo.
And you want me to pay nearly 40k for a car that looks like that?
That thing does not have half the emotional excitement that the concept had.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Do us all a favor and pull the plug now…
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Well it would look great without that Grill.
As said by previous posters the Grill is hard to deal with. I would just remove it and move the two lights tougher with one clear piece of plastic putting a Chevy symbol in the middle of the lights. Possibly lights up the entire bar. They can add more style by hiding it over a clear plastic cover.
The rest looks nice. I understand on a AREO design you are limited to make it AERO.
IF they are going to keep the grill black it out some or take out the fake look.
Then it will be perfect, and who knows if this is the actuall car it might change still some.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I feel betrayed.. The promise of an aggressive car and this is what turns out. They should have started with something similar then they wouldn’t have people looking for a specific type of car.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
OMG this is terrible.. I went from a 99.99999% chance of buying based on the concept to a 0% based on the production model.. I know concepts are usually not what makes it to production but damn..can it be any more of a generic cookie cutter car.. If this is what GM is hoping for to “save” it.. they have some issues coming up ahead..How do I remove myself from the waitlist?? if they call me they will get an earful..lol
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I dunno, its not bad, just kind of looks like….every other late model sedan on the road. Sort of a combination of a Prius, Malibu, Acura TL, Civic, Camry. The back end is pretty slick, but the other 3 sides are fairly vanilla. I would have bought this over a longer EV-only range, but at this point, the first/best option to get me through my 70 mile a day driving gets bought after 1.5 years more of the current car payment. Figure by that time I should have some decent options.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I still am shocked, though I have no idea why, about the negative responses that this car gets. Come on, people, it’s what it can DO that counts! This car, if it does have the capabilities it aims for, will evolve the concept of the commuter car by a hundred years! We’re looking at the biggest advance since the replacement of the horse! People don’t complain this much about the props on Dr. Who, and his space ship on that show is just an old blue box.
If you truly hate it that much, please remove your name from the list so I can get mine sooner.
On a more positive note, does anyone have any idea why the roof is such a different color then the rest of the car? Is it a modular segment that can be swapped out with other parts like a sunroof, or is it just an accent? It seems odd to have a black panel facing upwards, as it would heat up the car more. Unless that is the elusive solar panel to cool the battery when parked.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
The more I look at it, the more I hope it’s a problem with perspective in photos.
At this point, I would buy one to be practical but not stylish. I think the response from the public will be :”Oh, so that’s what a Volt looks like. Nice.”
Maybe the lines will be more striking in person.
TK
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
To # 68 and # 123
I would think it to be more like a solar panel roof. At least thats how it appears to me in the second picture with Tony P. If it turns out to be true then - right there - thats a big reason to go for it! My next question would be will it charge the battery even while the car is being driven while the sun shines? Or just cool/charge the battery when the car is parked at work (of course on a sunny day under slear skies)?
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
If you guys were expecting a camaro from Volt 1.0 then you were kidding yourselves!!!
They need to make this car the ultimate appliance to everyone. The Toyota Camry is an awful looking car but sells 300k+ units every year. I’m sure there will be some sporty additions and don’t forget those 2 other e-flex concepts under wraps.
Not to mention that color makes me think of bodily fluids……
Nonetheless, I will take a dark blue one with tinted windows and chromed mirrors like the one from the transformers set.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
One more comment. Looking at the paint, trim, wheels, I’ll bet this the Volt LTZ. The Volt LS will have plastic hubcaps, skinny tires, black grill, painted rear end……..
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Did anyone else notice the Non-Body colored roof???
Solar panels anyone?
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Hey, Startik, Nasaman, Noel, where are you ?
I like the car, not you ?
JC
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
It is actually just about what I expected. I have been following for a long time (#1200 ish). I do think the concept looked better . . . but . . . I realize that compromises would be made.
The decision though is do I actually buy the Volt, or do I pay a lot more for styling and get a Fisker Karma
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Personally I’d rather own a 1914 Detroit Electric.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Disappointing! This production model picture is no where close to the awsome look of the proto-type. Now it just looks like a run of the mill dinky yugo-machine. Let’s get back to the look of the original show car it was.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
We should have a poll to see what the popular opinion is on this site now.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
That looks great, a stylish car with a faint smell of money.
Shame about the pinup boys, wouldnt they be better naked ?
Bare essentials carefully covered by a GM logo?
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
A little Photoshop to fix the grill covers and, “Voila!”
The nose. She is fixed!
http://www.vector2.com/volt/1.jpg
Any better?
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Very nice! The shape is subtle but appealing. It looks like they are really emphasizing design through graphic details. The lights and especially the grill and fog lamp areas, are pronounced but this is all done with graphics, not with shape and bends like traditional vehicles.
I like is a lot! Well done.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I love the rear end. Maybe because I like Volvo C30 which has glass down to the rear bumper. It is the only part preserved from the concept. The rest is too “normal car”. Definitely does not look like prius but still too tall for my taste. That is due to compact car platform, only that much can be done with a short car. However, I think that European Civic looks MUCH more “electric” and modern.
http://auto.honda.sk/modely/civic-5d/fotogaleria.html
I agree with GM4life that CR-Z looks sharper.
Sorry those waiting for photoshoping, I will wait until next week when full pictures will be released to do color variations. Just post your wish color:)
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
It looks 1000x better than a Prius. I like it! I wouldn’t buy it in silver but back would look great! When it comes to aero there are only so many ways you can go. You are confined to a teardrop shape from the beginning. Everything else you do raises the CD! GM did a great job. This isn’t a sports car, it’s a car that DOESN’T USE GAS! For those of you who wanted a Camero, go get a Camero.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
The Volt looks great. But in the near future you must take the leap to an all electric Volt. I think I read where BMW will have all their models off of fossil fuel by 2013 and so will most all the other automakers.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
#116
I agree wholeheartedly, while I liked the concept it was in need of toning down. Not to mention it was obvious serious changes were going to need to be made on the aero side, I’m not sure why some folks are so shocked at the way it turned out.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
It looks like your average compact, $20-25K range. My only beef will be if they try to sell it for $35-40K, it definitely doesn’t have the styling to play with the cars in that range.
The big problem is they set out with the sexy, muscle car concept. And no matter how many times you tell yourself that that was just a concept and the real car won’t look like that your still going to feel let down by this.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Looked better in the transformers 2 clip (blue with silver mirrors, lots of tint). Still not a bad looking car. Guys gotta keep in mind, this is still a sports compact on a Delta platform. Compare this car to:
-Chevy Cobalt
-Chevy HHR
-Pontiac G5
-Saturn Ion
It’s the best looking car on this platform.
Even if the car turned out to look like an Aztec, I would still be interested, because it’s what’s underneath the styling that draws me to the Volt. It will probably be the first production EREV, and the only one we know about that one of the big 3 are working on.
Once Ford/Mazda releases theirs to the public, I’ll certainly switch my loyalties. But until then, I’m very excited to see the Volt in showrooms in 2 years.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
ok.. now.. all you saying that the volt is great for what it accomplishes.. ok you may have a point but it is evolutionary rather then revolutionary and hopefully better cars will follow soon.
Now those of you who are saying this car LOOKS nice.. someone must have spiked your coolaid.. or you live in san francisco.. This car is depressingly plain and simple. My hope is that the terrible sales to come from this don’t hamper advancement on these types of cars in the future. or put GM out of business. I really wanted to buy one of these too.. bummer
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
My question is, if it is electric, how much power does it take to transform into a 35 foot tall robot? All jokes aside, it looks, at first glance, like well engineered car, it has nice lines and a more futuristic look. I like
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I am disappointed. I am one of the few people that like the plastic bottom IF it continues into a smooth underbelly of the car. That makes a huge aero difference and would be worthwhile. Other than that, the only similarities between the concept are painted on. The painted on grill, the black plastic roof/trunk/doors…I’m not fooled.
I have a picture of the concept as my wallpaper. When co-workers walk by they say, whoa, what is that.
Needless to say, this car will not be my new wallpaper.
Will I buy it, maybe. If it looked like the concept, GM would have had my money hands down. Now, they will have competition.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Can you say major league disappointing. I was so hoping for the agressive styling shown in the concept car to compliment the engineering and future potential of electric automobiles. This car may appeal to some but not what I was intending to spend my money on. Thats too bad….it looked like something spectacular until now.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I can tell you one thing don’t get excited over these pictures don’t judge a car by it’s picture book cover but when you get to see it for real then you can say something
I think the pictures are a polished Mule and nothing more
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I think it looks great. To my mind, sporty=sleek, not blocky, and the original concept was too blocky to look sporty to me. To those who say they’ll wait for a Tesla sedan, I’ll bet it’ll be sleek, too. Having seen several of the Tesla roadsters (and Elises) around here, I can say that car is practically an oval from the top-down view, much the same as the \Volt looks that way, too.
I will say I am totally disappointed that there are door handles, though, after not seeing any in the transformers video.
It’s weird, but it seems to take cues from the Eclipse/Talon from about 10 years ago. The ‘95-96 Turbo eclipses had gunmetal skirting to indicate their turbo-ness (apparently, that makes sense in the Japanse market. I don’t think that connection was obvious to anybody else). All colors of Talon Tsi had black roofs. Anyway, the Volt is rounded kind of like them, too, although in a way that looks liike a six footers can fit in, even in the back, which those others definitely couldn’t do (I own a ‘96 Eclipse GSX, amongst other things).
Living in an area where I see a LOT of Priuses (Silicon Valley), I don’t think it looks like a Prius. I think it looks like a current model Civic. Which is good. The current model Civic looks great.
I’m still curious about that dark roof. What is it? They wouldn’t have been crazy enough to just paint it black to absorb heat and make the car hard to cool, would they? It has to be either some kind of integrated sunroof/moonroof or a solar panel. A big honkin’ moonroof would be very nice, I’d totally put up with the extra heat for that. And it would be keeping with one of the cues from the Concept as well.
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
To all the guys who were going to buy this car based on the looks i say:
Thanks!!!!!
I’m moving up on the list every day.
Some poster said:
“but I think GM’s ace in the hole just turned out to be another Hummer.”
I’m sure they only hope this turns out to be as profitable as the hummer!
This car looks great. Nothing like an aero bubble. Reminds me of a rounded off Acura TSX.
Hatchback…. Okay, ill deal with it.
Sign me up at anything under 40K (assuming fed tax rebates of 7500)
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September 8th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I’d disappointed. It looks like a Civic Hybrid mated with a Prius.
The concept looked almost like the new Camero. Concepts always get watered down but this is pretty drastic.
Ah who am I kidding, I’d still buy one.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I agree with Ed- and I’m a bit let down at the styling-I really loved the concept car, much more aggressive than this–can I at least get a spoiler?
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Just plain UGLIIIIE!
Nothing like the concept to me.
It’s even uglier than the GM Executives are.
I’m going back to probably won’t buy, now. If it looks tht bad performance let-downs are assured to me. So Sad guess I have to go to Japan again.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
#22 DonC
Statik, you were disappointed with the shots from the Transformer movie set. What are you thinking now?
#132 Jean-Charles Jacquemin
Hey, Startik (?), Nasaman, Noel, where are you ?
——–
You must think I’m certifiable if I’m coming into this thread early, hehe. All I have to say is why would they take the Volt’s picture with Tony Posawatz? Tony’s sexiness is easily overpowering that of the Volt.
I took alot of heat for saying they were going to turn the concept into a Malibu-alike for the last dozen months or so. I don’t think this ‘official look’ proves me to be in error.
It’s a basic sedan…for 40K, that goes 40 miles electric. I’ve come to terms with realilty.
I have said this before, the car is fine as it is now. I have no problems with the general appearance of the car as compared to other 4 door sedans.
I just would have prefered they rolled out ‘a basic sedan design’ in January 2007 and not made with the ‘pretending to be true to the concept’ all that time…or even continuing to pretend now, when the car is right before our eyes. It is a different car…it’s a nice sedan.
So yes, I’m still not thrilled about it, but end of the day, I’m still buying it for the EV portion.
I will say this, it invokes no loyalty/desire to the brand for me. If someone else beats GM to market with another EV, I will feel no remorse over purchasing that instead and not owning a Volt. However, if it was the concept I was passing up to get the first electric sedan, I would be bummed when the day came that I saw it on the road and it wasn’t mine.
Long story short, I realize (as does GM) that any 4 door/electric sedan (sub 50K) is going to sell like hotcakes right now. But Volt 2.0 is going to either have to be alot better looking than this…or alot cheaper.
PS) HowDee Jean-Charles, I don’t see you around as much anymore…nice to hear from you
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Not nearly as cool as the concept. Not sporty-looking enough. I knew this would happen. Being a designer myself, I know that great visions become hampered when too many bureaucrats have their say. That grill is awful, along with that oversized air scoop and odd-looking skirt. This is a bit of a disappointment.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Those who are disappointed …What did you all expect it to look like ? A Maserati ?? .. I LIKE IT ! …. If the engneering is what has been promised ,,, 40 miles on a charge … plug in 120/220 VAC charge … and the price is competive with an ICE that gets 30 MPG …. We are ready to buy one. We are now driving a 1998 Chrysler Concorde with 36,000 miles on it. Get 21 to 23 MPG around town and over 30 MPG on the highway. We will keep driving it until the Volt comes out.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
ahh… I think Ill buy a 5 year old prosche boxster with 20-30k miles on it instead. half price, faster, looks 100 times better, is a porsche and has no excise tax.. so what if It uses gas. oh well, gas aint going anywhere soon and california already can barely keep the electricity flowing to peoples homes without people pluggin in thier cars anyway. Maybe the next model will be more like the awesome looking concept car. Nice car for a soccer mom or gay person (sorry.. alternative lifestyle) though.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Bad photoshop work on that first picture. Note the area around his feet (where are the shadows?) and the area under his arm near the A-Pillar (flat grey? Are those windows drawn in?)
I’m *not* saying the car doesn’t look good, and I’m *NOT* saying that photos are outright fakes. I’m just saying that poorly photoshopped photos are annoying.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I like the look of the prototype car better, but if it still does what they say, I’m not going to be picky. I just hope that the price is right, and the gas savings is dramatic! Please don’t disappoint us! I’m waiting for my car!
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Beautiful! Has the current Malibu styling which I like.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Lame.
The concept was sexy. This is almost as ugly as the Prius.
-Thor
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Looks kinda smallish to me. Have to wait to stand next to it and sit in it to really tell. Overall it looks pretty good, though.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I agree with Shane. It went from “sporty” to “eco-friendly rental” in 7.2 seconds. The production pics have that rental car look to me. I’ll give it a chance, but I just got that “take my name off the list” feeling when I saw the pics.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
You can take my name off the waiting list if this is the real deal… the concept’s aggressive styling had a lot of appeal. The “Green” customers they think they’re targeting with this design (especially the ones that would actually buy a GM product) don’t automatically swoon for Toyota Corollas… this is a design-by-committee, marketing-driven failure in the making. Sad… that may sound harsh, but it doesn’t even begin to describe how disappointed I am…
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
#138 Gordon,
>> A little Photoshop to fix the grill covers and, “Voila!”
>> The nose. She is fixed!
Whoa. That actually does help. Quite a lot in fact! Nice work.
omatic
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
It looks fine to me. But then I haven’t spent the past few years of my life bad-mouthing the Prius.
When compared to the Prius, it looks to me like the Volt leaves some room for aero improvements in order to get the sharper hood to front windshield and back windshield to trunk transitions.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I must say I’m not too excited about the watered down version. I’ve always disliked egg shaped cars. They never seem to have an indentity to them. You look at a solstice and you say wow. Now look at a ford aspire, bluh. I will still get this car if it can back up the economy claims but I won’t be flashing it off to everyone.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Wow, I’m a bit surprised at the negative responses. What did everyone expect?
There’s a reason a lot of these cars are looking similar (the Volt, Prius, the NEW Honda Insight). Can anyone guess what that reason is?
Of course everyone knows it’s because of aerodynamics.
I think the Volt actually looks pretty cool, not to say anything about similarities between it and the concept version, it and the Prius, etc.
Paradigm shifts require changes in thinking.
This is just my personal opinion, but I don’t think early EV-type vehicles should be held to the same aesthetic standards of what a Mustang or a Dodge Challenger might look like. Maybe in the future the battery technology will advance to the point where we’ll see electric Camaros and so forth with designs that aren’t necessarily the most aerodynamic. I hope so…
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Definately more roundish than the concept, but that was going to happen. I like it and will buy one. On the close shot of the Front, the Chevy Bow Tie sticks out quite a bit - would seem perfect to flip open for a charger receptacle. Or they could just have the bow tie sticking out alot on a very flat front end.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
What happened to this?
http://www.thetorquereport.com/voltfront2-thumb.jpg
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Well, what is supposed to be the revolutionary aspect of this car anyway? What it looks like or the drive train technology?
Anybody thinking the don’t want it because is looks too much like a regular car?
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Boring! Same cheap-looking, plastic Chevy styling we’ve seen the last few years. The front grill is particularly dull. Looks like they’re copying the Prius. Because they’ve raised expectations so much, Chevy needs to be bold on this one, or the whole thing fails.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
This was the first next generation environment conscious car that actually looked awesome, and now we have this “soccer mom” “prius” “corolla” “civic” abomination. Why can’t the environment have strength?
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I would like to comment on this statement from the article: “These are official studio photos although it doesnt seem like GM meant for them to break yet”
—-
I don’t think there is anyway they didn’t want to get these photos out ahead of the big party/reveal. They have gone all this time without even the smallest leak from inside the camp (which is/was impressive). They are just tempering the initial reactions, it’s not that uncommon.
There is just no way you have ‘leaked’ pictures that ALSO just so happen to have all the essential parts of the ‘Volt Team’ posing beside it like some kind of cross between auto executives and pasty middle-aged ‘mens’ calender models…
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I am dissapointed in the overall outline. The clay verson had a certain edge and muscle car look to it. This looks more like a civic that I can buy for 20 grand!
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
What’s with the squared dip in the hood. How does that improve aerodynamics? If you look at the concept version it to had something similar but it looked like it served a purpose (back of it looked like it went into something) - air flow cooling or something.
Personally I liked the concept version looks - more Mad Max type of rugged look. But this version is good - it serves aerodynamics better and lets us acheive the 40 miles on electric alone. But nothing like looking at it in person to get a better perspective…
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Disappointing when compared to the pics of the spec car at the Detroit show.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Quote:
“This looks more like a civic that I can buy for 20 grand!”
I wonder how much gas I could put in that civic for $10,000 - $12,000.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I think GM messed up…in this day you can’t be a copy cat company and survive. The original Volt had my attention, this one looks like a prius mixed w/ a civic.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I like it! If any of y ou gauys who don’t are ahead of me on the waiting list, I’d gladly trade places with you. I want mine and I want it ASAP!
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
#155 Statik - “If someone else beats GM to market with another EV, I will feel no remorse over purchasing that instead and not owning a Volt.”
I don’t think anyone would disagree with this. OTOH no one is going to beat GM to market. Not even close.
Interestingly enough I don’t believe BEVs, if and when they show up, are going to be much competition. Every woman I’ve talked to about EVs are all worried about running out of juice. It’s a big deal. Quite surprising to me. Until BEVs go hundreds of miles miles per charge or there is a system of quick charging available only the EV+ICE versions are going to sell in quantity. (Personally I don’t care but I have options available that others don’t).
One conclusion you can draw is that GM should change the grill. It’s a small thing but it really bothers a number of people.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I have to agree with the people who are not happy about the generic look. I loved the prototype from day 1 !! Were they just in too big of a hurry to retool for it and decided to go with something they already had with a few changes? : (
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
This design seems to have sacrificed some of the unique sportiness of the first pictures we saw. Perhaps it has a better coefficient of drag, but is not quite as sexy as before. Nevertheless, it’s the final performance I am awaiting - 50 miles on a single charge to start would be compelling, along with a price around $30,000 and they would sell like hotcakes.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
That’s not regular silver.
I want it in that color. What is the official name of that color?
Is it “Ice Blue”?
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
This looks like a saturn…ew. What happened to that nice sleek front design that is in the small photo at the top of the website? That is the volt I vowed to Purchase…not this Saturn look a like. Not impressed at all.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Disappointed in the looks (still hyped about the car), but why did they have to vary so much from the concept If this is indeed new, cutting edge technology, why can’t the cars’ looks reflect that? The $12k difference in price over a Corrola would buy 3500g of gas and get you over 90k miles before that all important “break-even” point when comparing prices!
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Nice…..and it’s going to look a lot better in red. It is a bit tame but it’s still handsome. The concepts front end was ugly…this is an improvement.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Still waiting for the interior pictures. Hope they don’t screw that up. Not that the exterior is screwed up, but it does kinda look like my 1995 Honda Accord EX I used to own.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Times must be tough.
Can’t we get a young lady next to one of these?
I mean really now.
Guess SOMEONE needs to change their web page!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Still waiting for the interior pictures. Hope they don’t mess that up. Not that the exterior is messed up, but it does kinda look like my 1995 Honda Accord EX I used to own.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Wow. I am soooo glad GM toned down the Volt’s styling. I wanted something plain, something that would blend in with all the other cars, something so generic that it comes close to being ugly, like an AMC Pacer. And GM really delivered. No one would EVER notice me while driving my Volt. (And I am totally kidding).
————————————————————————-
I believe the same posters who say the like the “new” Volt are the very same posters who said they loved the “old” Volt a year ago. In other words, if GM put the Volt drivetrain in an AMC Pacer body, these same posters would be saying how great it looks, how much better it is than the concept Volt, and how they cannot wait to buy it. I just wish they would simply admit the truth - they don’t care what they Volt looks like, they just want one - period.
They feel that, no matter what the Volt looks like, they have to be the Volt’s cheerleaders, and tell the rest of us how stupid we are that we don’t agree with them. Yeah, if someone bows out due to the looks of the “improved” Volt, they “move up in line”. If as there was a line, as if GM intends to somehow use our “waiting list” on this website to hand out Volts in November 2010. “But I was number 44 in the GM-Volt waiting list !” “I’m sorry sir, we don’t use any list to sell the Volt. They have all been reserved. May I interest you in a new 2011 Chevy Cobalt instead”? Oh, the pain, the suffering, the disappointment - it will be exquisite.
I believe they’re afraid that if too many of us “concept Volt” fans complain too much, it will delay the Volt launch. They might be right - GM may realize that there isn’t a big market for plain-jane $40,000 subcompact cars, no matter how good the powertrain. The concept Volt would sell itself - this website is a shrine to the concept Volt’s drawing power. The new Volt - it may take more salesmanship to sell at $40,000. OK, a lot more.
Good luck finding your new plain-jane Volt in Walt Disney World’s parking lot, hidden among all the other look-alike cars.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Statik @ 155 is dead on.
This car is fine. It’s just not inspiring.
This will not produce any level of brand loyalty. This will not inspire those already brand loyal to GM to get real excited. It is simply acceptable. It will inspire those who wanted the tech, for sure. Maybe they were the target. I think that is the wrong strategy.
GM left the door WAY open for someone else to come in and steal the excitement/styling mantle.
Unless these pictures are doing it an injustice. The car is just not exciting. It is mearly “fine”.
Like an earlier poster said, in an interesting psychological observation, “if the concept was your screen saver, I don’t think you are going to redo it using this Volt”.
We’ll see……
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Isn’t this just an electric Malibu?
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
#178 Kurt “I wonder how much gas I could put in that civic for $10,000 - $12,000.”
A few years worth. If you drove a modest 12,000 miles a year, and assume that gas prices are appreciating at a reasonable rate, you’d spend about $20,000 on gas over ten years.
But hey, with a 4 cylinder engine you could get really anemic acceleration. The problem with a Civic 4 is that, coming from even a small 6, the driving experience can be annoying. The Volt is going to be an entirely different story.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I agree it’s not what the concept looks like, its more of a Malibu design, but I like the Malibu. However I must say, I expected this, since it had to be modified for aerodynamics. But all in all, I think it’s a nice looking car. And if I can drive it to and from work w/o buying any gas Monday thru Friday, I’m buying it. Why, because when, I got interested in the vehicle, it was not total about the car design, that was only a hook, it was about a newer way of driving w/o depending on oil. Oil prices are still going up; if you fart they go up. I’d weather have a car, that I can drive w/o thinking OMG what is the price of gas today, or tomorrow. And as for the new HONDA, it still requires gas. I am sticking with GM, because no one else is doing this. Oh, I guess we have Tesla, but they already stated, there sedan would be around $50K. And there having issues with the transmission in there current $100K+ coupe.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
What happened to the gorgeous design??
Now it’s just another generic looking putt-mobile.
Since half of the States and most of Canada is subject to extreme cold weather, I wonder how reliable the batteries will be….
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Based on thermodynamic principles that are not subject to clever engineering, I do not believe that a Volt will go 400 miles on 6 or 7 gallons of gasoline. Can someone explain to me how efficiency is gained by operating a gasoline engine to generate electricity to power an electric motor to propel an auto is more efficient than just running the car directly with the gasoline engine.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I guess I may have to hold out for PONTIAC’S version of this experiment to get something with some “energy”.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Geeeez.
It looks so cheap !!!
If theese pics are real, i suggest that GM rethinks the whole thing.
We need to have the agressive car we were concept, not this cheap-looking thing!
BY THE WAY THE CONCEPT WAS QUITE AERODINAMIC TOO!!!!!!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I’m truly disappointed, I was anxiously waiting for the Volt debut. I had to get a car within the last month but only least it for 2 years planned on the Volt in 2010. Now I will look around until then to see what the other guys come up with. I wanted an electric vehicle, the Volt really had my attention with its look, now it looks like any other late model midsize out there with with after market add-ons, mho ‘ ~ ‘
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Hehe, the more I look at it, with the location of the headlights and the size of the lower intake, it looks more like a fish opening it’s mouth for a bite…
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
#190 MetrologyFirst - “GM left the door WAY open for someone else to come in and steal the excitement/styling mantle”
This is exactly the question but it’s a meaningless question because on one is going to have a comparable product. It’s the Olga Korbut situation. She was the only one able to do whatever she did on the uneven parallel bars. Did it matter that she wasn’t perfect? Nope, because she was the only one who could do it.
This is somewhat the situation we have here. GM is going to have the only plug-in car with a decent EV range for several years. As shown by the Prius, you don’t have to win the beauty contest if you’re the only girl in town.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
The original was much more aggressive and appealing. This one looks more like any car. Disappointing. Compare with the original: http://media.nextautos.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/gm-chevy-volt-lutz-intro.jpg
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I also saw a documentary on cable “Saving General Motors” were they said they had alot riding on Chevy Volt to revive sales and take back the Americas percent of the market,
Good Luck, Lutz
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Bring this beauty on the market as soon as possible.
Good Job GM
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
You’ve pulled the old swithcheroo! It looks alot like the Saturn ION — a far cry from the concept car look originally put out.
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September 8th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
They should have put hubcaps on it to complete the total strip down of the concept…..if this is GM’s savior, better buy stock in Toyota!
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I really like the looks of this car. Then again I didn’t like the concept car at all - I thought it looked like it belonged in a comic book like the batmobile. I love the plain simple lines.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
______________________________________________________
Good job VOLT deign team!
It does look very different than the original bold angular concept car. I would choose the more elegant streamlined production version if I could choose between the two.
But…Why has GM designed the front of the VOLT to mimic a standard ICE car (vis-à-vis a fake grill) when in fact the VOLT does not utilize a working front grill? I don’t know why this small design detail bugs me so much but it does. I think the VOLT would look more distinct, elegant, and advanced w/o the pretend grill.
I can’t wait to purchase my VOLT!
______________________________________________________
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Well by the comments everyone seems happy with the new look. None of the people commenting now are the ones that posted how worried they were about GM making it look like a fat 4 door Prius! To bad but now I can use my saved up money buy gas in a real car.
Take my name off the “buy” list until they make it look like a sports car again. Leave it to GM to put out the concept car excitement flame and bring out the vanilla pudding car.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Boo! Where is the plug? The new design, juxtaposed with old design in the gm-volt.com logo, is definitely inferior styling (albeit perhaps a bit more practical). I was excited about the potential of the old design, but am disappointed to see where they took it. The new design leaves a lot to be desired, and doesn’t show much innovative body design.
I wonder if they kept the tinted glass see-through tailgate, but from the photos it looks like they did away with that too. Boo!
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Very cool. Good job GM.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I said to please hurry,hurry , I’m growing older !!!!Looks good, I’ll take mine in black.; also, please keep the price within reach of all of us who have been waiting with baited breath!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
WTF??? I hope to God that this is someones sick joke. I was all set to buy a Volt untill I saw how cheesy and fake this socalled production modle looks. If they come out looking like this, you can count me out. I am very disappointed in design switch.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
It looks a lot tamer than I was hoping for, but I have a feeling they want to appeal to a larger market initially then come out with another version with a more aggressive look and performance to match. Even so, I’m still wanting one.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
With really only one angle shown in full, it’s hard for me to be critical. I wish the GM executive team had selected some other angles for these glamor shots. I still can’t see what they’re doing with the tail or the roof.
From the front, it looks more like a Malibu than it does a Prius, IMHO. And that’s good. I understand why those who wanted the original Camaro muscle-car look are disappointed, but I’m not. And I’ll be surprised if a sportier (maybe more Camaro-like) E-Flex model isn’t in process just behind the Volt.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
well…its not the most futuristic game-changing design, but i still like it. it looks sophisticated, well-built, and pretty trendy.
its taken on a new personality since the concept was shown. the concept Volt had such a bold design that it even led some people to call it the “electric Camaro”.
the production model appears more laid back. its design is cool and smart. which is how it should be. if GM’s ultimate goal is the make the Volt an electric car for the masses, it doesn’t need to be an “electric camaro” because not everyone is going to want a bold “electric camaro”. if anything, that’s later down the line when GM expands the E-Flex family.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Since I’m making post number two hundred and something, anybody who actually reads it must have WAY too much time on their hands. However, I just have to get my “attaboy” in there. It looks great!
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Cool looking car I hope it paves the way for future electric cars like the EV1 shh lets not talk about that or the Volt might end up in the crusher. Love GM cars I should rephrase that I love American cars. I hope GM the company reshapes its customer satisfaction & puts the consumer first if & when problems arrise with a new model like the Volt. Trust me boys & girls I’ve been suckered in time & time again & GM does not care when you have a problem. Customer care is based in INDIA & all they do is open a case # & nothing is done. PS the photos are horrible like I need to look at a bunch of stuffed shirts posing with there new baby. GM is so self serving put a hot chick in a bikini next to the car or better yet put a photo of one of the guys on the line who is loosing there benefits while they put there all into building you a quality car. Yes I sound angry but I will still keep & love my old Corvette I will keep buying FORD trucks & my wife is totaly happy with the Chyrsler & how they address every issue & concern she may have but GM will have to gain my trust again before I reach into my pocket. I wish you luck GM & I hope you decide to change before it’s to late.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Just lost interest! Maybe GM wants to show that nobody wants this one…just like the EV1 they lied about.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
That fake grill looks so terrible. The front of this car has no character at all.
It just looks bloated and plain.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I wish those people would get out of the way so we can see the car.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Very dull. Looking forward to the European variant. If it looks anything like the current batch of GM European designs, it will actually be quite sexy….like this anonymous beta blocker should have been.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Randy Owen said…
“They should have put hubcaps on it to complete the total strip down of the concept…..if this is GM’s savior, better buy stock in Toyota!”
Good idea! Toyota’s electric-drive cars rule!
Wait a minute … Toyota hasn’t announced production of any electric drive cars. And come to think of it, none of Toyota’s existing cars look any better than this Volt.
On second thought, bad idea.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Nice looking car but it looks like the concept has been malibu’d and prius’d a bit. I still want one but it doesn’t seem to have the shock and awe I thought it would.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
#181 DonC
Every woman I’ve talked to about EVs are all worried about running out of juice. It’s a big deal.
—-
Uh oh, you are in soooo much trouble!
….your lucky this is the internet where only men can understand how to use it and not the Weekly World news.
(=
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Wow this car went from cool and sporty as a concept to looking as cool as a Prius. Go figure. I guess the coolness was too air resistant.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
IF:
This car can perform up to specs - AER 40+ and 50 mpg thereafter
AND
It RIDES well - better than a Camry - approaching a Lexus ride
AND
the interior looks better than a Sam’s Club
AND
Costs ~30K
then I’m in
Bottom line is that there are too many unknowns right now.
IWAS
PS It wouldn’t hurt if the acceleration pushed tears in my ears….
PPS Darn Gravitars (g)
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
First of all….. OMG what did they do?
It’s a ok looking car…… for a prius!!!!!
they changed the car completly, i am way turned off to the point i might not even get the car now. I’ve been planning and waiting over a year and the suits gotta pull this.
Very disappointed! i really wanted that aggressive look and the moment i saw the Volt concept on photo over a year ago i fell in love with the car.
Apperance wise this could have been the car to bring us in the 21 Century stating that “we’re aggressively going green”, now it looks like any other car out there. The Volt concept Shouted that out to me but not this design.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
#214 tBay
“well…its not the most futuristic game-changing design, but i still llike it. it looks sophisticated, well-built, and pretty trendy.”
That’s probably my take as well. It’s not as strong looking as the show car from the front, but the back and side looks just as good!
#125 Statik
“I will say this, it invokes no loyalty/desire to the brand for me. If someone else beats GM to market with another EV, I will feel no remorse over purchasing that instead and not owning a Volt.”
Here’s an EV that will be out by 2010. We can wave to each other from our EV cars. Well, you may have to keep both hands on the wheel!
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/10/14/mitsubishi-imiev-gets-20-30-percent-more-range-from-new-battery/
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I’m trying, I really am. I need to see it in person and maybe then it will grab me. It could still change a lot by Nov 2010 too.
Oh please oh please oh please.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
#227 George K
“#125 Statik
“I will say this, it invokes no loyalty/desire to the brand for me. If someone else beats GM to market with another EV, I will feel no remorse over purchasing that instead and not owning a Volt.”
—Here’s an EV that will be out by 2010. We can wave to each other from our EV cars. Well, you may have to keep both hands on the wheel!
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/10/14/mitsubishi-imiev-gets-20-30-percent-more-range-from-new-battery/
——————
I wish it was out for 2010. Still no conformation at all on a North American drop date. (Not saying it couldn’t happen, Mitsu has been not only beating deadlines, but moving them up, which is pretty impressive in and of itself)
It’s out to the public in the third quarter in Japan though. In the overall picture I don’t really care where in the world these things get put out…just as long as they do, and start a trend. For myself personally…it pretty much sucks, hehe.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I was never interested in buying the Volt for its looks. I want to stop paying for gasoline. It’s the technology of an EV minus range anxiety that made me excited about the Volt. I also love the idea that driving less than 40 miles a day in a Volt makes it a ZEV. I can’t wait to breath cleaner air.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Why does production “Lame Down” a great design.
The best part of the Volt was that it looked like a Hyped Up Electric Camaro!
It lost it’s edge look for a more mild mannered driver.
Very disappointed.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I have to agree with Donald- this car is not even in the same league with the prototype. What a pity- seems only Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth can get their concept cars built (with the exception of the Camaro, which is excellent).
What was so cool about the concept Volt was that it was exciting to look at and was a gas saver. Unfortunately, we’ll have to save our petrol in a car that resembles every other compact out there……
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I was really hoping they wouldnt change the looks much, because I wanted a car that would look amazing and unique while not paying for gas. Let me just say, it looks like total crap. It is not bold or expensive looking as an above user said. Instead, it’s prominent features have been rounded off and it looks really bad. Probably bad enough to turn me off of buying it. Sorry, Chevy, you broke my heart.
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I TOTALLY AGREE !!!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Who cares about the looks…..
It’s what’s under the skin that matters…
But I do have to admit, I’m glad they dumped the white side mirrors..
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September 8th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I know everyone is excited about the potential to drive around town on a ever ready, but this isn’t a 50,000 dollar car!! If it is then it indicates the state of change from oil to electric, only the rich will save at the pump. The poor will be buying up the large SUV’s at discount prices.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Hmmm. Well, not very sexy pics of course (with the dudes in there.) These look like they’re for the quarterly stock report.
You could make this car look so much better just with better lighting, a better background and cooler camera angles. I’m sure those are on the way.
I was one of the minority that voted for the concept style, which fell into the “it’s badass and we’re not screwin around” category. It may have inspired Volt car clubs like the PT Cruiser did (not that I’m a big PT fan.) I don’t think too many folks are going to personalize their Volts with this sort of styling. Ever see a pimped out Prius? Didn’t think so.
But what we have here is a very mainstream looking car, that for most people, won’t use any gas. You see thousands of cars that look like this on the road right now which means that there’s a lot of people that will like this car. But I doubt they’ll be forming clubs for it (not too many clubs for new Malibus, etc.)
So… Looks fine to most mainstream (non-car fanatic) folks and uses little or no gas. Bottom line, I think GM will have a hard time keeping up with demand for a long time…whether I like the style of it or not.
Oh…do I still want one? I’ll have to see it for real and actually drive the darn thing before I pull out my checkbook, but it’s a decent enough looking car that I would have no problem driving it and I get the “no gas” benefit. So, unless I see a better all/mostly electric car available when the Volt is, I’ll probably settle for it. Not because I really, really love the style of it, but mostly as a big finger to the gas station.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
When I saw the first pictures of the GTO I threw up. When I finally saw one I was hooked and bought one (and promptly removed the wing which improved the looks another 100%).
So to be fair I will wait to see the real thing. I’m thinking the color is hurting it too.
Yes, I am willing to give up some level of looks for the sweet technology but at $30k+ I have my limits.
Someone photo-shop it in white, black, Chevy Bright Red and Brazen Orange Metallic. Hurry.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Uh…. Coupe?
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I have been comparing the concept style to the production style, and though I liked the concept, the clear advantages of the higher profile production version are a winner to me..
I am quite happy with the looks… and being at the front part of the ‘waiting list’
*drool*
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Just my speculation but it looks like the charging ports must be under the Volt badges that are just ahead of the side mirrors. See the Bob Boniface side picture.
Anybody seen any hard info on this subject ?
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
The production model would not have gotten my attention over say a Civic but it is more practical than the concept car. A mom would really have had a time getting little ones pinned down in the back. However I am not a mom and was looking forward to the sleek, mysterious look in the concept car. Maybe 2011?? No gas still sounds good!!!!!
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Don’t understand why the production model strays so far from the concept, leastwise in terms of appearance. It’s a dissappointment, GM had a real winner, the first American plug in should stand out from the crowd, this will just get lost in it. I certainly hope GM monitors this site, and the mold is not yet set.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Not bad… it sure beats the design they came up with for the dash! The front end looks like a cross between the new Malibu, Acura TL, and Honda Civic Si. That i-pod looking dash they came out with certainly doesn’t go with the design of the exterior though.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I think it looks good. I’m looking forward to seeing it on video and in person.
You gotta keep in mind that GM didn’t want to take TOO many risks with the design of Volt 1.0. They didn’t want to make it look like an Aptera or the Mercedes Bionic you know. That would be going TOO far with modern, futuristic design styling.
http://oneworldnews.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/aptera1.jpg
http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/PeterPudney/France_2006/bionic.jpg
I’m sure that GM will have other E-Flex cars coming out in the next 5-10 years that will have just the style that people want. Larger sized cars that look like the latest sports sedan from BMW and maybe a few that look like the Corvette or Camaro might already be in development for model year 2013 or something.
For this first EREV, I think GM wanted to get the Volt on the smaller “compact” frame like what the Cruze will have. It saves weight and all that. The battery technology is probably not quite good enough for a Malibu sized frame so they went with a Honda Civic sized frame. I think the overall styling reflects what people have actually been BUYING instead of what a hip designer at Ferrari would like.
Bottom line, they need the Volt to appeal to a wide variety of people. Not surprisingly, they want it to sell like crazy. Not too radical a style but not too bland either. Here are the best selling cars in the world: http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/archives/2008/02/top_ten_best_selling_cars.htm
The Toyota Camry doesn’t look all that distinctive and stylish but they sure as heck sell … year in and year out.
http://savemoneyongasoline.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/07_08camry_hybrid.jpg
After this downturn year, GM definitely needs to have a huge hit and rack up the sales. I think Volt 1.0 will sell VERY well even if it’s not a super stylish BMW type sports sedan. Nobody could afford it if it did probably. I think GM’s exterior designers did a good job with the Volt. Let’s hope they do an excellent job on the interior and everything else too. The world NEEDS cars like the Volt to become dominant as soon as possible. It’s great to see that GM is out front blazing the trail for this new kind of car.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
How do I remove my name from the list? I’m sure there are enough people wanting to project their “green” image by buying a Prius’d electric car. I’m not one of ‘em. Give me the sporty concept!
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
The concept was exciting. This is boring. It’s ok looking (not horrible) and probably the best looking economy car GM has put out in a long time. It looks suspiciously like the Honda Civic. My ‘96 Chrysler Sebring raptop croaked and I needed a fun car. I was waiting for the Volt. Bought a ‘06 Stang raptop. Needed the fun factor in a car. I understand the need to change the Volt for the aerodynamics, but to make it look like the Honda is really unoriginal. Very disappointing. The drive train will be what makes this car attractive. Hopefully the drive train will one day find it’s way into an original, good looking car. It’s already been said - but bears repeating - even though I want to buy American - why would anyone spend $40K on this when they can have a similiar looking Civic for half the price and still get great mileage?
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
It looks like people are 50/50 on the “new” looks of the Volt. Does this mean 50% of the people are off the waiting list and I’m getting bumped up?
I, for one, liked the looks of the concept car better than what seems to be the production car. But it’s the guts of this car I’m buying, not just the looks.
Bring it to market GM!
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I think it looks good. I’m looking forward to seeing it on video and in person.
You gotta keep in mind that GM didn’t want to take TOO many risks with the design of Volt 1.0. They didn’t want to make it look like an Aptera or the Mercedes Bionic you know. That would be going TOO far with modern, futuristic design styling.
http://oneworldnews.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/aptera1.jpg
http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/PeterPudney/France_2006/bionic.jpg
I’m sure that GM will have other E-Flex cars coming out in the next 5-10 years that will have just the style that people want. Larger sized cars that look like the latest sports sedan from BMW and maybe a few that look like the Corvette or Camaro might already be in development for model year 2013 or something.
For this first EREV, I think GM wanted to get the Volt on the smaller “compact” frame like what the Cruze will have. It saves weight and all that. The battery technology is probably not quite
good enough for a Malibu sized frame so they went with a Honda Civic sized frame. I think the overall styling reflects what people have actually been BUYING instead of what a hip designer at Ferrari would like. That’s understandable if you are a designer at GM.
Bottom line, they need the Volt to appeal to a wide variety of people. Not surprisingly, they want it to sell like crazy. Not too radical a style but not too bland either. Here are the best selling cars in the world:
http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/archives/2008/02/top_ten_best_selling_cars.htm
The Toyota Camry doesn’t look all that distinctive and stylish but they sure as heck sell … year in and year out.
http://savemoneyongasoline.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/07_08camry_hybrid.jpg
After this downturn year, GM definitely needs to have a huge hit and rack up the sales. I think Volt 1.0 will sell VERY well even if it’s not a super stylish BMW type sports sedan. Nobody could afford it if it did probably. I think GM’s exterior designers did a good job with the Volt. Let’s hope they do an excellent job on the interior and everything else too. The world NEEDS cars like the Volt to become dominant as soon as possible. It’s great to see that GM is out front blazing the trail for this new kind of car.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
GM made a mistake with the original concept car, knowing that the shape of it was a nonstarter if they wanted to maximize all electric range. It gave people unrealistic expectations. Listen, you can’t have your cake and eat it to. If you wanted 20 miles of BEV range instead of 40 you could have had the Volt concept body style. Range or sexy styling, you can’t have both. Blame physics. In a world of $4 gas do you want a car for show or for efficiency? If the former, don’t bother with a Volt. Get a Dodge Magnum or something.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I have read most of the posts above.
This just goes to show that you can’t please everyone, no matter how hard one tries.
I like the concept better. This car just blends in with the rest of the cars on the road. But hey, it’s what inside that is important.
The car is revolutionary and we sooo need it.
Bring on the Volt GM. I will definitely buy one.
GM engineers did so much work in so little time.
Good job everyone.
Edit: I thought I had read most of the posts. I should have reloaded my browser. This post was supposed to be number 110.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I would like to see the car without the hardlegs standing in the way. Personally I think the car is a little reserved looking. I would like the sharp lines in the body similar to the concept. Young and vibrant. This car while looks good enough to settle with, is not above charming. Looks like a chick mobile with the family neutral design. The color selection would have to get a little bolder. The pastels are simply too soft. I bet the back is chopped just as the prius. I wanted to see the design more undistinguished or related to the Toyota. I guess the design criteria for aerodynamics and efficiency will dictate the design.
Little disappointed but not enough to stop me from ordering the Chevy Volt. Needs out weight the wants these days.
I still say the mid east oil producers can EAT SAND AND SUX OIL !!
GO-VOLT
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
What happened to the good sharp looks of the concept?
How about some shots without the suits in the way?
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I think it looks good. I’m looking forward to seeing it on video and in person.
You gotta keep in mind that GM didn’t want to take TOO many risks with the design of Volt 1.0. They didn’t want to make it look like an Aptera or the Mercedes Bionic you know. That would be going TOO far with modern, futuristic design styling with the low drag coefficient, etc.
http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/PeterPudney/France_2006/bionic.jpg
I’m sure that GM will have other E-Flex cars coming out in the next 5-10 years that will have just the style that people want. Larger sized cars that look like the latest sports sedan from BMW and maybe a few that look like the Corvette or Camaro might already be in development for model year 2013 or something.
For this first EREV, I think GM wanted to get the Volt on the smaller “compact” frame like what the Cruze will have. It saves weight and all that. The battery technology is probably not quite
good enough for a Malibu sized frame so they went with a Honda Civic sized frame. I think the overall styling reflects what people have actually been BUYING instead of what a hip designer at
Ferrari would like. That’s understandable if you are a designer at GM.
Bottom line, they need the Volt to appeal to a wide variety of people. Not surprisingly, they want it to sell like crazy. Not too radical a style but not too bland either. Here are the best selling cars in the world:
http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/archives/2008/02/top_ten_best_selling_cars.htm
The Toyota Camry doesn’t look all that distinctive and stylish but they sure as heck sell … year in and year out.
After this downturn year, GM definitely needs to have a huge hit and rack up the sales. I think Volt 1.0 will sell VERY well even if it’s not a super stylish BMW type sports sedan. Nobody could afford it if it did probably. I think GM’s exterior designers did a good job with the Volt. Let’s hope they do an excellent job on the interior and everything else too. The world NEEDS cars like the Volt to become dominant as soon as possible. It’s great to see that GM is out front blazing the trail for this new kind of car.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Why bother with a concept car (body) then produce a plain jane toyota look-a-like? I love the idea and may still buy one, but i’m disappointed by the bait & switch.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
The smart money for GM will come from the aftermarket for this car. If they provide the ability to add to the battery pack, or offer more powerful electric motors, they will definitely hit the ground running. I know they’re going to take a loss on this car for a while. ‘That’ is where they can make up the difference. Got knows there’s been a pent up demand for a major manufacturer to produce the independent parts of an EV, If they’re smart about actually implementing it, they can make a killing, but I’m doubting it.
They haven’t been much on forward thinking for a while.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I like the car but not so much the male models?
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I think it looks good. I’m looking forward to seeing it on video and in person.
You gotta keep in mind that GM didn’t want to take TOO many risks with the design of Volt 1.0. They didn’t want to make it look like an Aptera or the Mercedes Bionic you know. That would be going TOO far with modern, futuristic design styling.
http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/PeterPudney/France_2006/bionic.jpg
I’m sure that GM will have other E-Flex cars coming out in the next 5-10 years that will have just the style that people want. Larger sized cars that look like the latest sports sedan from BMW and maybe a few that look like the Corvette or Camaro might already be in development for model year 2013 or something.
For this first EREV, I think GM wanted to get the Volt on the smaller “compact” frame like what the Cruze will have. It saves weight and all that. The battery technology is probably not quite
good enough for a Malibu sized frame so they went with a Honda Civic sized frame. I think the overall styling reflects what people have actually been BUYING instead of what a hip designer at Ferrari would like. That’s understandable if you are a designer at GM.
Bottom line, they need the Volt to appeal to a wide variety of people. Not surprisingly, they want it to sell like crazy. Not too radical a style but not too bland either. Here are the best selling cars in the world:
1. Toyota Camry: 31,601
2. Honda Accord: 23,957
3. Nissan Altima: 21,635
4. Honda Civic: 20,993
5. Toyota Corolla: 20,736
6. Chevrolet Impala: 17,544
7. Chevrolet Cobalt: 17,310
8. Chevrolet Malibu: 14,105
9. Pontiac G6: 13,942
10. Ford Focus: 11,600
The Toyota Camry doesn’t look all that distinctive and stylish but they sure as heck sell … year in and year out.
After this downturn year, GM definitely needs to have a huge hit and rack up the sales. I think Volt 1.0 will sell VERY well even if it’s not a super stylish BMW type sports sedan. Nobody could afford it if it did probably. I think GM’s exterior designers did a good job with the Volt. Let’s hope they do an excellent job on the interior and everything else too. The world NEEDS cars like the Volt to become dominant as soon as possible. It’s great to see that GM is out front blazing the trail for this new kind of car.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
This is my second post…. I really wanted to be a GM customer cause it was american and its GM but the cars they’ve been making haven’t been all that great apperance wise but after this i think i’ll keep my 08 nissan altima……
The way i see GM needed this for there company so bad and now they left an opening for Ford to come in and scoop up all the disappointed ppl with there verson (which i haven’t seen)which comes out in 2013…. hope Ford don’t mess that one up too!
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I’m shocked….a four door typical looking car…how boring….and this is worth waiting for??!!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
What a total disappointment! Where is the flared front? Where are the wheels? Almost all the “beauty” that made someone drool about this car has been removed! GM, you really missed it! In the future, do NOT “tease” the public with your “concept-car” and then “switch” and present such a “run of the mill” body style… with as much excitability as every other gas conscience car already out on the market. I guess I will now take myself off the wait list…
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
First off, I’m happy to see a darker interior. My wife’s car has a lite cream color interior that looked great in the dealership, but looked real grungy after just a few months of daily (real life) use. Second, the faux grill concerns me. My first thought is, “What will it look like after 50,000 miles of freeway sand blasting?”. Will it come coated like new cell phone screens? Or will it be made of a material that will stand up to the frontal grit, sand, and gravel assault? Perhaps adding a coating similar to the front fork tube glaze being used on the new 180 mph motorcycles? Third, for $35,000 I am looking for a car with sizzle appeal. Although I understand the use of the 08 malibu/88 thunderbird/74 camaro roundness factor of the nose for fuel savings, I find the bluntness commonplace. I also find it somewhat feminine. Perhaps a Volt in gloss black will man it up a little. To conclude, this is a very nice first year offering for a post-lead battery power vehicle.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Hmmmm……it looks like everyother typical car out on the road today. Nothing about the design stands out like the original design did. I’d still consider buying one, but I’m not near as excited about it now.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Works for me. LJGTVWOTR!!!!!!!
#132 Jean-Charles Jacquemin:
Thanks for asking. It’s just been a really busy day. We are going racing this weekend, so race mode/tunnel vision takes over. I checked in first thing this AM, and this went up at about 10 AM PDT, so I just came in and saw it. 240 comments in 5 hours??? Awesome Lyle. It just goes to show how much interest there is out here.
I have said about 100 times that I don’t care what it looks like, as long as it gets 40 miles AER and 50 mpg on the “range extender”. I have also said that the wind tunnel doesn’t lie, so that there must be a common denominator somewhere.
Having said all that, It looks very modern and “form follows function” to me.
LVGTVWOR!!!!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Wow that is horrible. Looks like a prius stepchild. ICK. Not even close to the concept Volt. Honestly, I couldn’t wait to get my volt but now…. I don’t think so; NO WAY. I mean at least my Hybrid Altima looks good. Lost my vote.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Just a reminder Toyota has tried to change the Pirius’s shape looking ordinary and it did not work. I will still buy this car.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
First thought: Show me the plug! You missed the whole point of a PHEV by not showing the plug, or at least the plug-in port.
Second thought: Never mind. Mine will have a flux capacitor and “Mr.Fusion” fuel port.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
It looks OK, but not nearly as cool as the concept. Why is it that manufacturers always back off of the really good looking stuff for the sake of a conservative design. It looks like a Saturn and a Prius smushed together..
That being said, I was curious why the concept had such fat tires and large front dam, both not conducive to better gas mileage. I guess we are still planning on getting one. The problem is I think, the concept car LOOKS like a $35,000 car. This LOOKS like a $12,000 Kia. I know, I’m being superficial, but I had high hopes for this design, and this fell very short. It will need to be STACKED with standard options for it to work.
Americans are still Americans, and they want something they will be proud to be seen in. The Concept, Yes, this model….I’m not sure….
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
OK looking car, but if it was ICE powered, I wouldn’t go near it for more than maybe $15K. So is the plug worth $25K?
Here in FL we burned 8,406,200,000 gal of gasoline in 2007 (2007 Florida Motor Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Report, June 30, 2008; Florida Department of Environmental Protection). I think it would take a LOT of Volts to reduce foreign oil dependence by saving 1 gal/day.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Ironic. Americans have been screaming for a 4-door, highway capable, fully-electric car that doesn’t look like an egg and THEY FINALLY GET IT.
BE HAPPY. THIS IS GOING TO BE A BLOCKBUSTER. GM, start taking deposits early and gage the demand.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Disappointed. Come on GM, form and function are why I have been buying GM for 25 years. If GM is going to look like all of the rest, I will start looking at all of the rest when I purchase my next vehicle. Sorry.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
This car looks great!!!
For me to poop on.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Speaking just for myself, I like this design MUCH better than the concept. It looks as if it might fit my tall family in there.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Where do some of you guys see this as being a hatchback? There’s no frame around the rear window that would suggest this form, a la Prius or Matrix — I’m seeing a standard sedan type of boot. The black-colored part lifts up, with the opening split located at the top of the tail lights, running up to the fixed back window.
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September 8th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I am SO disappointed! I was looking forward to getting the sport car from the concept photos. Why on earth would anyone pay $40k for this prius-clone? I am for sure taking my name off the waiting list now.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Now lets see some production. GM just got a $50,000,000.00 US Treasury loan to develop EVs.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Just a world of disappointment again from the folks at GM.
Anyone remember the Buick Velite Concept, ya I was on a serious watch & buy for this car too but No, GM scrapped the idea after four years of development, so now you have to buy it from Lexus. Yes I wrote on a regular basis and the last note was rippled through the GM management staff, with how I thought the guys where chicken S*** to put something out there young or old would enjoy.
Looks like the same old crap, after looking at these photos, I wonder why GM didn’t just say they where going to make the Cavalier a Hybrid.
I was done looking, the Volt was it, done deal, now I’m going to be surfing for the car I thought I was going to get from GM.
Cheers,
Dave
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Way to ruin a good looking car. I was very excited to be possibly driving a hybrid that actually looked good. What a horrible, horrible looking car. Looks like an Aveo and a Prius had a baby. Yuck. Take my name off of the waiting list.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Just as expected - GM delivers something totally UNLIKE the prototype.
Hype up the prototype - deliver a Civic wannabe.
LOL @ GM!
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I’m amazed people are complaining that the looks have changed. We knew they would because the concept wasn’t aerodynamic at all. The reason the Prius, Insight and Volt kind of look that same is because the laws of Physics makes it so. Also, the concept had a roof that would probably wouldn’t fit anyone over 6 foot without hitting the top.
The last thing GM could afford to do is create a breakthrough car that has polarizing looks that only people wanting a “sport car” would like. Maybe Pontiac will have a sporty E-flex that gets less miles per gallon because it’s not as aerodynamic or more has more batteries.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Wow…what a dissapointment visually. This is hardly anything like the concept. Unfortunately for cars sex appeal has a lot to do with sales, and even though the car “technically” might be great, it’ll be harder to convince people it’s “cool”.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
OK, now let’s do a head count to see how many places we’ve moved up on the wait list….or not. Somehow I think that all these concept huggers will continue to post, albeit with a still great deal of wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Was anyone really going to buy, or were they just looking for a home?
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
A car will hit the road in late 2010 that will have 160 HP and a low center of gravity with 50:50 weight distribution. Initial torque at take off will be really cool to feel and the car will be quiet. It will be one more step in the goal of helping the US break its dependency on oil (ie: paying into a system that funds nuts who want to kill us) and it will give some the ability to drive without gasoline. I will have my “powered by nuclear” bumper sticker. Does it really matter that, in addition to all of this, it does not look like a small Camaro? For me the answer is no. I like the concept of E-Flex more than the Volt Concept body style.
To me, it looks very similar to the cruze.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Why do you bother making a beautiful exciting prototype/concept only to deliver a ho hum basic boring prius wannabe… GM you suck for this.. Looks like my hope of buying domestic is once again thwarted..
here.. want to see what a car should look like..
http://www.teslamotors.com/
check it out GM and learn alittle something!!!!
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Wow!!!! Just look what GM did. They took an absolutely brilliant concept and turned it into a “Pacer”!!!
American Motors… Who? The Volt… THE JOLT… THE JOKE.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
No wonder why they will go into chapter 11 ! Someone who mutilates such a great idea does not deserve better.
40 grands for this ugly box?
I fired up my kids for the Volt, now I dont dare to show them what this is going to be.
T E R R I B L E
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I love all the naysayers here - that means the list will shorten up! The VOLT is all about being (hopefully for GM) the FIRST mass-production Electic Car capable of driving 40 to 50 miles on a charge. That is BREAKTHROUGH mileage with ZERO petroleum used.
The car looks sleek - and from most angles IMO it looks more upscale than a run-of-the-mill 4-dr sedan. No question it did loose some of the concept’s edge in the windtunnel, but if that’s what it takes to get the range, I’m OK with it.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
What a downer - I was completely amped to go electric, but it seems like they have a team that took the concept and intentionally butchered it… this thing looks more like a prius than the beautiful concept they flashed around earlier… Good lord GM, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice beauty to make this thing work! Looks like I’ll be going with the Camaro - at least they didn’t botch that one up!
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I’m laughing at the response of the “fan site.”
Angular lines aren’t aerodynamic. Period.
Maybe they had higher hopes for an ‘electric camaro,’ maybe not; if they did, the Wind Tunnel spoke: and they fell silent.
It isn’t a bad looking car. It’s not the for-cheap Tesla that apparently half of you were waiting for, either.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Now that is one ugggggly looking car. You can have mine. I would rather pay the high price of gas than drive the smiling bubble car for a mere $30-40k. With such designs, it not a wonder GM is going out of business.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Well, they went and did what I feared all along. They took a great looking concept car and made it into a Mazda/Honda look alike. Why does GM hire all these fresh dynamic minds to design concept cars and then they bastardize it for sale to the public. I am VERY disappointed.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Definitely not as cool as the earlier versions…bummer.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Lyle, how about something in the site programming that disables the Gravatars for threads which run over 200 replies? I have to sit and scroll for a minute and a half waiting for all the icons to load, it’s really aggravating.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Hey, all you malcontents:
If you can find a better looking car, with a longer range, for less - you should buy it.
(Personally, I really like this one.)
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
It looks like a cross between an acura and a toyota. It would be nice to see the car and not some GM big wig I don’t care about. I can see GM really knows what the consumer wants (barf).
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
So much for the new outlet in the garage.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
They had an opportunity to turn out a striking, trend setting vehicle and ended up watering it down to look like a larger civic.
The system is right, the packaging is way off. I understand the difference between concept and production. However, chrysler seems to hit closer to the concept vehicle over the last 12 years, why can’t GM?
Sadly, it’s still about the packaging and I guess toned down has more appeal.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Disappointed!
Looks like a Corolla, but I guess thats what it takes to sell it to the masses.I loved the prototype, looked like something The Jetsons would have driven.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Here’s what it comes down to for me (and I would guess many others)
I don’t give much of a rats ass what it looks like. As long as it doesn’t look like a big turd with 4 wheels I’ll drive it if I can get 40+ electric miles before the ICE kicks in.
With that being said; the less “turd-like” the better.
For all those folks who are “I’m not going to buy this because it doesn’t look cool enough to make me feel like it’s an extension of my penis”… well… get the hell over it and buy a different car.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
If that ugly thing ran on gas… who would buy it.
[Reply]
September 8th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
WHAT ??????????
Are you kidding me?????????
A revolutionary car needs a revolutionary design!
I don’t like these pics one bit. To me, it looks like a beached whale mixed in with every other compacted on the road today. The idea was to make this car look revolutionary and maybe even start a new trend for car design based on the specific engineering requirements of an electric/hybrid car…not model itself after every cheap compact on the road today. This is a real disappointment for me as I was very very keen on supporting Chevrolet in breaking away from its usual poorly designed cars, I really was (let’s call a spade a spade). That was even despite the ridicule I got from the people I know about even considering a Chevy. (I reminded them that Chevrolet also makes the Corvette and that they have the technological know-how from the EV1). But even more disappointing for Chevy, I was seriously considering not continuing to purchase European cars (a convert new customer).
This Volt to me looks like a modern version of the Chevette (now to be called the Chevolt) and its designers did not keep in mind the importance of the cool factor in market entry of a revolutionary car. Instead you made it into a cheap looking car for the masses, congratulations, like that has not been done before!!! Since when do the masses not want a good looking car? The Prius sells well in spite of its looks. I expected more from Chevy’s designers who have shown their ability to be a bit edgy and aggressive in their designs (something Toyota can’t do for some reason). The concept car was beautiful, aggressive in stance and needed only a few modifications to make it modern (like fixing the front lights)! I wonder, do you actually save money in making he production version look like that, why would you do that? Why?
A revolutionary car needs a revolutionary design!
If the car actually looks like these pics I will not buy this… There is a chance that the pics are distorting the true shape and lines of the car. So, just in case, I am going to stay open to the possibility that the real thing looks better.
What a load of bad news today, from GM…
PS The next car I buy will have 5 star crash rating.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
WTF this is GD awful!! Why in the name did they drop the original prototype sexy look which was the real ‘pull’ to the car.
Although I think the drivetrain will be a good thing, the body design says Kia/Toyota/Nissan or even Hyundai!!! Come on GM, get off your asses and read the market.
I have never seen so much hype about a car prototype ahead of it’s time than the Volt, neither have I seen such a letdown by the the General.
What a letdown!!!!!
Lyle, take my name off the buyers list.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Is everyone who likes the look of this on CRACK??! This is such a huge let down. Granted it’s not as bad as it could be but where’s the innovative styling points they had in the concept car. Looks like GM is trying to play on the IMPACT success and send all these to the crusher in 5 to 10 years, claiming there wasn’t a market for them.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I knew the $40k Volt was out of my future, now I don’t feel so bad waiting for the car for the rest of us - the EFlex rebadged Opel - or can you say Saturn.
If someone comes out with an all electric with 150 mile range that is under $25, they got me.
If I can find a source for the Oasis batteries (supposedly twice the energy density of lead acid and not outragously priced) I will convert the old Bradley for around $10k.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I will continue driving my 1995 Impala SS. When I first saw the Volt a year and a half ago, I remember telling my wife “Now that’s a car I can get behind.”
Someone should give GM a corporate enema. This flotsam isn’t worth my time. To the people saying “Just wait for the 75k sports car!” shut it. My Impala SS was 24k off the line.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Someone wrote…”There is a chance that the pics are distorting the true shape and lines of the car.”
RIGHT!!! And those are hot women in bikinis standing next to them!!!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Certainly not as kool looking as the concept, and looks much like I predicted. Originally it was predicted to cost approximately 24k, but now I am hearing 30-40k, is this true? If that is the case, there are other efficient vehicles that are more cost effective based on lower base prices and 35-45mpg ratings. I really thought GM was going to do it right this time, but it appears they have settled for a more predictable and boring design to cut costs, and an increased price to take advantage of the market. I may also have to look at the Honda and other options. I currently drive a 2004 Honda hybrid that averages 42mpg on my highway commute and only cost $19,200. Now at four years old, 80,000+ miles, and no maintenance costs (aside from brakes, tires and oil), I can imagine a $35,000 Volt can compete with that level of efficiency!
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Unfortunately, this is not even close to how good the concept version looked. I was hoping GM would keep the sporty design. I think it would have been significantly more popular!
For me, this is DISAPPOINTING!
GM count on one less sale.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Well well well….
Big surprise. I thought, here is a car company that has finally grown some creative brain cells and made an electric car that actually looks like a cool sports car and yet again the’ve gone ahead and completely wimped out and have made yet another boooorrriiinnggg sedan that looks like every other bbooorrriinnggg sedan out there. I don’t care if it’s electric. I am toottallyyy let down. I can’t believe all you slacks wearing, golf playing losers like this boring a#& car.
Once again another car company caves in to the boring, uninspired masses who can’t handle a F^&%$ing cool car design. Here’s another car you can go get your groceries with….
Yaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy…
I officially hate the Vomit….I mean volt. I doesnt even deserve that name anymore.
Discusted
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
It looks….like a prius with a body kit.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
I like the sport one better. The concept looks better. Why not keep the concept sport Volt into a production look.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
thats an ugly car what happened to the volt we were promised , this junk looks like a toyota i am not interested in this body style at all you guys are a bunch of bums,,give me the proto type you showed in the begining,,this reminds me of that lame g.t.o you guys ramed down the publics throuth,,,a holes
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Concept was way cooler. Sigh.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
What the?
The Suits have taken over all that was COOL!!!
Get rid of the suits guys and put back on your jeans and t-shirts and build something that comes closer to the concept. Why do you think anyone liked it in the first place…the looks. It’s not like we were already driving them around enjoy the energy savings.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
are there any spare concept bodies that I might be able to buy before GM shreds them? Anything but this!
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Could GM be releasing shots of a decoy design to fool everybody? Wouldn’t it be exciting to see the actual Volt released in the near future with a look closer to the concept or even more attractive. At this point, the 2010 Prius and Honda Insight are more attractive and more futuristic designs. What’s happened to the company that was so innovative in the design department with cars such as the ‘66 Toronado, ‘63 Riviera, and even the Corvair! Let’s pray that GM is hiding the real McCoy for a near future surprise introduction.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
In 1964 Ford put a new body on a run of the mill Falcon chassis. They called it a Mustang. Obviously the “suits”… standing next to the “Volt” missed out on what sells. Wait… they weren’t born yet. Lee Iacocca!!!! Where are you!!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
a once beautiful car turned into a soccer mom, al gore, planet loving sedan, take my name off the list…………..
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
can this really be the final design? why would they put a false grill in the front of an electric car? seems like the front design would be better if they removed the grill and give more of a slope to make it more aerodynamic.
also, i hope they would put a couple of usb slot in the interior for ipods, cell phone chargers, etc.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Maybe they should change the name to the Chevy “Scrot.”
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
WOW! Sure looks like we have been invaded by negative people. Guess there has just been to much good news about this car. Sure looks like we have have some folks that do not want the VOLT to come to market. Its OK it will be a killer any way. JMHO
Take Care
Arch
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Loved the prototype… the production looks too much Prius like. The Challenger protoype looked 99% like the final version. GM has lured buyers again. A 40k$ car shouldn’t like a 20K$ econobox, electric or gas.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
What happened????????
They should call it the Chevy Prius. I was ready for a futuristic powerful look and I get a … a PRIUS !!!!
Oh well… I guess Honda beats Chevy again…. : (
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Using yuppies and old suits are corporate sponsors gives us an idea about the price strategy. Don’t be surprised to see MSRP over $40k. Otherwise, you’d have seen flannel shirts and jeans.
Nice car - but looks like it’s pointed at the Lexus/Benz/Caddy crowd.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Not nearly as futuristic as the concept, and more important, no trunk to speak of. I think the trunk will put a lot of people off. Still, deliver it for sub-30K and they’ll bite!
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
“…invaded by negative people.”…..? LOOK AT IT!!!! The before…. and the after!!!
HELLO!!!!
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Very, very disappointing. Did they mean to go for the highly-generic Prius/Civic/Corolla/Taurus wannabe look? I was 110% set on buying a Volt after seeing the sporty version profiled by Tony Posawatz at the Detroit Auto Show. Not now, GM would have to give me one of these puked-out monstrosities, and even then I would be hesitant to be seen in it.
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September 8th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Could not tell if a PV array was integ. with the roof, before everyone spouts off about not being much good, it would help sell the damn things!
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I hope GM is paying attention to this thread.
Granted, this is not the most objective group, but there is something to be learned here regardless.
There are a lot of people who want a car that inspires them, is cool looking, and be something that people WANT to own, not HAVE to. Be EXCITING!! Driving does not have to be something we dread. The Volt was a unique opportunity to produce something that might really change the direction of car design. Develop some brand loyalty as a car company that took a challenge and really delivered something special. There is nothing particularly inspiring about this car, except the tech. And that was a given from the beginning.
I think GM was boxed in by the early promises of range. There is NO WAY that the designers would have had this as their ideal creation at the start. BUT the range promise GOT IN THE WAY!
So now, this is what we have. I just hope that GM will be bolder and produce a Pontiac version (or whatever) that is more inspiring and creative. Let the range slip if it has too. The point is a 30 mpc cool Pontiac still saves huge amounts of gas over every other gas engined car.
The technology huggers can have their Volt. Please GM, build those of us who want a more creative, exciting car something we can be proud of too!! And it doesn’t have to get 40 MPC!!
The world needs choices. And if you don’t do this soon, SOMEONE ELSE WILL.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Nooooo!
The concept photos were so much cooler.
I’m extremely disappointed.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
lets see…. some 17 inch wheels, bra, tint… yea i think theres something to work with here
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Terrible, not at all like the prototype. I was really excited to buy one with the cool body style and futuristic interior. However, I already own a Prius…(thankfully my wife drives the ugly thing). Yet another dropped ball by our beloved GM…”generally mismanaged”
TM
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Noel Park #258 said: “Having said all that, It looks very modern and “form follows function” to me. LVGTVWOR!!!!!”
Amen to all of that brother.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Methinks the leak was on purpose. GM, Ford, Chrysler are looking for government backed loans. They are busting up on the rocks and its time to get that government cheese.
We better start drilling really really soon for oil because the 700 billion we are sending out of country is the hard place and the housing crisis is the rock. Alternative energy and this Chevy Volt will not be fully implemented for years.
Either way the economy is going to be really bumpy next year. I look for a stock market crash before the end of the year.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
They are oooooh sooooo dreamy! Why did they have to put the stupid car in with them. Those nerdy boys just electrify my batteries. Want a real ride boys?
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Well, the production car looks nothing like the concept. The fenders, side flares, beltline, and rear were unique on the concept and none of that was carried over except maybe for some plexiglass in the rear.
I’m surprised how many people are getting behind the production version after people have been agreeing that GM better keep the concept look “or else.”
That said, I thought the high beltline on the concept made it look ridiculous and undriveable although others interpreted it as “muscular” and “aggressive.”
The production car looks pretty much like any other American sedan these days, so at least it doesn’t look asinine, but it doesn’t look unique either. Whatever, at least I don’t hate it because of the styling, I don’t need to drive a unique car for this price range… although at this price, you’re in the range of BMWs and Nissan sports cars, which I much prefer on a looks basis.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
As many have pointed out, the concept it is not.
If ever there was need for testimony to the extremely personal nature of taste in automotive styling, this thread contains it. Euphoria to melancholy. “Sign me up” to “resign from the list”.
My view…”nice”, vs “cool” for the concept. But bottom line for me it is about the mechanicals.
I was suprised at those who thought this looks like the Prius. In my view, not even close to the jelly bean look, in significantly more creative.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
As many have pointed out, the concept it is not.
If ever there was need for testimony to the extremely personal nature of taste in automotive styling, this thread contains it. Euphoria to melancholy. “Sign me up” to “resign from the list”.
My view…”nice”, vs “cool” for the concept. But bottom line for me it is about the mechanicals.
I was suprised at those who thought this looks like the Prius. In my view, not even close to the jelly bean look, and significantly more creative.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Hey Rocky, tell me your not trying to get us to believe the production version looks better than the original. I saw the original in person, and it was a work of art. I have to agree with many of the people here, this is a disappointment! It looks like a Prius. Like you said, Look at the before (at the top of the page) and then look at the uncreative Yugo pictured below. Personally, I have been saving my down payment, but now I will have to look at the other manufacturers. I think someone mentioned Tesla Motors earlier, I’ll bet their sedan won’t look like a Prius.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
That’s quite a departure from the prototype. I prefer the prototype’s more beefier look. I wonder if the interior suffered in the same way. I might have to rethink buying one.
At least it’s better looking than a Prius.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
And for those of you who say that we should have expected the production to not look like the concept, that is BS.
Look at GM’s recent production intent concepts.
The SOLSTICE.
The CAMARO.
Both of these concepts are nearly identical to the production. A bait and switch WAS NOT GM’s recent track record.
Something else got in the way of this trend and we all know what.
the 40 MPC promise. THAT was the mistake from the outset.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
bah! Was I wrong in assuming the Volt was going to look much like the car in the top left hand corner of this page? This better have a kick ass interior cause the frame is looking very Honday Civic’ish. I had high hopes for the kick ass car in the top left. It may still win me over if it features everything it said it would do and if it were cost friendly.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
The same people who bought cars and changed the oil when the lifters started clattering… the same people who are still forever running out of gas… the same people who ride around on “donut spares” will be buying this piece of junk.
You’ll recognize them by their “baby on board” signs and the volts they drive.
This car is just that insulting. Shame on you GM.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Hey Great !!!!!!
The soccer moms and accountants of the world haven’t had a new sedan designed just for them in about 5 seconds now…
Add this one to the list.
Oh ya. All of those execs in the photos look like a bunch of pedephile school teachers.
Congrates on failing yet again.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I can’t wait to get my hands on one!
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Wow thats one ugly car sorry people look at the concept version & look at this, here we go again good ‘ol GM hying up a car & it turns out to look like blah! Think I’m bs I remember when Bob Clutz opps Lutz was on the Today show a few years back talking about the ‘New’ GTO his comments were “It’s a redesign of an American Classic” I said to myself CMON! I went out I got an Ford Cobra, I was waiting to see how this new Volt would turn out & telling my wife ‘We’re going green if this car look anything like the concept but again GM makes a PRIUS ! just like the GTO was a HOLDEN clone Toyota should sue GM. I’m going to get the Fisker Karma I’ve seen the test mule and semi production of this car & it looks like they said it would, how can a small company do it & also Tesla but not big loaf GM ???
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Okay-what happened to the GM exec quote in response to the Malibu mule sneak photos “The GM Volt production car will remain true to the concept energy and appeal”? Or words to that effect.
To those who think it looks new - I run a rental car fleet with mixed brands and the photos just shown looks like 90% of my current fleet which means I’m not impressed.
To those who believe function is more important than form - my 05 Honda Civic Hybrid has had me gritting my teeth with disdain since the day I bought it. And it only gets worse when I pass the two door versions of the same car that look 200% better than my econo-box.
To those who believe the design is a necessity of aerodynamics as opposed to the low lean look of the concept - please explain to me why the Corvette has such a low COD - or better yet - would this same car form above sell with a Corvette name plate on it?
To those who say buy a Camaro - I thought I was going to. The first thing I said when I saw the GMVolt concept was “Look honey, our next car! The looks of a Camaro with the economics of a “Green Machine”.
To those who think its worth $40k - buy all of them you want. GM will need the infusion of cash. If the price comes in over $30k I’m going to Torrance California and signing an order for an all electric Phoenix. At least then I’ll have a true EV to compensate for the four door utility look.
To GM Brass - thank you for staying true to your word on the Camaro. Too bad you can’t build the “revolutionary” GM Volt you promised.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Bruce # 336
uh, Bruce,,,,
Driza # 346
It isn’t a Holden clone, it’s Holden
I want to see it in different colors. Didn’t I order up some photo-shops awhile back? Geez, service today….
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Horrible, I am very disappointed this now looks similar to every other small sedan or coupe on the road in being GM’s try at the electric car they should have made it awe inspiring like the original pictures showed even more like the concept car we saw back in 2007. this to me shows no innovation what so ever unless you look under the hood
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Wonder looks and 40 miles all electric. I’ll take it.
LJGTVWOTR…!
I will see all you Volt Owners on the road. Cuz the time these cars get to the showrooms the price of gas will be at least $6.00 per gallon.
Take CARE,
TED
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I agree with Tim and I also have a Prius only I have to drive the ugly thing. Why can’t these cars companys figure out that when you make an agressively styled, cool looking car that attracts people…you don’t water it down to some lowest common denominator, every other guys car. Why do you think the PT cruiser was a hit…please don’t tell me it was all that Chrysler quality! Hey GM just make the one you touted out in all those auto shows! I would like mine in bright blue.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
The prototype is what I want…not a re-styled Prius.
Gone is the aggressively styled car…something that I would look forward to driving. I will stay with my F150 before I drive that bloated Prius.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Ted, you appear to be the only person on the internet who uses “LJGTVWOTR” - what exactly is it supposed to mean?
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
What a boring looking car…what a wasted opportunity!
If you’re going to design a revolutionary car with revolutionary technology, why not make it look revolutionary as well (or at the very least bold and distinctive)? This thing looks like a bland generic sedan that granny would drive.
Yuk.
The likelihood of my buying this car has dropped from around 70% to about 5%.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
This difinitely does not look like a $40,000 car. I understand that there is break-through technology and that the car would save me plenty on my 80 mile round trip each day … but this???
I’ll save my $40,000 for a BMW 328. It wan’t save me the kind of money that this might — but I won’t be worried about plastic panels turning ashy after a year (anyone ever seen a 2 year old Grand Am? )
I’m hoping that the car looks better in person — after a pitcher of beer on a dark night maybe???
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Every VOLT comes with a crusty old white guy! What a great promotion.
I hope I get the silver-haired version.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
This looks like the happy cars in that gasoline commercial. It’s not sporty any more. I’ll still buy one but I’ll need a discount cause the cool factor dropped 30%.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Everyone needs to calm down. You’re scared and confused.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I would rather GM produced the concept version with an improved hybrid engine that would give me 45 MPG vice 40MPC, and give it to me for less than $35,000.
Hey Scott, don’t worry, I am sure the interior has only the highest quality plastic and vinyl.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Yeah… what happened? I really loved the concept because it wasn’t another “cookie cutter” little box car. From what I can see, I can get a Malibu now and get nearly 40 MPG… What do I want to wait around for this for??? I’m so disappointed! This isn’t what we all signed on for!!! We wanted STYLE AND TECHNOLOGY! So…. where’s the rest?
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I am still pleased with the idea of the Volt, but what happened to that cool looking car that we saw in concept? I understand that some this might have had to change fo aerodynamics, but the windshield and roof along with the long hood and flared rear fenders made that car look hot. I think taking them away was a mistake. Now it has the same basic shape as all the rest. I want people to know I am driving a Chevy. How are they going to know that if it looks like a Prius?
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Looks like every other GM product I haven’t bought in the past 20 plus years. Guess I’ll wait and see what Honda or Toyota or Nissan are going to come up with. Sorry GM, I’m not paying 35K or more for that. Doesn’t look like slick concept car AT ALL!
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
WOW!!!
Where were all you people during the poll last week??
My fellow concept lovers … we got crushed in that poll and I demand a recount! Need a NEW POLL !!
It was a bit early, the T2 video footage was too fuzzy and the wording of the poll itself lead some people to vote based on the wrong criteria….
Like I said in #97 above, the death of the concept hurts…it really does…
I have been busy preparing myself for its death thanks to this site. We have been informed along the way that things were changing…it was going to die…concept designs hardly ever look just like the production versions…I fully understand how it works, I’ve loved cars since way before I could even drive them.
BUT this is a bit of an extreme case…the concept is not only dead but its bones have been stripped clean and its carcass is rotting all over the TV and on the internets (see banner at top) I dont want to see it anymore it hurts to see… just like old pics of that hot girl you let “get away” back in college.
I feel I would have been much better off having NEVER SEEN THE CONCEPT !!!
OK ok…hold on back to the mantra…
Its about the electrification of the car — not how cool it looks — forget the concept
‘repeat’
________
Statik #174
“I don’t think there is anyway they didn’t want to get these photos out ahead of the big party/reveal. They have gone all this time without even the smallest leak from inside the camp (which is/was impressive). They are just tempering the initial reactions, it’s not that uncommon.”
I want to keep with this line of thinking. I would cetainly think that if these photos were accidentally leaked on purpose that this very site would be stop #1 for the tempering of initial reactions…while I am a realist (as my mantra indicates) and I dont truly believe that we’ll get our beloved concept back ….maybe just maybe we can at least get a front grill re-design or some aspect of edginess to get slipped back in before official release….
NEW POLL Lyle….lets go !
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
First it’s $30K
Then it’s $40K
Now they’re talking $50K
10 years behind the Prius … when will GM ever get rid of Wagoner & Lutz? The virge of bankruptcy, and these guys have taken a U.S. Plug-in idea only to outsource most of it to other countries. It that what they mean by, “An American Tradition” ?? What a pity.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I’m really sorry but I have to be truthful…
I can’t imagine being cooped up in that thing for twenty miles each way… each miserable day… back and forth to work.
If that car happens to sell, me thinks DWI’s are going to be on the rise.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
UGH! Jackie Chan looks more like Brad Pitt than that looks like the concept car. I’m not sure that they didn’t take a 2009 Prius and stick a chevy bow-tie on it. If another manufacurer comes out with a plug-in hybrid at the same time, I’ll definitely be taking a close look at the competition.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Please GM … back to the drawing board and come up with something more 21st Century looking. This looks too much like a Prius.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Keep in mind that the is no way a $40,000 Scrot @ 40MPC can even come close to the value or efficiency of a $20-25k Hybrid at 40-45 mpg. Even if you save 2k a year in fuel, it will still take approximately 7 years to make-up the basic difference in base price alone. If your willing to consider a boring, cheaply manufactured GM product, buy the $16,000 Cobalt. It get about 30mpg for thousands less.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
UGH! What kind of milktoast designers got their hands on that eye-catching, “can’t wait to have it car” and turned it into an ugly Prius stepchild. Time to re-evaluate purchasing one. I don’t plan to have children, so f*%k the environment…give me an 8 cylinder Camaro!
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Oh man, that’s got Toyota Camry written all over it and has been neutered of any coolness. GM is so spot on with front-burnering this to transform their image, but how about a commitment to making the outside of the car edgy, too? Remember, these are early adopters buying a sporty technology product, not families looking for the most practical and inexpensive choice. This is GM’s chance to shine. This is their chance to bring all of us who swore we’d never drive an american car again back. Not looking promising.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Well I’m out. This is very dissapointing. I feel like I have been cheated on. Are these pictures a joke? I was sold on the look and idea of the concept. The idea of an electric commuter vehicle is not groundbreaking. A “good” looking sporty electric vehicle is. Perhaps the 70+ year old GM suits in the pictures think this looks good. I think they really blew it. Is there nobody at GM with enough courage to speak up in the design meetings? This design is the Emperor’s new clothes. Oh well wait another year or two for Chrysler or perhaps another company outside of North America to come up with a great looking design without the problems the version 1.0 Volt will likely have. Is it any wonder that the North American car companies are in trouble? How much did they pay the genius who thought of putting an electric motor in an ugly vehicle? If I wanted a Prius or a Gremlin I would already own one.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I’m really, really disappointed. I’d actually rather have a 30 mile range and have the exact original concept vehicle. It was exciting, like nothing on the road. Daring, bold, dramatic and had incredible flair and appeal. Now, it looks much like any other car most of the auto companies are making….rounded, bland, ordinary and so, so Prius like.
Good grief, the excitement we all felt has now fallen into the toilet. Yeah, the technology is fantastic but it’s not the sporty, exciting car that was envisioned. It’s now so rounded and blunted that it certainly won’t turn heads when it approaches you! I’ll wait to see what the other companies come out with especially if it’s over $30,000. Under $25,000, you might still get my hard earned money.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I guess I should have posted earlier it would seem alot more people are squatting on my side of the fence.
I said it before, if you can’t win the hearts of your home audience…it’s not good.
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I don’t know if anyone is still reading way down here but the ‘official word’ from GM on the ‘leak’ is this:
“DETROIT — General Motors Corp. blamed “human error” for the premature release today of production model photos of the Chevrolet Volt, the automaker’s much-anticipated, yet little-seen, extended-range electric vehicle.
Ten photos were briefly posted on GM’s media Web site, and an external site, and promptly picked up by auto bloggers around the world.
“Those were put up in error and taken down quickly thereafter,” Chevrolet spokesman Terry Rhadigan said. “It was not intentional.”
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There is about 4 people I think in the world believe this story. Someone, with full access, just happened to accidently put up ‘mission critical’ pics to the website.
They know they didn’t hit a homerun developing the Volt and they are getting the critical press out of the way now…giving the Volt a soft landing for the big debut at the centennial
Linky (Detroit News):
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080908/AUTO01/809080428/1148
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
#140 Zita, Copper colored (Sunburst Orange II Metalic). Thanks.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I like it. A pitch black one for me.
The comments saying how it looks to be in the same style category as a Toyota Corolla or what-have-you are true, and given that, I hope GM realises that car won’t sell unless it’s under $30,000. Even then, people will balk, given it’s style category, at any price over $25,000.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
ewww. It’s a tin can. I’m definitely not spending $40 grand on that!
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Looks like a honda civic. I wouldn’t pay 40k for a honda civic looking chevy. The original Volt actually looked original. WTF?
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
It seems I’m pretty much alone on my view here. Bob Lutz said the Volt would be different, you will know it’s a Volt, etc. As far as I can see, it looks like 90% of the other cars on the road, from all mfgrs. I mean take away that it’s a Volt because you’re told it’s a Volt and I think you’ll have to admit that it looks much like any other car. I’m still hyped on the Volt concept, but the style? I’ll have to tell other people it’s a Volt because there’s nothing special about it.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I would take myself off of the waiting list it there was one. The concept looked amazing, but this looks like a Malibu. Boo to Chevy for getting my hopes up on an awesome new sports car!
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Geeze that thing looks like the concept’s short plump cousin. What a disappointment.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
If this is what it will actually look like, please remove my name from the waiting list.
Thanks
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Sorry GM, that’s not what I wanted. Look at the concept car posted on the top of the website and take a second look at the car posted in this article. Not even close. You want me to pay $35K or more for this? My consumer dollar will be going somewhere else. Maybe Ford will get it right. If not, I’m sure Honda, Toyota or Nissan will.
I was willing to go out on a limb before to buy another GM product after 20 plus years. You promised a cool-looking, modernistic piece of art with that concept car but this isn’t even close.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Wow, what a huge disapointment! When I first saw (and fell in love with) the Volt it was on public display at Pier 39 in San Fransisco last December, it looked like a cross between a corvette and ferrari and would have given the Tesla Roadster a run for it’s money, now the production model looks like nothing more than a sedan and it looks to be marketed as a business coupe by the photos. Well, if this is it take me off that waiting list i’m no longer interested!
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Are you guy’s nuts?????!!!!! Are you looking at the same car as I am? Except for the name, …it looks like the concept how? This thing is butt-ugly. It looks like any-old economy car. The rear doesn’t seem too bad, but the front/side looks like an Accord-Prius! Even my 10 year-old was let-down when he saw it. I’d probably still consider buying one, but I won’t delude myself and say it looks even good! “Hold your nose and save some cash” should be its logo! Maybe print out pictures of the original and these photos and look veeeery carefully. They are not similar!
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I personally am very disappointed. I was attracted to the sleek prototype, and very sorry to see the typical GM look that is very boring to me. I would not buy this car. I’ll keep searching for an electric car that excites with looks.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
To those who believe the design is a necessity of aerodynamics as opposed to the low lean look of the concept, please familiarize yourself with the Tesla. Yes it is substantially more expensive, but it proves that you can have style, performance and electiic power all in one package!!!! 0-60 in 3.9 sec; 220 mpc, and 256 mpg equivalent. You can drive this for less that .02 cents per mile!!!!!
http://www.teslamotors.com/design/gallery-body.php
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I loved the concept. I’m bitter…. really devastated. Ok. BUT WAIT!!!
Maybe this is a GM joke and they’re just looking to see how many people truly love the concept Volt and when they unveil the real Volt that looks almost identical to the concept EVERYONE will flock to buy it!!!
YEAH THAT’S IT!!! Yeah sure.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
If it looks like this and not the concept car, my name might just dis-appear from the waiting list unless they can get this car under $30K. I am not going to pay $40K for an average looking car, it better look more like the concept.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Can’t wait to get mine!
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Fugly!! GM did it again. Take a fantastic concept and HOMOgenize it into GM blah. You must all be GM’ers for life. I’m taking my name off the list. I should never have gotten my hopes up. They do this every time. None of those execs have the guts to pull off something cool.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
VERY NICE! I like this styling MUCH more than the concept car (which had that 1960’s “Car of the Future” glass-n-chrome thing going). I expected one of the stars of “Mad Men” to pop out with a martini in one hand and a Lucky in the other. This styling has a 21st Century look.
I will say, if GM wants to put electric cars on the map for good, they need to introduce their “electric” people to their “muscle car” people and come up with a kick-ass lightning-bolt to melt some ICE.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I like the look of the concept Volt better. This one looks like a malibu kind of. The aggressive look of the concept is a perfect match for an electric car. It should be a head turner. I wonder what the inside looks like?
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I saw the original concept Volt in person in San Fransisco last December - the car in these pictures is nothing close! If these are true pictures of the new Volt I believe the engineers responsible should be looking for new jobs!
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
#374 statik
“I said it before, if you can’t win the hearts of your home audience…it’s not good.”
True. But in my case, while I agree the concept looked interesting, I never felt any interest in purchasing one of those. This … this is a sedan and I’ve always been a wagon guy … considering that I’m not planning to replace my current car until 2012 anyhow, I’m hoping for a sport wagon or CUV variant by the time I’m ready to buy.
But that said … taken as itself … I honestly don’t see the resemblance, that so many are ranting about, of this to a Prius. I have two friends who’ve had Prius’s and this looks both larger (based on the first image with the gent leaning on it and of the one of Mr Lutz leaning on the hood) and not quite as smooth and rounded. This DOES seem, to my eyes, to have more “style” than the Prius. But that opinion is based on a few relatively low res images … I really need to see it in person before I can really decided how I feel about it. But that 40 mile AER is going to color that opinion. I can’t help it … it will.
One question to those complaining of feeling “let down” … when was the VOlt ever advertised as an “Electric Sports Car”?
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Ohhhh la-la. I want mine in Sterling Sliver, muy pronto. But give me a few weeks to sell an airplane.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I’ve been around long enough to know that concept cars rarely make it to production for some reason. This looks like every other boring car on the road.. the concept car was very cool.. what was wrong with that?. I think that they must look at what their tooling inventory is and see what they can use as “off the shelf” so they don’t have to re-invent the “styling wheel” and pay for additional tooling/production equipment as little as possible. I’m sure that this car will appeal to all of the “Green Nerds” out there, but I thought that this was to be a mainstream car for the masses??? (I’m not a tree hugger). Also.. looks as if there is no trunk space of any kind so they could save weight, which is understandable I guess. I appreciate Chevy being forward looking in producing an electric car.. too bad the outside doesn’t reflect the cutting edge technology they are creating on the inside.
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Totally poo! No wonder GM is going down the tubes! You had the world in your hands! Who are the designers an execs? How could they live such sheltered lives? Are they actually PROUD of this?
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
The original concept car looked like an old muscle car from the 60’s retro’s for the 21st century. This car looks like they dulllllll”Yawn”llled it down a bit. Sort of looks like a Malibu or anything else that is on the road right now. I would have stuck with more like the concept car. Hopefully the interior is more exciting and not Plastic Vantastic like for did to the Mustang
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September 8th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Please get me off of this web site the car is as as square as the GM guys showing it. I wait for this please…… Honda Civic is not cool but it is $20k. guess we got to go global. got a friend that got a smart car cool and cheap
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