AND 
Guest Post: IVer Production Brings Design Changes, But Why?
When Bob Boniface, the Volt’s Chief Designer, officially presented the first ‘IVer in motion’ on July 28th (also known to him as Christmas morning), that Volt was painted in the finest color known to man, which of course is not a color at all, it is black. While this made the Volt look impressive, it made design changes a little hard to pick up on.
A few weeks later at a media event, another IVer Volt was put through its paces by Frank Weber, who is officially ‘King of the Engineers’ at GM. (Ok, that is not his actual title, but it is way too long to repeat, and too boring to remember)
This particular Volt gave us the opportunity to more easily judge/identify the changes, because it was in the worst color known to man, Robin’s Egg Blue.
Actually, that is bold-faced lie. Bob Boniface just recently sent me a note telling me that particular IVer was in “e-coat gray without paint,” not Robin’s Egg Blue. (However, my making that mistake illustrates my point…that Robin’s Egg Blue is a terrible color, and all previously built Volts in that color (or similar) need to be used in crash tests…but I digress)
As you can see from the illustrations, the hood has been changed into more of a bonnet, and the front side quarter panels have been adjusted accordingly. This type of hood, while often seen on trucks and SUV/CUVs is a rarity for sedans.
What was unclear is if this design change is functional or aesthetic. From first glance, it appears it could allow for more access, or perhaps it offers additional protection/redundancy from the elements for the sensitive components inside. Then again, perhaps Bob Boniface just really liked the new Ford Fiesta and this is his homage to it.
When I inquired about the subject, all of those first assumptions proved incorrect, and Mr. Boniface has this to say:
“Hood cutline change was made for compliance with European Pedestrian Protection regulations. Hood cutines tend to be very stiff due to metal flanging and the original ones fell into test zone for head impact.”
So there you have it, functional changes. However, he did add his thoughts on what that meant for the aesthetics as well:
“I was happy to move them because I think the side view line makes the fender appear thinner.”
Taking the reason for the changes to its logical conclusion, one could assume these changes will see their way to the Opel Ampera project as well.
Personally, I think the new changes give it a little more of the “nerd’s shoe” mystique, but it also gives the Volt a little more uniqueness…and that can’t be a bad thing.
Sidenote: Frank Weber’s official title actually is “Global Vehicle Line Executive/Global Vehicle Chief Engineer, Global Electric Vehicle Line Team” …that has to be one whale of a desk plaque.
233 Responses to “Guest Post: IVer Production Brings Design Changes, But Why?”
Recent Posts
- Ford Unveils Transit Connect Electric Cargo Van, Will Enter Production This Year
- Chevrolet Chief on Volt Supply and Demand
- Jaguar Says Only ‘Self Charging’ Extended Range Electric Cars Make Sense
- Op-Ed: Prius Halo Damaged; Toyota Pressured to Announce Recall on 270,000 Units Already Sold, as CEO President Finally Breaks Cover
- GM Sends Dealers 2011 Model Year Ordering Guide: Includes Volt
- GM Partners with NASA to Build Next Generation Robots
- If Electronics are to Blame for Toyota’s Vehicle Failures, What Does this Mean for the Volt?
- The Chevy Volt Fuel Tank will be Sized to Deliver 300 Miles of Gas Range
- Video: How the Volt Works
- GM CEO: Volt Will Roll out Simultaneously in US, and a Billion Dollars Couldn’t Bring it Sooner
Recent GM-Volt Forum Posts
- Volt Test Drive by Vancouver EV Association February 8, 2010VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- General Motors issued a very special invitation to the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association last week to drive the... […]WopOnTour
- gasoline cars are like smoking . . . . February 8, 2010interesting article, better presenting what I've had a hard time putting into words (which is why HE's a writer and I'M... […]prowler
- A common European strategy for electric vehicles February 8, 2010I coudn't resist to cut and paste the next excerpt : Link :... […]Jean-Charles Jacquemin
- Run flat option or standard? February 8, 2010I suspect that run flats might be standard because they get rid of the space and weight taken by a spare tire and may result in less fatal accidents... […]1nk
- Engine Thermal Management in a Series Hybrid February 8, 2010I've just recently discovered how different the environments under which a conventional (even parallel hybrid) ICE and series hybrid ICE are... […]XGC75
- electric car with wind generator February 7, 2010My design of ELECTRIC CAR WITH WIND GENERATOR: http://velkovelkov.blogspot.com/ I think this conception is original and realistic. The low position... […]Velko Velkov
- Please provide complete home solar systems. February 6, 2010Please provide both a volt charging solar system and a complete whole house solar system that takes the user completely off the grid and stays on... […]1nk
GM-Volt.com is not affiliated with General Motors Company
All contents copyright 2007-2010 GM-Volt.com, LLC - All Rights Reserved
Home | Contact | Privacy Policy | About | Back to Top
August 26th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Where the heck did my comment go?
Oh well, I will repeat.
The bottom picture is gorgeous.
They did take the concept (which was beautiful) and made an equally beautiful looking car.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:18 am
YES!!!! The old style of posting comments? Could this be true? Oh what a great day this is turning out to be. Of course, there will be some detractors today.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:18 am
Nevermind. I am an idiot.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Statik:
Is that the best you can come up with for a complaint? They were required to change the design of a sheet metal part to pass crash tests is your big post???
Isn’t this one of the main reasons to build he IV’s in the first place? To get it through testing and make sure it will build properly for manufactuing? Of course there will be small changes made.
And I am sure there are lots of people that like “Robin’s Egg Blue”…
Me personally, I want Sky Blue Metallic, which is a bit darker than Robin’s egg.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:26 am
I hadn’t noticed that at all… well, it doesn’t seem a big change anyway; the headlights are unaffected, which could have spoiled the design way more than this new hood.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Had noticed the design changes during the IVER test drive. My first thought is that it must be a cost saving measure.
Parts sharing with the Cruze (and Orlando?).
EREV me
=D~.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:32 am
Actually I think it has been scientifically proven that nobody likes robin’s egg blue. I do have to agree though that Statik is realy pushing for a contreversy. I guess this means things are going well.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:32 am
Maybe our “guest” writer is also a “ghost” writer who whisked your first comment away, Rashiid!
Regarding the hoodline change, it’s easy to imagine that the lower photo’s spear-shaped upper front fender (now eliminated) might be considered a sharp-pointed threat to pedestrians in a car-person collision at a crowded crosswalk in Paris or London. But I’ll need to adjust to the esthetics of it.
/ Welcome back Statik –your wry sense of humor has been missed!
August 26th, 2009 at 6:46 am
With the hood line change and in robin’s egg blue the Volt is coming to like a real gm car. There’s no longer possible confusion with BMW.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:48 am
“…and the original ones fell into test zone for head impact”
————
Anyone understand what this means?
August 26th, 2009 at 6:56 am
I lover the Quicksilver Metallic I’ve seen a lot of G6 coupes in lately. It’s kind of a white-ish pearly silver, rather than a grey silver. Very attractive.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:01 am
I believe “test zone” = maximum heigth of a crumpled hood. The design change lowers the top (cutting edge) by 6″ or so.
The adjusted fender location is a big help with under hood component access.
=D~
August 26th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Anyone notice the fuel or plug port on the picture of the right front fender above? Could we be looking at Ampera frames and if so is everything backwards on the euro models?
August 26th, 2009 at 7:06 am
My guess is that if you get scooped up by the Volt bumper as a pedestrian and you bang your little head on the old fender edge it will no longer be there to provide sharp force trauma and instead will use the new shape to decelerate your sacrilegious body.
I immediately thought of the PT Cruiser when I saw the new hoodline. Hopefully when the Volt comes in my favorite darker colors I won’t notice it so much.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Pedestrian impact assumes that the pedestrian’s head will come into contact with the vehicle hood. Pedestrian protection regulations require that the hood be flexible enough to deform upon impact from a human head. Regulators have prescribed test zones for this.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:19 am
Jim, I couldn’t agree more – what a fluff piece.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:21 am
I lover it too Jim–
Sorry I had to say it though.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:30 am
My guess is that the lower right photo has been “flipped” to face the same way as the others.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Hi bb … thanks for the information regarding… “very stiff due to metal flanging and the original ones fell into test zone for head impact”.
In my past work history involving industrial equipment the concerns were injury from pinch points and from crush hazards. I can see ‘flexibility of panels’ being an automotive concern for posible pedestrian impacts. Good to see the modification to make the Volt (Ampera) to code and safe.
=D~
August 26th, 2009 at 7:32 am
So your original hood design was truly employing “cutting edge” styling, huh Bob?
/ Sorry, couldn’t resist!
PS: Was the spear-shaped upper front fender just above the headlamp assembly also a problem?
August 26th, 2009 at 7:41 am
A Anyone who jumps in front of my my Volt deserves to have their head bashed in.
B Statik we are really missing the low down on the financial stuff. After what they did to the concept, you are quibbling about a slightly changed hood?
Have you checked with Maximum Bob to see if he thinks GM has kept the essence of the original hood?
I guess yang thinks it’s a good thing to have a crumpled up bonnet if it saves some dickheads life.
/Tongue firmly in cheek!
August 26th, 2009 at 7:44 am
My first impression was that it looked more like a Saturn. The excitement I had for the original concept car is almost completely gone.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Hey Rashiid, you’ve finally made a comment everybody can agree with!
/ We all know all IT guys are complete idiots, right? ….that’s why they so clearly deserve the blame for everything that goes wrong in both offices & factories all over the world, right?
August 26th, 2009 at 7:48 am
Not on the Euro models. Must be an early Holden Volt, we all drive on the left, so it must be MY plug point. The fuel tank is at the back.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:48 am
OK! Good! Keep up the good work and make sure you paint it some color.
I guess this kinda of work requires a master engineer, or at least today it does.
Get on with it and get a Volt out to the people so they can see a real car versus a, computer car.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Almost as fluffy as yesterdays car wash test article.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:49 am
What?!? They changed the hood design! What nerve, these engineers.
That’s it. No Volt For Me!
August 26th, 2009 at 7:52 am
I don’t think it is a complaint at all, or is pushing for a controversy, I think he is saying he actually likes the change. He is just giving us some new information, with some humor along the way.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:57 am
We talked about the hood change a week or so ago. Not a big deal to me. I think the new hood line works better w/the headlights anyway.
Having the two pictures above side by side, I feel like i’m playing that photo-hunt game, looking for the differences. I see a few other little sheet metal things but nothing major.
One question however, will the roofs be painted black, or has that look been removed?
August 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
/what Nasaman said
The image is a mirror of itself, to fit with the other two illustrations.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
The robin eggs blue looks good to me if one compares it to the color of a certain pink tie.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:04 am
(click to show comment)
August 26th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Ok – We moved some small sheetmetal on a fender, it looks slightly more Prius like – Not a biggie in my book..
How about a real scoop – Whats the highway mileage, and/or the “final” gas tank size..
Given IVers, I’m guessing that’s both of these items are know now.
GuyMan
August 26th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Confusion w/ BMW….you be funny RB
August 26th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Financially, from the technical side of things, I appears that the mods might also make the cost to repair/replace the front fascia and body work a little cheaper in the case of an unfortunate more-minor accident with a rock, chunk of ice, or road debris.
This reflects excellent foresight in the design department so as to save us all a slightly higher insurance category premium for collision parts of our insurances.
GM is really careful to keep these things in mind for us as well in the “cost of ownership” accounting. The small OEM’s for BEV can not do this as well, since economies of scale are not as prevalent. I say this also because collision insurance premiums may necessarily need to include
****************************************
what EV equipment is behind
****************************************
those damaged areas.
Industry standards for production quantities under 5,000 are not nearly as stringent as production quantities above 5,000 per year.
Placing any component, especially and EV component, anywhere there is room behind the front body panels without the advanced as well as historically-referenced foresight that Bob Boniface and his department incorporates into Volt, would be a practice far more likely to “total” a BEV where there are very significant damages. I’ll bet that Bob’s department is working hard to make and keep Voltec vehicles far more insurable for us all.
(Off to work. Have a great day all!!)
August 26th, 2009 at 8:11 am
OFF TOPIC
The Volt is a great design and will revolutionize the auto industry, no question. There is another technology that will, when it comes to market, also revolutionize the industry. EEStor will be bringing its energy storage units to market sometime in the first quarter of 2010 at projected cost of $100/kWh.
Here is an interview that gives that timeline:
http://theeestory.com/topics/2529
August 26th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Some probable causes for the changes:
–Larger hood area for better serviceability, (maybe they found things were too tight for the removal of some components).
–It obliviously looks cheaper to stamp. both hood and fender.
– And as stated by Mr Boniface, “Hood cutline change was made for compliance with European Pedestrian Protection regulations. Hood cutines tend to be very stiff due to metal flanging and the original ones fell into test zone for head impact.”
August 26th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Amen….that excitement was gone long ago (for me)
ahhh the old mantra for me again………..
“Its not about how cool the car looks….its about the electrifcation of the auotmobile”
August 26th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Love the “nerd shoe” reference Statik…I have adopted the term from the first time you posted it…
Also nice how you call it a “mystique” AND add that it makes the Volt that much more “unique”…..with a wink-wink and a nudge-nudge
August 26th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Hey!!!
You are not supposed to be posting here anymore!!!!
You promised!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
August 26th, 2009 at 8:28 am
I would imagine that Maximum Bob would “target” idiots that are walking in the road….. He probably looks for the launch buttons for the sidewinder missles, just like on his jet!
August 26th, 2009 at 8:34 am
“Having the two pictures above side by side, I feel like i’m playing that photo-hunt game, looking for the differences.”
There are actually 10 things that are different in those pictures. Have you found the other nine????
Sorry, like nasaman, I couldn’t resist…….
August 26th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I noticed that the headlight bezels were a little different in that first video of Lyle taking it for a drive. Even though they were painted black, I could see a slightly different shape. I passed it off as just a temporary piece until the chrome reflector was ready that would be the real piece to replace it.
Just like the “what’s wrong with this picture” puzzles for my 8 year old, I can now see what you mean by design changes. It does look like the VOLT is dishing out less whipped cream topping and more plain vanilla. YAWN!
Yet another reason I would like to see the EREV Cruze instead.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:49 am
It still looks like you could spear a pedestrian with the new design. Still…a fairly minor issue. I’m assuming the Acura Integra-style headlights are just for the IV?
August 26th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Actually, I think the term for the original design was “smashing!”.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Thanks guys. I should have thought of that darn photoshop.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Weren’t we supposed to have the EEstor units two years ago? Or was it last year?
At this point, I’ve given up on EEstor until they can do a verifiable public demonstration.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Look closer at the headlights:
The finished car has projector bulbs with halo rings like the Camaro. The IVer has two small pockets with deeply set standard bulbs of some kind. Also, where the LED fog lights were on the finished model, those have been replace with round ones right off of an HHR.
Hopefully these are just temporary till the real pieces are ready.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I actually think I found 10, but I won’t spoil it for the others who are just waking up and still looking.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Hey Static,
Good to hear from you! Don’t be such a stranger. It’s also great to see BB posting here as well. That’s impressive!
I was afraid that the one pictured car with the “lines” on it was a “fit and finish” issue.
Be well,
Tagamet
/I’m wearing my Volt T-Shirt – must be Karma!
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:02 am
On the right car robin’s egg blue can look good. Larkspur Blue on a 57 Chevy Convertible has always been my favorite color for that car.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:03 am
You got it, my friend. lol
August 26th, 2009 at 9:08 am
So the new hood design makes the the volt ‘SBND’ to pedestrians…. (Silent But Not Deadly).
/note to GM marketing: Go ahead and use that one if you want, it’s yours.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:11 am
NZDavid,
A) Ditto on the statik comment – we need his (grumbly) expertise.
B) You’re going to hurt your tongue doing that stuff.
C) It’s probably a good thing that heads don’t get crushed on hoods. Surely it was a “funded” requirement (now *I’m* getting that way).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Murry,
I agree about the electrification but, it has to sell too.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:16 am
I’ll take a new fluff piece over a tired, wandering day-old thread.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Jason,
Some people’s “disrespectful/negative” is a actually balanced critical opinion (with which you should be familiar).
If there was a poll taken Statik would be BEGGED to return. JMO.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Rashiid @ #2,
“YES!!!! The old style of posting comments? . . .. . ”
___________________________________
Everyone COULD show their support for the “old style comments” by just boycotting the “reply” button.
/Anarchy at GM-Volt.com!
August 26th, 2009 at 9:22 am
I gave up reading and posting comments because of the new style.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Murray,
Statik is turning into a regular word-smith. Seriously, it does let the reader actually “get” the content more easily.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Looking at the picture, how is that not a Dodge Stratus? Seriously, I just looked out the window at my neighbors 95 Stratus and its the same car. I wish they could bring back some of the concept car’s styling cues that we all loved.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:25 am
______________________________________________________
Fantastic Cheese
_____________________________________________________
August 26th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Amen! Would ANY of us like to take over for Lyle and make DAILY *article* posts? I don’t think so!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:26 am
I heard that!
Sometimes they want magic for free don’t they?
August 26th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Dave
+1!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:27 am
LOL. Hey, there’s always room in the English language for new verbs that are actually nouns, right? I guess I’ve been in the corporate world too long. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to leverage myself out of here…
August 26th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I don’t know about “BEGGED”………
He can come back if he wants to, but the only begging I do is with the wife!
August 26th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Jim I,
Point taken (g). I was just trying to drive home my point.
That latter “begging” is what we call “foreplay” (lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Holy cow. You’re right. It’s the shape of the trunk metal, that sort of integral spoiler, that really seals it. Still, I don’t think it’s bad looking. Most people want a slightly, but not hugely, unique looking car. The Volt concept design was straight out of a Speed Racer cartoon and would not have had large mass appeal IMO. This finished product is a more understated and more attractive car.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Guyman,
Granted we’d all like to know those things, but why would GM want to release that info. They have been more transparent on this vehicle’s progress than any other car that I can remember. They need to keep holding SOME cards to deal out over the next year or so.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Sometimes? I wish!!
Also, +1 to Rashiid for modesty and having a sense of humor.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Me too!!
PS. You are not reading this.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Relax, CG, they are only temporary. This has been covered before.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:43 am
That GM is even concerning themselves with the European design standards is yet more evidence that they are aiming down the road to release it world-wide.
That’s great news for a vehicle that many said would never see the road – period
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Daraktig,
While pretty much everyone here loves the ‘idea’ of the eestor cells, the repeated delays scream ‘vaporware’ loud and clear.
Nothing short of a independantly verified public demonstration will remove this doubt.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:49 am
______________________________________________________
Good article Statik…thanks.
Side Note:
The black roof detail in Statik’s lower comparisonphoto gives the car a sharp modern look. Thin film photovoltaic has significantly come down in cost…GM should consider applying thin PV on the roof section of the Volt as a STANDARD feature…it would enhance the look of the Volt significantly…contribute towards regulating cabin temp when car parked outside in summer months… helps keep batt pack at optimized temp when car parked outdoors in winter (otherwise ICE is required to start up to warm the batt)…provides big marketing points because of the cool PV factor…yes I know a PV roof is not practical to charge the t-batt…just do it GM…it’s the smart thing to do.
______________________________________________________
August 26th, 2009 at 9:52 am
I was looking at the pictures and it’s become very clear to me that the black roof looks better than the painted one.
It’s not no black roof no sale… just sayin’
August 26th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Off Topic
This may have been linked to before, but I missed it. Raser did a test drive of their 200 kw powered “EREV” and go about 2 miles per kwh.
Oh what tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.
They said if they used the same method that Volt used to get 230 mpg, their Hummer would get about 190 mpg.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/08/h3e-20090826.html#more
August 26th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Personally I miss statik’s comments, he cuts to the core of it.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:57 am
OK, ALWAYS… I was trying to be nice.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Mike-O
“Not reading this” is technically called a “negative hallucination” – not seeing something that IS there (lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Fluff piece?
I don’t quite take it that far.
We have pictures of the developing real car.
It’s a detail to be sure, but it’s better than nothing!
It’s a world car and therefore there will be modifications to make the car work everywhere.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Great..
Now the hood looks like it’s styled from a 1985 SAAB 900..
I can get used to it.
I believe in function before form anyway.
And if it keeps some unlucky pedestrian from getting a brain injury, I’m all for it.
Of course that means fewer organ donor parts for the rest of us.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I’m always impressed with the eye for detail that a lot of people have here. Then again, I can never “find Waldo”.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I -was- going to say something witty here, but I’m not sure I’m actually replying. Anybody seen my lithium tablets?
August 26th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Speed racer x2 magnification, that thing was a boat!
August 26th, 2009 at 10:13 am
You funni
August 26th, 2009 at 10:15 am
I want to believe..
August 26th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Would you mind paying $5k for that “free” option?.. how about $3k?.. $1K?
August 26th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Try here, Tag:
http://local.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Waldo,+WI&sll=43.043859,-88.043493&sspn=0.010413,0.01929&ie=UTF8&ll=43.677836,-87.95032&spn=0.020609,0.054932&t=h&z=15&iwloc=A
August 26th, 2009 at 10:26 am
With 10% efficiency, only at a 37 deg. angle and 70 degrees F. brand new not packaged in a box on the shop floor for the rated efficiency, thin film would be just okay for the roof of my house.
At the angles of the Volt surfaces on a winter day, with normal wear, dust and scratches, even without shading, it would produce about the same output current as a dark paint job = basically nothing.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Muddy
You be funni two.
Mike O
You’re a real wise guy (lol).
Be well to both of you,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 10:28 am
I personally liked the hood and fender cutlines on the original production version that was introduced almost a year ago.
Perhaps Lyle should have a poll asking if people like the “Production Concept” or the “Actual Production” version of the Volt.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Very nice..
Van, 230mpg is not deception..
500wh/mile, drove 50 miles using 60% of a 41kwh pack.. the Volt gets 200wh/mile but that is to be expected from a larger, high drag vehicle.
What everyone on this web site wants to know is what is the MPG in charge sustaining mode?
August 26th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Couldn’t help but notice the hood/fender seams during my commute this morning. Most vehicles sport the “spear then cut” pedestrian injury seam. Better look both ways before crossing the street.
=D~
August 26th, 2009 at 10:32 am
That’s one more Volt for us. Thanks.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Hard to imagine how insanely expensive it would be if this was done on the production tooling to stamp the redesigned parts instead of the IVERS. Kind of makes you feel for BYD if they have not built their models in compliance with expected FMVSS at the time they release the US versions.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:44 am
In a related news story today from Afganistan…
Al Qaida officials are ordering up all of the old style Volts with the decapatation hoods for use in “training exercises”.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:47 am
My point was using the methodogy, the Hummer which actually gets about one half the mileage of the Volt, appears to get about 85% of what the Volt gets.
In for a penny, in for a pound.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Rashiid A, I think you jinxed me. My comments disappeared. I refreshed a few times and they are back, but of course I can’t edit and the last one has no gravatar. I’m not happy about the lack of editing though, I already know I’m an idiot, but I was hoping to keep it privileged information, partly with the use of extensive editing!!
August 26th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Does Nerf make an EV?
=D~
August 26th, 2009 at 11:00 am
It is a little better, but I just think the Volt does not look unique enough. I wish they would do away with the black paint under the window.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:17 am
The black paint is one of the “unique design cues” from the concept Volt.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I don’t care if the damn thing is painted like Apple’s early 2001 iMac “Flower Power” or “Blue Dalmatian” computers, just get it out the door!
August 26th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Thank you Bob @ 7:15 for your reply.
It is very helpful to have GM professional participation during the posts, so that there might be a minimum of unnecessary speculation.
Although deeply-thoughtful possibilities (in the spirit of helping) might help one process or another from the less-technically-involved customer and poster here, it is the totally unhelpful and vain negative stuff (maybe influenced from someone’s prescription) that makes for a complete waste of everyone else’s time and attention.
So, thank you again, all you very valuable GM professionals, in helping to maintain the technical integrity of our time spent here.
(Back to work!)
August 26th, 2009 at 11:40 am
You are not wrong on that point.
There IS a lot of unbroken area (at least in the photo) on that new hood. (bonnet to our UK friends)
I’m not suggesting a hood scoop, but ’something’ to breakup that large expanse of paint would be a welcome addition.
A subtle ‘ghost painted’ lightning bolt?? (just kidding)
August 26th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Paint the body of the car in Victory Red and all will be forgiven!!!
August 26th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
The last time statik showed up with a guest post, it turned out later that Lyle was off test-driving and stuff.
Is it so far out to suggest that perhaps, at this very moment, he is actually experiencing ‘charge-sustain mode?’
Quite possibly, we are closer to knowing gas tank size and mpg in charge-sustain mode than most here will believe.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
(click to show comment)
August 26th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I would say it is more of a design vestige. It used to match the dark roof, but now that is gone (?).
August 26th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Jackson,
It’s certainly possible that Lyle is away doing neat things, but we only have a sample of one. That’s not too much to hang a speculation on (but I certainly hope that you are right!). I think I’ll take a rocking chair up to I-80 and watch to see if Lyle is driving back from MI in an IVER. LOL, talk about speculation> I suspect that those pieces of info will be done with great fanfare (but I’m almost always wrong)(g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
troll
August 26th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Herm,
Sounds a lot like in Peter Pan…
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Ok I’m in.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
A bit of humor is a good thing. Maybe us clowns should let the smarter folks handle the commenting? I suggest a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich with a cold one.
=D~
August 26th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
nuclearboy,
Ewwwwww. (funny, but) Ewwwww.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Mike:
They got recycled.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Amen. You beat me to it there. LJGTVWOTR!!
August 26th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
It’s been long enough to consider re-posting the Fantastic Cheese item.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
HA!!
My wife is the one that does the beggin (usually for me to get out from under the bed during a fight…lol)
August 26th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I agree that when statik is using facts, figures and computations, he present good arguments for whatever point he’s trying to make. However, his two guest posts at gm-volt.com have been rude and demeaning towards GM, its management and engineers / designers.
Lyle has worked hard to position himself as a friend / supporter of GM and the Volt, so I would hate to see that relationship undermined by handing statik the megaphone for some ham handed commentary.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
jeffhre,
But I thought it was a WAY cool boat. I was one of the grumblers (kinda) when they had to change the aero dynamics, but this shape is growing on me too. In any case, the looks are nearly last on my list of “Why I’m buying a Volt” reasons.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Agreed troll.
but hey…if scrappy..if ROI is your thing, then there is no justification to buying a car, walk….bike, use a bus.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Maybe he’s just doing the odd spot of brain surgery to try to keep the bills paid.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
agreed. Poor taste at best for gm-volt.com
Better placed at http://www.jihadwatch.org
August 26th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
“Ham handed”? Now who’s being rude and demeaning?
On Lyle’s relationship with GM – I know that Lyle would do nothing that would jeopardize his relationship and yet having said that, he’s had plenty of articles comparing/contrasting the Volt with other vehicles.
In the end, Lyle has editorial control of the articles, so let’s give him some credit – rather than slamming Statik.
Be well,
Tagamet
/GM can use input like statik’s.
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Maybe they have some “Screaming Chicken” hood decals left from ’70s Firebirds. One of those would break it up nicely, LOL.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
As do I, Muddy, as do I.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I could not agree more. I really don’t like it.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I think the point is that for the hummer, if it goes more than 40 miles electric (article claims 50 miles), it can get mileage comparable to the Volt.
For the average person, defined by the ANL statistics, the mileage will be 190 mpg. That sounds awesome.
Some will get less of course but someone who might drive 40-50 miles per day, they will get far better mileage than the Volt.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Eeeek! They woke up. Here we go again.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
He is driving!.. slow down Lyle!.. lets see if we can get 60mpg in charge sustaining mode, after all 45mph is legal in most highways.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Sorry to be off topic, but I can’t resist. If you go to the MSN.com home page at the moment, and scroll about halfway down to “MSN Autos”, you will see our 1917 Chevy going down the corkscrew at Laguna during the recent Montery Historic Automobile Races.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Herm,
Easy to say, but tough to do If we were the ones driving an IVER from MI to NJ! Maybe after the first tankful went by…..
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
It is good that it meets European safety standards.. it should already meet pollution standards all over the world.. a truly universal car.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Make the flames lightning bolts and you might have something!!
/I’m kidding… REALLY!
August 26th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
nuclearboy,
That’s not a site I visit, so I’ll trust you that it’s more appropriate there than here. We’re all guilty of brief lapses (after all most of us are males).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
You guys need to get over that concept Volt.
IMHO that little exercise did far more harm than good. I heard about the Volt before I ever saw it. Make it look unique, and make it look good, without constantly looking back over your shoulders at something that was never, ever going to be mass-produced.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I did not like the concept, too much boy racer look, perhaps if it had been a different color.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Oops. I forgot to type /joke and /end joke around that.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
We’re going to miss you guys.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
ohh, I agree.. using a small turbo 4 cycinder as a range extender should improve the efficiency/mileage of a light truck or Hummer. Its good that these parts are becoming available.
This should make a Voltec pickup a little closer to reality… keep it simple GM, a 200kw motor at the rear differential and a generator hanging off the back of the ICE… and try to use Volt inverters if possible. Not every pickup has to be able to tow, and they benefit from a bit of extra weight in the back.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
You are very likely right!
I do see where CDAVIS is coming from though, it’s the message that having the solar fan on the car conveys much more than any tiny amount of power the solar cells might generate in reality.
Not to mention that having a little fan removing the ~10000 c air (seat of the pants guesstimate of temperature) from inside the car on a sunny day would be great!
Assuming they can do it for cheap.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Herm,
That;s what my wife said. Seriously, she actively disliked the concept’s looks, so this one makes life easier.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
(click to show comment)
August 26th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
That my friend is a very cool ride!
August 26th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
(click to show comment)
August 26th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Noel,
Cool! I bet that wreaks havoc replacing the brakes. I bet to go UP that hill you’d need to be in reverse!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Muddy:
Thanks.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
OK I admit it, I would like to have one conceptually, though pragmatically I know it would do little good at all. I wonder how people like their cooling fans in the new generation Prius and how effective the solar power in summer heat.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
It only has brakes on the rear wheels, LOL. The good news is that it’s so slow that you hardly use the brakes, at least if you’re used to racing Corvettes. Actually, you slow down at the top, about 150 feet back up the road, and go down through there with a bit ot throttle on. At the point of the photo, Im just starting to put the throttle back down to the floor.
The climb up the back to the top of the Corkscrew is darned near as steep, and the car will climb it at 2500 rpm in direct drive, which is 60 mph, as near as no matter.
That old Chevy will shock a lot of the usual suspect Model Ts for sure, hehehe.
Anyway, we’re doing our best to keep the flame alive.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Too late! No soup for you!
Errr… No Volt for you, & I moved up place in the line up for a new Volt.
Insert appropriate smiley face here…
That having been said, I am kind of beginning to think that GM may be getting to the point that they are comfortable with the life expectancy of the battery pack, and are going to sell it at $32,000, since they don’t have to price two packs into the MSRP.
How is that for an attempted thread hijack?
August 26th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
See, like I always said, you’ll get great mileage in a Hummer if you’d only… remove the big V-8, replace it with a turbo’d four, add; a big battery with a plug, a powerful electric motor, regenerative brakes and $50,000 to the price tag, no more – no less. At least that’s what I always said
August 26th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I, on the other hand, like it.
I thought that the previous hood looked a little jazzier, but I would guess that the new one is a little cleaner from the aero standpoint. I don’t see how the little vertical lip at the back of the low section of the old hood was doing anything for the airflow.
But of course I think that the “barge boards” and other goofy winglets on modern F1 cars look counterintuitive, so what do I know? Of course, they are trading drag for downforce, so maybe that’s the difference.
Anyway, I don’t care if it looks like a 1917 Chevy if it gets 40 miles AER and 50 mpg on the ‘range extender”, LOL.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
No, you’re not in, cause you just used the reply bu. . . . ……ah crap!
/ see my post @ 33.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Dorp7 @ 21.
You are NOT “in” unless you comply with strict, regimented GM-volt.com anarchy prodcedures.
These rules stricly forbid you from using the reply button.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
We’re on the same page my friend.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Sorry, Tag; I should have left optimism to the trained professional!
August 26th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Daraktig:
EEStor has been a topic of speculation here for years. Over that time, we have been consistently disappointed. It is the company’s move to change our minds, if they can.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
No replying. Got it. Since when do anarchists have rules?
August 26th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
The robin just flew over my car–ut-oh, looks like a foot of snow on it now. Could use GM’s ultra car wash and Sponge Bob.
Then Sham Wow.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
230mpg is not deception..
_______________________
On the big GM forum, I pointed out conditions which the 230 was indeed realistic and got accused of trying to discredit Volt. What the heck?
It’s the lack of detail causing problems.
We need far more attention placed on operational aspects of Volt. Misconceptions & Assumptions are working against efforts to support. The message is painfully difficult to convey without detail readily available.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
(click to show comment)
August 26th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
This is GREAT! anarchy rocks!
August 26th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Lyle – are you going to update your little Volt at the top of the page to match the new hood design?
August 26th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Noel, That looks fun. Kinda reminds me of taking my ‘59 TR3, topless, up to Long Grove, IL in January. Had on my ski goggles and a scarf, driving thru a blizzard. Musta looked like a snowmobile at first. The piping hot Irish coffee at Ye Old Town Inn never tasted so good.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
There is no reason for GM to take that risk. Early adopters are expected to pay a premium. For these early adopters, there will be a discount of 7500$ from Uncle Sam at first. Then, the price is expected to fall.
If the battery pack exceeds 10 years, and hopefully it will, GM will be quite profitable in the long run.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Jackson,
LOL, as well you should! I’ll have egg on my face (to coin a term) if tomorrow’s video is Lyle showing off his new IVER! (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
I guess I stirred a hornet’s nest with that post (and link).
I am foolish enough to hope EEStor actually produces their energy storage unit. You have to swing for the fences sometimes and they (EEStor) are doing that for sure. It’s kinda like rooting for the underdog. Everyone’s written them off as either stupid or some sort of scam or fraud.
I know it’s a long shot but we will all be smiling (or is that “grinning an EV grin”) when/if they demonstrate a successful product.
August 26th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Statik,
I really appreciate this article. It has details about the car, a real answer, and I learned something about European safety regulations!
I’d call it journalism, but journalists don’t usually write so informatively…
August 26th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Without question.
But we’re just not going to get excited about or believe (yet another) press release.
Show us a real working product and we’ll accept it happily.
August 26th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I have to say that I have sometimes wondered about Lyle’s “real” job as well. I would be a bit upset if I had a brain surgery scheduled, and Lyle cancelled to go talk to Bob Lutz or test drive a mule……..
Maybe things are different in New York!!!!
August 26th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Love the new pelican mouth!
GO VOLT!
August 26th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I know what you mean. Once bitten twice shy.
To me, it matters very little what technology emerges as the dominant format. Just as long as we get away from using oil and gas.
I wouldn’t even mind paying a monthly fee to use something like this:
http://www.witricity.com/pages/news.html
Wireless power (for both recharging batteries AND powering the Volt or electric vehicle) is said to be months away from being commercially available.
August 26th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Great to know that GM is globalizing its products and that the security of pedestrians is taken into account.
And it is possible that the Ampera design is invoved see :
http://www.terra.com.ar/foto_canal.html?imagen=http://www.terra.com.ar/imagenes/originales/224/224545.jpeg&titulo=Terra&ancho=450&alto=300&nombre_canal=autos
Regards
JC NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
jeffhre at 10:53am
You’re perfectly fine with your structure. Everyone edits extensively. I sure do. I probably edit for at least 10 minutes before pressing that first “submit” button. Even if you have to craft your structure and additionally-refine what you want to share for 15 or 20 minutes more time, then that is certainly super-cool to take your time. That way, your mind sets up to gradually do it all slightly faster every time (by about a percent or two faster every time, so, take your time and enjoy refining. It really becomes more and more fun as you go.)
August 26th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
(click to show comment)
August 26th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
bob_boniface –Thank you.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
I agree with your ideas but where you said “…less whipped cream topping and more plain vanilla..” you might keep in mind that in fact vanilla is an exotic and rare flavor. There’s nothing like it, and it created quite a buzz in the USA when it was first introduced.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Prius solar roof is in very high demand.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Every time a Prius driver stops someone will say, “Hey looks good, but how long will it take to pay that back.”
August 26th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
But Dan sometimes I’m in a huge harry to get my thoughts down as electruns
Thanks for the kind words though. Is anyone else having trouble with the new version of Firefox?
August 26th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
More tax payer money to be wasted in the billions to sell something 80% can’t afford.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
jeffhre at 6:14pm.
Yes, me too. It might be firefox or something else. But what I am seeing is that clearly there are programming efforts underway to help us have a better and faster running program. I used to be somewhat frustrated with the ongoing (right nowadays) changes, but I am absolutely certain that the background attempts to improve are well-intentioned and will eventually succeed in improving everything for us.
I’ve decided to just re-post when the software makes mistakes. I don’t at all think an individual is backgrounding activity, just the ‘net-guys trying to make things run better.
Now, if only my email would be able to work (NOT!!). There is so much garbage and ridiculous requirements to “reset” passwords all too frequently, that I have given up on receiving any email a very long time ago. [WHAAAT??... GASP!!] (And, I don’t miss it a bit).
(Anyone who needs to talk to me has my landline number or can look it up in Austin). That’s another reason why I like this site, because I can post without needing that pesky email-waste-of-time.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Footnote to above post.
I’ve measured how much of my “daily-intellectual-effort-capacity” (in the form of an “effort budget”) that e-mail usurps, and, e-mail can usurp as much as 70% of your daily intellectual capacities with mostly unsubstantial content and garbage that I have no intention of even sorting out.
I have no intention also of arriving at a shop being even slightly or significantly drained to any extent whatsoever from garbage that would arrive every day electronically. This is one way I stay successful, having more control of what gets onto my desktop. You are FAR, FAR, FAR LESS in control of your environment by accepting email, not more in control of it. E-mail is for corporate America to access you whenever it wants.
Not me.
All that matters to me with this internet is doing what I can to help get Voltec on the road, and help others better understand it however I can.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
No such luck, just trying out new ideas. There are no rules on blogs as far as I know, everything winds up being an experiment
If anyone else want to write guest posts, feel free to email me at chevyvolt@gmail.com
BTW I’m a neurologist, not a neurosurgeon, so I actually don’t do any surgery. GM usually gives me enough notice for planned trips that I can adjust my schedule.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
off the topic a tech question :
Why these companies are not attempting for a LPG/Petrol based Fuel cell car ?
I see the cost of fuel cell is getting down,
There are LPG based fuel cell kits / electricity generation.
Every home has a gas connection coming in.
The theoretical efficiency is high for fuel cell 83% which is very high than burning fuel (67%) .
ex: the range extender of Volt can be a fuel cell based on petrol /LPG which may be very efficient, Later if the Hydrogen infrastructure comes froward it can be upgraded to a hydrogen fuel cell.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I don’t like the change. It gives the car a horizontal gap that most new cars don”t have like the new Malibu, Equinox, CTS SRX etc…
If given the choice the fewer gaps ner the A pillar the better looking the car – otherwise it looks like too many pieces to put car together
August 26th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
I read this on my handheld at lunch, it has its own format.
All the comments look the same, some have a number. The others say reply. The cool thing is the comments that have been shrunk with a big negative are displayed. THEY are a class of their own.
Cheers
Red HHR (at times with inactive gray cells)
August 26th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Hey Lyle,
This is the first time I’ve seen you within the thread about the time I’ve been here.
I like the way you try new things out.
If I were not so abstaining from email, I would be honored to guest post sometime. No other site is this creative as yours.
But I usually like to follow what GM pros have for us.
Someday, I would like the opportunity to get permission to study every circuit and component of the Volt and relentlessly teach it to all these “eager-to-learn” technicians I meet daily, as most all of them become my friends.
But usually, most readers might not be interested in that kind of technical detail, they just want a wonderful E-REV to drive.
If I ever had the chance to drive the Volt before it’s release , I would certainly capture the attention at least of the several thousand technicians who know me well. Most all express a mystified smile without exception nowadays when I say “Do you know about the Volt?” Amazement shows on their faces, and, they know it is coming.
If you would like, please be welcome to call me at my home phone as listed in the book (in Austin at 12701 Europa Ln.). While I have a phone machine, I will always pick up if there is a live person starting to leave a message. You can get my cellphone number off of my technicians training flier as posted at the (Google:) Texas Department of Public Safety, Dan Petit, Genisys Waveform Seminars.
But I would need to be able to talk about the Volt from some experience, so, it might not be until about a year from now before I could likely get an opportunity somehow. (But I’m really patient about how “good things come slowly”). I know the experience would have me speechless but not “post-less”.
Anyway, thanks for being here.
How’s the fund raising going? Have you achieved your goal?
Dan Petit.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Well, I do like robins egg blue, As a child I had a toy Jag XK120 in that color. How could I not like it? Also A Lincoln MKIV in robins egg blue with a white landau top and leather looks pretty attractive to my eye. A perfect ride to the Yacht Club….
As for controversy, if Statik wants to crash a blue Volt, I would be happy to volunteer to save it. Though if I had to put down money I would want mine in red!
I am not sure, however I think Statik has gone mellow. Funny what 80 billion will do. From GSB to the curve of a hood line. Dang!
I figured it had something to do with crash safety (the hood). Though, I think it looks like a trunk lid! What was that post long ago about the first Volt being more aerodynamic in reverse!
My suggestion for a new thread, if you throw some bleach under the front wheels of the Volt, could you make smoke?
Red HHR (smoky burnout pink bow tie version)
August 26th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Yup, look foward to LED’s
August 26th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Looks more and more like a jelly bean. Quite a transformation from that original concept car to this.
To me, it is not a deal breaker, but the price is. Maybe GM will have a “coupon day”, so us poor schmuks can afford one!
August 26th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Thanks for checking in.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Tagamet,
You are like the consious of the Blog (which can easily turn into an angry snarling mob). Always wishing well and smoothing things out.
A counter balance to the Trolls.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Dan,
my email at work isn’t working…but don’t tell anyone!!
August 26th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
nuclearboy,
Well almost always. I’ve been known to “modify” my parting phrase (like, “be ok” or once with statik “just BE“). lol.
The sun is warm, the grass is green….
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
john1701a
Why would you get blasted on the other site for supporting the mileage??? Makes no sense to me. SHRUG.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
jeffrhe,
My Firefox is working well.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 26th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Good idea but LPG / Nat gas has far lower energy density than gas unless greatly compressed. Nat gas in my house is supplied at about 5 psi which would require a compressor that retails at about $6000 and takes hours to make enough compressed gas to give me several hundred miles of range.
It would be ok running nat gas a ICE, but NG clogs up and kills fuel cells, especially at the amount of impurities found in domestic nat gas.
GM and Toyota appear to be on track to build marketable fuel cell vehicles for the 2017 model years, since fuel cell cars are basically EV’s with fuel cells providing the kWh instead of batteries, lets delay this discussion and try it again in about 2016, if there are no more fuel cell setbacks!!!!!!
August 26th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
That EE post link was so much running around in circles that I got dizzy. Weir would make a great senator (or con man). Oh wait, same thing.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Thanks
Any idea what happened to the below ones :
“Joining forces with DELPHI Automotive Systems, the largest automotive supplier in the world, BMW is developing an entirely new type of fuel cell able to generate electricity out of petrol. Since this innovative energy converter uses conventional engine fuel ”
from http://www.autointell.com/european_companies/BMW/bmw-engineering/bmw311.htm
August 26th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Here it is (repost):
______________________________________________________
Fantastic Cheese…
Bob claims he has invented a cheese that is so unique and wonderful (the “Fantastic Cheese”) that his Fantastic Cheese will make all other traditional cheese options commercially obsolete.
Bob’s reputation is one of being a smart technical innovator. Bob previously worked as an engineer at a large company doing work that is related to how Fantastic Cheese will be manufactured.
Bob has received some financial backing from a respected venture capital firm called New Ideas Capital. New Ideas Capital states in their Investing Policy Statement that they are focusing on investing in cheese related companies because New Ideas Capital believes that cheese is a future growth sector however New Ideas Capital will not discuss their investment in Bob’s Fantastic Cheese.
A large respected military food packaging and catering company called War Food’s, Inc. has provided some funding to Bob to help Bob further develop Fantastic Cheese. Bob has agreed provide War Food’s Inc an exclusive for Fantastic Cheese for certain military food products.
Nobody has seen or tasted Bob’s Fantastic Cheese although Bob has started to build his Fantastic Cheese factory.
An independent company has certified that Bob’s factory is capable of propagating Bob’s proprietary baseline cheese starter bacterial culture. Bob claims his cheese starter bacterial culture contains a unique balance of enzymes that interact in the curdling process in such a way that the cheese becomes Fantastic Cheese.
An independent company has certified that Bob’s factory contains cooking vats capable of maintaining a constant temperature within one quarter of one degree centigrade. Bob claims it is critical to be able to maintain an exact temperature during the cooking process to manufacture Fantastic Cheese.
A very large portion of the cheese produced worldwide is used for pizza toppings. Therefore the potential worldwide market for Fantastic Cheese as a pizza topping is fantastic if Fantastic Cheese is as fantastic as Bob claims. Every pizza maker will want Fantastic Cheese because Fantastic Cheese will render all other cheeses obsolete.
Given all the above facts, why would Bob license his Fantastic Cheese to a small pizza operator under terms that allows the small pizza operator to be the only pizza operator to use Fantastic Cheese?
_____________________________________________________
August 26th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Dunno – but about two years ago BMW said they would put fuel cell work on hold although they still put out H powered ICE’s from time to time, and with Delphi hovering in bankruptcy for so long I doubt they want to carry the load by themselves, if they even made substantial progress at that time. Just my opinion though
August 26th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
The new hood does look like an older Saab. Doesn’t really matter to me. As long as it is voltec under the covers.
If you highly windtunnel tune any car it will eventually come out to the same basic shape. There’s not too many different ways to make four sitting humans aerodynamic.
I still like the looks of a Dodge Intrepid, so, this comment is what it is.
Edit: I didn’t press reply.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
this writer is annoying
August 26th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
The population of the U.S. is 304 million people.
If the Chevy Volt doesn’t appeal to Americans that don’t understand why aerodynamics is important in a car, or to Americans that don’t understand why the price of gasoline has gone up so much in the last 10 years,
that still leaves many millions of potential customers in the next few years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brent_Spot_monthly.svg
Oil prices are now back up above $71/barrel. Since the world is still in a recession, many analysts are predicting that once the recession is over in a year or two, oil prices could shoot up again.
*From* $71/barrel.
So, by the time the Volt is out, $4 or $5 gasoline could be the norm. Summer 2008 might just be a preview of things to come, in terms of gasoline prices. In which case, the Volt will be a home run.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Yes, you are.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
How about a pink smoke burnout bow-tie badged vehicle version?
Kumho makes some tires that do just that. Well, red smoke, anyway:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqSFvD4_S9o
August 27th, 2009 at 12:25 am
The impression I got was that no outsider, especially someone driving a new Prius, would ever try to help… that it was actually some type of clever way to undermine Volt.
All I’ve wanted from the very beginning is some good solid data. That speaks for itself.
Ending production of vehicles that don’t use electric motors or battery-packs requires that kind of cooperation… if we don’t want it to takes several more decades still.
August 27th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Yep. It just gets worse and worse. The drive train is all that keeps me interested. I figured that they needed the hood to remind the early adopters (like probably me) that they are flushing their money down the toilet for the cause, so they needed the hood to look more like a toilet seat. It’s perfect now. Job done.
It’s getting really, really hard to imagine this car hot rodded and modified to look cool. Maybe somebody somewhere can surprise me and get my exuberant enthusiasm back for this car.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:37 am
This latest design change doesn’t look nice but at least it’s minor. I don’t like the angle/location of the cut on the A-pillar either. And the lights just don’t look as sleek as they did. The hood style looks very familiar. Yep, same as the Cruze. But they are sisters (or is it brothers), after all.
By the way, is the Volt a guy or a girl? Oh come on, can’t I apply a meaningless gender to a completely non-human machine?
August 27th, 2009 at 4:31 am
I didn’t have the time o read absolutely all the comments of this post but one things bothers me.
look at the south-east corner picture. The circular hole is supposed to be on he other side for the plug or am I mistaken ?
Regards,
JC NPNS
August 27th, 2009 at 4:54 am
JCJ… the image is inverted for better visual comparison. Good catch on your part. The modified design complies with European standards for hood flexibility in the event of a pedestrian vs vehicle impact.
=D~
August 27th, 2009 at 4:59 am
Thanks Dave.
This inversion It never occurred to my mind, I’m getting too old …
Regards,
JC NPNS
August 27th, 2009 at 6:05 am
Using approximately 310 million as 2010 population, that means only 62 million can afford it in US and and 6 million more in Canada, uh oh better make a few…million more. Kinda makes you want to flip out and turn green don’t it!!!
August 27th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Thank you, Statik. Now I know head level is about 30″ or the Volt’s hood is 5′ high and every seem of the skin is burned into my brain. My image of humanity and the Volt ruined in one quick post.
August 27th, 2009 at 8:06 am
john1701a
I’m sorry you were treated that way. You’ve more that occassionally had some spirited interchanges here, but I think that most have been civil and VERY few have been paranoid. Some people see the word Prius and assume that you’re an enemy. You’ve always tried to be more than civil and usually just straighten out terminology.
Again, sorry you were treated poorly.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
August 27th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I have been out for a day or so and have not read this article yet, but just looking at the pictures I have one comment to make first. Then I will read he post and your comments. From the pictures these changes were made to cut cost and it cheapens the look of the Volt. This is the same style of hood design you see on the 2008 and older Equinox CUV’s and they look cheap. From the side (while stopped in traffic next to an older Equinox) the hood looks like it was designed for ease of manufacturing only. You can see a large seam with part of the hood hinge showing. It just looks CHEAP. Let me say this one more time because I think it needs to be said. IT WILL MAKE THE VOLT LOOK CHEAP. I hope I have made myself clear.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:11 am
On second though, after reading a couple dozen comments, I think I will pass on the rest. Tell me if I really missed anything of interest because it seemed like no one was really saying anything of importance. Kind of like most of my comments.
Still though, good to hear from you, Statik. Good reporting although I don’t like the look of the changes to the Volt. What else is there to say?
August 27th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Hi Jean-Charles. Nice to see you here!
August 27th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Well they got a late start, but they’re making up for it now, hehehe.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:35 am
As to the wind tunnel tune, I quite agree. In the context of the volt, I will take wind tunnel tuning over fashion statements any day. In fact, it is a fashion statement to me.
August 27th, 2009 at 11:18 am
[...] [Source: GM-Volt.com] [...]
August 27th, 2009 at 11:40 am
[...] [Source: GM-Volt.com] [...]
August 27th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
I also read your comments with the same pleasure Noel, the times are though for a lot of people also on this eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean but it seems hat people become aware of their duty to make things change, for example in Belgium where the sales of cars have been reduced by 16% compared to last year, the sales of the less polluting ones (in terms of CO2 emissions) have increased by around 50% since the same month last year.
And the interest for EVs is increasing.
Regards,
JC
August 27th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
When can I get a 2 seater convertible? Perhaps a Volt SS or something. Not everyone wants a sedan. I still say that the Saturn Sky body would make a good electric.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
[...] [Source: GM-Volt.com] [...]
August 27th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I don’t think I like it. Don’t like the new hood lines at all. Just my humble opinion.
August 27th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
It’s kind of funny with this whole new comments setup. I feel like even Statik toned it down after the vote ratings came into play.
Then he got so irritated at not being able to voice an uncensored opinion that he convinced Lyle to let him guest post! :-p
August 28th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Why change this… and why change that?
Improved aerodynamics and safety being the main reasons. We have also heard, “This is not an electric Camaro”.
Is there an electric Camaro (RWD)?
=D~
August 28th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I like It!
Perfect for the Pink Bow Tie.
September 7th, 2009 at 2:55 am
Очень понравилась инфа, и если автор разрешит то с удовольствием возьму себе пару абзацев в блог.