POLL: Chevy Volt Concept Versus Production Version
We previously ran polls about GM-Volt.com reader preference with regards to concept versus production design. Those were biased however in that we were comparing grainy video stills and poorly framed and angled images.
Now that we can see the fruit of many months and many millions of dollars of labor by GMs E-Flex design team, it is most appropriate to take another poll.
You already know what I think, so lets let GM and the world know what the die-hard Volt fan base on this site thinks too. GM vice chair Bob Lutz has weighed in on his blog, and described the design changes as being the most beautiful possible around its aerodynamic dictates. He also pointed out that the emotional drive to buy this car will not be just appearance but more so what lies beneath the skin. Our last poll here showed 68% felt driving without gas was most important thing about the Volt, 2% believed it was looks, and 36% felt both factors were equally important.
So for the final poll on this matter:
Loading ...Popularity: 2%
Related posts:
- On Public Opinion About the Production Chevy Volt (and Another Poll)
- Chevy Volt Chief Designer Bob Boniface on One Versus Two Charging Ports (With Poll)
- Poll Results: 65% Prefer Production Version VOLT, 35% Concept
- GM Denies Intentionally Leaking Photos of Production Volt (Plus Preference Poll)
- Results of Preference Poll and My Production Volt Unveiling Video
(8 votes, average: 4.88 out of 5) 
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September 17th, 2008 at 11:53 am
I would buy either of these.
I want a vehicle of this type and want to be one of the first. I owned a Corvette so the prototype appeals to me and the Corvette did very well on gas on the freeway. It is the best sports car for the price. I also want a car where I can get at least 4 into, has premium sound, plush interior and uses almost no gas. So it is the platform I am buying overall.
I have solar on my home, so this will cost me close to zero to run..
September 17th, 2008 at 11:53 am
production looks gorgeous. Best looking alternative vehicle out there yet.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:53 am
So back to the meat…where are the mules?
September 17th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
We’ve reached a tipping point where ’styling’ must serve the functionality of the car, rather than the reverse; where a car was (in the old days) frequently spec’d only in terms of being able to support a style.
That being said, style still needn’t be ignored and it hasn’t been.
Compare what effort has gone into applying style to the aerodynamic needs of the PHEVs, verses what has gone into the production Volt. There is no comparison. The Prius is an appliance; the Volt, for all of it’s ground-breaking technology, is still a car.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
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 12:09 pm
They both look great. The concept had a really aggressive look with it’s sleek body, long hood, and bold face. The Production version has a much more expressive front end and a very nice roof line with it’s steep windshield, gentle slope back window, and high trunk lid. The only thing that bothers me about the production version is it has that bloated economy car look. Short wheel base, short hood, and a tall / low body.
But as others have said its certainly better than any other ultra efficient car, and most compacts really. Its very very difficult to make a small sedan with great looking and practical proportions. I think this is about as good as it’s going to get.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I honestly preferred the style of the concept Volt, however the production Volt does not disappoint at all. Actually, the interior is way better in the production Volt. (My opinion) I did vote that I like the concept volt more, but based on the pictures above.. (exterior.)
September 17th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
The Volt will be the best looking 4 door on the road. It looks a lot like the concept. But more like a normal persons car less like a sports car.
I never liked the big body small window look. The concept would not have been a comfortable car to drive.
But the bottom line is this will be the best looking 4 door on the road when it passes by the gas stations.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I really don’t understand those who have professed such disappointment at the production design that they say they will no longer buy a Volt.
First of all, I think it looks great. But more importantly, did these people fail to notice that when the Volt was introduced the emphasis was not on muscle-car looks, but on the all-electric range? The point of the Volt has never been styling; that’s not where it’s revolutionary.
But even when it comes to styling, I much prefer the refined, smooth lines of the production version to the concept, which reminds me too much of all the square, American muscle cars of the past that invoke all that was wrong with Detroit: power without refinement, performance over environment.
The new Volt is a thing of beauty. One day, it will be in my garage.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
My favorite one is the production, of course the concept was all nice and al but it looked too racy to be serious… I have nothing to do with a monster. Of course I’d like to be seen in the concept driving around but the car will be used to go to work everyday stay in a prking all day long and be used to get back home at night and maybe go shopping later on… Not for showing off.
I need a nice cars that still get out of the lot but that is still an everyday car.
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
September 17th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I like the production version. I have always liked sleek cars so the concept never really did it for me.
One thing I really like is that the production version appears to have disc brakes all around. Initially, the \Volt was reported to have drum brakes on the rear. UUuuuuugh. drum brakes. They are cheap, they are a pain and they make a car look cheap, too. That and the styling seems to cover up what kind of suspension is in the rear. If it’s not independent, it looks good to cover that up as well.
I also notice that the downloadable photos from the GM website of the interior don’t match the photos on autoblog. That “leaf” icon I mentioned in a previous thread is in a different spot and the “sport/econ” button is alternately labeled “econ/hold” and there are more differences, too. Does anybody know why the photos are so different?
September 17th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Prototype products are concepts. They are mainly used for marketing purposes. My enthusiasm from the start has always been with the electrification of a mass produced car. Go Volt and GM!
September 17th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I love the concept for some of the wrong reasons but I love the production for all the right reasons. I’ll be waiting in line to buy one and I’ll drive it with pride when they become available.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I prefer the looks of the concept…..a normal thing since concepts don’t have to be practical but I don’t dislike the production car. Although it does have one styling feature I don’t like and is common to many cars. I like the line of the hood to follow all the way to the rear. This car (like the Prius) notches down at the windows and back up again at the trunk. Ruins the lines of the car IMO but not enough to keep me from buying it if no other EREV options exist in 2011…unless I win the lottery and can buy a Fisker.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
The production version is nice enough. I think a cross between the concept and the final version would probably have hit the right note
and satisfy the holdouts. This is still a huge leap forward and not
the last word in electric cars. Some future model will probably blow
us away looks wise. Unfortunately it is not now.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I love the look of both vehicles, but the production model gives me the type of car I want, zero emmissions - from the car itself - when you stay within the 65 Km range of the batteries. The concept may suffer from poorer areodynamics than the production model, so maybe several Km are lost due to it, but I’m sure there are many people who would love to own it for the looks and not the miliage. Look at all the people who own muscle cars, It’s the look and not the fuel miliage that some people want.
If the cost of the Volt is reasonable, I would seriously buy one. Though as being the first model out and all the R & D that went into the Volt, Chevy will want to recoup some of those expenses in the sale of these cars. I just hope that they do it over a long period of time, several models, so that the volt can be an affordable car for everyone now rather than, say 10 years down the road when the EV is the proven car.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Well I don’t always agree with Mr. Lutz, but he’s right this time.
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
September 17th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I voted for / prefer the Concept Volt from a pure appearance perspective.
However, does that materially change my passion or emotional attachment to the car? No. The production appearance is still very appealing, and the interest I have for the car transcends appearance anyway. It would have to look much, much worse for me to turn away. I’m still excited.
^ Willing to wager this is the most common sentiment.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Q:
What’s better than a car having two bucket seats that’s able to get off the line in a hurry?
A:
A car having four bucket seats that’s able to get off the line in a hurry.
The production Volt looks very good. And having the option to drive shorter distances without using Exxon gasoline gives the Volt inner beauty as well.
I hope GM stays reasonable with the initial price. Getting the momentum going with decent pricing will pay off long term. More and more people will be wondering what the next model offering of GM range extended EV will be. Word of mouth is golden.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
“…let GM and the world know what the die-hard Volt fan base on this site think…”
If you are a die-hard Volt fan, if you want the Volt to blossom, then you need to vote for the production version. The real Volt needs support.
The technology, not the looks, make the Volt different. Any ICE car can look like concept Volt. In its essence, the Volt is an affordable 40-mile AER E-REV sedan with good performance. For the Volt, form follows function to a great degree. Realistically, the Volt needs good aerodynamics. The rest is just window dressing. If you vote for the concept appearance, you are not really a die-hard Volt fan. You are an exhibitionist with an unrealistic expectations. You should spend time looking at muscle cars and exotic sports cars, with their poor fuel efficiencies.
Your sporty/muscley E-REV will come eventually, when the technology matures. We are not there yet. We will get there using baby steps. The real (i.e., production) Volt is the first step. Support it.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
My opinion: It’s a good looking car and has some distinctive features. Its wide stance and other details make it quite different from Toyota and Honda models. I’m truly mystified by people who are making those kinds of comparisons.
Off topic:
An interior picture of the middle display clearly show that the Volt can be programmed to charge at different times. That answers one of my questions.
One of the pictures clearly shows an ECONO/SPRT switch. Lyle, please find out what this does! (Perhaps it’s the “I’m going up Pike’s Peak later today” switch?)
The following article on batteries is a bit depressing:
http://www.wheels.ca/article/362512
GM has not published acceleration specs. The above article suggests that a battery getting to EOL loses power, not energy. So, is GM hedging its bets because they haven’t got enough cycles done yet to see the impact of time on power availability? Definitely my major concern, along with cost, at this point.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
We are getting a lot of comments lately. Lyle, you should charge a nickel per comment.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
#18 ‘Snowy’ - I agree 100%
I voted for the concept…
I too was upset about the death of the concept but at least I was and I am practical about it…
Hey least this isn’t a freakin’ Prius and it doesn’t remind me of a Nerd Shoe in the least bit…
________
From previous post, thank you ‘TOM M’…great questions that I agree with 100%
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?
________
You call that affordable??!!!
I was extremely interested in what Tesla was doing, I’m even on their e-newsletter mailing list — then I found this site and the Volt — so I haven’t been paying attention to Tesla’s progress….
I knew that Tesla was planning on a sedan that was supposed to be more affordable than the Tesla Roadster @ $109,000 ….which is obviously only for the UBER-rich…. then I see this article today:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/tesla_motors;_ylt=Atfk_No9fN3MiIQU6BZwp1Ss0NUE
From the article:
“It is our intention to service the entire market,” CEO Ze’ev Drori said in an interview with The Associated Press. “We are not a niche player.”
Then they list a price of $60,000 for this thing!!!
Sorry dude, but that is a ‘niche’ that I would not consider to be affordable. Sure, its cheaper than the Roadster but man that is still a LOT of money to pay for a car, maybe not ‘UBER-rich’ but you better be one wealthy bastard to get on that waiting list.
Point being, you need to do your best to keep the Volt well under $40,000 GM…
(my personal breaking point right now is $35k - sans any tax breaks)
September 17th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
#18 ‘Snowy’ - I agree 100%
I voted for the concept…
I too was upset about the death of the concept but at least I was and I am practical about it…
Hey least this isn’t a freakin’ Prius and it doesn’t remind me of a Nerd Shoe in the least bit…
________
From previous post, thank you ‘TOM M’…great questions that I agree with 100%
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?
________
You call that affordable??!!!
I was extremely interested in what Tesla was doing, I’m even on their e-newsletter mailing list — then I found this site and the Volt — so I haven’t been paying attention to Tesla’s progress….
I knew that Tesla was planning on a sedan that was supposed to be more affordable than the Tesla Roadster @ $109,000 ….which is obviously only for the UBER-rich…. then I see this article today:
‘http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/tesla_motors;_ylt=Atfk_No9fN3MiIQU6BZwp1Ss0NUE’
From the article:
“It is our intention to service the entire market,” CEO Ze’ev Drori said in an interview with The Associated Press. “We are not a niche player.”
Then they list a price of $60,000 for this thing!!!
Sorry dude, but that is a ‘niche’ that I would not consider to be affordable. Sure, its cheaper than the Roadster but man that is still a LOT of money to pay for a car, maybe not ‘UBER-rich’ but you better be one wealthy bastard to get on that waiting list.
Point being, you need to do your best to keep the Volt well under $40,000 GM…
(my personal breaking point right now is $35k - sans any tax breaks)
September 17th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I smell a trap! Wouldn’t it be funny if only the people that voted for the production got one of the first production Volts? You no like it? No Volt for you!
I voted for the concept. It’s a risk I’m willing to take.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Wow… this is a relatively calm discussion so far. Where did all the trolls suddenly go? Could it be they were all actually the same individual (or small cluster thereof), and that person is away, getting a big wart removed from his/her face today? Am I onto something here?
September 17th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
This is fantastic the only thing left to do is get it to us, and remember lets get America going with– NO PLUG NO SALE –gotta get everybody saying it
September 17th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Although I still prefer the concept version, understanding that changes HAD to be made the production version looks pretty good and would not keep me from buying a Volt.
My only real concern from an aesthetics point of view is the trim around the LCD screens. Is it really white like it looks in the photo’s. If it is, it looks cheap and plastic to me. At least give me some interior options with that trim like may metallic or even black.
GM, keep up the hard work !!
September 17th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I’ve said this before, but as more and more time passes the acceptance of the Volt production will obviously go up. As of today alot more people recognize the production…and have never seen the concept.
And further to that, more and more people will lend support blindly, regardless if they preffered the concept or not…case in point:
#20 ThombDbhomb Says:
If you are a die-hard Volt fan, if you want the Volt to blossom, then you need to vote for the production version. The real Volt needs support.
/sorry to use you my friend
——-
Take this poll once a month right up to November 2010, and you will find the numbers improving everytime.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I like them both. If I had to choose though, it would be a sportier version every time.
What the hell is wrong with you people, and what is so bad about a sporty car? Why would you want to blend in with all the other dull boring people on the road anyway. What’s the point of spending all that money on a car that is not fun to drive?
Either Volt looks fun to drive though, IMHO.
(I drive a red Corvette by the way. ~30mpg and 300HP)
September 17th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
The concept and the production vehicles aren’t even a little bit the same vehicle. At the 40k mark they are competing with the likes of BMW and Mercedes. I know being a plug-in has a certain value to people (me) but at 40k + the thing needed to be a knockout, and VERY different. I could feel cool driving the concept, driving the production vehicle I’m just driving a gas-sipper. While that in and of itself is worthy, it doesn’t cover the 20k price hike over the new Honda insight. I’m a fan of buying American whenever possible, but there is no financial sense to this, there is not really a great deal of “wow factor” they’ll have to start working on the price now.
had they kept more true to the concept car, they would have had an easier time selling the volt at 40+ as it would be a “premium car” as opposed to an economy car for 40k
September 17th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
looks like #29 is like me. 30 mpg in my Vette with 400 hp. I dont mind paying real money for a stand-out car as a “beater”, but this doesn’t stand out.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Again, I stress that the concept car is very sexy but not practical. Not from an average family or business view. GM is following a very sound decision. The concept car is dynamite but would have the aero dynamics of a brick. If you want a sport car buy a Vett or Viper. GM has to sell a car to the masses. The concept is not that car. The production car does not look like a Prius or an Insight. This will be my first GM product. I am just over 1000 on the wait list
and I can not wait to get my hands on one. Great job to the engineers and Lyle!
September 17th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Okay, so I joined this site quite a while back, but never posted. I’ve been keeping up just about every day though and have been reading the comments right along.
I voted for both cars. I love the look of the concept and was thrilled that an electric car could look like that instead of what the competition looks like. (Yes, I know they are not EREV). I am a camaro enthusiast, so I love the concept’s muscle car lines. Anyway, I have thought about what it would feel like to sit in and drive the concept, and it doesn’t look all that comfortable. It looks short. I am a relatively tall woman and I think I would feel like I’d be ducking all the time.
I like the look of the production car, it looks “drive-able”. I see the concept within the production car, especially the short distance between the rear wheel and the back of the car. I am so excited to own one, I can’t wait!
Done rambling, I hope I got my point across. :o)
September 17th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
YAK, YAK, YAK…
Where’s mine?
September 17th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
GM has done it again and ruined a perfectly good chance to set itself apart from the auto industry. They are playing it safe instead of leading the pack. The production Volt looks like a Chevy Malibu and inspires visits to the grocery store. This is a sad, sad day for all automotive aficionados.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
It would be great to own the production version. What it represents to loosen our dependence on foreign oil is tremendous! Hopefully one day it will be possible for all homes to own similar technology. If you can afford it, buy it. The future generations of America will look back and think, they paid big bucks so we could have a better life, financially and environmentally! Thanks GM!
September 17th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
#27 Dale Says: “My only real concern from an aesthetics point of view is the trim around the LCD screens. Is it really white like it looks in the photo’s. If it is, it looks cheap and plastic to me. At least give me some interior options with that trim like may metallic or even black.”
————————————————————————————–
I hate the white trim also, but it looks like GM will offer other colors.
Here’s a snippet from autoblog:
“The center stack draws a lot of attention for its shape, unique touch interface and bright white surfacing. Volt buyers will be able to choose from several colors for the center stack, however, including white, metallic black, and even green. ”
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/16/video-walkthrough-of-2011-chevy-volt-interior/
If it’s true, that’s great news!
September 17th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I saw the concept car out in front of RFK stadium in Washington DC and it was a real head turner. This production model is about as unique from a looks perspective as most 4-door sedans today. Yawn.
Yeah, yeah, I know, it’s all about the drivetrain and the little engine that could, but in my book they lost a lot of head turning in the finished version. I understand the reasoning they had to make, but the production model is still a visual let down.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I’ve said, since I first saw it, that the Concept is attractive … from a sculptural point of view. But. I’ve never had one bit of interest in owning or driving any sort of vehicle looking like that.
The biggest question I have now is … How much?
Second biggest question I have is … How long after Volt 1.0 before we get a wagon variant?
September 17th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I love the production version. The styling is great.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I don’t really think this is a fair pole. Of course the concept car looks better. All concept cars look like a cross between the Batmobile and Speed racer’s Mach V. However, none could ever make a straight transition between concept car to production vehicle due to Federal rules on safely and fuel economy. I remember seeing an interview with Bob Lutz when the Volt concept was first made public. He stated that the first thing that would be changed would be the tires because they would not be legal for the car. If GM wanted to make the Volt a “Boy Toy” they would be converting Saturn Sky’s to run on electric like AMP Motorworks. No the Volt has now gone “Boy Toy Concept” car to a car that a typical middle class American with a wife and two kids can drive to work and take his kids to soccer practice. Don’t forget, for the first time in almost a 100 years that typical middle class American will be using little or no gasoline
September 17th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Although I very much like the production version, I voted for the concept because it stands out much better and really distinguishes itself. Regardless, I’d still buy the production version if I can afford it.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I liked the look of the concept version, for what it was, when it was first introduced. But when I saw it I thought, “no way, GM’s not serious about this concept and it’s too bad because it’s a good idea that will never be produced.
Well, the world changed. Toyota passed GM in sales, Tesla made a BEV and the risks of the Volt soon became necessities for GM. When development was green-lighted I thought it was weird that the concept publicity shots were still used, because obviously this would never make it as a production muscle car, let alone a REEV.
Then began all the wailing and gnashing of teeth, as though a plague had descended upon Voltdom - I mean the unauthorized GM Volt executive shots were released. What a bunch of whiners.
Then I studied the Volts 100th anniversary official release shots. And I thought, hey custom paint, big wheels, low profile tires, hey I think this can actually look better than the concept. After all the chopped roofline and huge hood never really caught on with wide acceptance (except among gangsters and pimps a few moonshiners and ex surfers) until the Chrysler 300 anyway. Then I thought, well what image are we trying for here, street racers. Are we trying to look faster than Porschas and Corvettes, or do we want to drive the first vehicles that look good, are practical enough for daily use and help to get us off imported oil.
Conclusion: I’d like to get a Volt but I’ll wait to plan on modifying it - after all should it look like a street racer; or like the future of automobiles, whatever that will look like?
September 17th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Lyle,
I see you’ve changed the photo at the top of the page from the concept to the production version.
Looks good!
September 17th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
You know, my Corvette was not exactly a “practical” family vehicle. I will give you that. So I bought a “practical” sedan that is both sporty, “sexy”, and gets 25-30mpg to boot, a Mazda6. Who says practical has to be boring.
I’d really like to see the aerodynamic specs on the new Volt verses the concept. I’d really like to see how much it really changed.
Oh and #32, VaBchJim
Actually, the Coefficient of Drag for a brick is about 2.1. The Cd for a Corvette is about 0.28. The Cd for the original EV1 was 0.195 (mainly due to the rear wheel fairings). The Cd for the Aptera is an astounding 0.11.
Oh and just for fun, the Cd of a Hummer H3 is… wait for it… 0.57, more than a metro bus which comes in at around 0.425. No wonder it gets 10mpg.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I have been waiting for a long time to buy a green car. I haven’t buy one because I hate the look of the Prius. I was very excited when I saw the Volt concept. I was very much wanting to buy one. But now you are going to produce one look like a cousin of Prius. Very very disappointing. The new design looks very boring.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
@43 BillR, and @ Lyle:
>> I see you’ve changed the photo
Yeah! Looks good!! That’s nothing short of a milestone.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I made the HeeeeYooooouge mistake of showing my wife the pictures of both Volts. While I continue to be in love with the concept vehicle, she hates it. In the case of a tie vote, she wins
Be well,
Mrs. Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Sorry Lyle I didn’t have the editor enabled for post 42
Correction: Porsches
September 17th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
1) You don’t have to be “18″ to enjoy the concept. Taste/style/looks mater to a broad range of people. If they don’t like the way the car looks, they will not buy it.
2) There is no “real” volt yet. Not till they start rolling off the lines. I’ll stick with supporting the concept because its a car that I would buy.
3) This thing had better be mid-$20k range. If people see they can buy a honda or toyota and still feel like they are sticking it to the oil man, all for 19k, they’ll pass on this if its in the 40’s!
Lyle, I love the site, and I like the fact that you are trying to do polls, but you should look at running a serious poll for statistics. You can’t write “you know how I fell” just before giving the questions, or put on Lutz’s blog comments favoring one side or the other.
Suggested poll style for better stats:
How do you feel about the production car’s looks:
0(hate) 1(moderately dislike) 2(dislike) 3(like) 4(moderately like) 5(love)
How do you feel about the concept car’s looks:
0(hate) 1(moderately dislike) 2(dislike) 3(like) 4(moderately like) 5(love)
How important is style in your decision to buy a car:
0(absolutely unimportant) 1(somewhat unimportant) 2(unimportant) 3(important) 4(somewhat important) 5(absolutely important)
How important is the electric drive system in your decision to buy a car:
0(absolutely unimportant) 1(somewhat unimportant) 2(unimportant) 3(important) 4(somewhat important) 5(absolutely important)
When did you first hear about the volt: (month/date, approximate)
Did you see the production model or the concept model first: (selection)
September 17th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
FYI- The Volt is being advertised on the Yahoo finance page!
September 17th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Lyle,
Has anyone on the production team mentioned that they found humor in the fact that the “Leaked pictures” received kinda negative reviews, but that simply by removing the engineers, the opinions improved dramatically? (g).
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!!, NPNS
September 17th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
#20 Thom
Couldn’t have said it better. With time, E-Rev will include more edgy designs like the concept, but for now, the production version is needed to get this technology moving. And the production version is a distinctive, classy looking car!
Also, people don’t realize some of the practical limitations of the concept. By scaling, I estimate the concept’s wheelbase to be 125″ (a Suburban’s is 130″). Not a very good turning radius for this puppy.
Also, the small windows look cool, but don’t expect them to be a big hit with everyone. I recently put a deposit on a new LTZ Malibu, but when my wife drove it, she felt extremely uncomfortable. That’s because she doesn’t have great eyesight, and felt the car limited her visibility (compared to her Envoy). I don’t need a car that is continually in accident’s because my wife can’t see well through the windows. We ultimately bought a new 2009 Buick Lucerne (nice car, BTW).
So even if I liked the concept better (which I don’t), doesn’t mean it would be a vehicle that would fit in my household. I would imagine others may have this same conflict.
In all honesty, I would really like an E-Flex Lucerne!
September 17th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Crud. hit submit before explaining:
Notice, there is no “on the fence” options, this is helpful in forming a true like/dislike relationship. It also helps prevent the “meh” vote from throwing off the stats.
No questions are negative in nature. The separation allows you to graph peoples relative opinions independent of the other options (rather than an “all or nothing” question).
You can come up with more, but these are fairly basic. Another important one would be:
Given the style of the production car, what MSRP would you pay:
-this one could be a option range, like <20,20~25, 25~30, 30~35, 35~40,40~45,45+
Also note, the extra “which did you see first” helps to differentiate the population and their other choices. I’ll guess that most people who saw the concept first and jumped on the waiting list are going for style - but they still feel the EV aspect is very important!
jtm_mypersonaltag
September 17th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Bob Lutz talked about the importance of “design that makes an emotional connection with buyers.”
This design makes no emotional connection with me. My neighbors will think it is a Honda Civic, for the appearance of the two cars is very similar. Realistically, however, my neighbors and I will do best to look at the Volt as an intellectual exercise, as if watching major league baseball on TV, for here in NC it is unlikely we will ever even see a Volt, much less be able to buy one.
The Volt nonetheless has a revolutionary powertrain and for that reason is an important car. I hope it is successful in CA, and that everyone to whom it makes an emotional connection can get one before too long.
Actually, though, I think GM is using the car as a way of showing people that the appearance and performance of an electric car is the same as those of an ICE car, except that one plugs it in and by doing that buys less gasoline. If the prospective buyer is female and has $40K, it helps. I hope that plan works.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I think I said it before:
I like it, I want one and I want it in RED.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I voted production because the more I look at it, the more I like it. The concept had an immediate strong visual impact, but I’m not sure I would want to wake up next to it every morning.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Shaft @ 21
I don’t see any depressing about the article. In my view of Tien Duong of the U.S. Department of Energy is just guessing what his view is. I’m sure Tien Duong get data just from every battery company he ask for. Tien Duong may not even do his own data test. Tien Duong may just keep his hope just as many other people about the GM battery test info as well.
-”Duong said it will take time to develop a lithium battery that can meet the Department of Energy’s goal: a plug-in electric vehicle with a 40-mile range by the year 2016.”-
GM may have got ahead of his view, only time will tell. GM is going to test Tien Duong view that he may be wrong or correct. Good for GM that going to do something about it while the other still guessing that the battery are not ready.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I still prefer the concept version that was the kick to buy one the soon as possible is available. The production version looks like normal cheap car, the only thing that is different is the design of the headlights.
For the Concept version I was ready to pay between $24,000.00 to $29,000.00.
For the production version I pay between $17,500.00 to $21,000.00 No more!
I was searching for the price in internet and they say that maybe come out around $40K. Is too much for the production design, in that case a prefer to buy BMW, Mercedes or Jaguar. Because if I’m capable to pay that amount, I don’t have any problem with the gas prices.
Thanks
September 17th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
The production version looks fantastic. Well done GM!
Now let me put one in my driveway already!
September 17th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I voted for the production model, design should follow function such as low drag and adequate head room.
Off topic, HybridCars.com indicated the production model sports an eight gallon gas tank. Can anyone provide a basis for the assertion?
September 17th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Typical gm product launch. Nothing like the concept. What a dissapointment. Looks like everything else Chevrolet, or GM for that matter, is putting out….
September 17th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Seeing the next to each other, in that exact photo/angle, I prefer the production, by far.
The concept looks good to me from the front up until the dash area, then it just looks ugly to me.
Though if Mazda makes an E-rev of similar specs in a Mazda 6 shell, I’m sold. Sorry, volt.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I prefer a lack of dangling participles….:-)
Just joking. Lyle you are doing great work. Here is a poem:
Haiku for Lyle
The moment has come
A silent surge of freedom
Lyle drives his new Volt
September 17th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I read some comments attached to the specific photographs on Flickr.com. One guy actually said the shifter was a fold down cup holder (even though the cup holders are obviously visible in the photo.) He claimed since it was electric, no shifter was needed! I have NO CLUE how he expects to go from Park to Drive to Reverse.
Anyway it was interesting to hear the car has a transmission of some type. Electric motor cars can be direct drive but with a transmission I bet the electric draw is a lot less, especially with a multi speed transmisstion, not to mention better performance.
Anybody else have thoughts on this????
September 17th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
First impression of production: letdown. They went from a stylish, bold look to a boring, ho-hum, $15K-$20k looking sedan. When you’re dropping $40K for a car, it had better look like more than the production model is.
There is an upside to this design: It’s the first production car that isn’t a fashion statement about being green. Many who don’t like the “LOOK AT ME” design of the Prius or Insight will much prefer this design.
However, it had better be cheaper than $40K. Try $30K max. The concept Volt at $40K would’ve sold, but the production Volt isn’t going to be flying off the shelves at that price.
For me, with the style and price, I’ll be saying no thanks. Even if gas prices jump a couple more dollars a gallon I’m still ahead. I’ll just buy a $30K sedan that’ll look more stylish and blow it away, and use the other $10K to buy several years worth of gas (and not have to pay higher electric bills to charge my car). Maybe the Volt 2.0 will be a better buy…
September 17th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
In the previous pictures of the production version it was very difficult to make out the overall car. Once I have seen all the different angles (without the guys in the pictures) it has become much more evident that this production version has many muscular angles as well, just not as protruding as the concept for obvious reasons. That being said, I like the production version very much. The rear end looks great and having it being a hatchback makes it all the more practical. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally think this car looks much better than the critics are giving it credit. At first, I too was a bit let down, but after viewing many photos I have to admit I was wrong and this car looks much better than I previously thought. I want one. My biggest concern is I will have to wait at least two more years from now. By then, it may not be as appealing to me since I will have been looking at it for two or more years. And of course, price will play a factor, especially since it will only seat four.
Hawk
September 17th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
The production version is nice looking but it looks like 90% of the other cars on the road right now. Nothing special, and if it’s nothing special $35K to 40K is a very hard sell, in fact it’s a No Sale! On top of that, it will be coming out in the 2011 model year, so now you have a $35k 2011 car that looks just like any other 2008 car. That dog won’t hunt.
I’ve suggested before, make 2 models of the Volt, one will get 40 miles on a charge and the other will get 30-35 miles. I’ll bet the farm that the concept car, with the lower miles on a charge will outsell the production model by far.
The last pole you had when it was a straight up which one do you like, only 2 choices, the concept won something like 59%. When you add a third choice you are just slanting the pole the way you want it to come out.
Make the Volt and the Volt ES (electric sport). That way GM gets both worlds and the country wins by getting off of oil.
You can’t get off oil if the car isn’t going to sell, and that car won’t sell, a 2008 boring design in 2011.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I think the grill is a big mistake. It is a painted or decalled grill. There is no need for a grill on this car, so why pretend to have one. I expect this think to look horrendous on cars several years after purchase. It will get scratched, blemished, etc….
September 17th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Jim in PA @ 43 :
You sir, are dead on. Buy what you like. A car purchase is rarely a solely financial argument. It is almost always a combination of MANY emotional triggers, where the financial issues are one, and sticking it to OPEC may be another. The other big one taking on higher relevance these days is perceived reliability.
I have been consistently facinated with the financial argument logic many people use here to make Volt/Prius comparisons, 40mpc vs. 35mpc comparisons, etc… These never work or make any sense to me. Otherwise we would all be driving $13000 Hyundais and putting the rest of the money in a CD or something. And financial arguments for mpc issues have to make assumptions about driving habits that you simply can’t apply to everyone. It is a waste of time.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
This car will sell. And it will sell well. The biggest problem now, for a mass produced vehicle, is PRICE and it ONLY SEATING FOUR, the style, quite honestly is a non issue for the masses. When is the last time you heard someone bragging about how great their bland Toyota Camry looked. Come on guys, honestly, it is not about looks, at this stage, for the masses, it will be about price, and only seating four will be a drawback for some.
Hawk
September 17th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I read today where the absolute “styling freeze” (final final deadline for the production design) is next week for the Volt. Seeing the two side by side above, the only thing I would suggest is maybe on the front grill, use the chrome bar in the middle of the bow tie (from the concept), and blacken the grill.
And again, it doesn’t matter, because I can’t afford $40,000.
What’s really sobering is realizing the payments on that-somewhere in the range of $600 a month for 6 years. Sorry, can’t swing that.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
If someone doesn’t like the looks of the production Volt, they can always buy a Camaro with its similar flat-fronted “fist in the wind” styling.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I’m not a fan of small cars unless they are in the sport category. But this one is unique enough to tempt me. The feeling of shoving the oil back up OPEC’s butt will be liberating! It’s our first step to stop funding the people of the middle east.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I see the problem with Lyle’s polls. The use of them big words like “appearance” are confusin us. Try “which one looks gooder?”
September 17th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I am disappointed that the production version is not more aggressive, but I am relieved that it does not look as bad as I feared when I saw the leaked photos with all the executives in the foreground. I will still buy one. I wish with all my heart that it was a little more sexy, though, because I will be going from a new BMW 525i (or Land Rover depending on whether it replaces my wife’s car or mine) to a Chevy (the first domestic car I have even considered purchasing in fourteen years). The leaked photos actually helped me make up my mind that I can live with the production design. My expectations were so low last week when I saw the exec photos, that I almost put a deposit on a Tesla. After seeing the photos from yesterday, however, I was so relieved that it didn’t look as bad as I thought it would that it convinced me to still buy one. Maybe GM did that on purpose. At the very least, the leaked photos must have inadvertently converted at least a few other people. How else can you explain that a majority hated the production Volt last week and now that same majority prefers it? My wife pointed out, without seeing them side by side and without any prompting from me, that the production version “does not even resemble the same car,” so I do think Chevy went a little crazy in the wind tunnel. They bastardized their own brainchild, but maybe the Volt’s 1/4 brother will stir my emotions a little more when we stop importing oil and I can watch as the Middle Eastern dictators, in the face of shrinking petro profits, are forced turn to their second largest contributor to their nations’ GDP to fund terrorism: sifting sand.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I think the photo leak was on purpose. Lower everyones expectations in order to create more hype, and then pleasantly supprise us all with a car that looks far better than the leaked photos. Hmmmm.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
As usual, production cars will never replicate the concept version. The concept is created by the designers/artists. The production is created by the engineers/realists. It seems that the low roof line, custom wheels and the aggresive stance are typically removed from the production vehicles. I find it somewhat deceiving, because these are what can make a plain car attractive. Maybe someday, the engineers will find a way to leave the designers finished product alone.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I can barely stand to look at the concept any more. Give me the production Volt in silver or Electric Blue and throw some 18s or 20s (though the wheels on it already are very sharp) on it and I’m ready to go electric. I would pick this over any parallel hybrid easily, but that’s not the case, this is an affordable electric car with gas/E85 range extender, so this is an absolute must-have. I’m a 23-year-old computer technician and college student that happens to also be black, to me this car has sex appeal and OMG did I mention it’s electric?!
September 17th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I don’t know what is going on, but I had posted a comment (around #43 or so). It showed up with another one from someone else below it. But now it is suddenly gone. Lyle, is someone going through and deleting comments completely? I did not say anything bad. I just praised the Volt’s look, etc. So, anyone else losing comments posted on the site?
September 17th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Like any concept it was unrealistic to think the body style would not change. I too loved the concept car but knew that between wind tunnel test and DOT requirements it would not make it to production in that form. I am content with the new body, not as aggressive and sporty as I would like but then again it is not a sports car. I will purchase one as soon as it is available and be on the beginning of a new era in car history.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Benson says, “And again, it doesn’t matter, because I can’t afford $40,000.
What’s really sobering is realizing the payments on that-somewhere in the range of $600 a month for 6 years. Sorry, can’t swing that.”
Let’s play a little math here. For a five year loan, at a decent interest rate for 35k would be slightly less than 700 per month with no money down. I would suspect that after any tax incentives this car will fall between 30k and 35k to purchase. At 30k over five years your payment would be 600 per month. Lets take the middle ground and say you can get a Volt for 650 per month.
You decide that is too much and you purchase a 25k car instead. Your payment is now 500 per month financed for five years. Assume you drive 15k per year at 4 dollars a gallon at an average of 25mpg. You would spend $2400 per year on gas or 200 per month.
500 car payment + 200 for gas=700 per month.
That is assuming gas is at 4 bucks. Costs about the same as a Volt wouldn’t you think because your gas bill for the Volt would be virtually non existent for most people.
Hawk
September 17th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
68 Steve….. You say, “I think the grill is a big mistake…..”
The “techno-weenie” part of me agrees with you. The fake Volt grill is a little like the 10,000 pounds of white paint we used to cover up the rusty external tank on the first Shuttles —it has no purpose whatsoever (except cosmetic).
And the “bad boy” part of me (I LOVED my charcoal metallic IROC Z28 Camaro) hates to give up the aggressive style of the concept Volt.
However, I fully recognize that the vast majority of car buyers are NOT at all interested in aggressive styling but ARE VERY interested in the idea of driving most daily trips without using a drop a gas. So, unless & until I can persuade GM to design an E-REV car inspired by, say, the Lamborghini Gallardo in the link below, I’ll be happy to have the handsomely-styled production Volt, closed grill & all, parked beside my 2010 plug-in Saturn VUE (needed for hauling my boat, family & lots of stuff around from one water body to another)*.
http://gtcarlot.com/cars/?id=47054
*It’s a hard life, but somebody has to live it!
September 17th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
This is it?
A half baked Civic?
What was the point of the parading around the prototype in all those ads?
Major disappointment.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
the concept is by far the better looking model. I didnt get my hopes up any way. I love GM but loath the way they always take a concept car get you all hyped up over it the the final product is nothing like what you enjoyed from the concept. The only car that looks somewhat like it’s origonal concept is the camaro. Who knows though. Theres still time for that to change too. To all at GM that make decisions, stop redrawing every thing that comes off your artists computer/ sketch pads. The Volt looked like a cross between a camaro & a malibu. It was really nice. It made me want it even more, now instead of looking good while saving gas, I will have to blend right in with the fits, priuses and all the other foriegn garbage. Thanks again GM, Not. Whats next a four cyl vette.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
#82 Nasaman
You say “It’s a hard life, but somebody has to live it!”
I guess it is if you are able to do all that and drive a car like the Lamborghini in the link. That is one cool looking car. Just wait to see what the Volt convertible is going to look like. You’ll want one of those too. Then you will really be living the “Life of Riley”.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I suggested this in another thread, and it might have been taken the wrong way — if it’s a non-functional, decorative item, treat the grill like a decal or other ornament, and have more than one design. Offer different designs with different paint jobs, or just make them buyer-selectable. It wouldn’t require any sheet metal or assembly-technique changes; and has the additional appeal of not ever having been done before, on a car which itself has never been done before.
Yes, the Volt is a promising first step, but down a long road before Oil is noticeably displaced. Furthermore, in the near-term (following the “Ike spike”), the price of gas is coming down. Sorry, Volt fans. Still, by 2011, it will likely be topping the worst 2008 price, again. We do have to start down the long road, sometime.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
#79 N Riley
I don’t know what is going on, but I had posted a comment (around #43 or so). It showed up with another one from someone else below it. But now it is suddenly gone. Lyle, is someone going through and deleting comments completely? I did not say anything bad. I just praised the Volt’s look, etc. So, anyone else losing comments posted on the site?
———-
I’m still getting through unfiltered, so I doubt there is anyone intentionally sabatoging you, hehe. Probably just a glitch of some kind…alot of traffic here lately.
(=
September 17th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
To the complainers that keep saying that the Volt shouldn’t have a grill.
in 1925, the Franklin Motor company “…redesigned their air-cooled car to look like conventional cars sporting a massive nickel-plated “dummy radiator” which served as an air intake…”
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_(car)
This was done at the request of the dealers because people though the car looked “funny” without a big chrome radiator on the front, and sales were falling.
One does wonder if the same reasoning went through the minds of the Volt team when they added the faux-grill.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
To the complainers that keep saying that the Volt shouldn’t have a grill.
in 1925, the Franklin Motor company “…redesigned their air-cooled car to look like conventional cars sporting a massive nickel-plated “dummy radiator” which served as an air intake…”
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_(car)
This was done at the request of the dealers because people thought the car looked “funny” without a big chrome radiator on the front, and sales were falling.
One does wonder if the same reasoning went through the minds of the Volt team when they added the faux-grill.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
yea my post went south as well. I hope the guys programming the volt to determine where I’m going and what I’m doing are not the same guys who set up this website.
I can’t be bothered to re-type my post. This car is an over-priced, underperforming, ugly turd and by 2010 any scrap of “cutting edge” left (assuming there was any in the first place) will be gone.
At this point, I am more confident that the other dozen or so companies set to release new EVs by 2010 will reach their goal that I am in GM getting there without delays. GM just lets us down over and over again.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Aside from the aerodynamic changes - there are two features in the production version which I believe are improvements over the concept version:
[1] improved visibility for the driver through the front, side and rear windows, and
[2] the rear doors appear to be longer and the rear cabin is higher - which will help with taller people sitting in the back, or for putting kids in booster seats, etc.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
68 I agree
Tradition dies hard. The car does not need a gril so remove it.
If you want this to be space age and a 2010 car then the gril is not needed.
To just have one for the sake of it and combine the lights tougher in a tastefull fashion.
Here is a car designed a long time ago
http://jalopnik.com/5048196/commenter-of-the-day-drag-coefficient-edition
without computers that acheived .19
So I think GM should have been more creative in the approach. This car had no front end but looks like it ducted the air to the sides or below the car.
The design is nice but I am worried too that in 3 years someone will try to beat this design.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
A four door coupe like the concept would have been cool but I think the production Volt fits its purpose.
It shares it’s platform with the Cruz so it has the look of 4-door economy sedan but it is a very good looking four-door econo-sedan. I really like how the wheels are flush with the body and the tires filll the fenders.
Someone needs to do a side by side pic of the Prius, Insight, and Volt just to show how pretty the Volt really is.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
My only gripe with the production is the color and the multi tone interior. Hope they have a leather package.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
#79 N Riley
I also posted a comment that should have been #43 or so. It too, did not post.
Fortunately, I had saved the text, and it is now posted as #52.
My post at #43 was actually submitted after the first try to post what is now #52.
Don’t know what happened, but I had similar problems as you at about the same time.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Look at the Chevrolet Prius, how quaint. Who is anyone kidding, cool looking is ALWAYS better than fugly. Are you trying to tell me someone would buy a Vega that performes like a Corvette VS buying a Corvette? Please…..WAY to blow it GM! How much additional money did you spend on the wind tunnel testing to figure out the new style? How many miles a charge is the difference. I can honestly say with this design I find no reason to pick a Volt. The Honda and Chevroltet look just like a Prius. Who cares now
September 17th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I have to say there are some elements of the concept version I like better, and some elements of the production version I like better. The concept had a great dash to axle ratio (long hood) and the roof looks chopped. It also had crazy looking doors, a boxy (old) looking front end, and rear wheels that seem to stick out way too far. The production model is much more integrated and sleek. Unfortunately, the roofline looks more like a Prius than a custom car and the proportions are obviously front wheel drive. Anyone with a clue about cars should realize the concept version could and would not translate to production. Two inch tall mirrors, half glass doors, and a 100K interior? That is obviously all show car, but keep on criticizing GM. Despite many comments to the contrary, I think GM has been very true to most of it’s concepts lately. The SSR, CTS coupe, and Camaro have bee spot on. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference. I also think pictures don’t quite do the production Volt justice. It really doesn’t look like a ‘conventional car’ in person. Call it ugly if you like, but it certainly won’t be confused with a Cobalt, Camry, Civic, or any other car. I think GM did a great job overall, especially considering that performance is by far more important than styling with this car. I didn’t like the white interior trim at first, but I am warming up to it. I still hope they offer other finishes. Same with the front grille.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I liked the concept but I like the production as well. Now that the latter is fully revealed I like them equally. One is more practical and maintstream while being extremely well designed for the application and the other much more agressive. All in all, the plug and 40 miles AER matter a lot more to me and the rest is gravy making the $37,000 or so price tag easier to swallow.
I was of the opinion that they should just offer a solid color in place of the feaux grill, but upon further review I think it should stay. It may or may not have more appeal without the grill but you would always have trouble with bugs, scratches and dings without it. The grill will hide a lot of these front end innevitabilities.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
The more important question is price. You need to have the Volt come in at under 30k. If 40k, the constraints on market will be game changing.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I like the concept car better but the production one looks good. I’ll take two please.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I voted for the concept Volt. Making this game changer truly unique would have been cool. However, I like the production much more than I anticipated and can’t wait to own this car. I also understand the changes had to take place and are ultimately good for the car. By the way… Lutz promised long ago that the production version would be recognizable as the Volt (i.e., the concept version). It is (I believe he was wearing his pink tie that day).
September 17th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I was never that attracted to the concept car, and now I’m moderately attracted to the production prototype. Maybe some different colors will turn me on more.
But then again, GM really shouldn’t listen to me. Because I think the Mitsubishi i-EV Sport (iMIEV Sport) concept car looks cool. And it looks like a VW Bug on LSD!
I’m sure the production version has been secretly consumer-tested with whatever focus groups they normally use. I’d guess that the typical GM buyer that they are targeting has either never seen the Volt concept car, or can’t remember what it looks like. Two years from now, the Volt concept car will be a distant memory among GM’s typical potential Volt buyer.
When it actually comes time to SELL volts, the whole issue of which looks better to bloggers on this enthusiast site will be a distant memory by then.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
special color for Michael as promised- Sunburst Orange II Metallic:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bemova/2865714533/sizes/l/in/set-72157607025317063/
and for everybody who wants to see more colors:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bemova/sets/72157607025317063/
click on “all sizes” to see higher resolution picture.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Statik, I also posted a comment here which disappeared. Today is the first time I’ve seen that happen. It was one of my good ones too!
September 17th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
1) I fell in love with the concept
2) I was dissapointed by the fuzzy leaked pics.
3) I saw the Production version and thought, not too bad.
4) Every time I look at the Production model it looks better.
5) The concept is starting to look kind of silly.
6) I’ll take a Production Model in Silver, with black dash.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I found this on the web:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/17/houses-passes-bill-with-5k-volt-tax-credit-mandatory-alternati
September 17th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
A lot of you negative people on this blog think that this is it for GM…Once the loans get approved and GM can get back on their feet there will be more plug in hybrids built by GM. I could see an SUV or an all electric city version coming out in the early part of the next decade as well. This car is the first to come of the plug in hybrids…
September 17th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Thank you for the colors. I will take mine in black. NPNS
September 17th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Take a look at a real live photo of the volt and then vote:
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/2011-chevrolet-volt-1/1039683/full/
or
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/2011-chevrolet-volt-1/1039676/full/
Awesome!
September 17th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I voted for the cocept because I prefer cool, aggressive looking cars that turn heads. That’s just my personal taste so I guess that makes me one of the “posers” referred to in some of the other blogs here.
The production version of the Volt is NOT going to turn any heads…you’re delusional if you think otherwise. And I was hoping that it would be a head-turner not just for me but for the success of the vehicle and to hopefully eliminate the “golf cart” stigma that still exists in most of the public’s mind regarding EVs. As much as we’d like to think otherwise we EV fans don’t represent the real world…I don’t know anyone who’s heard (or remembers hearing) of the Tesla Roadster, AC Propulsion, or the Volt from any other source but me.
The point is I, and probably others, would have wanted the concept regardless of the technology under the hood. The same can’t be said for the production model especially with the added cost.
All that said, I am relieved that the poll shows most people preferring the production version as I am hoping with all my heart for the Volt and it’s technology to succeed.
And of course, I still want one…
September 17th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
will this come standard with photoshop, studio lights and gallons of armor all to make it look like this in my driveway. OK, i get that some compromises have to be made, but if GM offers all sorts of options on the vehicle, how about one with a smaller battery and lower price tag. You can upgrade at any time? In my novice (very) opinion, the game changer is that the car is actually electric. I don’t get the desire for limiting distance for a higher price tag, as so many greenies are lobbying for. Get an electric car in every driveway first, then worry about how much of it is fuel vs battery, i say.
peace.
DLO
September 17th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
#107 Looks are important to sales. The first 10K are virtually pre-purchased. After that it will not be automatic that every Volt GM rolls out there will sell, fake grill and all. There are only so many people with green hair who have to have an iPod console (smile). Realistically, when the novelty is gone, they may be an expensive small car just sitting there on the dealer’s lot. After all, people will have choices.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
P.S. I agree with Nightowl; i’m glad the volt fans here like the production version better. It won’t matter what I think, I can only afford one. We need lots of these on the road to make the difference (in imported oil/cars).
September 17th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
http://www.dailytech.com/Carbon+Breakthrough+Promises+Better+Solar+Wind+Storage/article12984.htm
Take Care
Arch
September 17th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
#111 dio. Yes, each production Volt when purchased will come with three large spotlights along with cherry pickers to hold them above the Volt, so that it can look like its now “real” pictures, with lots of reflections, light spots, and angles emphasezed. These spotlights also will keep it from turning back into a pumpkin shaped car like the one shown with the executives.
Important note: Please teach three family members to drive the three cherry pickers along beside your Volt at all times, so that it looks like the “real” production photos at every stoplight. (smile)
September 17th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
111 dio:
The concept version had all the pretty lighting to make it look perfect as well–not just the production version’s official photos.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I love sports cars - but instead of remaking the concept volt - I would love this drivetrain in the new Camaro
Production Volt - 4 door
Concept Volt (Camaro) - 2 Door
September 17th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
OK, OK…..enough of the Concept Volt vs Production Volt polls.
I’ve voted again for the Production Volt.
Can we move on and discuss important technical details of the car ?
Lyle, can you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, take down the image of the Concept Volt at the top of the page and replace it with the Production Volt ? It’s continued presence there seems to keep fanning the flames of “Form vs Function”.
Why do we need to keep beating this dead horse ?
THE WAR IS OVER !
FUNCTION WON.
GET OVER IT.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
You guys may not live in Texas, but the production car looks like a sauna. Who thought that putting a window all the way across the top was a good idea? You either have the windows rolled down (lose the aerodynamics) or you turn on an air conditioner (lose MPG).
September 17th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Mom always said, “pretty is as pretty DOES” —or was that Forrest Gump?!? Anyway, the techno-weenie in me thinks the production Volt does a few “pretty” slick things. For example, I read that there’s a button on the center console for either “Econ” or “Sport” mode* and that Bob Lutz said (in a pow-wow with journalists following the main event)…..
“With the Volt, you never have to worry you use the full 40 (mile range), the worst thing that happens is the gasoline engine comes on, and the car will know how far you are from home, and it will only run the gas engine long enough to give you enough charge to get you home where you can actually plug it into the wall outlet. So the car will be smart enough to know where its home base is.”
These gems are from Jalopnik.com at….
http://jalopnik.com/5050833/gms-lutz-chevy-volt-will-use-gps-to-determine-distance-from-home-adjust-engine-accordingly
*(However, I still don’t have a clue what the “green leaf” button on the console does)
September 17th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
#118 Exp_EngTech
The production volt is now in the header, you may need to delete your browser cache or something.
#119 Doug
I think Lyle said the roof was actually just painted black, Doesn’t sound a whole lot better, but apparently it isn’t even glass (might be the photoshop/lighting/amor all).
#120 nasaman
The green leaf activates the Mr. Fusion module in the rear circa 1985 (Back to the Future) : )
September 17th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Apparently, the Volt will “know how far you are from home” using what we’re assuming is an on-board GPS system. The plug-in electric extended range hybrid’s computer will then use that distance, along with route information, to determine how long the car needs to run the gas engine to charge the on-board battery pack, allowing the vehicle to truly maximize fuel economy.
http://garfwod.250free.com/Photos/Volt-Halo.jpg
http://jalopnik.com/5050833/gms-lutz-chevy-volt-will-use-gps-to-determine-distance-from-home-adjust-engine-accordingly
September 17th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
#118 Exp_EngTech says,
THE WAR IS OVER !
FUNCTION WON.
GET OVER IT.
———–
(Heavy sigh), I did get over it. But it was real painful.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I’ll take one of each…!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 17th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
On a slightly cheering note,
For the first time I told one of my children about the Volt.
After she absorbed the concepts she decided $40,000 US was acceptable as the first of its type.
Then she decided to buy an old Astra until the Volt was available.
Strange logic ….
But it wasnt allowed to look like a geek car….I think GM has got it right.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
The production Volt looks nice. Not much of the concept car left, that’s life. Thanks for letting the cat out of the bag, GM.
The A123 IPO still holding up battery news. Super capacitors, yes, no???
Nancy Pelosi, we luv you. LOL
September 17th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
The prod. model looks good to me. What I liked about the concept car was the wheels and the back flared fenders.
The prod. model looks a lot like my 2006 Jetta diesel which is a very nice car.
The Volt however is our future to get us of the damned oil!.
Even here in Canada we are oil independent but we are paying world price for oil, why?? Even when the oil company’s get to exploit our resourses they have to rip of the local citizens.
So lets get the ——- Volt wheels on the ground spinning.
Go GM, go Volt!
September 17th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
#118 The concept volt is gone from the top of the page, and has been for a while. check again.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I love the production model. The concept was a dream, the production is reality for the history books. I want to drive a piece of history. I want my grandkids to tell their kids about Grandpa and how he drove the first model VOLT.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I am one of the early “gm-volt.com”-e. I was attracted to this sight precisely because the Volt concept. The shaping and the start of the development of the “silver bullet” that will slay our “OPEC” and related enemies. The production versionr totally fulfills the promise of this car that I first found at the Chicago Auto Show in the winter of 2007. This is the first truly transitional vehicle from the ICE of the 20th century to transportation of