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GM Has Selected Alcoa Forged Aluminum Wheels For the Chevy Volt

December 20th, 2008 | Posted in: Production

A very common mantra heard around these parts is “Lets Get the Volt Wheels on the Road” originally coined by GM-Volt.com member Larry G (Tagamet).

Well apparently GM has moved one step closer to that symbolic goal, they’ve actually sourced the wheels.

Well known and world leading aluminum supplier Alcao has been officially chosen by GM to produce the specialized wheels for the Chevy Volt.

As per Mike Parnell, Alcoa’s VP and Manager of Auto Wheels, “Alcoa is pleased to supply forged aluminum wheels for the Volt. Working closely with the GM team resulted in a wheel designed, engineered and manufactured for light weight performance that will further extend the range of this alternative propulsion vehicle.”

Parnell goes on to say “Alcoa provides the benefits of lightweight forged aluminum wheel programs for many global manufacturers and is honored to be working closely with GM on the Volt. Optimizing wheel weight enhances vehicle performance increasing driving range and economy while lowering emissions.”

It is also known that the Volt will have specialized low resistance tires that also contribute to maximizing all electric range (AER).

Source (Alcoa)

Posted by: Lyle

81 Responses to “GM Has Selected Alcoa Forged Aluminum Wheels For the Chevy Volt”

emod79 Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:01 am

Woohoo, first!

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Len Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:01 am

All right! we got wheels!! Let’s get them on the road!!!

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kevin Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:02 am

Sounds good.

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Ronald Kelley Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:22 am

have they started up the plant yet?

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Dan Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:24 am

Thanks sweet! I know these are obviously the best tires but dont they wear down faster since they are low resistance?

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Rashiid Amul Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:40 am

Tagamet, you are one step closer, my friend.

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Evil Conservative Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:43 am

“specialized low resistance tires” ….. I’m guessing that you can’t pick those up at Walmart for $55 each.

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MDDave Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:48 am

Wheels are good, but how about the battery?

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Shawn Marshall Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:53 am

They have 2 batteries and maybe another for gen2.

ALCOA, send GM some money.

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statik Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:57 am

#4 Ronald Kelly

have they started up the plant yet?
=====================================

Doesn’t Alcoa do almost all the OEM rims for GM? They do the HUMMER, Corvette, GMC trucks, etc. I’m not really a ‘rim’ guy so maybe someone else could wade in on that. I don’t think it is a big deal for them to run a few thousand rims down the line.

I know Alcoa had a plant about 80 miles north of me that only made OEM wheels for GM and Ford–they closed in a little over a year ago.

Alcoa and GM have had some other joint ventures over the years, I’m think of the QPF project (new process (at the time) for aluminum body panels–volume production for complex designs)

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RB Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:12 am

#5 Dan comments “Thanks sweet! I know these are obviously the best tires but dont they wear down faster since they are low resistance?”
————————————————–

We don’t know for sure, but probably it is the reverse. Generally low resistance tires are narrower and harder, auto versions of the tires on a racing bike.

The upside is more distance for less effort (energy). The downside is poorer steering and braking. Tires are always a compromise. The tires likely will also be expensive and harder to find, simply because there will be a market for fewer of them. Again, it may be the auto version of the tires in a racing bike.

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Herman Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:15 am

Please next post on gm-volt.com will be:

GM has selected a brand for the bolts…

GM has selected a brand for the tires…

GM has selected a brand for the lights…

Why is this posted ?? what is so special about the wheels?

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RB Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:17 am

#10 statik says
“Doesn’t Alcoa do almost all the OEM rims for GM?”
————————————————————

I don’t know who makes them, but most auto wheels are steel, not aluminum. Steel is cheaper and stronger, though also heavier. I associate Alcoa with aluminum rather than steel, but it could be I have too narrow a view. “Rims” is a word that has a variety of meanings, including decorative things on the outside of wheels, so I’m not sure about “rims.”

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psklenar Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:18 am

#7 Evil Conservative

“specialized low resistance tires” ….. I’m guessing that you can’t pick those up at Walmart for $55 each.
—————————————————–

Not only that, but I’m wondering how they’ll handle the 10″ of snow we got here in CT yesterday.

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RB Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:19 am

#4 Ronald Kelley asks “have they started up the plant yet?”
————————————————————–

The post did not say there is a contract yet, only a selection and presumably an intention.

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RB Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:22 am

#14 pskienar — “Not only that, but I’m wondering how they’ll handle the 10″ of snow we got here in CT yesterday.”
—————————————————————-

You make me glad I live further south. As to the tires, likely they will not handle snow very well. The Volt gen 1 is going to be a specialty car, made to do one thing especially well, in the right conditions.

If you have a Formula 1 car, you can’t take it out in the snow either

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RB Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:24 am

#12 Herman says
“Why is this posted ?? what is so special about the wheels?”
———————————————

We are desperate for something about the car, not another vampire motors finance thread.

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JEC Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:35 am

17 RB

Agreed. Please, no more financial threads!

But, I guess I have little comment about the wheels they pick, except I would be concerned about price of these specialized tires, and also echo the sentiment about traction in snow.

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Casey Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:36 am

I feel left out, Lyle didn’t mention me and NO PLUG NO SALE

NO PLUG NO SALE, DBANGCMEMEV, LJGTVWOTR,(my house)=D~~~~(my volt

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statik Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:52 am

#13 RB said,

#10 statik says
“Doesn’t Alcoa do almost all the OEM rims for GM?”
————————————————————

I don’t know who makes them, but most auto wheels are steel, not aluminum. Steel is cheaper and stronger, though also heavier. I associate Alcoa with aluminum rather than steel, but it could be I have too narrow a view. “Rims” is a word that has a variety of meanings, including decorative things on the outside of wheels, so I’m not sure about “rims.”

==========================================

Sorry RB, thats my fault. I meant almost all the OEM aluminum rims, the high end, like HUMMER, Corvette, etc. I assume they have several suppliers for the standard steel jobs.

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Dave K. =D~ Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 12:03 pm

I like the Alcoa rims pick. Question:”Are the LRR tires available and at what price?”

I have replaced my original (lower roll resistance) tires with wider ones. The truck feels a little more stable and solid. But, I have noticed a small drop in MPG with the increased beef. The consumer can put any brand tire he chooses on the Alcoa Volt rims.

LRR tire photo: http://garfwod.250free.com/Photos/low-roll-resistance-tire.jpg

I have used the Michelin PILOT and like the handling characteristics. They cost a little more, but really make a difference.

________________________________

Some tires available in 2003 ranked by coefficient from lowest (least wasteful), according to the United States National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board Special Report 286 and the March 2003 Green Seal report on the topic.

* 0.00615 Bridgestone B381 P185/70R14
* 0.00650 Michelin SYMMETRY P225/60R16
* 0.00683 Michelin TIGER PAW AWP P225/60R16
* 0.00700 Bridgestone DUELER H/T 113S P265/70R17
* 0.00709 Michelin RUGGED TRAIL T/A P285/70R17
* 0.00754 Michelin LTX A/S P255/65R17
* 0.00758 Goodyear INTEGRITY (OE) P225/60R16
* 0.00760 Bridgestone INSIGNIA SE 200 89S P195/65R15
* 0.00767 Michelin RUGGED TRAIL T/A P245/65R17
* 0.00780 Continental Ameri-G4S WS P235/75R15
* 0.00795 Michelin TPAW TOURING TR/SR P215/70R16
* 0.00810 Bridgestone DUELER H/T 104S P235/70R16
* 0.00813 Goodyear Invicta GL 235/75R15
* 0.00825 Continental ContiTouring Contact CH95 P205/55R16
* 0.00829 Michelin CROSS TERRAIN SUV P255/75R17
* 0.00833 Michelin PILOT PRIMACY 275/50R19
* 0.00850 Michelin ENERGY LX4 P225/60R16
* 0.00854 Michelin PILOT LTX P265/70R17
* 0.00855 Michelin ENERGY MXV4 PLUS 235/65R17

=D~

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Tagamet Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 12:14 pm

Casey@19 said “I feel left out, Lyle didn’t mention me and NO PLUG NO SALE”

I think that Lyle is saving your reference for when the Plug contract is signed (g).
Nonetheless, it DOES feel very nice to have the reference.
Thanks Lyle!
Be well,
Tag
PS Sorry for the rant yesterday. Bumpy road around here (my place, not the list). I let it spill over.

LJGTVWOTHR!! NPNS

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BobArmstrong Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

When I talk with my friends about their Prius, the most negative comments are about the specialty tires they came out with at first, and how welcomed it was when the changed the car to use normal tires. bad idea.

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noel park Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

I wonder if they’ll give us an option for 24s? Gotta have ‘em in LA.

#17 RB:

No kidding.

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Redeye Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

Some people call wheels, “rims”. Might be a carry-over from model T days when the wheels were wooden spoked with a steel “rim”. Also spokes go from the “hub to the rim”.

My little old dictionary says, “Rim”…………..”the edge, border,or margin of something, esp. of something circular”

Also #2 “the outer part of a wheel.”

Whatever, lets just get the Volt Wheels, and/or Rims and Rubber on the Road.

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Dave K. =D~ Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 12:31 pm

Just searched the internet for prices on LRR tires.

Goodyear $100 each.
Bridgestone $128 each.
Michelin $148 each.

The Continental Ameri-G4S WS are the low priced option at $50 each.

Here are a few reviews of the Continental Ameri-G4S WS:

I bought these to put on my mother in laws car. They mounted and balanced easily and are very safe and quiet. I would recommend these for any family car.

Comfort of tire good feels soft and is somewhat gluey to the road during traction handles well for an inexpensive tire corners well long lasting.

68,005 Miles on Tires
September 09, 2008

I bought my Subaru Forester last spring on a used car dealership in Framingham, MA , equipped with this tires. It looks had been used for a while so I asked the dealership about the tire. On the record, It has a 60000 mile service since the previous owner had bought it, & I’m still using it now. Last spring here in Maine usually has snow all over the place & still pours. So, I have few experiences on it driving in snow, I found it just average grip & a bit poor on cornering. It has a nice ride comfort, low noise, & I didn’t have troubles of hydroplaning, grips incredibly well during heavy rains on winding roads. Very good tread wear & performs fairly well on very hot summer days.

=D~

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Dr.Science #11 on the list Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 12:33 pm

Dan #5, RB #11 On the subject of low rolling ressistance tires,
we picked up 2mpg switching from michelin pilot to nokian H, on a VW TDI. Yes it looks like a F-1 tire, the handling & braking are exceptional even on wet pavement. Henderson NV had 8-9″ of snow on 12-17, not good in snow…
I expect a compromise tire as OEM on the VOLT, the owners can decide on the second set.

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George K Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 12:45 pm

#21 Dave K. =D~
“* 0.00758 Goodyear INTEGRITY (OE) P225/60R16″
_______________

The 2004 on Prii come with Goodyear Integrity 185/65/R15’s. They’re not well liked, form the people I talk to, though mpg was great, esp at 44/42 psi (35/33 recommended). I replaced mine a year early because of poor snow traction, with 195/60/R15 Goodyear ComforTreds.

They’er much quieter and much higher rated for snow, though I lose a few mpgs (an equitable trade). $83 from TireRack.

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Casey Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 12:49 pm

#22 Tagamet

Tag, I was so rapt up in myself I forgot to say congratulations to you, its fun to get mentioned by our mentor

Go wheels, go Volt======Go Tagamet=====

NO PLUG NO SALE, DBANGCMEMEV, LJGTVWOTR,(my house)=D~~~~(my volt

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Unni Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 12:56 pm

3-4 days back news as new post ? was wondering whatz special with those rims may be the interest point..

Canada gave 4 Billion Dollars – next post ??

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DonC Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 1:02 pm

Lowering the mass of the rims is a great idea. It’s not likely this will have a huge impact because almost all rims and tires have fairly low RR. The change over the last twenty years has been slow but steady.

That said, the two major problems are under inflated tires and tread wear. Both can increase RR by 20%. There may not be much you can do about tread wear, but properly inflating the tires is obviously within every one’s control. Obama took a lot of ribbing during the presidential campaign over this aspect of his energy plan for proposing this, but the fact is that he was right, and those deriding the idea were simply ignorant.

Let’s hope the Volt has an advanced sensor that will report tire pressure so it’s easy to monitor. This has no sex appeal at all but would be quite effective. (I have a tire pressure on my current car but it doesn’t signal until the tires are quite under inflated so its usefulness is limited).

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Dave G Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 1:02 pm

#8 MDDave Says: “Wheels are good, but how about the battery?”
————————————————————————————–
Yes, I’ll second that.

We’ve heard that:
• GM will select only 1 battery supplier for the Volt, as the other is too risky.
• The battery contract will have to be finalized in 2008 in order to meet initial production.

Lyle, is there anything you can tell us about the battery supplier?

Thanks again for a great site.

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Arch Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 1:03 pm

This is just what we need.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28303880/

Take Care
Arch

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Eric C. Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 1:11 pm

I’ve been posting and watching for news on here since the site was put up, and I finally just realized that =D~~~~~ is a plug.

For the longest time, I thought everyone was grinning and sticking their tongue out. LOL.

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George K Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 1:11 pm

Tag,

LJGTVWOTR is more critical now then ever! Point on.

LJGTVWOTR

=D~~~~

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George K Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 1:16 pm

#34 Eric C

:-&

LJGTVWOTR

=D~~~~

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Dave G Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 1:25 pm

#33 Arch Says: “This is just what we need.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28303880/
————————————————————————————–
This is why I will never buy an EV without a range extender. Such situations are no problem for cars like the Volt.

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Casey Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 1:28 pm

#34 Eric C

Thank you, that was great I haven’t laughed so hard like that for a long time

NO PLUG NO SALE, DBANGCMEMEV, LJGTVWOTR,(my house)=D~~~~(my volt

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Dave K. =D~ Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 1:33 pm

hi Eric C #34,

=D~ may be a “plug” to some. It’s still “you dork lick” to me.

_______________

BTW> On the question of battery supplier. All indicators point to Korea for the initial battery. But, a “sole provider” contract has not been established. This leaves the possibility of China producing an upgrade component. I have heard rumors that better technology has already been worked out. And yes, this is regarding the T cell.

=D~

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I. Ronnickly Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 2:16 pm

recycle those Milwaukee Lite and Bud cans, my fellow Americans. Our aluminum can recycle rate is under 50%, those wide-awake Swedes recycle like 90%. supply and demand must still have SOME validity to it?

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noel park Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 2:17 pm

#34 Eric C:

Judging by the last thread, I think that you may have been right the first time.

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ThombDbhomb Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 3:56 pm

If you don’t keep your tire pressure up, the Volt’s Alcoa forged aluminum wheels might just contact the road. That would be a costly error. I suggest we modify Tag’s tag line to:

LJGTVLRRTOTR

(Let’s Just Get The Volt’s Low Rolling Resistance Tires On The Road)

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Dave K. =D~ Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 4:23 pm

(Let’s Just Get The Volt’s Low Rolling Resistance Tires On The Road This Year)

LJGTVLRRTOTRTY

=D~

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BillR Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 4:46 pm

Although more expensive, forged wheels are stronger, and can be made lighter in weight. Obviously, GM decided this was a worthwhile feature.

See this Alcoa site for more info on forged wheels,

http://www.alcoa.com/alcoawheels/north_america/en/fsw/forged/default.asp

Apparently Alcoa also makes forged wheels for M1 tanks and the Boeing 747. I would say the Volt is in good company.

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RB Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 5:19 pm

#43 BillR says “Apparently Alcoa also makes forged wheels for M1 tanks and the Boeing 747. I would say the Volt is in good company.”
———————————————-

I agree, and as the M1 and 747 references suggest, I think the Volt is now best viewed as a kind of upscale specialty vehicle, not a general purpose car. That is, the Volt will be something everyone will enjoy thinking about and maybe a few will enjoy looking at, but just a handful will want to own one. [That's not a problem, though, because only a few will be available and those from only a few dealers.] Most people who buy Volts will use something else for “ordinary” transportation, that is, most of the time. They will drive their Volt out for special occasions (only). (Around here we call them “Sunday cars”, even though special days can fall on any day of the week.)

The portion of the public that is in a position to own specialty cars is small, but influential, so maybe that’s a good place to start. These are customers who will know about aluminum wheels (and they are not going to be driving their Volt in the snow), so the choice will fit right in.

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RB Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

#21 Dave K says “Some tires available in 2003 ranked by coefficient from lowest (least wasteful), according to the United States National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board Special Report 286 and the March 2003 Green Seal report on the topic.”
——————————————————-

Thank you for the useful list. It is interesting to think about why manufacturers make tires that have higher rolling resistance. As rolling resistance comes mainly from the flexing of the side wall of the tire, it means that the flexing has a benefit that people want (at least some of the people, some of the time).

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16falcon Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 7:01 pm

On a high performance sports car you want a “sticky” tire for better cornering ability. They are made from a soft rubber compound, exactly the opposite of a low rolling resistance tire. They also wear very quickly, 10-15,000 miles is about all you can expect if you drive aggressively. Oh, and they are very expensive ($200+ per tire). Just the price of admission to the fun of a sports car.

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joe obrien Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 7:27 pm

Isn’t anyone else miffed that here we are clamoring about the wheels to our nonexistent car.

While in China they have released a 60 mile range EREV seemingly overnight. Granted it may not be as high quality as the Volt, but don’t we just seem behind the times again?

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nuclearboy Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 8:46 pm

joe O,

I am miffed as well. Our country is so bogged down with lawyers and idiots (or am I being redundant) running the country. We cannot get out of our own way. The volt is just one of many projects we seem to not be able to get moving. We are so over regulated and litigated that things just cannot happen fast.

Look at the World Trade Center. 8 years later… Where is the new tower???

Look at our new Nuclear Plants that we made practical in the FY 2005 energy bill. Where are the new Plants??? I would be happy if there was a foundation somewhere.. There is not.. 2016 is the earliest estimate for a standard plant. That schedule is in doubt. The advanced Next Gen NP plant that we are supposed to build is now looking like 2020 and the schedule seems to drift back each year.

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Dave B Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 8:56 pm

Joe @ 27: says:

While in China they have released a 60 mile range EREV seemingly overnight. Granted it may not be as high quality as the Volt, but don’t we just seem behind the times again?
————

Good point. If our country is anything like a democracy with a “free market,” I may have to buy one of those Chinese E-Revs if it’s out years early at half the price. Unless of course, our government bans it. I want to see GM compete, but geeze…two years into this project and we’re screaming for government dollars. What happened to good ole US might and will?

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Dave G Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 9:09 pm

Guys, the Volt is still on schedule for Nov. 2010. The date hasn’t changed. People are working long hours to make it happen.

BYD has also been working on their car for a long time. I think there was a post about them here 18 months ago, and it seemed well along then. But remember that BYD doesn’t have any dealerships in the U.S..

The point is that this stuff takes time. GM didn’t realize how popular the Volt concept would be, so they only started Volt production plans in mid-2007, and now they’re working hard to get it out by Nov. 2010.

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Eric C. Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

#37 Casey
Glad you had a good laugh, I certainly did too!

#38 Dave K
Well looks like I’ll have to take the icon in context then

#40 noel park
I’ll have to catch up on the last thread, I saw the post early on and didn’t get to see many comments. At least the icon can do double duty, service as both sarcasm and a plug!

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Dave K. =D~ Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:21 pm

hi Eric C #51,

Kidding aside, the =D~ symbol (originally =D-) is used to replace the letters NPNS.

No Plug No Sale!

=D~ is a symbol of revolution regarding the years and years of smoke belching gallon gulpers. It’s finally time, whatever the cost of a gallon of gasoline, to go electric.

=D~

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ccombs Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 10:27 pm

Alcao…sounds like something Brazilian

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Casey Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:00 pm

Just a thought, part of the reason that we can’t let the big three go down was the country needs the manufacturing capabilities in case of a war to make tanks, jeeps and other war things….

We can’t even get a Volt out in a short time, I hope we don’t go into war very soon =====just a thought===

NO PLUG NO SALE, DBANGCMEMEV, LJGTVWOTR,(my house)=D~~~~(my volt

(Quote)
Dave K. =D~ Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:03 pm

hi I. Ronnickly #39,

“Our aluminum can recycle rate is under 50%… ”

_____________________

Aluminum recycling is huge in California. The rate of reclaim was at 75% in 2004. And it hasn’t slowed a bit. I haven’t tossed a Pepsi can or a water bottle in years.

Part of the reason for the high recycle rate is the warmer weather. I can see NOT wanting to recycle during a mountain area winter.

The recycling system itself is part of reason for the large reclaim percent. Most recycle stations are next to grocery stores. It takes about 10 minutes to have your cans weighed and to sign for a money value receipt good for store items.

=D~

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Stew Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:04 pm

#44 RB “… I think the Volt is now best viewed as a kind of upscale specialty vehicle, not a general purpose car.”

———————————————————-

Boy if that’s the case then the Volt is sadly not for me. I guess I’m looking for more of a Cobalt Sedan type of commuter, which starts around $16,330. A EREV or BEV would be worth more than that to me however, $20,000 to $25,000 is my target price.

I am not looking to impress a bunch of people I don’t know when I drive to work in a vehicle that makes a statement. What I want is to not purchase gasoline anymore. I follow this site regularly and comment occasionally but it’s looking less and less like the Volt will fit my needs.

Stew.

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Dave K. =D~ Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

hi Joe #27,

“While in China they have released a 60 mile range E-REV seemingly overnight.”

____________________________________

I wouldn’t pay $10,000 for the electric BYD car. I give them credit for keeping it simple, but being simple isn’t good enough. They need to address safety concerns. Install airbags and pass front crash testing. And, as you saw from the cabin shot, BYD gives new meaning to Plain Jane styling. There is also the matter of State Side mechanics. The electric car needs to be part of wide support network, like GM Goodwrench. We’re on the right track with the Chevy Volt.

Next stop… 2009
http://garfwod.250free.com/Warp%20Drive%20Acceleration%20(TOS).wav

=D~

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Dave K. =D~ Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:20 pm

Sorry..here’s the 2009 wav link.

warp drive acceleration http://garfwod.250free.com/WarpDrive.wav

=D~

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JonP. Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 11:35 pm

On the issue of snow, and the Volt’s handling…..

I would be more concerned with the volt’s very high torque than the tires. Spin out’s with this car will be awesome on dry pavement much less snow/ice/rain……

(Quote)
Dave K. =D~ Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 12:29 am

What’s the news from England?

http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=electric+car&b=22&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-501&tnr=21&vid=000188294782

=D~

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Edwin Mang Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 12:43 am

Aluminum wheels Gee you might stumble on something with them . Just think altranating magnetic fields cause aluminum to repel I.E. jump back away from . That may be used to make the mileage jump by 10% or more if properly aranged . That is how aluminum is seprated from iron in salvage yards . Or even replace the electric motor at some time in the future .

I know just some crazy guy and wild thoughts .

But then I could know things that others do not yet know .

HE he he !!! Take it away Sam .
Gods Blessings and I will be waiting .

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Dave G Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 2:59 am

#59 JonP. Says: “On the issue of snow, and the Volt’s handling…
I would be more concerned with the volt’s very high torque than the tires. Spin out’s with this car will be awesome on dry pavement much less snow/ice/rain……”
————————————————————————————–
I would think some form of electronic stability control would prevent spin-outs.

My car came with this as standard equipment on the base model. You have to press a button to turn it off, and then it comes back on every time you start the car.

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jeffhre Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 3:00 am

noel park # 24

I only want 22’s. But I was hoping for carbon fiber with magnesium centers standard.

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Herman Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 6:17 am

As first.. tires are always a problem. You always need a compromise…

Grip or mpg… You just have to look at your own situation. Always sunny and shiny? MPG…

More rainy and snow… get more grip for safety.

About the =D~ i thought it was a smiley that was smoking or something… but the sigaret missed: =)-~

But your totally correct… no plug no sale.

Have you people heard about michelin working on airless tires?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcdmH_hVWBY

But i think they have alot grip and alot friction.. not suitable for low resistance cars.

(Quote)
statik Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 9:02 am

Nothing to do with the thread…but it is getting a little ‘long in the tooth’ anyway.

New photo of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ interior, it would seem it has many new & shared components/design features as the Volt. Has the same steering wheel, basic layout/design … cupholders, door handles etc.

I think it looks pretty nice, I like Chevy’s new direction away from ‘plain Jane’…maybe part of closing down Pontiac is ‘gussying up’ Chev.

(caution…not for dial up users, monster JPEG warning)
http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/X10AR_CT002.jpg?download=049792

Here is the high rez Volt (in case you forgot, lol)
http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/X11CH_VT031_01.jpg?download=049744

(Quote)
Dave G Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 9:22 am

I think GM has stumbled onto the magic formula with the Volt.

Electricity is the most flexible form of energy, but batteries are big and heavy. Liquid fuels store way more energy per pound than any battery (including EEStor), and liquid fuel filling stations exist everywhere today, but current technology for cellulosic ethanol is only capable of replacing 35% of our gasoline usage.

When you combine a 40-mile EV with an ethanol capable range extender, you have a formula that can completely replace fossil fuels now and into the future.

Some people see a future of all-electric vehicles and fast-charge filling stations everywhere. But if you look at the physics, it’s clear that liquid fuels are the best for long distance travel and electricity is the best for shorter trips. So 35 years from now, I still see a small combustion engine in most cars. It probably won’t have pistons, turbines seem more efficient, but I’ll bet that EREVs become dominant in the foreseeable future.

(Quote)
Jimmy Hodges Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 11:14 am

I’ve been looking at the Alcoa aluminum wheels on big trucks. Most of the wheels Alcoa makes these days are imported, that bothers me. I hope these wheels will American made, we need to put our people back to work!

(Quote)
J Man Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm

Sadly they prob. will be foreign made

(Quote)
BillR Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 3:50 pm

From my previous post at #43, the text at the bottom of the page states that these wheels are made in the U.S.

See this Alcoa site for more info on forged wheels,

http://www.alcoa.com/alcoawheels/north_america/en/fsw/forged/default.asp

(Quote)
I. Ronnickly Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 7:45 pm

Dave K. =D~ #55 here’s a link to a strange site about aluminum smelters in Iceland (Alcoa) and the aluminum business. and geo-thermal. (’cause smelting Al takes a lot of energy) and bodyguards for Icelandic bankers.

http://savingiceland.puscii.nl/?language=en

How do you figure the Swedes manage to recycle 90+ % when it’s so cold THERE? congrats to California for recycling 75%; you’re bringing up the average for the nation.

if ya want large vehicles AND hi-MPG’s, both… something’s got to give: steel must give way to aluminum and other materials.

(Quote)
Dave K. =D~ Says:
December 21st, 2008 at 8:36 pm

hi I. Ronnickly #70,

“How do you figure the Swedes manage to recycle 90+ % when it’s so cold THERE?”

____________________________

I know very little about Sweden. The reason for the high recycling numbers may be a strong incentive program.

When we look at the U.S. economy we can see the incentive for people getting involved in aluminum recycling. An example of this are food service workers who save cans and bottles during their 40 hour week. This adds up to as much as 1$ more an hour for them. And, sorry to say, there are usually a few less fortunate street people who collect the recyclables that fall though the cracks.

If you have a stable living condition, home heating, decent food, and a caring family around you. Count your blessings and keep your chin up as we head into what we “HOPE” will be a good 3 to 5 year run of economic growth and recovery.

And if you have the stomach to trade the stock market. Place a bet on the beaten down metal recycling companies. With the brutal winter we’re having, and autumn rash of hurricanes, and the drop in oil and steel prices, these stocks are cheap now. I expect as much as a 400% gain over the next 2 to 3 years. Anyone notice that clean coal technology finished up 20% for the week of 12/15 to 12/20? It had spiked as high as 35% before settling back.

Your reward for taking the risk now will be a lower cost Volt in 2011.

Go Volt .. Go!

=D~

(Quote)
Mitch Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:13 am

New one

GM Volt!
(Get My Volt On Line TODAY!)

(Quote)
I. Ronnickly Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:27 am

here’s some stats from ‘94 that say ” the aluminum cans going into landfill in the U.S. is like the output of 5 smelters going into a hole”

http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-15194082_ITM

that’s probably worth a few Alcoa auto rims.

Corvette uses significant aluminum in its frame? …do I have that right? Audi’s A2 European model uses a lot of aluminum. Anyway, the US is wasting something useful.

Merry Christmas and Hanukkah! not in chronological order

(Quote)
N Riley Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:44 am

Announcing a supplier for the wheels is OK, but what I want to see is the battery manufacturer or manufacturers announced. It is time to get it done, GM.

(Quote)
Mark Z Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:50 pm

Since the GM aluminum EV-1’s were crushed and recycled, a little bit of the old EV-1 could reappear in those Alcoa VOLT aluminum wheels.

(Quote)
wwskinn3 Says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:55 am

How about making them a “standard” size so that we can choose to use other types of tires if we wish. This would make a lot of customers happy. I would like the flexibility of choosing tires to suite my location and driving from the many that are available. Put the specialized tires on them in a standard size then the owners will have some personal options.

(Quote)
Cautious Fan Says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:47 pm

No mention of Nitrogen gas for the tires? That one seems to pop up a lot. Unfortunately….not much of a benefit, but it sure sounds cool and might go well with the HALO. See link below for wireless pressure sensors. Our green friends might be interested.

http://www.tirepressuremonitor.com/tire-pressure-monitoring-system2.htm

(Quote)
Actually On Topic. Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 6:19 pm

The air we breath is already 78% nitrogen. Duh.

Aluminum has gained wheel dominance in the last twenty years on better finish (thanks to machining), higher consumer preference and improved lightness. Forged aluminum is generally stronger and lighter than cast aluminum. This means that GM is considering consumer preferences, performance qualities, such as strength and lightness, and best looks for the Volt in every single little detail. Thanks, GM. The overall integration counts, too.

This also implies that GM actually understands the high performance inherent in electric drive, and thus sees the benefits of wheel strength, and the additional benefits of getting more speed through adding lightness.

I can’t believe I just complimented GM.

(Quote)
-1 Ed Lee Says:
April 8th, 2009 at 4:05 am

Hi Wheel Buyer,

How are you? Please find our newly design OEM/ODM/Private Label of Wheel manufacturing in our China plants, We have inventory in California. You are invited to visit our web sites below.

Web: http://www.pinnaclewheel.com
Web: http://www.youtube.com/wheelmfg

If you need price and further product info, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Best Regards,

Edgar Lee
Pinnacle Wheel / VP Sales
15205 E. Stafford Street,
City of Industry, CA 91744, USA
US Office Tel: 626-363-6978 Fax: 626-363-6977
US Cell: 626-274-3382 Voice 626-203-0712
HK Cell: 852-6691-0076 China Cell: 86-134-1756-1122
Email: wheelmfg@aol.com
Email: wheeloem@gmail.com
Web: http://www.pinnaclewheel.com
Web: http://www.youtube.com/wheelmfg

(Quote)
Ed Lee Says:
April 8th, 2009 at 4:06 am

Hi Wheel Buyer,

How are you? Please find our newly design OEM/ODM/Private Label of Wheel -0712
HK Cell: 852-6691-0076 China Cell: 86-134-1756-1122
Email: wheelmfg@aol.com
Email: wheeloem@gmail.com
Web: http://www.pinnaclewheel.com
Web: http://www.youtube.com/wheelmfg

(Quote)

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GM Has Selected Alcoa Forged Aluminum Wheels For the Chevy Volt

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