Grab our RSS Feed
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:
- GM Releases Pictures of the Chevy Cruze and Invests $500 Million to Build it in Ohio
- The Day The Volt Was Reborn
- Interview with Chevy Volt Chief Designer About the Production Car: Plus Leaked Pictures and Video
- Production Chevy Volt to be Revealed in Less Than 5 Months
- Opel E-Flex Pictures Leaked Ahead of Official Frankfurt Anouncement
(79 votes, average: 4.09 out of 5) 
Loading ...
Posted by: Lyle
September 8th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Wow Cool! Not a bad looking car.
First Post!
September 8th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Looks pretty attractive to me . . .
September 8th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
It can’t be the real thing. Lutz is not wearing his pink tie!
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
September 8th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Sweet!!!
When do they start taking orders?
September 8th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
YAY!!! Now they just need to release the car so I can get mine!! I love it.
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.
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/
September 8th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
This is awesome
September 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I’d be happy to have one in my driveway! Nov. 2010 seems soooo far away!
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?
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.
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?
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?
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 . . .
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?”
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?
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!
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!
September 8th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
it looks more like silver green, can you say money green?
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.
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?
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 !
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.
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 !
September 8th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Does anyone know how tall Tony Posawatz is?
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.
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.
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.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
It’s ok verging on acceptable.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
How do we make a deposit/down payment?
September 8th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Looks good to me. I still want one
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).
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.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I wish the designers would get out of the way!
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.
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.
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…
September 8th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
To those who don’t like the styling, stick around. E-flex is just getting started.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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 : )
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.
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.
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
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.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Nice!
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Well looks good, What worries me is the price tag.!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!!!!!
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.
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.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Boring!
It should look more aerodynamic and futuristic. This looks…ordinary.
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!!!
September 8th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
It looks way better than the EV1 - finally, a conventional look for revolutionary tech - always a winner.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
UGH..they turned my sleek sports car into a malibu. WTF ???
the design team should be shot.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.)
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!
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………
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.
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
<>
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.
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!
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.
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
September 8th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Utter disappointment!
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…
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).
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?
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.
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.
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!
September 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
great..except for the weird pics of the guys in front of it..
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!
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?
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………
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+!
September 8th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
must…stay…focused… …losing…interest…fast. too prius/econobox!
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
September 8th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Do us all a favor and pull the plug now…
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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)?
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.
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……..
September 8th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Did anyone else notice the Non-Body colored roof???
Solar panels anyone?
September 8th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Hey, Startik, Nasaman, Noel, where are you ?
I like the car, not you ?
JC
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
September 8th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Personally I’d rather own a 1914 Detroit Electric.
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.
September 8th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
We should have a poll to see what the popular opinion is on this site now.
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?
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?
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.
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:)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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)
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
September 8th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Beautiful! Has the current Malibu styling which I like.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Lame.
The concept was sexy. This is almost as ugly as the Prius.
-Thor
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.
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.
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…
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
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.
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.
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…
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.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
What happened to this?
http://www.thetorquereport.com/voltfront2-thumb.jpg
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?
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.
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?
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…
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!
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…