AND 
The Day The Volt Was Reborn
After more than a year and a half of following the Chevy Volt’s development on a daily basis, nothing was more important or profound as today, the day GM revealed the production version Volt to the world.
First of all there were hundreds if not more than a thousand media people present. Most with far superior technology and access to legions of assistants. I am an army of one. I have done my best to get you the latest photos and information, but there is a lot to consume. Keep posted over the coming days as there are many stories to tell as well as your questions answered.
I think the car is absolutely beautiful. That’s my opinion. It’s lines are clean, refined, and very sleek. It does not look like a Prius. The people involved with building the car were entirely pumped. Jon Lauckner, VP of global program development showed me around the car and his pride and glee were palpable.
There is one charging port, on the driver’s side, right behind the mirror. The rear sharp edged corner was striking, and the front grill although closed was clean and well done.
The car clearly speaks to the future and to its electric drivetrain. It sits very taut to the ground with wide stance and rake and looks like it will leap when the accelerator is depressed. And I’m told it will, thanks to instantaneous torque.
The roof and belt-line continue the dark theme. No-one would say what the final Volt roof will be made of, except that there will be options. On the new showcar, it is painted steel.
Anyone getting up close to this car wont be disappointed. There is absolutely nothing like it on the road.
The interior was also quite unique, comfortable, and undeniably futuristic. There are two vivid 7 inch LCD screens that will provide a plethora of customizable data. There are two perfectly placed cupholders in the front and the back. There will be many appearance options.
A clarification is worth mentioning. A CNN article quoted me as saying GM-Volt.com readers were disappointed with the design. I was referring to last weeks leaked photos, not the images of today.
I was told there are four units of the model shown today, the other three being shown around the world.
Today is a key day for the future of this country and our quest to get off of oil. I believe GM has hit the nail on the head with this one. This car is and will be a winner.
Much more to come, and the next chapter of GM-Volt.com has begun.
And thanks to Fred Potter who created the new logo for GM-Volt.com!
271 Responses to “The Day The Volt Was Reborn”
Recent Posts
- Ford Unveils Transit Connect Electric Cargo Van, Will Enter Production This Year
- Chevrolet Chief on Volt Supply and Demand
- Jaguar Says Only ‘Self Charging’ Extended Range Electric Cars Make Sense
- Op-Ed: Prius Halo Damaged; Toyota Pressured to Announce Recall on 270,000 Units Already Sold, as CEO President Finally Breaks Cover
- GM Sends Dealers 2011 Model Year Ordering Guide: Includes Volt
- GM Partners with NASA to Build Next Generation Robots
- If Electronics are to Blame for Toyota’s Vehicle Failures, What Does this Mean for the Volt?
- The Chevy Volt Fuel Tank will be Sized to Deliver 300 Miles of Gas Range
- Video: How the Volt Works
- GM CEO: Volt Will Roll out Simultaneously in US, and a Billion Dollars Couldn’t Bring it Sooner
Recent GM-Volt Forum Posts
- Volt Test Drive by Vancouver EV Association February 8, 2010VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- General Motors issued a very special invitation to the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association last week to drive the... […]WopOnTour
- gasoline cars are like smoking . . . . February 8, 2010interesting article, better presenting what I've had a hard time putting into words (which is why HE's a writer and I'M... […]prowler
September 16th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Lyle, Thanks again! Seems like my original post was premature. This is the future and you were instrumental. I just hope that GM will recognize you for your efforts, they were monumental.
Five years from now we will all look back and say we had a hand in making history.
Again, Congrats and thanks!!!
September 16th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
The Concept was WAY WAY cooler than the release model.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Lyle,
Thanks for the work, and I hope your optimism is warranted. No doubt, these photos are more flattering for the Volt.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I was hoping for the more aggressive sporty version. The concept car was easier on the eyes. I’m still interested but I wanted to look at a car with a sports car appeal.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I really like the looks. It does not look like the Prius or the new Honda Hybrid (that looks just like a Prius). But the powertrain is
what really makes me excited.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Why not fixate on the enormous geopolitical, economic and technological consequences of this instead of how the first version looks.
That said, I agree with Lyle, the new version looks much better than the concept to me.
Lyle, sincere thanks for your role in helping catalyze and sustain the Volt movement.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
The car now speaks for it’s self the the Quality of the one shown puts the Mass production Quality bar way up there. What I mean as there cranked out of the assembily plant the interrior parts matching what was shown today. Weather the dash consoles are installed so they don’t look out of place or a loose panel that’s What I’m talking about. My mom got a new car panels meeting in areas were not in line there were loose door panels the dealer had to fix all this stuff
the speedometer gear was missing off the transmission stuff like that from a new car yet it made it to the dealer like that.
My point is it’ll be interesting to see if GM can pull off a mass amount of volts as clean as the car was put together for the Unvalling today
September 16th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Lyle,
You have worked very hard on this and we all appreciate it. The car looks great to me. It is somewhat unique and people will come to recognize it quickly as the Volt. GM’s electric car.
Nice Job.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
The production version is much better than the concept, IMO. I don’t want to drive an art project. I’m not saying it was ugly — it’s great. I just don’t want something crazy like a Plymouth Prowler.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
This is by far the UGLIEST car i’ve ever seen. It’s nothing like the concept. I was willing to give up performance for looks. This monstrosity has neither. I’m removing my name from the mail list and will never again pine for a GM.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Does it have the Volt drive-train? If so, any pics?
September 16th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Lyle again thank you for all you do, now get gm to get this out to us we need it right now, not when oil prices get down like the gm guy on cnn said in a interview today standing along side the volt hes just waiting for oil prices to come down again and thinks it will in a few months————————-NO PLUG NO SALE
September 16th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
I think we’re just getting paid attack-trolls (#10) now.
Without naming names, Lyle (you have access to IP addresses and email addresses): roughly what proportion of these “UGLY CAR” trolls are just spouting off here, having never joined the wait list (or even, posted before)?
September 16th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
This looks excellent!! I always thought the concept car looked stupid and impractical. Can you imagine a family of 4 climbing into that sandwich? This is supposed to be a daily driver not some kind of sports car. I’m so glad they designed a real useful car. I love the lines of it, and given that it does reach 64km on electric I certainly wont need petrol any more! Go GM! I cant wait till it comes to Australia.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
By the way, GM engineers and designers (and everyone whose titles I’m not aware of and who were involved):
GOOD JOB!
The Volt looks great! I love the black color on top of the doorsill and the roof – the accent-color roof is just like my Mini. the colored LED marker lights remind me of BMW. The indent in the middle of the hood give the impression that it’s large and powerful. I also like how that line continues on and is repeated in the side of the grill. (continuity of sight lines is something I find lacking in a lot of GM cars – lines appear and don’t continue) I like the ’smiling squint’ shape of the headlights. The sloping rear window looks great and must have been a bear to work with. I like how close the rear axle is to the back end — again, like my Mini, it must help a lot with the handling. And thanks for being tasteful with the logos and icons … No gigantic ugly bowtie, just little ones. If you just made the bowtie silver it wouldn’t clash with the silver trim (any woman will tell you you don’t mix gold and silver jewelry), but hey it’s just a quibble.
ROCK. ON.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
GM & Lyle:
Nicely done!!! I am very pleased with how the car turned out. I would be even happier if I could go buy one at my local dealership.
Bravo…
September 16th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Great job, Lyle. We appreciate the effort that you and the entire Volt Team have put forth. I’m sure the car is futuristic and beautiful, as you have described.
As far as all the negative comments, I’m sure this quote from Will Rogers is probably most applicable:
“There is one guaranteed formula for failure, and that is to try to please everyone.”
September 16th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
The center pedestal layout is oh so fly. Stylish AND functional.
Say you pick up your main squeeze for a drink and snack at the local drive-in. The sonic babe passes in the goods as you hand her a fifthsky and tell her to keep the change (loads of extra cash on hand now that your donating less to Valero). The two route 44’s slip comfortably into the volts cup holders . . but wait! What do you do with your tots? Not to worry. Just slide the volts shifter back home to the cubby hole and you’ve got a perfect tot tray.
Nice! That’s what I call pushing the design envelope!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Roof options? Yes!
Full-tinted glass roof for me.
Sun-roof that can open, even better.
Your photos are exactly what we needed. Of course CGI is going to look perfect.. we want to see what it looks like for real
September 16th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
We’re definitely on track. PUSH the envelope GM! What a difference between this vehicle and the one we saw in the “leaked” photos. I have no problem with this at all and I take back what I said about electrification of the Cruze, not a bad idea, but the Volt is much better looking than I imagined.
OUTSTANDING job!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
WANT.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
I still want a rear center seat I dont’ care where the battery is positioned.
I would have really loved it if you could have made the entire front console a touch screen.
and I would have moved what appears to the be the ignition button no a place that isn’t so easy to accidently push (i.e which is the radio button and which is the ignition button)
September 16th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Lyle:
GREAT WORK, as always!!!
Now that we know what it will look like inside and out, what is the next step?
Maybe it is time to announce the battery contract.
And I think it is time to get to work on the assembly plant!!!!
One other thing – Would it be possible to get a list of the auto shows where the production Volt will be on display? I would really like the opportunity to actually see one of these cars up close. They never seem to get to the Cleveland Auto Show. It would be worth the trip…
Thanks again for all your time and effort!
No Plug, No Sale
Go GM – Go GM Volt Team!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Very, very nicely done GM. IMHO if someone doesn’t think this is a well executed, clean design (and somehow likes the original design better???) they can buy a homely Prius instead. I’d buy this car. I wouldn’t buy a Prius or the original design concept. Those designs are heinously ugly relative to this one.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
@#10
Bret,
Was your spot <15003? If so, I will gladly take your spot. I can’t wait to get one of these!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
I give this 2 thumbs up. Next step…to the showroom then my driveway. I can’t wait. GO Volt! Go GM!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Bret #10
Sayonara, we’ll miss your cheerful, optimistic candor, lol. Stick with your Prius.
Lyle, its good to see you next to your baby.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I like it. ‘Nuf said!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
You don’t like this Volt ?
I’d be glad to switch numbers with anyone lower than 37,000.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I’ve never owned a GM car.
This I would get.
As far as the roof…
…please the option of SOLAR PANELS.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Stunning…truly stunning. I love this car.
Other than the fact that the Volt will be a production-model plug-in (which in itself is enough for me to want this car), it is also stylish, clean, and a truly beautiful vehicle.
After this car is on the road, there will be no doubt that it is a Volt in the eyes of the public. The body design is that unique.
It is very hard to create a car that looks different from existing vehicles on the road, but GM has now made this accomplishment, and done an amazing job.
This is the day most of us have been waiting for. We have demanded a plug-in hybrid from GM and now have it. This car -will- happen, there is no doubt about this now.
At first I had my doubts, but do so no longer. I know that this car will be made.
I am grateful for the rollout of the production Volt and grateful for all that Lyle has done to make this day happen, and for him keeping us up to date along the way.
I can’t think of a single day that there wasn’t a new post with new information about the car. Because of him, and the sacrifices he has made for this cause, we are all more aware and better informed members of this community.
This is a great day for America and the world.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I’m not impressed. I really liked the concept. A smaller, likely lighter, two-seat roadster would be perfect for commuting on the claimed battery range of ~40 miles or less. Most people commute ALONE. Or go to the grocery store ALONE. Or run errands ALONE. Why make this a big 4 seat cross-country touring style car? It might be great for carpools, but most people are too antisocial or self-centered/self-involved for that it seems. Maybe for a small family? But how often are small families (four total or less) all together and going less than 40 miles? I still like the drive system idea, but the packaging sucks.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Lyle, when will you update the photo on your site and get rid of that unsightly, chunky concept car? You might want to leave it up for a couple more days for those living in the past to download and view in their more melodramatic moments harkening back to the days when aerodynamics didn’t matter.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Very Nice! GM has raised the bar, for the future of the automobile.
Thanks for the update.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
A nice gentle glide into the 21st century. Someone once said: “Nothing goes out of style faster than someone’s vision of the future.” I think this car’s looks will hold up for many years and the technology will set the standard for many decades. Way to go design team at GM and way to go Lyle!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Hi Lyle,
I’ll bet you’re still totally awash from the adrenaline (lol). If/when your feet touch down, please take a minute to be proud of yourself! One man CAN make a huge difference!
It’s going to be a great ride for the foreseeable future. You’re used to marathons and this one has the first 12 miles behind you (us, vicariously).
Congrats!
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
WOW. From the first leaked photos I liked the front of the concept best, and the back of the production better, but seeing the front (of the production) from a side angle, I’m floored. It’s smooth, sharp, and low, I love it. The interior is awsome! Amongst the ney sayers, I like the white console. I could go for something different than the pattern on the door panels, but other then that, no complaints. I would buy this car. It looks nice, has a powertrain that has monumental importance, and will be built (lets hope and pray) mostly in America.
Lyle, thank you for this site. It has informed countless people and has given me hours of information every week. Well done!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Lyle, your coverage of this precedent-setting event has been truly outstanding —THANKS!
I recall a few “gems” from the live chats I participated in this morning with John Lauckner, Bob Lutz & Tim Greg………
1- The Volt does indeed have a so-called “closed” grill (meaning it’s only purpose is cosmetic)
2- The wheels are 17″ and they employ low rolling resistance tires
3- The Volt uses a “top secret” transmission that “other manufacturers have never even thought of” (Bob Lutz)
4- The windshield & rear hatch will use a special “solar glass” to minimize the load on the battery by the HVAC (Bob Lutz)
5- The materials, fit & finish of the interior will be comparable to that of the CTS Cadillac
6- The sound system will be highly advanced in terms of both audio performance and low power drain
7- A HUD (heads up display) will not be offered because of its heavy power drain
8- All windows will be electric (not manual) because lowering all windows (rather than just cranking down the driver’s window) draws less power than would be needed by the HVAC to initially cool the interior
9- They are considering offering an optional solar cell roof
(Many other things were noted that the transcripts should include when available at GMNext.com)
September 16th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Did they let you peek under the hood? That’s what I’m most interested in. The car looks great. Did it roll out with it’s near-production electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack? If so, that’s really something! How did the back seat look? Too humpy? Can you give us an idea as to how complete the car was? Say 95% exterior, 85% interior, 65% drivetrain complete? If it was just a shell driven by a ICE power chassis that would be very disappointing.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I liked production VOLT better than concept. I felt concept too awkward and odd.
Congrats GM! You have hit the bulls eye..
I think it will send shivers down the spine of Toyota and Honda.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I am a Corvette owner who was actually thinking of trading for the Volt. That thought is now a thing of the past. GM took a futuristic, sporty looking vehicle and turned it into another Prius/Accord boring just like everything else on the road car. What a disappointment! Too bad the Tesla costs as much as a Ferrari, at least they’ve got a good looking design.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
#38 nasaman Says: “3) The Volt uses a “top secret” transmission that “other manufacturers have never even thought of” (Bob Lutz)”
————————————————————————————-
Huh? I thought the Volt didn’t have a transmission. The electric motor has great torque from 0 RPM to 100 MPH.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
GM,
Please make a version that doesn’t have white shiny plastic on the interior. This is becoming a deal breaker.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Lyle, I’ll second Tag’s suggestion that you take a moment and reflect on what you have done with this web site. Truly an outstanding job.
Also a nice job of reminding us last week that “pretty is as pretty does.” It’s transitioning from oil to electricity which is important.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
The only thing I hate…I have to wait years!
September 16th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I am disappointed with the look as well. I was hoping for a futuristic sports car, that didn’t break the bank like the Tesla, and that would be available to all of America, not just selected suburbs in California. The world does need the technology, for that I say thank you GM, but when you show the concept as a sports car, that is the audience that you will attract. To change it to another Sedan, now the only appeal is the milage, not the looks. Bring out a sport version along with the family assault vehicle!
September 16th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Oh my God. We waited soo long for this? Why have a concept car design that enthralls us then Switch it out for the look of a Saturn? Darn you GM you goofed again!
Looks like i’ll be shoping for the new Honda Insight.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
When the first pics came out, I was instantly un-interested. The new pics show off the car in a much better light so to speak and I’m impressed. I’m pissed that they didn’t stick with the concept look, but I like this look also. I’m interested once again!
-Dustin
September 16th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Lyle,
Thank you for all the hard work. We all appreciate it!
This is a well designed car.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
OK…OK…ok. Better than the leaked photos which had a STRONG familial resemblance to a certain Toyota. These photos of the production Volt show a distinctive car that nobody will mistake for anything else. It doesn’t have the same visual excitement of the concept to be certain but it does have a great deal more practicality and that interior is downright edgy.
All in all I think GM has a winner, if the price point stays within an appropriate range. I’m a little bit scared about that given the current Tahoe Hybrid structure. You can only buy that totally “tricked out” north of $60K. My guess is the Volt will start out too high for the masses, priced for the early adopters who will gladly pay a huge premium for bragging rights. If GM wants a really long and predictable waiting list on which they can very accurately program production…price it right up front.
I’m baaack!
September 16th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
I can’t understand what all the fuss is about how the car looks.
Because I’ll hardly use any gas. OK, I’m an admitted pollyanna from Berkeley. But one day we’ll have one less oil war because we’ll be driving electric cars. Go, go, go GM!
September 16th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
_____________________________________________________
……..;the power of one.
_____________________________________________________
September 16th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
My request to all who don’t like the production Volt… Please remove
yourselves from the list as I am in the 12000’s and will gladly take your
petty places… Thank you Lyle for a great site and all the work and
publicity you have given the Volt.
The next two years will be exceedingly long…
September 16th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I sort of like the looks, I actually prefer it over the concept. Just tossing in my two cents to the people at GM. Hopefully it will be affordable, would not mind having one.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Isn’t that just like GM. They try to hide the way the car looks by putting a sexy model in front of the car. Oh! That’s you Lyle.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
After looking very hard at the new photos, and those that Lyle took in person, I am beginning to believe that this car may look very different up close and personal than it appears in pictures. I am still disappointed that the car was tuned so precisely for aero and that the sides appear to have little texture or flair, and I would have preferred another inch or two on the wheel size, but it continues to look better to me.
(maybe I am truely moving on from the concept……)
I just hope that GM can offer up ASAP a few other EREV vehicles with different styling cues.
Also hope the battery can be produced quicker than anticipated. I still think, if GM is having issues with battery life to the point that they may price in a replacement, they should just simply DESIGN in a replacement and relax some of the battery specs, have more of them made cheaper, and get as many EREV’s on the streets as possible right out of the box.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I hate to say it but compared to the original concept model of the volt, the production volt really looks like a piece of shit. I see the big picture, chevy is trying to manufacture a highly efficient vehicle that can save us all from high gas prices. But why can’t they do that and make the freaking car look at least decent as well. I’m all for snubbing the oil companies but when I drive down the street I don’t want the other people on the road to laugh at my pathetic prius wanna-be-driving existence. There are lots of people on this forum who admitted they hated the new design at first but then find that they’re becoming accustomed to it. Why? When you first saw the leaked photos you almost gagged because you thought it looked like shit, and it does look like shit. So don’t settle. Just wait for another automaker to take the hint and build something that satisfies your desire for a gas free lifestyle while also looking half decent.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Lyle, thanks for all you have done on this…
I agree the looks are not as good as the original was BUT I STILL WANT ONE…
September 16th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
After seeing the “leaked” photos, I was concerned about the finished product. However, this vehicle is not as horrendous as I once imagined. The lines are decent and there are enough styling cues to identify it as more than just a Prius.
Granted, I would have preferred the concept, but this is a nice looking vehicle that will find its way into my garage, when it becomes available to AZ.
Lyle, great job…as always.
To those who can’t stand the looks of the vehicle, your negative tone is noted. By all means, continue spending your time on a pro-Volt site by trying, in vain, to convince the intellectually sound individuals who frequent this site that this vehicle isn’t right for you. After all, why bother with a technologically, ecologically, and financially superior vehicle anyway, right? Well, more for us…
September 16th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
WTF? What happened to that beautiful car? It looks like a Chrysler Sebring. Way to go GM! It’s no wonder they are circling the drain.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Now GM, please get some price info out. I need to start saving up now.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Lets see.
We are talking about saving the planet – one gallon at a time or if you wish not sending the money over to Bush’s pals the house of saud.
So, what do people complain about ? How the car looks ?!
September 17th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Lyle,
Keep up the great work. These photos do look better than the leaks. Unfortunately, IMHO, it is quite Prius-like. Oh well. Might wait for that Saturn E-Rev.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:06 am
To my eye this is much better than the concept. Bravo GM!
Only two years to go. What exactly are we supposed to do for two years?
Perhaps Lyle will be in the test group and will be permitted to blog about the experience. At least that way we can live vicariously through him.
Stephen
September 17th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Well – it’s not as sexy as the concept (IMHO), but it does look “pretty good.” The interior appears outstanding.
They should give Lyle one for free for all his effort and support.
Can’t wait to own one…the way I drive, I’ll almost never have to go to a gas station again…no more greasy, gas-coated pump handles, no stepping in oil/gas puddles, no hassle of the extra stop, and of course – no $4 gas! Looking forward…
Thank you GM for making this happen.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Just as ugly and borring as the last email photos. I now officially hat e the VOLT. I want my name off of the email list .
A total wimpimng out on the design. Terrible.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:13 am
I realize this techology is relatively new, but 40 miles on a charge? That’s really pretty sad. It certainly won’t be a practical, gas-free ride for the vast majority of drivers. But it will be a novelty.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Oil is dropping fast. Now $91/barrel and still sliding. If the economy stays in the cellar for another year as most people are predicting I think oil may drop below $60 next year. At $50 the Volt will be in big trouble, they will easily sell 10K but never approach 100K. If oil becomes cheap I look for the Chevy Cruze to be a much more viable mass seller and the Volt just a niche player. The big oil companies have absolutely nothing to fear from the Volt. Even the most optimistic forecasts have EVs selling only a million vehicles in 10 years from now. Anyone who thinks the Volt will reduce M.E. oil dependence, well, I have some nice property in the Houston area just for you.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Ugly, drab, boring, predictably safe. Take my name off the list. Instead of taking a small risk with the design, they mainstreamed it till it looks like any other soccer moms car. Hopefully when this dosen’t sell they will save the drivetrain and put another body on it instead of crushing them all.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Those 7″ displays look a little small. I was hoping for two 10.2″ LED backlit beauties like I have in my netbook. I hope they have a virtual keyboard so I can do some serious texting while I am cruising down the boring freeway.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:22 am
I was hoping for 8.9″ display.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:27 am
I hope at least half of those Volts will be sold in Europe. It is only appropriate as the modern automobile was invented here. The USA should not be stealing our thunder. If GM does not open a Volt assembly plant in Europe we may be forced to boycott all U.S. products in the future.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:38 am
I wish the american people could hear themselves….Spoiled brats….We shouldnt even care what the hell the car looks like….If it is aerodynamic and increases fuel efficiency, then it is good….These spoiled brats should have their cars taken away from them and have to walk or ride a horse…..Our gluttonous, material excessive, impulsive nature is allowing foriegn nations who hate us get filthy rich from oil sales…..While I think this car is a great step in right direction, there should be no gas engine in the car at all….The batteries should be better to allow more miles per charge….(tesla motors e.g.)With a electrical motor there are no pistons, so no oil is needed…..No oil changes!!!! If everybody in the USA had an electrical car, we could flip our middle fingers to OPEC….That should be the final goal of this technology….Not how you look with those sunglasses on with your Big Mac in hand driving down the road……Get a clue America…..We should of had inexpensive electrical cars by now, not prototype expensive models…..
September 17th, 2008 at 12:40 am
The Volt will require mandatory dealer maintenance at regular intervals, otherwise it will become disabled. Oh, GM forgot to tell you this ? That ain’t all they didn’t tell you. Buyer Beware. You might want to consider the improved and proven Prius by the time Chevy actually gets this contraption on the road. At the current pace it looks like Nissan will be the first mass producer of EVs. Ben Dover OUT.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:51 am
Americans must stand tall and proud. It is your duty to purchase a Volt to keep our undisputed automotive leadership in its rightful place. I hereby call on all loyal Americans to buy GM and stick it to the Germans and Japs and those commy Russian bastards. Its a new day and a brighter tomorrow on the horizon, we must marshal our soldiers and conquer our enemies near and far. Let no man challenge the great American car company. If you stand in the way we will crush you and show no mercy.
G. Patton
star star star star
September 17th, 2008 at 12:53 am
I too was a little disappointed when the leaked pictures came out. But after getting used to it, and seeing the new production photos, I’m excited about buying a Volt. My commute to work is 20 miles round trip, and I go another 4 miles to the gym most days, so I will rarely buy gas for it. Will probably have to put Stable in the tank.
P.S. where is the exhaust pipe for the ICE?
September 17th, 2008 at 12:56 am
Hey Lyle,
Great job! I just have to say, you ever been on a race track? I would love to see a Track report…
Bring a stop watch, better yet practice with a Prius or something. Then we could have a comparison!
Red HHR
September 17th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Long live the VOLT.
I new GM has been born.
To the rest of the world: HERE WE COME !
That shiny silver thing rapidly approaching in your rear view mirror is a Chevy Volt so kindly move over and show some respect. The General is baaaack !!!
September 17th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Lyle wrote: “I think the car is absolutely beautiful. That’s my opinion”
I wouldn’t expect you to say anything else
In any case, the important thing is this is another milestone that hopefully means the Volt becomes a real mass produced production BEV in possibly as little as 2 years from now!!! As for looks, GM obviously took the conservative path of making it look like most cars already on the road so it appears to the most folks…. I’m not most folks, I’m one of those that actually likes the look of the Prius, and the original Insight, my boxy looking ‘87 Nissan Sentra and my square back ‘00 Volvo S70. Hopefully by the time I’m ready to buy a BEV I’ll have more choice than just the Volt, and that includes other models from GM as well!
September 17th, 2008 at 1:06 am
#76 Grinder
The exhaust is simply redirected into the A/C ventilation system. That way you can silently kill yourself for ever buying this piece of junk.
P.S. I should know. I make cars for a living.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
September 17th, 2008 at 1:15 am
I have to add my voice to those who have expressed their disappointment in the latest version of the volt. The Volt concept WAS an extremely welcome departure from the boring and docile design language that has seemed to dominate green vehicles such as the prius and honda clarity. The latest edition of the volt simply looks like a Chevrolet cruze. It seems to cry “we ran out of money and had to share with the cruze to get this thing out there.” Which is fine, I understand. But, I had to chuckle as I watched the designers talk about changes that had to be made to the car to make it more “aerodynamic”. http://www.gmnext.com/Videos.aspx?id=478f2170-60c1-4215-8a5b-0e135261902d What i think they really meant was changes that had to be made so they could re-engineer the Chevrolet cruze to make it look different enough to not call it a Chevrolet cruze. Once again, the newest volt concept dissapoints–reverting to something my hippie grandpartents would drive not something sporty and fun a la Cadillac CTS the original concept proposed. I think GM had made a smart move with the original design…departing from standard hybrid design language. After all the Volt represents a whole new ball game. Unfortunately this message isn’t carried through in the design as it once was. I’m still excited about this car. It surprises me that the auto industry has taken this long to catch up to what the locomotive industry has been doing for over 1/2 a century. Nevertheless, my personal excitement own one/drive one was taken down a notch by today’s unveiling.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:17 am
How about a track day, we could all bring our current rides and compare them to the Volt.
I think it would be a blast! We all have a bit of Walter Mitty in us. I would imagine some of us even have more than a bit.
Red HHR
Voom Voom
September 17th, 2008 at 1:21 am
OK, dumb question. What does a Volt sound like??
Red HHR
(a real quiet)
Voom Voom
September 17th, 2008 at 1:48 am
That thing is so awesome!!!
The look is amazing compared to the concept. The HUD looks awesome!
YESSS!!!
September 17th, 2008 at 1:48 am
#51 George Bieier;
“I can’t understand what all the fuss is about how the car looks. ”
Because they want $35k to $40k for it and some of us were hoping and dreaming that there was a future with electric vehicles that didn’t have to look like exactly what we expect an electric vehicle to look like. To some people, the automobile is more than just a generic thing to get you from point A to point B. Some of us, based on the original concept, were lead to envisioning that the car of the future would be fast, sexy and a truly fantastic revolutionary vehicle. Instead, it would seem that it is somewhat evolutionary.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the propulsion system of this new car and truly believe that it is the bridge to the future. It’s just that the packaging and pricing of it is rendering it to be Prius II instead of the true game changer I believe it could have been. Thousands of well to do folks will buy it for all the right reasons. Millions of others will wait and see what else is coming. While the lure of driving on no gas will be enticing, the rational accounting of the cost of the car, coupled with the ho-hum packaging, will cause most to choose elsewhere.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:56 am
I was really looking forward to the Volt coming out and possibly purchasing one based on the concept. The production model totally has changed my mind. It’s looks like a bunch of other cars and has no appeal whatsoever. I will wait for a more attractive car with similar capabilities. GM loses big points with me for this. The concept Volt was so much more appealing and GM should have done more!!!!!!!!!!
September 17th, 2008 at 1:58 am
All you naysayers who say the production volt looks like a saturn or that it is ugly can shove it. You guys are the niche buyers. Go buy a niche car. This car is for the future of American innovation, pride, and the automotive world. This is a smart looking advanced car that appeals to the young and old. That iPOD like dash and nice lines are very modern and production practical. GM was thinking outside the box. Sorry you guys didn’t get a futuristic IROC-Z for 30 grand. Can’t wait for my first GM car ever…
September 17th, 2008 at 2:29 am
I hate this website – if you forget to put in your name and email it clobbers your comment when you hit the back button. I’m not even going to retype my comment. I’m just going to say this website sucks until they fix that problem.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:10 am
Lyle, thanks for all the updates and fresh information. Unfortunately, the production design is too vanilla, while the concept design was unique and striking. Driving a car is more of an experience for me and if I’m going to be driving something that has uninspiring looks, there has to be a big plus to balance out the boredom I’d feel walking up to my new Volt. For some, the fuel economy will be the plus. For me, I need to feel excitement while driving the car and enjoying the road.
BTW, it’ll be interesting to hear how these things do where there is even a speck of snow. The Prius is quite poor in the snow with low friction tires and I’ve had friends which have either traded in their Prius for something better in the snow or others had to buy ’snow cars’.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:41 am
53 CBK – “My request to all who don’t like the production Volt… Please remove yourselves from the list as I am in the 12000’s and will gladly take your petty places”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My request to CBK – Sit on an ungreased traffic cone while holding the entire 26 volume set of the encyclopedia brittanina. Really. I gave up on the Volt, but I’m keeping my name on the list because of trolls like you. Whiner !
Just because the wind tunnel won, and the concept (which I loved, BTW) lost, is no reason to rub it in our faces. With all due respect, you can go to “Volt waiting list” hell. And have a nice day – Troll !
September 17th, 2008 at 3:57 am
Like I said when the earlier photos were “leaked” by accident, this production Volt is a huge disappointment. The design changed, the price is slowly creeping higher and higher, and its still two years away from being available to the public. Maybe by then one of the overseas car manufacturers will make a more efficent car that is as futuristic in appearance as the tecchnology under the hood.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:03 am
I like the aggressive look of the concept, but it was a great idea to dial it down for the production version. This is still an attractive vehicle, and by all rights even more attractive than the concept. It is obvious that great care was taken when designing this final version. The trolls are morons.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:15 am
Stop reading and start WATCHING. This thing is awesome as the video clearly shows.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080917/COL14/809170388/0/BUSINESS01
It’s on the top right of the page.
Anyone know where this video is in higher rez?
Still don’t like it? Then you’ve got an agenda.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:21 am
13 Jackson and 87 Mike37
If you want to find the trolls, look in the mirror. The wind tunnel has spoken, and the production Volt won. You won. So why the attacks on posters who liked the concept Volt ?
Some people loved the concept – count me as one. But does this matter to Bob Lutz – not any more ! The production Volt is a MUST, to achieve the target of 40 miles AER. “I hate the production Volt” posters are ignored by GM, so there really is no reason to attack them. Just say “I really like the new Volt – I can’t wait”. No need to become a troll about it.
I am treating the new Volt like a bad blind date “Just keep telling myself, Looks aren’t everything, she’s got a nice personality. You can get through this.” I have 26 months to get ready for this “bad blind date”. I may even learn to forget the concept Volt, and actually like the production Volt by then. (But the white console has got to go – yuck!)
September 17th, 2008 at 4:27 am
I am very very disappointed with GM’s design change of the Volt. The concept design was a beautiful car and attractive. The Volt was my car but I am not so sure now. Goes to show you that American car companies remain out of touch unlike their foreign brethern with the American people.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:28 am
Like I said – watch the video of the real Volt in action. It’s low. it’s sleek but volumous. It’s profile has shape from every angle. No flat sides like a Prius.
When looking from head on you can see the wide stance. Say whatever you like but this thing is going to turn heads in a good way when it hits the road.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:30 am
Lyle,
I think you should post a link or better yet embed the video at the top of the page.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:36 am
74 Benjamin Dover – “The Volt will require mandatory dealer maintenance at regular intervals, otherwise it will become disabled. Oh, GM forgot to tell you this ? That ain’t all they didn’t tell you. Buyer Beware. You might want to consider the improved and proven Prius”
+++++++++++++++++++++++
I love conspiracy theorys !
Here’s another – Onstar can listen in on everything you say, and record everywhere you drive 24 hours a day, and send this data to Homeland Security for analysis. They can also locate every Volt ever built via Onstar, just in case GM needs to recall and destroy the Volt, like the EV1.
The truth is out there…
BTW – Benjamin Dover – Ben Dover – “Bend Over” – I get it. Did your mommy help you think up that one ?
September 17th, 2008 at 4:38 am
The only thing that annoys me with this car is the IPod-lookalike white shiny center console. Make that matte black or dark gray and I’m sold too!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:44 am
This failed from the concept design. This is a Prius!!!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:50 am
Here’s 46 real photo’s:
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/2011-chevrolet-volt-1/1039676/
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/2011-chevrolet-volt-1/1039676/full/
I really like #23…
Check’em out…
September 17th, 2008 at 4:52 am
We need motor trend or edmunds to preform a test ride for us. Well, maybe not edmunds. They have already crucified the Volt on visual appeal. On this they are obviously off base. The car looks just fine.
Lyle, what did the car feel like while standing next to it. Like a BMW, Lexus, Taurus, Malibu, Focus (gak!) or Sebring?
Did you get a chance to check the underside? Smooth like a VW Beatle?
September 17th, 2008 at 4:53 am
this is not cool, not in the slightest, damn you GM you managed to destroy the only cool thing you had going for yourself
they should just release it as the concept, make the body shell out of fiberglass or carbon fiber for extreme low weight and aerodynamics can go to hell
September 17th, 2008 at 4:57 am
This one is really nice too.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/2011-chevrolet-volt-1/1039683/full/
September 17th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Late to the party again.
Lyle, You seem so upbeat, happy, and proud. Good for you.
The work you have put into this site is truly amazing.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:18 am
That look is not gonna cut it. I was sold on the concept. Too bad they didn’t keep ANYTHING from it’s design.
You can give mine to someone else. It looks too much like a Prius that mated with a Malibu. It might sell well as a Granny sedan.
You guys need to lose that grill, OK? Once (Malibu) is enough.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:22 am
Wow – the Pontiac Aztec never looked so good!!!!
September 17th, 2008 at 5:25 am
Excellent Work GM
All GREAT except the white console – the light reflecting of that would give me the “Beeep”.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:33 am
I thought the GM webcast was a total snore-fest until the last 3 minutes (when they rolled out the Volt). I don’t really care what cars they sell elsewhere in the world, and most of the “hosts” looked and sounded like they were forced to read a script at gunpoint. Here’s the link to the GM Webcast. All 68 mostly boring minutes of it, except for the last three minutes.
http://www.gmeurope.tv/webcast/
Well, it looks like the Volt will not be sold in any US state which requires a front license tag – the Volt’s front end has absolutely no place to attach one. That is a requirement in the state where I live. Seriously, there is no way to attach a front tag to the Volt without damaging the front end, and ruining the aerodynamic flow. Look closely at the Volt’s front end – does anyone see a place where a front license tag could be installed ? I don’t.
If any of you also live in a “front tag required” state or country, you have my condolences. It’s not easy to watch your dream die on a worldwide stage. You could always move to Pennsylvania or another “back tag only” state, but I’m stuck in the state where I am, for now.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:35 am
Awesome, and for those of you who don’t like it, good ridance! Go by your internal combustion engine prius and hondas. This E-REV rocks!
September 17th, 2008 at 5:52 am
This car is the real deal, and it’s about time. I don’t understand the negative reviews about the looks, since the original (pre release) design looked like something frankenstein and his family would drive. Go buy a hummer if you want keep livin’ large. Congrats to GM for having the guts to go the full distance with the best design for its purpose.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:13 am
#38 nasaman said:
8- All windows will be electric (not manual) because lowering all windows (rather than just cranking down the driver’s window) draws less power than would be needed by the HVAC to initially cool the interior.
_____
I’m not sure what to make of that. Will there be a sensor to detect interior heat and when it is above a preset limit, all the windows will roll down for that initial cooling?
If so, I hope they take safety/security into consideration (like a woman getting into the car) along with places like SW Florida where it can be very hot and the sun is shining but it is still raining cats and dogs exactly where the car is located.
Can you provide us with more information?
September 17th, 2008 at 6:21 am
The Grump, # 109.
I live in a state that requires a front tag. I have never put one on my Hyundai which I bought in 2002. I won’t put one on the Volt either.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Dear all (except some “trolls”),
Thanks for your supportive comments and the change of mood since last week.
Thanks to Lyle evidently.
And I say to EuroVolt #79, do not be so hard, European carmakers export a lot toward North America.
International trade is a win-win game if the rules are fair and clear.
I’ll be a first customer for the Volt even if it is US made. GM-Europe announces it for the end of 2011.
No plug, no sale. LGTVWOTR !
September 17th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Thank you Lyle for your passion on this project.
While on the outside, this car does not match my ‘vision’, I understand that the value of the car lies underneath…and for that I am excited.
My only hope is that GM can produce the volume of cars that the public will demand and at a price that the average American Joe (or Josephine) can afford. (I already did the ‘waiting list’ thing for a PT Cruiser years ago).
PS…I hope they don’t make a ’solar collecting’ roof an option…it should be standard equipment (how long will it take for our Electric Utility companies to replace the oil companies as greedy profit takers…oops, they already are!) THE SUN IS FREE!
September 17th, 2008 at 6:28 am
LOVE IT!!. Can’t wait to get my hands on one!!..
September 17th, 2008 at 6:30 am
So with the redesign GM got to their number of 40 miles AER. Since that was the main thing they were advertising and indeed was the justification for the entire Volt project, they had to do what ever they could to reach their target number. No matter how mundane and common it looked.
The well advertised concept car’s styling is what Really stirred everyones imagination and created the excitement, but, it only reached 35 miles AER and that wouldn’t do. 40 was GM’s magic number.
The other part of the equation is cost. When first announced, the projected target cost was $30k. Then as the car was refined a little more they were talking about maybe it would have o cost $35K or even $40k. And with this final part of the equation is where the problem is.
The majority of the people will not pay $30k, $35k or $40k for such a common and boring looking car. A car that looks like 90% of the other cars on the road today. Which in itself is another problem. The Volt is not available until November of 2010, which means it will be in the 2011 model year, so now you have a 2011 car that looks like a common 2008 vehicle selling for $35k or $40k. Plain and simple, It Won’t Sell, it might sell if it was $25k. However, the concept car would indeed sell, even if it did hit $40k.
There is a solution. offer two models, the production Volt and the concept as the Volt ES (electric sport). Clearly advertise that the Volt gets 40 miles AER, and the Volt ES only gets 35 miles AER (or whatever it turns out to be). GM, let the buying public show you which car they want to drive. The concept will win hands down, but the real winners will be GM and the country. Having an electric car will not help the country get off of oil, if no one buys it.
My thoughts, and sorry for the long post but it has to be said.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Post says “First of all there were hundreds if not more than a thousand media people present. Most with far superior technology and access to legions of assistants. I am an army of one. ”
————————————–
Amazing how one good person can provide more facts and more interesting opinion, with greater integrity. Thanks!
September 17th, 2008 at 6:34 am
#112 Estero — It just means that the driver can put down all the windows, and then the driver can bring them all back up, as usual. Nothing new, just nothing lost.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:36 am
#109 The Grump. I’ve had earlier GM cars with no visible front bracklet for the license plate. They were easily added, with a bracket from the dealer It’s nothing to get excited about.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Lyle, any chance that GM is going to tour with the car to get direct buyer feedback before things are too set in stone?
Here’s an idea. How about an invitation by GM to the folks who have signed up on the waiting list to come out and review the car or they could bring it to major cities across the USA for us to evaluate.
I’m fine with the exterior shell. Aerodynamics and weight are the first factors in the energy performance equation.
My concerns are interior console design and overall reliability / affordability. Here’s were I would like that opportunity for a direct look and feedback session with GM’s engineers.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:42 am
I just heard this mornings news. They talked about the reveal of the Volt yesterday. They also talked about the price range. If the price is going to be between 30 and 40 thousand, you might as well take me off your list right now. You won’t become the # one auto dealer that way.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:42 am
#112 and #119
Due to the designs of almost all the newer cars, contrary to what you might think, the car gets better mileage with the windows up and A/C On than it would if you drove windows down and A/C Off. The additional drag caused by the wind when the windows are down, actually hurts your gas mileage.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:43 am
FANTASTIC JOB LYLE!!!!!
Now it’s down to “How much will it cost?”
Perhaps it also time to expand this site to all things E-Flex.
Also:
GM Working on New Li-Ion Anode and Cathode Materials with 3X Present Capacity
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/09/gm-working-on-n.html#more
There is MUCH speculation that GM will begin manufacturing their own batteries.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Everyone interested in this car’s becoming a reality might wish to stay focused on the next steps. GM seems to be close to a commitment, but not quite there yet — no battery contract, no actual production facility under construction. The fact sheet said that production would begin in late 2010, not delivery, and the USA today article quoted a GM spokesman as saying that dealers would first receive cars in early 2011, which seems to be a few months later than originally described.
I am optimistic and think the steps involved in real Volt production will happen soon, perhaps with a little slippage on the calendar, but best to stay focused and keep urging GM on. We are not entirely out of the woods yet.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:44 am
I’m more interested in what is inside than out. The stuff I don’t care for is fixable (black roof – hot want body color, fake grill – the cruz grill is a better looking one, the white console – they are offering other colors). The basic body shape looks better in these pictures (and I suspected last week it would). Now the sticking point is the price. I think if you dropped the ICE and the spare battery, the price could get down to the mid to low twentys. Rent a little trailer with a ICE generator for long trips, don’t force us to cart it around 24/7.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Well, I take back what I said about it looking like a Prius. It looks exactly like my girlfriend’s 2008 Ford Focus. I think the fabric on the seats is even the same. O.k. that’s a styling critique and, yes, I should be happy with what this thing is going to do for the environment. HOWEVER… if they can’t come up with something that looks more different, I have to doubt that what they came up with actually RUNS different.
What this car has to do to be economical, regardless of environmental friendliness:
Mid 90’s gas prices $1.50 / 20 mpg = 7.5 cents per mile
Mid 2000’s gas prices $3.00 / 20 mpg = 15 cents per mile
Curret crisis prices (ryhmes, huh) $4.00 / 20 mpg = 20 cents per mile
Fixed gas mileage @ current $4.00 / 7.5 cents per mile = 53 mpg
On average, considering longer trips and all those days you forgot to stick the plug in, will this car get anywhere close to 53 mpg? That’s probably up to you and your driving habits.
And our electric bills have been rising. If you haven’t noticed. Will our electricity infrastructure be able to support that many electric charging cars? We have trouble supporting AC in the summer without rolling blackouts.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Allen @ 32:
A smaller, likely lighter, two-seat roadster would be perfect for commuting on the claimed battery range of ~40 miles or less. Most people commute ALONE. Or go to the grocery store ALONE. Or run errands ALONE. Why make this a big 4 seat cross-country touring style car?
GM wants the Volt to appeal to the masses, and the masses do not want a two-seat roadster.
While most people do commute alone, I’m not sure you are correct about the grocery store and errands. Regardless, I can always drive alone in a four seater, but I can’t travel with my wife and 2 kids in a two-seat roadster. The bottom line is that a two seat roadster will eliminate as potential customers just about everyone that has kids–and many other people.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:57 am
As I have said before another POS Chevrolet product. I hope the battery pack can run the Air or Heat while we set in traffic for hours on our commute. At least the prototype looked better and as for aero dynamics, well my ‘06 Vibe GT will top 140, but were are you going to run a little Grocery Getter that fast and who would want too! GM had the opportunity to amaze the auto world and passed on it again, what else is new. Hope a lot of the Prius owners come over, however I doubt that will happen, that’s why I drive the Vibe, Toyota builds a really good car.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Good job Lyle and GM!
I understand the reasoning for the Production Volt design.
I (again) am willing to pay my hard-earned money towards the Volt–with the hope that the engineers and designers produce a RELIABLE vehicle. The Volt has about two-thirds fewer moving parts, so there should be less issues/problems (I hope).
In all fairness (I think) GM has learned their lesson(s) based on prior mistakes GM has made in the past: Corvair, Vega, Buick Diesel, Fiero (my family has owned all these models so I am very familiar with all the problems associated with these cars).
For those going thru the GM Concept to Production process the first time..I remember (20+ years ago) anxiously waiting for the production Vega from the Popular Science design concept–not only was that an intense dissappointment but the aluminium block engine was actually ill-concieved. The Volt production car (at this point) seems to be significantly better than what GM has done in the past.
GM, please get all the “bugs” out before you sell the car (I will still however buy an extended warranty just to be safe)
September 17th, 2008 at 7:08 am
I’m really amazed by the neagtive reactions of some people to the production version of the Volt … “the ugliest car ever by far” … “a monstrosity” … “I’ll never buy another GM car.” Are you serious?
Let’s face it, the concept was impractical on so many levels that you had to know that it would never be produced–as is the case with most concept vehicles. If you are so shallow that all you care about is how the car looks, and you think that GM should have produced the concept version simply because you think it looked cool, I really don’t know why you would have been interested in the Volt in the first place. I don’t think that was ever the point of the Volt.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Thank you, Lyle for your unwavering dedication to helping GM realize that they actually can build a car that people want and that’s innovative if they really want to.
I would also like to thank everyone who is sorely disappointed with the Volt’s “production” design, the people who would’ve preferred the concept body. Even though I’m like #7000-something on the wait list, the less of you buy a Volt, the better the chance that others further back on the list can get one that DO like it.
Thank you, GM for restoring my faith and my curiosity. It seems that my former Silverado isn’t the only Chevy I’ll ever own. I appreciate when someone takes the initiative to do something when our government is either too non-chalant or too incompetent to do it…
…yeah, I said it.
2011 Volt (and I almost don’t care in which color)
September 17th, 2008 at 7:10 am
I know that car uses a plug. But that car may (or will) required some of that stinky stuff we still put in our cars. Especially up north to heat up the battery before we can go when it’s temp is cold enough to have a coffee freeze over from way to hot to ice cold in 5 minutes.
Question is: Where did they hide that ugly/stinky “gaz port” ?
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS! (As tag now puts it.)
September 17th, 2008 at 7:10 am
This is all a horse and pony show.
Reveal a “production” vehicle today and say you will not see one for a MINIMUM of 3 years from now?? You really think GM developement is 3 yrs ahead of production??
Please dont slam my comment UNLESS you are so certain that you are so sure of this vehicle and its sucess that you would be willing to invest your life savings in GM stock.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:18 am
#134 THOM
My guess is that the volt is far from being alone…
I agree that 3 years between a “hand made full production vehicle” and a “factory made full production vehicle” is a bit of a stretch and some factory dependent design details may/will still come (heck even when the factory s running the same car for years they still change stuff around)
See I’m not slamming your comment just suggesting that there might (and has to be) more…
That’s part where the NPNS comes from by the way…
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
P.S. If you are making reference to bad financial status of GM right now, well I don’t have stock. And still the NPNS holds…
September 17th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Great job Lyle…
I guess we can start talking more about price & the whole battery deal as well as many other topics other than styling…for like the next 2 years…ugh…
Based solely on how this car looks…anything over $35,000 (sans any tax breaks) and I’m out…otherwise I’m very excited to be a first time ever GM customer & someone who is leaving the luxury, reliability and comfort of the BMW motor car.
THANK YOU… for removing the concept logo from the site….I’m still healing over its death BUT…. I’m still all about this project !!!
September 17th, 2008 at 7:22 am
American Know How at its best. Go Volt GO
September 17th, 2008 at 7:23 am
I used to like this Web site because it attracted intelligent people that were interested in discussing the technology and economics behind the Volt. Too bad those days are gone…
September 17th, 2008 at 7:34 am
#123 Frank B notes higher mileage with windows up, AC on.
————————————
Yes, I agree that greater efficiency is present with AC on and windows up, once the car is at a normal, steady inside temperature. In the first minute or two after getting in, when the interior is very hot, the driver feels better and the car uses less energy by putting the windows down and letting in some outside air. That way the interior air quickly comes down to the outside air temperature. That’s what GM is talking about letting the driver do in the Volt (no different from today’s other cars).
September 17th, 2008 at 7:36 am
#138
MDDave (Different posts, different people reply to whichever most speak to you)
This car _has_ (now that it exists) an all electric range of 40 miles.
LiIon battery allows for less weight for the same amount of stored energy than actual battery used in hybrids these days (put aside telsa)
The economics are simple: Your money will stay on this continent for the most part.
Everything else is speculations.
And I don’t like to speculate. I will buy that thing if it still fit my needs(and way of thinking) when it will be available to me if it ever is available to me.
Now if you like to speculate fine. I you want to discuss technology, I’m sure lyle will post new and exiting details over the years to come about technical advancements for the Volt or the E-Flex system. Then we will compare with existing and “promised” technology.
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
September 17th, 2008 at 7:44 am
#130 Ken says “I (again) am willing to pay my hard-earned money towards the Volt–with the hope that the engineers and designers produce a RELIABLE vehicle. The Volt has about two-thirds fewer moving parts, so there should be less issues/problems (I hope).”
__________________________________________
Very much agreed on the importance of GM doing the best they can for a reliable and smoothly operating vehicle. At the same time, it is an unusually complex vehicle, and it is to GM’s interest to have initial sales to people interested in the technology and willing to put up with the faults and failures that will be present in anything this new.
As to two-thirds fewer moving parts, it seems to me that would be true for a pure battery vehicle, but the Volt is not that. As an E-REV it seems to me that the Volt will have more moving parts, because the Volt will have all those that come with an ICE (still there), plus others for the electric stuff (added), and a complicated control system for switching back and forth. In addition, there will be all sorts of issues of control and timing. No doubt it can be perfected to all work smoothly together, but that is unlikely at first, for there are a lot of parts (mechanical, electrical, computer) that can go wrong.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Very nice. Lyle, your next assignment is to press GM to start taking deposits for pre-orders. I can’t imagine why GM is passing up on this great potential for a marketing coup which would probably totally sell out the first production run in a very short time.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Lyle -
Thanks for your rational comments above regarding the production Volt. Add mine to the “well done’s” you have received for your part in helping GM – and us Volt enthusiasts – get to this day. Never let the “I hate the production version” trolls get you down! I’m a satisfied Prius owner (target of another species of trolls), and look forward to having the Volt as my family’s SECOND excellent car!
September 17th, 2008 at 7:58 am
#141 RB
Keep in mind that an ICE when attached to a transmission/drive train needs more prices than a mere generator (like in the Volt). The Volt don’t have a transmission. An electric engine has essentially one moving part (rotor). Breaks may have 1 more moving part that standard breaks. A “control system” is basically a computer which is not a moving part. (unless you start counting electrons as moving parts). The realy new moving (removable) par that I like about the volt is the plug… And that is a real plus
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
P.S. I agree that the Volt may be more prone to defects at first. I beleive that this will be more due to the novelty of the systems used more than “standard wearing”. I beleive that this car has way better potential to bring maintenance costs of the car way lower than any other cars on the road . (Battery end-of-life put aside)
September 17th, 2008 at 7:58 am
“”"The bottom line is that a two seat roadster will eliminate as potential customers just about everyone that has kids–and many other people.”"”
What about people with friends? I used to know someone who had some.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:05 am
#53 CBK
I couldn’t agree more. I’m in the first 10k and would like to move up even closer. In fact if they are so disinterested in the VOLT please leave room on this sight for those of us that are still interested in purchasing this vehicle.
God Bless America.
Tom
September 17th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Gary wrote:
I wish the american people could hear themselves….Spoiled brats………Get a clue America…..We should of had inexpensive electrical cars by now, not prototype expensive models…..
Gary, as one of the “spoiled brats” who read your post, I would like to say it is about the most immature one I have seen on this board. The state of the art is:
Gas cars are the cheapest to build
Prius type hybrids with very small batteries cost a bit more
PHEVs with medium size, 40 mile batteries cost a lot more to build
Full electrics, with 100 mile batteries, cost $80-100k to build.
Nobody has yet gotten past this. Not Toyota, not Tesla, not nobody.
A full electric car at an affordable price, or a PHEV at a cheap price will require engineering breakthroughs by hard working, highly skilled specialists.
Not rants by bloggers whining about what they want.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:08 am
#144 Lunoir on the complexity of the Volt (or not so much)
It is not my intention to predict any particular kind of problem, just an observation that there are many things not in present cars that might go wrong. I hope none of them do and the Volt is smoothly integrated and highly reliable.
Realistically I recognize that getting an all new car to a smooth and reliable level is a big job, and it has to be done in a short time, so there could be a few things that slip through. That’s why some sympathetic owners, at first, will be so helpful — people who can explain the problem to the service department patiently and without shouting
And, GM needs to find a way to listen to the owners and dealers as Volts come back in for service. That is something that GM does very very very poorly at present, so opening up a channel will require organizational innovation. Maybe that feedback will be helped a lot by the restriction of Volt sales to only a few dealers in CA for a while, as they have planned. I’m sure they are trying.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Beautiful car.
Sure, I thought the concept was cool….but um, I am not 18 any more and don’t drive cars like the concept, nor does 95% of America.
One plug, right at the driver side door….OF COURSE, this makes perfect sense. If there were two, or it was in the back, etc., people would be driving off with it still plugged in all the time. But with that placement it will never happen. That type of attention to detail by GM shows why this car will be a success.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:23 am
A nice achievement, but will wait for the more modern looking version. Sort of looks like a car from the early 90s. More aerodynamic… humm. I wonder how you would rate the aerodynamics of those new square cube-like designs. It’s like driving a cardboard box.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I love the look of this car. Anyone who thinks this car is ugly TELL US WHAT 4 DOOR CAR ON THE ROAD LOOKS BETTER????
Give us examples.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Reply to 148 RB.
Hey GM I’m not the kind of guy who shouts
Also I can test the volt for thing that can’t really be tested in California. Better yet instead of shouting I provide good constructive feed backs…
I’m all into getting that car as reliable as it can be as fast as possible, so for the test fleet think of me !!!
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
Seriously RB I agree with you that feedback channel is not always as good at it should be at GM. Per example having that girl that ask you to answer:
You have been to this car dealer for a maintenance lately, how would you qualify the experience choosing from: Excellent, very good, good, average, bad? *one word answer comes here*
Thank you for your comment. She finally says and the line cuts there. Good channel for feedback.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Pathetic, it won’t be out until 2010 and it will cost $40,000, when is the car industry going to realize people need an affordable electric car now, who do they think is going to buy this thing, I make over $100K a year and wouldn’t spend $40K on this, let alone wait until 2010.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Regarding post#117 from Frank B.
Ditto.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Lyle, while there are a lot of naysayers on this site talking bad about GM and the Volt, there can be no naysayers talking about your performance. You have done an outstanding job. No one knows or can appreciate the amount of work it takes to do what you do for us. I know you love the electric car concept and its future possibilities and that is what helps you to continue the fine job you have been doing. Keep up the good work and we will watch this “baby” grow up to be the automobile of the future. It is a beautiful car.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:49 am
For all of you Volt detractors, what would you rather have, a range of 40 miles all-electric or an exact look of the concept. The car needed to be engineered to pass U.S. safety standards, to get the 40 mile range and provide aesthetic and ergonomic comfort. But leave it up to the media to exploit a few bad comments on their front pages and call it a failure. I’m sure if it was from Toyota and looked like the car Homer Simpson designed, it would be a hit. It’s an insult to say the car looks like a Prius. In my opinion, Prius is currently the ugliest car on the road. This car actually has a sexy look to it. I hope for the best for everyone at GM. You have embarked on one of the most important missions in a long time for the sake of our economy, our environment and our national security. Go GM and happy 100th birthday!!!
September 17th, 2008 at 8:50 am
#152 Lunoir asks “You have been to this car dealer for a maintenance lately, how would you qualify the experience choosing from: Excellent, very good, good, average, bad?”
I go to the Chevy dealer in Hillsborough, NC. My most recent experience there (last week) was excellent.
They always are excellent so long as what I need does not require anyone to contact GM. The one time it did there was considerable confusion and delay, and not on the Hillsborough end, either. The problem with GM’s communication about service is that it is a simplex channel (operates only in 1 direction), top (corporate) to bottom. Duplex is better.
One time I said I would contact GM myself and asked who to call. They told me fine and gave me the name, and then they laughed and said “good luck.”
September 17th, 2008 at 8:55 am
The production Volt isn’t an aggressive design as the concept, but even after GM design made some needed modifications it still looks distinctive. I still plan on buying one!!! It’s all about reducing our consumption of oil. And for the trolls, just go away! this site was so much better prior to you idiots bantering about your irrelevant thoughts. The Volt enthusiasts don’t care and won’t be influenced by what what you think.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:55 am
The car looks great. For those of you who thought it was ugly, you’ll never be into electric cars anyway, this is what they have to look like. GM did an amazing job making a sleek, clean and aggressive automobile considering the most aerodynamic shape would look like a melting Popsicle in a Mohave wind tunnel. Everyone at GM has worked hard to begin a turnaround. The Volt SHOULD be the icing on the cake for them. It’s tough to undue 50 years of “We have great quality” comments on cars that were junk. Today, they FINALLY seem to be putting the horse before the cart. Enclave, Camaro, Malibu and now the Volt are all exciting prospects for the company.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:59 am
How sad.
They got people all excited with a cutting edge looking concept car and then they tone down the final reselease to look like your average grocery getter.
This is exactly what happens all the time.
You let the engineers have their way with the concept car, and you get something incredible. Then the design goes to into marketing, passes through sales committees, and gets introduced to focus groups and out comes a watered-down sedan.
GM needed to take a page from the PT Cruiser playbook. That was an example of design engineering that survived marketing and focus groups.
Someone will guts said no to the watering down and stuck to their guns. The result was a compelling prodict that was a game changer for the industry.
GM had the chance to do the same thing. In my opinion, they blew it.
I would rather now wait to see what someone else comes out with before laying down my money.
Sorry GM.
You had me there for awhile though.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:03 am
I was so interested in the original design. The new design leaves a lot to be desired. I have lost any and all interest in this car. It looks like a standard cookie cutter car, but in an ugly way.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:05 am
#159 Adam says”It’s tough to undue 50 years of “We have great quality” comments on cars that were junk. Today, they FINALLY seem to be putting the horse before the cart. Enclave, Camaro, Malibu and now the Volt are all exciting prospects for the company.”
I agree on both parts. I once had a Chevy Citation, which I loved when it worked. It just fell apart with strange problems never seen on any other car I’ve owned before or after, probably because they tried to build too many too fast, on an all new design.
This time the challenge may be even greater.
I hope they can meet it.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:08 am
It’s sad to see that there are still a number of people that are whining over the looks of the production Volt. While I understand it looks nothing like the concept, the bottom line is that GM did not make the Volt exclusively for auto enthusiasts and sports car buffs like us — they made it for the general public. An edgy sports car design is not going to appeal to the average American who views cars as nothing more than transportation devices. Look at Toyota, for example; they are the #1 car company in sales, and they don’t even have a coupe or “sporty-looking” car in their lineup!
If the Volt designers decided to satisfy the whiners and ignore aerodynamics, they would have to get a bigger battery and use carbon fiber or fiberglass body panels to achieve the 40 mile electric range. That would raise the price of the car by thousands, effectively putting it out of the price range of 95% of American consumers.
Let’s face it; GM needs the Volt to sell in the 100,000’s if it is going to save the company — and the concept version would be too expensive and visually polarizing to meet that mark. I am glad that GM is not willing to sacrifice their commercial viability just to placate a few crybabies.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:09 am
RB – #139
I must have missed the original comment about the windows and A/C. I agree opening the windows during initial cool down will greatly speed up that process (unless it’s 115 outside like it is in Vegas where I am). I thought they were talking in general about windows up or down vs A/C on or off. Sorry I missed the original question. Thanks for the info.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:13 am
My only issue is my local GM dealer is not taking advance deposits yet….I can not wait.
I own a Corbin Sparrow, a Toyota Prius 2001, and a F250 diesel for my camper.
I can’t wait to trade my Prius for the Volt. I have over 110,000 miles on it and I hope it lasts till then.
Time is going by so slowly!!!!
September 17th, 2008 at 9:19 am
“looks like it will leap when the accelerator is depressed. And I’m told it will, thanks to instantaneous torque.”
I’ve been banking on this from the beginning. The first time a prospective buyer experiences that, there will be no turning back.
Thanks for all you do, Lyle.
“The Volt uses a “top secret” transmission that “other manufacturers have never even thought of” (Bob Lutz)”
I wonder if there are not really two motors, one driving the ring another the planetary carrier of a planetary gearset? This would sum the power of the two motors on the sun gear; and by varying how fast each motor turns (with respect to the other), this could have the affect of a single motor with an infinitely variable transmission (and I believe I’ve heard that this is a feature of the two-mode hybrid system).
I appreciate your consistent technological insight, nasaman.
Paging Mr. Static, Stat …
What does today’s government backed loan to bail out AIG (at usary rates) portend for GM when it’s time comes?
I appreciate your consistent financial insight, statik.
Zen,
I was actually wondering how many transient bomb-droppers we’re seeing verses the number of consistent naysayers that we all know — and love
September 17th, 2008 at 9:24 am
#163 Eliezer said “It’s sad to see that there are still a number of people that are whining over the looks of the production Volt. While I understand it looks nothing like the concept, the bottom line is that GM did not make the Volt exclusively for auto enthusiasts and sports car buffs like us — they made it for the general public”
_________________________________________
The thing about auto enthusiasts and sports car buffs like us is that we are willing to pay extra to enjoy our new toys (and maybe show off a little too). Whatever, GM decided not to do that, and instead designed a car that hides the (amazing) technology inside.
I think GM sees the Volt as now presented as a car is to carry this message (to a broad range of the general public): “This nice electric car is just the same in appearance and performance as any other car, such as a nice Honda Civic Hybrid, except that you plug the Volt in and buy less gas.”
That’s a good message, and I hope it succeeds, even though the present message does not have strong appeal to car buffs.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Lots of comments here… both good and bad…
I want my Volt ASAP… but it looks like around 2012 up here in Central Alberta Canada….
Or …..
if GM offers the car first to the list members…. # 974 … YEAH !!!
And for all the ones who do not identify themselves or have filled out the complete profile…
Why not drop them from the lists… as they are not as committed as the rest of us…
I will bet that this list will drop by 50 % .
Deposit…
I have money in hand…
GM… # 974 on list …. Call me….
Metal flake black… inside and out… all the bells and whistles..
0 % financing ….
I am ready…
Ray
September 17th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Who actually cares what this vehicle looks like? The functionality is *far* more important that the looks. Face it – this will be a milestone automobile – an American made vehicle that does not pollute the atmosphere and saves money at the same time… IMHO, I’d buy *almost* without regard to the looks. I’m certainly down for one!
All I’m waiting for is the opportunity to camp outside the door to my local Chevy dealer for a few days to be one of the first in line to plunk down my money on the first day I can order one. This will be my first Chevrolet; I’ve always bought Ford before. I think I am going to cancel my order for the Ford Escape Hybrid (after four months now and still no production date). I hope that Chevy will be able to handle the volume of buyers that are going to want this vehicle… Ford certainly wasn’t ready for the volume that wanted the Escape Hybrid.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:30 am
FUTURE FACTS:
The high definition pictures make it clear that “mountain” mode is achieved by shifting past “drive” into the “m” position. This will have the batteries fully recharge using the range extending generator so that the Volt is always ready to deliver full power to the electric drive, not some “limp home mode” behavior. While GM will initially resist this operating mode claiming to ally themselves with the Eco-geeks in their owner population, several high exposure mountain climbing accidents which lead to owner deaths will hit the news media, compelling a reaction from the manufacturer.
Before the vehicle is even released to the public, testing will reveal that the high gloss, white plastic finish on the dash and doors will quickly abrade and when exposed to sunlight clearly show scratches and gouges from day to day testing activity. These materials will then be dropped from the actual production units as historically durable choices will replace them. This phenomenon does not occur as frequently with Apple Ipod products because most of them are thrown away soon after they become badly scratched.
After nearly two years of evaluating the production prototypes, GM will decide to re-engineer the shape of portions of the dash. Test drivers will have found that it is very difficult to keep many of the deep recesses around the monitors from filling up with dust, dried human skin flakes, human hair follicles, and so on. The redesign will reduce the smell that slowly accumulates within the poorly ventilated/air-conditioned vehicle interior.
GM marketers will give in to rich young video gaming owners and offer a solar panel clad roof on later edition Volts. The solar panels will raise the center of gravity on the car as well as its curb weight and ultimately reduce its efficiency. These owners won’t keep fuel mileage records, won’t even notice the degredation and therefore won’t care at all. After a few years of operation, the cells will yellow due to petrochemical exposure and the sun’s UV light component. The surface will crack, allow humidity in, and slowly short out the cells.
Most Volt owners will encounter mandatory recalls to “flash” their cars operating software. The programming changes will be required to make maintenance cycling of the range extending motor more frequent and ultimately less earth friendly. GM will choose this route rather than face a widespread recall to deal with fuel separation, varnish buildup and gasket pitting issues encountered from limited engine use.
The interior fabric lining the production prototypes doors will make it into actual production. Unfortunately, due to changes in cultural fashions, the gizmo driven electronic diagram look will sour in public favor, lowering the desirability and ultimate resale value of the initial production Volts. This will be just the latest of many nails in the coffin of early adoptors who will pay large premiums to acquire their Volts and suffer the greatest losses when they trade them away.
END: FUTURE FACTS
These are the most likely results of present day Chevrolet Volt engineering choices. They are not unusual; all cars have detrimental qualities resulting from their design trade-offs. The majority of owners will not concern themselves with these issues, claiming that there are always growing pains when a paradigm shifts and that they knew these kinds of things will happen.
How about you? While lots of praise is being heaped upon the recently released Chevy Volt production prototype’s design, can you imagine what any of the imperfections might be? What do you think will go wrong? They don’t have to be deal-breaker issues either. Just think about what you DON’T like, and why. This is the kind of brain storming that really will help the Volt be a better car when it is first released. Give it a try…
September 17th, 2008 at 9:31 am
#163
That’s exactly what we’re talking about. GM needs to sell 100,000 units, and with this design, they won’t! The concept was also a 4 door, 4 passenger vehicle, just like the production version. But, it had some style to it. When this car comes out in late 2010 or early 2011, it will look just like your average 2008 car for $35k or $40k. IT Won’t Sell, no matter what the technology, period. The goal is for GM to have a great car and get us off of oil. Just having an electric car by GM won’t achieve either of those objectives if it doesn’t sell. My original post was to offer 2 models and let the market place show GM which one sells, and the winer would clearly be the concept version, no doubt about, but by having 2 models, both groups would be purchasing Volt’s, then GM wins, the people win and the country wins!
I believe my original post was #117. I explained my thoughts in more detail and I think an objective look at the Volt, and how it got to where it is now. So please take a look at it and let me know what you think about the idea. Thanks
September 17th, 2008 at 9:32 am
it’s OK, the body is ordinary now. The drive train is smart. The price is wrong. We’re looking for a commuter car for 20 grand, not a luxury heavyweight for 40 grand. Hopefully there will be an economy model for us working folk.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:32 am
[...] For some feedback and more photos read http://gm-volt.com/2008/09/16/the-day-the-volt-was-reborn/ [...]
September 17th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Lunoir@133Says:
Question is: Where did they hide that ugly/stinky “gaz port” ?
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS! (As tag now puts it.)
It’s on the passenger side rear quarter panel.
KenEE
Thanks for the links!
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
September 17th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Lyle — regardless of how happy or disappointed this site’s followers may be with the styling of Production Model #1 — you deserve trememdous credit for giving GM a hard-to-ignore awareness of how much interest we all have in their work on the VOLT. Since I’m single and in Florida, I long for a sporty 2-seater with a sunroof and AC (has that been mentioned?). If there’s any hint that GM will be coming out with a version like that in Model #2, or even #3, I’ll wait till then. FYI, as a former GMI prof, I have to let you know that spell-check won’t tell you that “taught” doesn’t mean the same thing as “taut,” — which you meant (in your release).
September 17th, 2008 at 9:39 am
#170 hermant — I support the Volt and hope it is a great success. In the sense of adventure in which you propose to think about bad things that might happen, here is mine.
I drive 400 miles to the NC coast. Near the beach I drive over some construction trash and rip my tire. Not having a spare tire, I get towed to the nearest tire store, a relatively small rural NC place. They do not have any specialty tires like the ones on the Volt, and in any event do not work on unusual expensive cars ( as is the case for most ordinary tire stores). The result is that I have to get my nice car hauled back to where I live and rent another car for me and my wife to be able to drive home. Three days later and $2K poorer, we get home.
Surely there will be some way to keep the above from happening, but it is what I worry about.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Build 1000 “beta volts”. Take a chassis, drop any body on it, name it ABCD test car and lease them out buy the month….that way you could get real world testing done and consumer confidence that the genset idea will work.
You wont find me on a waiting list to be a test dummy on a 40K car!
September 17th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I like it, I want it.
Is it Nov 2010 yet, I am ready
September 17th, 2008 at 10:05 am
OMG I want it.
It looks like my mazda 3 but better.
any idea on what the street price might be?
September 17th, 2008 at 10:05 am
In the past, I have been very critical of GM and it’s pursuit of cars that move us off of petroleum. Ever since GM’s apparent 180 and embrace of more hybrids, better hybrids, and E-REVs, namely the Volt, I couldn’t be happier with GM’s efforts.
The concept was intriguing, but funky. I really like the Prius technology even though I’ve never cared for it’s look.
I love the Volt technology and love it’s look. Very clean lines and a subtle but distinctive look.
Some claim it looks like every other car on the road. I guess those folks need to get their eyeglasses checked. Or perhaps I have a good eye for spotting differences in vehicles.
Whatever the case, I suspect the Volt will be a head turner and people WILL notice it’s distinct shape a little over 2 years from now.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:05 am
#146 TOM M
Be careful… I currently have a greased traffic cone stuck in an unnamed
area because of my suggestion. Oh, and also, I became a troll as well.
I agree with most that the current physical design departs significantly
from the concept, but it is not the “ugly monstrosity” that has been
stated here. I too like good looking vehicles. For that purpose I have a
Corvette. I want a Volt for the more mundane local types of driving where I use little or NO gasoline.
If the price is right I will buy one when available. However, given the
production levels, I suspect that may be well beyond 2011 for me.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Frank B,
You’re right — 2 models are better than one — but it would take far more time and money to design 2 completely new cars at the same time. It is much better to start with something that the general pulic would like, and once the technology matures, offer more E-REV options to appeal to niche buyers.
For those who think that nobody will buy this “monstrosity”, think again. In the first year, only about 10,000 Volts will be manufactured, and people love the gas-free idea so much that they will sell out before they’re even built — even at $40k. As technology improves, options will increase and prices wil go down, and then all you naysayers can jump back on the bandwagon.
By the middle of the next decade, GM will be selling E-REVs like the Volt in the 100,000s and those who are bashing GM now will be waiting anxiously at the end of the line.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Lyle,
I’d also be interested in any Eastcoast “appearances” of the production Volt. Maybe D.C.? That’s less than a day drive for me (g). Also, LOVE te new masthead for the site!
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
September 17th, 2008 at 10:22 am
For all those design over function posters.
Please go to a widow and child of a soldier killed in IRAQ and explain to them why there loved one isn’t as important as what your next car will look like.
I will buy the Volt so nobody needs to die for my OIL
NO PLUG NO DEAL
September 17th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Oh come on…
69 Randy: they mainstreamed it till it looks like any other soccer moms car… Hopefully when this dosen’t sell they will save the drivetrain and put another body on it instead of crushing them all
This comment seems ironic because even though looks are important to you, you complain that one of the world’s silliest-looking cars all got crushed.
davea0511 88: I hate this website – if you forget to put in your name and email it clobbers your comment when you hit the back button. I’m not even going to retype my comment. I’m just going to say this website sucks until they fix that problem.
Yeah, the whole website sucks because you can’t remember to put in your name and e-mail. I’ve got news for you, there is this thing called an “internet cookie” and I only have to type my name and e-mail once.
170 hermant: testing will reveal that the high gloss, white plastic finish on the dash and doors will quickly abrade and when exposed to sunlight clearly show scratches and gouges from day to day testing activity
What are car dashboards made of now? Titanium? And there are going to be colour choices. Black, white, and green, to appease rabid environ”mental”ists.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:24 am
#38 — “The windshield & rear hatch will use a special “solar glass” to minimize the load on the battery by the HVAC (Bob Lutz)”
Does anyone know what solar glass is and how it works? Is it some sort of specially treated glass that reduces the greenhouse effect of sunlight?
September 17th, 2008 at 10:29 am
If anyone from Big Oil or OPEC is reading this blog, I’m sure they are getting more and more freaked out this Chevy Volt phenomenon. I LOVE it. The Volt isn’t just a car, it’s becoming a movement. Volt Nation … just like the name of the conference in New York that Lyle had earlier this year.
Look out fat cat OPEC oil sheiks! The electrification of the automobile IS coming … very soon. We will be needing a lot less of your expensive product. You better start thinking about your POST-oil future. It’s unwinding in the next 10-20 years. Better start thinking about going into competition with companies like GE and Westinghouse or something.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:38 am
#147 Tom Harwick
Actually both Toyota and Honda have figured out how to make a PHEV at a very small premium. The goal was a $2000 differential and they seem to have smashed that. Granted it took a while but from what I’ve read they’re closing in on $1000.
The Volt is definitely not a PHEV, but as an E-EV it works by the numbers. Lutz has now confirmed that the finish level is equivalent to a Cadillac CTS. That’s not bad and much better than a Prius or an Insight. The performance and handling will be great, nothing like a PHEV where you have to a very light foot to get better mileage. Finally on the dollars saved over a hundred thousand miles make it a deal: $11,111.00 in gas versus $2000.00 for electricity.
Of course depending on your situation you may do better or worse. If you drive a ton of miles a day and your electric rates are very high then this may not be the car for you. OTOH I like to keep a car for 150,000 miles. My cost for electricity to charge would be a cent per mile (rates for EV owners with solar production). And virtually all miles would be EV. I’d be looking at $16,666 for gas versus $300 for electricity. This seems like a no brainer.
Finally the fact is that the tech and sense of adventure make the dollars and cents irrelevant. I want an EV not a PHEV. I really don’t want to send my money to Russia or Saudi Arabia or Venezuela. If it costs me a little more to use clean energy that creates jobs in NA I’m willing to pay the differential. It’s not a green eye shade thing with me.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:39 am
For those who do not like the Volt looks – be patient – GM is already working on other models for this platform – It will happen.
I just have to keep telling myself the same thing as I wait for my Volt – I just don’t know when it will happen 2010? 2011, 2012 and what do I do for transportation needs as I wait.
I am excited about this platform, would like to see a couple of possible range options – 20 miles all electric fits my needs – I can even Have one car without the range extender – I know I am in the minority as we are a two auto household.
As we drive to get off oil – this is a great first step. Now let’s make the range extender a Natural gas engine!
September 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am
“Solar glass” for buildings is typically micro-coated with a variety of materials, even atom-layer thin metals, to selectively reflect infrared energy from sunlight (so that’s probably right, Eliazer). Glass for buildings often use two pieces of glass separated by an inert gas, for insulation, which I doubt very much is the case, here.
I missed the comment which explained what “NPNS” means. Anybody?
September 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I have supported this car from the beginning. But when you see that the car will cost 40k not to mention 50k in Canada, how can you possibly say that this will be a winner? Lyle that’s not a fair statement when you have never driven it before. The whole idea behind this car is great to stop using foreign oil. I can’t justify spending 600-700 a month on a car payment like many others. This car will change the world only if enough people drive it.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:59 am
As I stated before, this car won’t be alone. There may(*will*) be an e-flex car using same type of technology available to you at around the same time the volt comes out. Volt is just the tip of the iceberg it is the PR for all the other “hidden” ones that will come with it.
If you can’t afford the volt chances are that there will be a “Cobalt/Aveo” version for you.
If a single car could fit the need of everyone’s needs there would be only one car around…
GM wants this to be a game changer… Volt won’t be alone.
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
September 17th, 2008 at 11:04 am
dissappointed big time! You set our expectations with a very cool concept “The Volt” and all we got was an “AMP”. GM, you blew it; And I was a BUYER.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Jackson,
NPNS = No Plug, No Sale!
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
September 17th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Lunoir said in part:
“…GM wants this to be a game changer… Volt won’t be alone.
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
And *GM* won’t be alone. At least 4 other companies will be putting plugs on the road ~2010. I just hope that the Volt is the vehicle of choice. I know it is for me.
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
September 17th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Works for me.
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS! (Thanks Mr. T.)
#142 OzoneLevel:
Amen on the deposits.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:10 am
On an earlier thread, one person (wish I remembered who it was) said that 1 gallon gasoline had stored energy of 37 kwh (or something like that).
Can anyone verify that, or give a citation?
I’m sure it is a well known correspondence to those who specialize in the right field (but I am not such a person).
September 17th, 2008 at 11:11 am
From a historical perspective this announcement is comparable to Henry Ford’s announcing that he was going to develop a successor to the “Tin Lizzy”.
The Model T Ford had put the automobile into the equation of the modern world. Henry would eventually close all his factories for a few months, to retool to build the Model A.
Of interest, when Henry Ford designed the original Model T, he thought that the natural fuel would be an alcohol, produced on the farm, from agricultural wastes.
This would make the farmer able to grow the fuel, just like the feed he did grow, for his horses and mules.
He was wrong, gasoline from petroleum proved cheaper and more available. Eventually electrons will replace gasoline, and alcohols will still be the wrong, expensive choice.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Ok, so it’s not the concept car. I still like the production car for what it is. #1800 and still waiting!
September 17th, 2008 at 11:21 am
42 Dave G, 166 Jackson regarding the Volt’s transmission……
——————————————————————————————————————————-
Lutz’ comment during his chat was in response to a direct question about a transmission (& whether the Volt HAS a transmission), as I recall. I was very surprised at his answer that “The Volt uses a “top secret” transmission that “other manufacturers have never even thought of”. I’m just reporting this as he said it, but I’ll admit it excites me to think they might have found a simple, robust way to handle the limited RPM range of the drive motor, one that allows the Volt to both “leap off the line” AND provide excellent torque & power at high speeds. Could they have a little surprise up their sleeves?
——————————————————————————————————————————-
112 Estero, re a chat question about whether windows were electric or manual
——————————————————————————————————————————-
The answer, that “all windows will be electric (not manual) because lowering all windows (rather than just cranking down the driver’s window) draws less power than would be needed by the HVAC to initially cool the interior,” is only addressing INITIAL startup after the car has been parked in the hot sun. It’s better to get all 4 windows down instead of just the driver’s window, and the power drain to lower/raise all 4 is minimal compared to the drain of the car’s HVAC.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Amazing job Lyle, I am excited to see that GM has the opportunity to leapfrog the competition.
What is the buzz around your list of people wanting to buy a Volt, I want to get one for sure…
September 17th, 2008 at 11:33 am
#201 Kirk about people wanting to buy
The buzz is more about how to find one rather than wanting to buy. At the moment people are willing to buy, beg, borrow or steal, but no availability.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Once again for all you anti-American self- loathing clods: If you don’t like the Volt, there is a simple solution.
Don’t buy one!
You can stick your mouth on a Prius tailpipe and breathe heavily unitl you drop over dead, all the while proclaiming the superiority of your Toyota’s primitive HSD HEV. After all CR told you so.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:35 am
This is why American auto makers are failing…the design look more like every other American car instead of a bold new departure that the Volt ’s original design established.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:44 am
#204 Robert: “This is why American auto makers are failing…the design look more like every other American car instead of a bold new departure that the Volt ’s original design established.”
The bold new departure is in what powers the car, not what it looks like. If GM sold the concept design with a traditional ICE setup, This website would not exist, and GM would still be on the fast track to failure.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Frank B #117
I totally agree. I would buy the ES edition that got 35 AER.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:47 am
#200 nasaman
Is the lowering/raising of all 4-windows under driver control or automatic? It sounds automatic based upon sensor input and that is the point of my concern.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:50 am
First of all, #107, comparing anything to the Pontic Aztec is just not fair.
Second, I happen to like the production volt quite a bit. To me, it is an exaple of fine design meeting aerodynamic functionality. It has clean, sleek lines, a wide stance, awesome lighting, and a stylish interior with many technological gadgets.
But, the most important item to remember… It’s electric!
Now, let’s get some on the road
September 17th, 2008 at 11:53 am
#207 Estero
nasaman can speak for himself, but there’s no chance raising and lowering windows will be automatic from sensors, beyond maybe opening 1inch in hot weather or something, and probably not even that. There are too many hazards especially to children, too many lawsuits, no payoff to offset those risks.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:55 am
If you blow one of GM’s interior photos up, it’s intriguing that the left spoke of the steering wheel has switches very similar to my new GM car for cruise control —but also has extra settings for “GAP” with graphics that clearly suggest the space (gap) between you & the next car can be pre-set! (If the sensor used is sensitive enough, I wonder if it could also be used to trigger an alert to bicyclists on the road ahead or to pedestrians —blind or not— in crosswalks or parking lots?)
September 17th, 2008 at 11:56 am
#196 noel park
As one of the old timers on this site I have some questions.
1. Will the Volt only be available in the three states that were mentioned earlier?
2. Will dealers jack the price because of limited supply?
3. Will we be able to go to the designated states and purchase a VOLT?
4. Is GM looking at our waiting list?
5. At some point will GM accept purchase money?
This is a starter.
Tom
September 17th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Pretty much what I expected….an electric “stretch” Cobalt. I hope they make millions of them.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Let me second comment #51 – I’m not one of those ‘car enthusiasts’ who really cares what the car looks like, and I’m thrilled it will be big enough for 4 people.
My commute is, alas, 45 miles. The idea of a solar panel roof is something I’ve been wondering about for awhile now; maybe it could provide enough charge for the extra 5 miles? This is a wonderful idea; what can we do to encourage it?
I’m hoping to install enough solar on my house to do the overnight charge for the car.
Question about being on the ‘list’: has there been ANY communication from GM that we will, in fact, be able to purchase this car ahead of the general public or is this just our way of showing GM the level of support out there for a car like this?
September 17th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
#166 Jackson
Paging Mr. Static, Stat …
What does today’s government backed loan to bail out AIG (at usary rates) portend for GM when it’s time comes?
I appreciate your consistent financial insight, statik.
——
You really want me back into the fray here? I have been lying low just letting the masses enjoy their moment.
Background:
AIG actually shows us a little bit of the limits/requirements of future government interention. Lehman was allowed to fail, maybe to see how the market would react, but moreso because its reach does not extend as far as AIG, therefore expendable.
AIG is a different beast…more like a elephant. The collapse of AIG would ripple through the entire economy, greatly through its large insurance portfolio, insurance of mortgage-backed securities , etc.
What does this mean to GM?
Well, it means the government is allowing ‘venerable’ institutions to fold to conserve its own liquidity for future actions. Basically the government let 25,000 odd employees of Lehman get their walking papers (other than the handfull that Barclay’s takes with them), we talking ‘high-wage’ earners here too, based mostly in the heart of America…New York. There is no jobs for these people to go to.
Nutshell is that GM is lucky to have this 25 billion on the table already, and that we are having a election. In my opinion there will be no further bailout cash available and at least one of the big three will fold within 12-18 months…if not sooner.
Side note on the 25 billion. It is not a save all for GM. GM’s cut is approximately only 6 billion…and that all doesn’t go to rescue the bottom line, maybe they can ‘finagle’ 2-3 billion down there…thats about 3 months worth of life to them.
part 1/2
September 17th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Part 2/2
As I see it, there is no scenario GM survives as it is. GM is selling less and less cars, attempting to cut production down to match, but with a massive debt above them that demands more and more money, hence the catch 22.
The kicker is that it doesn’t matter what there product lineup is now, or if they built the best cars, that was something they had to fix from the end of the energy crisis in 1979 through 2006.
The window is now closed. The housing market has collapsed, which has affected personal incomes/capital/employment, which has also triggered a credit crunch which has extended into the banking/insurance sector and a run on the industry/economy.
The next shoe to drop is under-funded money market funds. Yeah, the thing you thought your money was safe in when you ran for cover and sold the other stuff…well, it’s not. Today, Reserve Primary Fund fell under a $1 per share, 97 cents to be exact (thanks to Lehman and Merrill).
What the heck are you rambling on about all this for Statik?
This is the backdrop to the new car buyer…and guess what, they aren’t buying anymore. To compound this problem, GM has bastardized their own market by attempting to prop up cashflow and massage the numbers by selling as many cars/trucks as they can…at any price, at any interest rate…and even that didn’t work (still of 20%). The GM consumer now thinks a new truck is worth 17K and a van is worth 14K…and they should be able to get 0% financing at that. Good luck fixing that new problem you just put on yourself.
Now the ‘discount tap’ has to be turned off…and the numbers that will be forced to be revealed shortly will questioned GM’s very viablility on a day to day basis.
/its over, we just haven’t had the funeral yet
September 17th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
“”"I’m hoping to install enough solar on my house to do the overnight charge for the car.”"”
According to figures published on this site, that would save you eighty cents per day.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
does anyone on this website really give a crap about the predicament the US is in with respect to oil consumption? GM has made great efforts to (quickly) bring the public a vehicle with new technology that will help push us in a direction away from oil consumption for transportation and all you people talk about is how the style is not as cool as you thought and this and that. you are a bunch of posers. ask yourself what motivated you to want to buy the car in the first place. if its the coolness factor then you don’t get it. i don’t own a car right now because i live in an urban environment. in a year or two i will seriously consider this vehicle. if i wanted something cool i would buy a hummer or a porsche. you’ve all missed the point.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Sorry about that in #214 and #215.
I was asked, I replied.
/move along like there was nothing to see
.
——-
——-
.
#154 Paul- R says: September 11th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Well, I’m betting (literally) that GM is doing it right. I bought my GM shares last week at $10.10. Today GM closed at $12.75. I’m hoping that GM’s new-found spirit and attitude of innovation will help them displace Toyota as the “golden boy” of automobiles.
I made the same type of bet on Apple about ten years ago (another innovative company that most analysts had written-off as dead ) and I’ve seen about a 2000% ROI from that. If I’m right on GM, I may just earn enough to pay for my Volt.
I don’t know half as much as Statik about business and finance, but I have noticed you can often make good money by picking a damaged innovative company, then doing the exact opposite of what the stock analysts recommend.
———-
#183 Statik Says: September 11th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
The feeling is that GM is getting some ‘bailout’ er, ‘loan’ money…so there is optimism on keeping the wolf from the door longer. That has given you a nice 20% pop if you got it at $10.
Wagoner goes hat in hand tomorrow, should be fun. If you get a hiccup on the 25+25 billion package, ‘you are on the edge of the knife’ If I was you I’d take you profit now.
If GM is truely a innovator and you believe that, get back into it in a couple months. Just my 2p.
——–
I hope you did take your profit.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
One simple question: Why Volt?
Why does GM push the power plant idea used in the Volt only on one car? Why not start offering it on a lot of the cars they produce? Wouldn’t this idea work extremely well in, say an HHR? Or other GM product?
September 17th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
#208 Ben
“It’s electric” isn’t good enough for me now that the body design is less awe inspiring. I never liked the range extender concept anyway, so now I want an option package to replace the range extender with a larger battery or second battery.
Imagine a full electric Volt. Seeing that there are only high end Teslas and those stupid contorted, mini-EVs to choose from, an EV Volt (EVolt) will fill a void in the market and maybe draw some buyers who hate this oil funk we’re in.
I would pay an extra $3000 for a battery-only upgrade option if the Volt could get 85-100 miles on a full charge. Please… No gas, no oil changes, no radiator fluid, no fan belts, no spark plugs. What a crazy idea.
So I’m a bit more picky now. NWNHNRE!! (no way, no how, no range extender) NGWB! (no gas, will buy)
P.S. I already get 100% wind from my electric company, so I’ll feel fully enlightened if I can just drive around without gas.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
#219 Narg — GM does not do lots of cars immediately because they do not have lots of batteries. Also, sensibly, they plan to see things work first in just one car before getting into larger numbers
September 17th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I think it is cool! For those who don’t like the looks build your own! Sure a lot can change between now & Nov. 2010 for good or bad for Volt sales. With a used Prius going for North of 25K seems to me a new Volt should easily command north of 30K. With a $37,000 price tag & a $7,000.00 credit I’d buy one today. Honestly we will all see what is available at the time it is available to the public & work the TCO based on all final specs & maint. requirements, but it does not turn me off at this point. There is Aptera for those who want to stand out in a two seater. I am glad for GM, its engineers and for the possibilites this tech will ultimately bring to the world. Without Volt 1.0 there could never be a 2.0 etc. When battery tech improves you will see all those SCI-FI designs your heart thrives for, at an affordable price. I am thinking one Volt & one all electric car (140 Mile range) should do me for the next 20 years.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
#211 Tom M asks
1. Will the Volt only be available in the three states that were mentioned earlier?
2. Will dealers jack the price because of limited supply?
3. Will we be able to go to the designated states and purchase a VOLT?
4. Is GM looking at our waiting list?
5. At some point will GM accept purchase money?
________________________________________
1. GM said that initial distribution would be in just a few states so that they could support the service needs of fewer and closer dealers. Presumably the geographic distribution will expand when gm becomes confident that there will not be a lot of problems, and (perhaps more important) when they can supply more cars.
2. Dealers are going to charge the market price. If there is more demand than supply, the price will go up, and vice versa. No one knows demand vs supply right now, from experience.
3. It is the question of whether dealers have cars to sell. We do not know how many each dealer will get, or how quickly. Certainly at some time one expects to be able to go there and get one, but one will be cautious, since it will be hard to get service for the car except from a dealer who has the right equipment and trained people. That is, some nearby Chevy dealer not selling Volts may prefer not to touch it.
4. Lyle has advised us that GM at high levels knows of our list. We have no commitment to any use of this list.
5. No doubt they will at some point. The question is what point this is, and we do not know.
No doubt noel can add more and better.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Statik’s pessimistic view of GM’s prospects is certainly consistent with the market’s view of GM. GM has lost 80% of its market value in the last 10 years. So the smart money got out a long time ago.
Many posters attribute that to the stupidity of GM execs going back 30 years. But the other US automakers are struggling as well. When alleged stupidity affects all top execs in a whole industry, going back two generations, it is useful to look at structural problems, not just state that everybody who has ever tried to run a US auto company over the last 30 years is uniformly stupid.
GM, Ford, and Chrysler, are still paying off on labor contracts signed in the 60s and 70s. GM has 100,000 people at work today, trying to generate enough revenue to cover the cost of making the cars plus overhead, as well as paying healthcare for hundreds of thousands of retirees from the era when GM had 300,000 employees.
The Japanese competition does not have these legacy costs. They are able to devote their entire revenue stream to building good cars today and investing for the future. GM has to spend a large part of its revenue on the past. But GM still has to sell at prices that can compete with the Japanese. Is it any wonder that they struggle to match Japanese quality, when forced to attempt to do so on the cheap?
Over the last 20-30 years, GM has built and sold small cars, but due to Japanese competition, they could not sell them at a price which covered their current costs, plus past costs. For big cars, trucks, and SUVs, the competitive situation was different, and GM could build and sell these for enough money to cover the cost to build the cars, plus pay their legacy costs. That is why they focused on big cars. Not stupidity or resistance to change, but the fact that big vehicles was the only niche in which they could make money.
With gas at $4 per gallon, their only profitable niche has dried up. So I agree, simply making good decisions from here on is not enough to save them. Things would have to break very well for GM to get through the next few years. If they can survive, the legacy costs will go down over time, and GM would in 5-10 years, be able to compete on a more level playing field. One good break would be rising oil prices plus government intervention make gas powered cars untenable, and GM’s lead in PHEVs makes them competitive. I hope that happens.
But a more realistic scenario is GM continues to build and sell cars at a loss, and they burn through their current pile of $20.5B cash on hand. What happens next?
Borrow money? If things get any worse, no one will lend to them.
Sell the company as a going concern? With legacy costs in place, who would take it, even for free?
Declare bankruptcy? That would enable GM to be competitive, but would create winners and losers.
Losers
1. Stock holders and creditors–their interests would be wiped out
2. Suppliers–their receivables would never be paid
3. Retirees–no more health care from GM. Pensions are guaranteed by the government and would continue, but retirees would have to depend on Medicare, if they are 65 or older.
4. US government. The pension guarantee fund would take an enormous hit, and probably have to be replenished from taxpayer funds
5. Japanese automakers–would have to compete with an GM unencumbered by legacy costs.
6. GM top management. The very top guys might be replaced. But most of the structure would remain.
Winners
1. The surviving GM organization, by whatever name they become known. They could build and market cars on a cost competitive basis, because the legacy costs would be wiped out. If they make good marketing and engineering decisions, they would have the opportunity to reap the rewards. If they make bad decisions, they will be back where they are today.
2. GM employees. Would probably lose a little in wages and benefits, but since the package enjoyed by the current employees is not far out of line with other American workers, cuts would not be draconian. And they would have jobs into the future.
3. US Consumers. A healthy GM would improve consumer choice, and put pressure on the Japanese to moderate price increases.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
“”"I would pay an extra $3000 for a battery-only upgrade option if the Volt could get 85-100 miles on a full charge. “”"
The fundamental issue with BEVs is that long range costs money. A lot of money. That is why Telsa is so expensive. That is why EV-1 was not a viable product. It cost $80,000 to build.
GM could build a car with no ICE and two big batteries, but the batteries cost $10,000 each. I dont think they could sell that set up for just a $3,000 premium.
I know all of this talk of cost is boring to most people, but cost is still the reason why BEVs have not replaced ICE cars.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
#225 Tom Harwick — cost of batteries.
I agree with everything you said, but it is even worse. If the Volt had a 2nd battery, where would it go? In the passenger section? Unfortunately, weight and size remain limiting, also.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
#220 Kevin:
I will agree that an all electric vehicle would certainly be THE answer. I too would like to pass every gas station on the planet. I truly hope that with the Volt, we are moving in this direction. I too would pay an extra $3000 for 85 to 100 miles of all electric. But, as of right now, I think that 3K is an unrealistic figure.
I suppose I like the volt so much because it seems to be a step in the right direction. It says to me that automakers are finally starting to listen to their customers. To me, the Volt is a good starting point.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
#224 Tom Harwick
Yes, I didn’t push out thinking into ‘what is next,’ I was in ’state of the union’ mode …obviously Chapter 11 is the nest, most logical step. In that scenario many of its vehicles INCLUDING the Volt are profitable….provided the apocalypse isn’t continuing in the market of course.
All you need to know about the economy can be summed up like this:
Gold today: $870.90 +$90.40 (peaked after hours, closed up $70)
/biggest single day EVER old record was $64 in the 80s (in$)
September 17th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I have to agree with an earlier comment,”the concept car was cooler”. This one looks a lot like a Saturn and the other Small to mid size cars on the market today. What happen to the style that first attracted me to this car? Wow, a Corvette that runs on batteries! I guess I was mistaken. Something that looked so good couldn’t possibly be a reality. And run good, too. Well I guess I’ll just keep looking for that dream.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Ugly. Ugly boring Malibu box with a battery! No wonder GM is losing market share. Sorry guys.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Lyle,
From what I’ve seen so far, the vast majority of the people here are disappointed with the production body style. If it’s not a majority, there are certainly enough to show that GM has made a mistake. Then on top of that the price tag keeps going up?
Assuming the price and the body style stay as they are, GM has just lost 2 Volt orders. I had been planning to get one for me and one for my wife. It wouldn’t matter to me if it could drive cross-country without needing to be charged and never used a drop of gas, if it looks like that I wouldn’t be caught dead driving it.
Call me stupid if you want but I’m a sports car guy and I’m not about to over-pay for something that looks that bad. I’ll get something else that looks good, runs fast, and gets respectable gas mileage.
Production Volt = EPIC Failure
September 17th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Lyle, #1 fan boy, the car looks good. Amusing to see all the posts from disgruntled dilettantes who want a Ferrari look at peanut butter prices.
I’d take the dang thing if it looked like a Tin Lizzy. The point, poor folks, is 40 miles all electric, no gas, at a price you might afford.
Betcha Toy-odor does a 20 mile plug in by release time, anybody want 100 bucks on that?
Number 1095 here. Anybody above me want out?
GM will spinoff or sell off the Volt business and associated models before they go belly-up.
GM, you can get a cash infusion now to help the Volt unit; maybe only $150M, guess that’s too small to help?
September 17th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Great work Lyle!
Now how about some pictures of under the hood, the BACK seat (is there a huge hump for the batteries?) and the trunk, please!
By the way, where is the tailpipe?
September 17th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Nice going, twits. All your self-absorbed whining about the production model looks from the unflattering posed pictures has turned into a big fat negative comment about the Volt general styling in the CNN Money exposure article. Way to win fans and influence people.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
We’re all seeing the production Volt through the lens of GM-Volt.com. For the general public, which has not been following the Volt so closely and maybe has never heard of the car or seen much of the concept, it’s a different ball game. I think that compared to many cars on the road today (at least many GM cars), the Volt holds its own. I hope many people will feel the same way.
In other words, I agree with #234 mien green but I’m trying to be more charitable. Anyone who thought the production Volt was going to look much like the concept (small visual cues aside) was deluding themselves, in my humble opinion. Let’s keep it real and just keep spreading the word.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
The production Volt looks great! What happened to a 2010 release date? Do us a favor, don’t skimp on the interior. I’ve got a 2009 Vibe GT now and I really like the leather trimmed seats. Also, a hybrid with a sunroof would be cool. I understand you take a hit on MPG, but it is worth it. Also if you can do a limited release of the Concept model later on, that will be cool.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Nice to see Lyle get his moment, hopefully many many more, with an apparent dream. Detroit News and Time both seem to have gotten some time with the volt mules on the track. One writer makes it sound almost as if they got to ride in one. I hope Dr. Dennis got an invite, he certainly has a lot to do with why this is here today.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
The photos show it all… it looks like a reprint of models over the years… the front looks like a 2008 chevy mexican looking styling, the side views look like a 70/80 style x car hatch back and the rear looks like something off an old Hatch Back chevy. Where is the hatch back???? Only thing this chevy has over the Prius is an little more extension on the nose section. The interior looks like a bundle of plastic like the laptops are made of that break at the first sign of bending… And it certainly doesn’t look like enough room for a 6′4″ tall guy with 32″ inseam… Does he sit in the rear seat? Very little trunk space i expect to save on weight… might as well drive a electric golf cart… I was impressed with the concept car and would have purchased one had they stuck to the original design. To me this has lost all appeal in the styling. Of course the salesman are pumped up… its their job…The powertrain concept is still interesting and if the batteries actually perform I might consider getting one in 2015 when they fix the body style… is the chevy reborn… not yet ..
They are behind in the power train technology… direct electric motors on each wheel, drive by wire.. and hydrogen/electric to get 900 miles on a fill up / charge. I;ll consider going full electric in my silverado with a electric conversion package…
September 17th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
At first I was psyched about the new camero untill it took like 5 years before it would come out, then I found out about the Volt and changed my mind. Instead of the Camero, I wanted a new Volt, or at least that was untill they changed the body style. As soon as I found out, I was upset with Chevy and went out and bought me a new 2008 Toyota Tundra, and I will probobly wind up buying another KIA for my wife. Way to go Chevy, you lost my sale.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
LOL
Next thing you know “some” people (most notably those severely dissappointed with the latest physical revisions since the concept) will be selling their positions on the WAIT LIST on eBay!!
I’ll gladly sell mine!! (in the low 1000-2000 is all I’ll say) since I know it won’t/can’t represent any “real” wait list that could possibly apply. Think of it more as an expression of interest.
WopOnTour
September 17th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I truly hope that GM manages to offer those of us on the waiting list, first dibs on purchasing one of the November 2010 Volts. I want one. I want it in Black or Midnight-blue black. I need a new car really, really bad and figure I can hold out another year to 18 months if my Bonneville does.
It’s not the concept but it does look good to me. Darken the grill though…looks too plastic like. I also don’t like the center electronic console being a white color. Looks like something just thrown into the middle of the dash rather than integrated into the rest of the color scheme.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I hope they come out with a 2 door thats a lot closer to the concept car I’ve been looking at for two years. I don’t want a 4 door sadan . VOLT sounds fun but now it dosn’t look fun
September 17th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
When are the Amercican Car manuf. gonna get a clue. Fine the technology is great, it’s about time. But anyone living in the modern age would agree why must all cars look alike? Why must we still drive the same tired styled cars our parents would drive. What a disappointment GM get a clue already and start taking chances like Dodge has. Why buy a car that looks just as ugly as a Prius? Style matters a great deal in , now GM PLEASE LISTEN ( STYLE MATTERS IN OUR MODERN AGE) CAN YOU UNDERSTAND THAT CONCEPT- DONT SHOW A CAR , GET EVERYONE EXCITED AND CHANGE THE STYLE BECAUSE YOUR EXEC’S DON’T HAVE THE BALLS TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. No wonder your lossing so much money
September 17th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I have seen my next car.
Cant wait to boycot the gas stations. (:
September 17th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Well, looks aren’t everything.
When I get my Volt I’m gonna take off that fake grill and commission some artist to do a nice custom design for me.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
this is disappointing compared to the concept. It looks like every other prius on the road. They just lost a lot of business.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
The leaked photos were a big disappointment to me. The car seemed to take on a more mundane look. The concept photos were much more exciting.
However, seeing these photos…I think this is the car for me. It isn’t as exciting as the concept images, but it still looks good and is definitely unique.
I love the interior. The futuristic feel, the two LCD screens…it fits me and my personality well.
I will be happy to invest in one of these vehicles, knowing my money is going towards changing the face of the world as we know it. I’m really confident that the Volt is a huge step in the right direction for mankind, and I’m glad GM has seen it through. They have my respect, taking this big step.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Yeah…. That’s pretty dissapointing. If I wanted a Prius there is not a waiting list and it is about $15k cheaper. I want the concept. Call GM and tell them if they want to get back on top they have to give us Green cars that are Red Hot! That thing might appeal to my grandmother. Maybe. I wanted two door, sexy, sporty, and gas free, just like the original concept. Now we have a Prius looking four door hybrid watered down version. I am not paying $40k for that. GM still has thier head up their tailpipe. I guess I can keep wishing for a Tesla Roadster.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Oh yeah…. you need to send out that survey again. I am changing how much I would pay. I originally said $30-35k. Now I want to reduce that to $18-20k. Maybe. I am really dissapointed. I have owned many “cool” cars. Corvettes, Stealth, Fiero, and currently a Mustang GT. I was seriously looking forward to my first gas free sports car. I guess I can keep looking. This thing is so unimpressive. Once again GM is sucking hind teat to Toyota. Toyota was first to market with a hybrid, and will beat GM with a PHEV, and theirs will be cheaper, and better because it has several generations of improvements. Will anyone be suprised when GM is just a footnote in automotive history. I’ll shut up cause I could go on all night. I am REALLY dissapointed.
September 18th, 2008 at 7:47 am
GM can make both versions if they want to, the people who like the first version will accept the reduced range.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Don’t like the looks of it at all – to me it looks like GM stuck the new Malibu front end onto the back end of a Cobalt. The concept was cool, unique and that is what I wanted – not this watered down Prius look-a-like.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I accept the premise the GM had to modify the body to make it practical, and probably to appeal to more owners. Though I did like the concept better, I like some styling points of the production version – mainly the front end – better. The problem I have is that I will most likely need to replace a car before the volt comes out. If Honda has a 60mpg prius clone for less than 20K than that’s a no brainer from an economical standpoint. While I agree the country has to get off oil that doesn’t mean I’m willing to pony up the cost of 2 Honda Insight’s to do it.
Also to the point of the car having additional mandatory dealer services: anyone remember the oil change lights that have to be reset by the dealer (after an overpriced oil change)? My brother’s chevy mini van was like that. GM makes more from service than selling cars, and any sucker willing to pay 40+ K for a niche car likely won’t mind ponying up more $$ to the dealer.
I think they should have more than one model. My daily communte is 7mi each way, a 30 mile electric only range would be more than enough for me, and I suspect many others. The claimed reason from streamlining by GM is crap – it’s not about the aerodynamics, it’s about leveraging the chevy cruz platform to make production cheaper. That’s fine, only the car isn’t really cheaper, is it?
My intuition tells me that by “late 2010″ this car will be too little, too late – but GM should have thier loan guarantees by then, shouldn’t they? And if between now and “late 2010″ the price of oil drops we will see those rows of Denali’s & Hummers back front and center on the dealer’s lots – anyone want to bet on that one?
I personally have been a Ford man – GM’s I have owned have mostly rattled apart on me (I keep my cars a long time), but I am growing tired of Ford also. I am thinking more and more of buying Honda or Toyota. You pay a premium but the vehicles are rock solid, and in 2 years the Prius will probably deliver the same cost per mile over the lifetime of the car as the volt will.
I hope GM pulls this out, but I am not confident in anything comming out of Detroit anymore.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Well I still like the car, I love the interior… I just hope this car comes in around the mid 30’s and not 40 thousand, thats to much for me to spend on a 4 seater. I do hope this take off, as my commute is 30 miles return and this car would suit me perfectly for work. Well have to wait and see what the future holds but at least the ball is churning and the cars are coming out.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:05 am
After reading alot of these posts, its now obvious to me that the old comment common to people from other countries is true, Americans ARE spoiled. The basic purpose of this vehicle is to reduce or eliminate gasoline usage, and our dependance on buying oil from countries who have a large portion of their populations that really don’t like us very much. What concept vehicle has withstood the redesign process in the past, and yet so many people are complaining about it not looking like a sports car. Get real. As long as this vehicle works, the main obstruction facing GM is not to set the price too high, so that the average American can’t afford one, especially in a troubled economy. If you want a sports car, go buy one and deal with the associated costs, this is the car the general public needs, not the public that is more interested with an “image” over substance. Thanks for all the info, nice looking car and now just price it reasonably and GM will have a winner.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:11 am
The production version is excellent, way way better than the funky prototype with the wierd angles and flattened roof lines and minuture side window, way to go GM !!!
September 18th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
My first thought was: that looks like a honda.
I think the prototype had a more unique style than the production model, that’s why I would have preffered the prototype looks. But in the end of the day it’s the 40 miles a day without gasoline that matter. And besides, Hondas are not so ugly after all.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I will have to say, that i was worried the actual production vehicle would be ugly. BUT…this is quite an attractive car. Does have some similarities to the acura compact sedan. Very nice. I love the blue dash layout behind the steering wheel and the blue hue. It does look different than the concept, but is still agressive and stylish.
September 18th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Andy #254
People are complaining because GM just screwed the pooch here. The concept was worth waiting for and paying extra for. It was green, sleek and sexy and competed with the likes of a Tesla Roadster. What we have here is competing with the Prius which is already on the market and just over half the price. Why would anyone wait for this car and pay extra?
September 18th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
The car looks great. GM knows who the buyer will be and this is just what the doctor ordered. 40 miles a day with no gas equals a home run!
September 19th, 2008 at 1:56 am
#225 Tom, #226 RB, #227, Ben
OK, points taken.
For the sake of argument, how about this? Remove the range extender and in the void it creates, give me up to $5000 worth of extra battery for my $3000 upgrade package (after all, not getting a range extender, gas tank, etc. has to be worth something).
And if it gets 41 miles to a charge I’ll take it!!
NWNHNRE!! NGWB!
September 19th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
per 260 Kevin
For the sake of argument, how about this? Remove the range extender and in the void it creates, give me up to $5000 worth of extra battery for my $3000 upgrade package (after all, not getting a range extender, gas tank, etc. has to be worth something).
And if it gets 41 miles to a charge I’ll take it!!
Kevin, I think that makes a lot of sense. To sell a BEV at anything like a reasonable price, at least with today’s battery cost, you would need to have a modest range. But as you state, a 40-60 mile range BEV is a very practical car, especially for a two car family that wants a very economical commuting car, and then a pure gas or PHEV for the occasional long trip.
I think the range extender is a transitional phase. As people get used to the idea of limited range BEVs, a market niche will open up. But I sense that GM does not believe they can introduce a BEV in one big gulp.
September 19th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Well, I like the car but…. Hopefully this car will be made and produced 100% in the USA. Major manufactering states such as Michagan and Ohio were left to rot when the big three ( GM, Ford, and Chrysler) decided to produce their vehicles on a “Global Market”
September 20th, 2008 at 6:28 am
I would be much happier about the totally blah soon-to-be OUTDATED styling of the new Volt version, if GM simultaneously released a coupe version that was closer to the concept. So what if it sacrifices a 1 or 2 mpg, the technology is the same and I would actually spend the money on it. Otherwise, the Japanese will once again capture the market by leapfrogging their version over ours. Guaranteed. American consumers generally attach a magical perception to foreign imports, thus requiring a bold & visionary move here in styling. Think Mustang 1960’s.
September 20th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Lyle, if your serious about that design and think its what the people want, then why not redesign the concept car just enough to lower the aero dynamics a little, round the nose a little, soften the sharp edges just a touch and then put a few of those cars up for sale. Same price, same drive train, the body is the only difference, now lets see which vehicle people will want to buy???
September 20th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
This won’t the first time that gm made a concept car and didn’t follow the design that we seen at the auto show, just like the cadillac catera but the name was called LSE which was a great name because it had a presence in that name and it made you say Lse that’s a nice car, And don’t forget the sunfire concept,the alero concept, the chevy nomad concept, the bel air concept, and the cadillac cien the 100th anniversay series of cadillac, What I mean is that all of these vehicles made us oohs and ahhhs but they never made them and the public deserves those vehicles that you show as concepts but to be a reality not a fantasy car that you have to dream about, its only fair if you produce these vehicles customers will buy them and come back for more, I like the volt car itself and as a designer I would love to see the vehicles go from concept to production but the way you present them should be same as the production models as well, just look at the lacrosse that car was nothing like the concept so some one lied to us about what we were going to as the production model, I am a true designer and I take pride in all my designs that I do because everyone that I draw has its own personality and there are true to there design so I will give the public what have seen as well as what they have been waiting for in order to keep them coming back, Ed Welburn I commend you on your work that you do at Gm and I hope to work with you one day as I continue my career as a car designer so you can see what my passion for cars is as well as yours and maybe we can come together and design the next luxury or sports car for today’s people,
Thank You very much GM.
September 21st, 2008 at 8:48 pm
nasaman #38
“3- The Volt uses a “top secret” transmission that “other manufacturers have never even thought of” (Bob Lutz)”
*** *** ***
Again, I’d like to know more about this. Lyle can you possibly find out or even make this a thread? I find it hilarious that some have posted on this site that Toyota has better engineers than GM. We’ll soon see about that.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:00 am
As soon as available please ship one directly to france…. I would be glad to be the first one to have this car in good old europe.
And GM please send us this car and not a honey-drenched Opel
September 24th, 2008 at 3:22 am
I think by this time I drive already a prius plug-in…
October 1st, 2008 at 1:12 am
Sorry, but this doesnt look like the concept car at the Autoshow.
Time to re volt. Get it?
Looks more like a puffy Malibu.
How typical.
Disappointed.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Now we just need a price and —-
1. how much to replace the batteries
2. how long will the batteries last
3. are they going to be under warrenty.
Lets face it folks, we as Americans need to lose our vision of the car. In this economy, there is not much room for sports cars, SUVs and such. I’m holding onto my Explorer until next year so I can see what options I have. We are moving into a smaller car society….
Out in AZ, traditional car batteries only last about 2 years…….
January 26th, 2009 at 2:21 am
Lyle,
I too, loved the concept car far better than the production car. That’s what got my attention, a car with a new purpose & one I’d feel good in & to own. Being part of the solution instead of the problem is the direction we all need to move toward…I think GM needs to step further out of the box & stay true to their original design or give us the different body styles to choose from so we can all have our dream car & ALL BUY A CHEVY, having the best of both worlds…Lyle, if that’s you in the picture in front of the production car with those baggy pants, I can see why the car changed it’s appearance…Lyle, tell me the designer of the concept car wore tighter pants…One more thing Lyle, whether I’m happy or not…I’m glad it will say…Made In The U.S.A.