We have known for a long time that the Chevrolet Volt is only the first car of a lineage of future vehicles that will be sold not only in North America but globally.
In 2007 GM revealed an Opel Flextreme small SUV concept, and in 2008 they revealed the Cadillac Converj concept.
These cars like the Volt depend on the Voltec propulsion system, which is a primary electric drive with a combustion engine generator to extend driving range.
GM has also shown two concept cars in which a hydrogen fuel cell was used as a range extender. This included an early Volt variant, an later the Cadillac Provoq concept.
There is evidence GM is about to lift the curtain on a new as-yet-unseen Voltec vehicle.
It will be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show on March 3rd. A teaser image has been released and appears above. Notice the slick “Voltec” logo on its very unusual grille.
GM/Opel aren’t revealing many significant details about the car yet, or whether it will be production intent. This is all GM will say publicly at this point:
Concept car gives clues to Opel’s future environmental direction
Opel will premiere a concept car that embodies much of the company’s future thinking in terms of design and engineering.
Using green innovation and alternative propulsion, the concept is proof that size and comfort do not need to be sacrificed for a vehicle to be environmentally efficient.
More details on the concept car will be revealed in due course.
According to GM spokesperson Rob Peterson “the Opel is simply a concept that showcases the potential of the Voltec system.”
Can’t wait to see.
This entry was posted on Saturday, February 13th, 2010 at 7:30 am and is filed under New Car, Opel, Voltec. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
-4
Feb 13th, 2010 (7:37 am)A little larger could be good but what abou tthe all electrci miles or might it have a litttle larger pack? Does this make me number 1?
+10
Feb 13th, 2010 (7:37 am)I hope they unveil an ELectric silverado. THey keep saying trucks are big money makers and trucks are their biggest sellers as well as the biggest gas guzzlers. Id be happy with 15 miles AER
+9
Feb 13th, 2010 (8:04 am)Man, that is a Buck Rogers sort of prow on that space ship! Seriously, though, that hardly looks production intent. And larger in Europe doesn’t mean the same thing as larger here in the States.
What I would like to see is for both sides of the pond to get new Voltec variants at least once a year, first with a Voltec Orlando, then a Voltec Converj, then a Voltec S-10, because even a Colorado sized pickup would require a more power than a Volt sized platform, so it would require substantial increases in horsepower and pack size.
I am not asking for much…
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (8:08 am)Perhaps GM should have phased out Saturn whilst phasing in electrics under the Opel name. The logo is very tech-appropriate.
+16
Feb 13th, 2010 (8:10 am)Don’t forget the other side of sizing:
How about a two seater more sporty car version with Voltec?
Just something to consider……
BTW: That thing looks like it is ready to fire a photon torpedo!!!
-1
Feb 13th, 2010 (8:17 am)Looks like Opel will give the Voltec: (1) a larger fuel tank, (2) more rear seat leg and head room and (3) a smaller AER. Time will tell.
+9
Feb 13th, 2010 (8:47 am)The Antara (Vue) has been extremely popular for both Opel & Vauxall. No surprise, since its a very good clone of the superb BMW X5 crossover at about 1/2 the Beemer’s MSRP. My hope is that Opel will soon offer the Antara with a Voltec and/or a 2-mode plug-in drive train. Either way, it should sell explosively both in Europe and in the US — if GM either imported or assembled it here.
/I’m sure this post is no surprise to anyone here that knows me (like Tag or Lyle)
+13
Feb 13th, 2010 (8:50 am)The grill looks like a Toyota floor mat, the acceleration should be phenomenal!
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:00 am)I think it’ll be a Voltec Zafira. The replacement is due in 2011, and will be on the Delta II platform. Seems like a fairly straightforward change, and woud be very popular i think (Zaffys often just get used for the school run here…)
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:07 am)Agree with Nasaman’s comment no. 7. I would be a buyer sooner than later.
+12
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:10 am)What the heck is that thing poking out the grill? It appears that this thing may move in/out. Possibly it goes to “full extension” when it sees a Volt?
+5
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:13 am)Ok, in all seriousness, I hate it when they show gadgets like this. They are totally impractical and will never be part of the production car.
Can you imagine how the ice/snow/salt would pack in around that grill protrusion?
/Why do they keep showing this silly concepts that they know cannot be manufactured with any practicallity?
+5
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:13 am)As battery, motor and electronics cost come down, the vehicles will get bigger and more powerful with the same AER.
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:14 am)“GM has also shown two concept cars in which a hydrogen fuel cell was used as a range extender. ”
Where is Michael Robinson when you need him?
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:18 am)It’s pretty obvious that the Volt is a compact because GM wanted a factory that could flip over to Cobalts if the whole venture went pffft. I know the batteries are heavy, but so was the 3.8/transaxle/radiator in my more than adequately sized 1987 Delta 88 ( a lemon in other regards, but space and power were fine). That car weighed 3075 lbs, and it outweighed the also sizable Taurus by over 200 lbs.
The reviews sound like the Voltec drive system is not having any trouble moving the 3300+ lb car. I don’t see that there is any great barrier to putting out a larger car.
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:19 am)nasaman,
The surprise was that you were down at post #8 (lol). The initial posts are often posted almost simultaneously (everyone thinks that they are first), so that mitigates that point (g).
Personally I was most pleased with the phrasing – More details on the concept car will be revealed in due course. (g).
I wonder if Frank Weber has his finger on this one’s pulse. Hope so!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:21 am)Very cool looking charging port.
A simple Voltec drivetrain variant would be to turbocharge the 1.4l ICE, and increase the size of the generator to perhaps 75kw. This would support the higher hwy speeds in Europe.. The turbo could be a cheap one since lag would not be an issue. Efficiency might even improve.
A RWD Voltec would consist of only the generator at the front of the car with the traction motor/diferential at the rear of the car.. another simple variation.
Battery pack size at 16kw is probably fine since their daily commute is less than ours. Average daily commute in the US is 32 miles round trip.
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:21 am)+1 for the first smile of the day!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:23 am)New meaning to “preproduction”? (g) +1
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
-6
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:25 am)“Using green innovation and alternative propulsion, the concept is proof that size and comfort do not need to be sacrificed for a vehicle to be environmentally efficient.”
Ok, this goes way back to one of my old bitches about building “green” cars.
IF your really concerned about the environment, you do not just build a vehicle that uses less energy. You build a vehicle that is BOTH environmentally friendly AND uses less energy. So if you build a car that uses substantially more natural resources and then you cannot play the “green card” (maybe 1/2 a green card). One issue (my issue, and maybe others) with EREV’s is that it requires more natural resources to include the ICE and all its supporting members. Look at the whole picture of the life cycle of the car, from cradle to grave, and then let that be the judge of whether a vehicle warrants being labeled “green”.
The beauty of a BEV is both in its simplicity and its reduction in amount of natural resources required to build and support it. The one single question about its environmentally friendliness is that darn battery.
Less is more when it comes to BEV’s…
“Let’s be reasonable…do it my way”
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:26 am)Now that the Voltec systems are fairly well finalized, they can also now be considered for larger variants that can support larger size vehicles, and, also, clearly with that stunning front grille ornament, the stylists and designers now have their turn.
(Building/perfecting the inside technologies first of course, then apply the very best styles to fit on the outside last). (Although the wind tunnel testing still has to be perfomed).
Final customer usage patterns out in the field ought to quickly define for OEM’s the perfect market applications for whatever they sell.
I think that there will be a brisk growth in “casual” “small power-fee”, off-peak, short term simple outlet charging outlets placed outside of businesses that wish to keep patrons coming into their businesses for “early in the day” customers. This could be an automatically or manually billed small fee somehow to the customer at time of purchase or checkout.
+4
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:27 am)That’s exactly what Concept models ARE for. They only get to production when there is something extraordinary that pushes them along…. (hint, hint). Portions of the tech do often turn up in a later model though.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+4
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:34 am)Lol, little electric blue pill..
did you see the charging connector receptacle on the side of it?.. it may actually be a practical way to package the charging port.. put some 0-rings on it and it would seal once it retracts .
http://www.german-info.com/press_shownews.php?pid=1033
http://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/News_Blogs_News/Standard_Plug_for_Plug-in_Hybrids_To_Be_Finalized_Soon-575.html
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:38 am)Just as it’s not all about the money, it’s not all about the “green side of the benefits”. There are always compromises, but I hope that the last to go is the concept of AER. JMO (and not innately better or worse than other priorities – like “green”. It would STILL be replacing a traditional car, so at LEAST a half-green card seems fair.
Be well,
Tagamet
/post useful life batteries have been talked of as a plus though. Useful and recyclable.
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:44 am)Yep, there are already a couple companies vying for community outlets that “recognize” the car and bill the juice to the owner. No reason they couldn’t bill a business, or town council that wants to pull shoppers away from the malls.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:45 am)Or free as a reward for visiting the store.. “charging minutes” balance could be kept in the cash cards many stores offer.. such as Starbucks.
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:46 am)Does this take us back to the “Electric slide” theme song? (lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:53 am)+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:04 am)This was intended to be a reply to Randy’s post, not part of his quote. Sorry.
AND the vehicles that would save the most gas use! All huge selling points.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:10 am)ok, some background questions. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the bulk of the Volt design was done by Opel engineers in Europe. I also read that a lot of the work was done by people that did the EV1. Can both of those statements be true? If so then new variants coming from Opel would be logical. Also Frank Webber going to Opel would be explained. But didn’t Opel almost hit the trash heap? Seems like Opel is a very important piece of the plan.
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:17 am)An PHEV truck would make A LOT of sense. You could use the engine as a generator for camping or work site energy source for your power tools. The electric traction motor would give gobs of torque for towing or climbing hills. And if you make it 4 wheel independent motors you would have a really slick AWD vehicle as well.
Though, instead of a Silverado make mine an Avalanche. =)
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:22 am)JohnK,
It seems like all of these points mesh well together, and surely aren’t mutually exclusive (like Frank Weber was on EV1 and at Opel – I think he was there before the Volt, going back there too). Re Opel being on the trash heap, GM has visited there recently too.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:28 am)You’re #1 just after me. I live just a few miles south of you and will gladly drop by and give you a ride in mine until yours arrives.
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (11:02 am)The larger print for poster’s names helps a lot.
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (11:06 am)You’re welcome. I got that as a clause in my new contract (obviously, just kidding!).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (11:33 am)I’m waiting for Buick to bully their way into the party with their own Voltec model. They’ve got the perfect name for it already established – the Electra.
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (11:39 am)I see they found a new spot for the flux capacitor.
NPNS!
+5
Feb 13th, 2010 (11:42 am)I agree with the “going smaller” idea. Since Pontiac has moved to the history books, how about Buick or Opel picking up the Solstice and put that on a Voltec variant platform? Let’s have an “electric sports car” for the masses!
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (11:50 am)Yes Nasaman, my wife – the first time she shaw an Antara -said “that is a nice car, could it replace later our Opel Astra Break that has more than 100,000 miles ?”
But wait, some 30 years ago when I met her she was in a local section of the “Earth’ Friends” (“Les amis de la Terre”) and she has not really forgotten those years and finally said “It is too big, I just need a small BEV”, she just hopes now thaht Opel will produce small BEVs as announced by N. Reilly :
“In addition, Opel/Vauxhall will spend €1 billion in innovative and fuel-efficient powertrain technology as it introduces a range of new green products. This includes:
* Launching an extended-range electric vehicle in addition to the Ampera
* Introducing pure battery-electric vehicles in smaller-size segments”
http://media.gm.com/content/media/intl/en/news/news_detail.brand_opel.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2010/OPEL/02_09_opel_nick_reilly_future
But that means perhaps something elese given the expression “in smaller-size segments”
Best regards,
JC NPNS
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (12:09 pm)#3
Amen to that! +1
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (12:10 pm)I agree 1500%. A voltec pickup makes so much sense I think the market would swarm on it.
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (12:11 pm)#8
LOL! thanks. +1
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (12:20 pm)Still waiting for the Chevy Labrador. A little hatchback where I can put my canine companion. Preferrably light-gold / shed-resistant interior. Oh, and slobber, chew, and muddy-paw print resistant, too. Would love a true hatchback format like Golf, Fit, etc. (can’t put an animal under terrarium glass of Volt). Glass in hatch that opens separately from hatch itself. Built in ramp for when she gets older. Solar powered fan for those hot days. Will pay extra for halitosis remover upgrade.
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (12:21 pm)#39
Good for her! +1 to her. I would be grateful if you would tell her I said so.
BTW, I thought of you as I watched the French version of the remarks at the opening of the Olympics last night. Alas, I don’t understand a word, but it sounds like music or poetry as it is spoken. Truly a Romance Language.
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (12:24 pm)#43
Sorry, but I believe that it’s going to be the Chevy Jack Russell. All the same features however. Works for me. +1
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (12:32 pm)The Cobalt is gonzo after 2010 anyways, and it’s replacement (the Cruze) is quite a bit larger in ALL metrics. (and you’re actually talking about 2 assembly different plants anyways)
In fact the Cobalt is exactly 0.3 cubic feet (passenger+cargo volume) from being EPA classified as a “mid-size” car. The Volt very likely will be actually (it has yet to be “officially” classified) as because it’s a hatchback design it’s luggage volume is larger (estimated to be 16-19 cu. ft) and when added to a passenger volume of 94 cu ft, easily puts it into the mid-size category.
WOT
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (12:43 pm)Could we settle on the “Chevy Mongrel”? (g). Guess not, but it’s an even tougher case to be made for the “Chevy Alley Cat” – though the electric really does purrrrr.
Be well,
Tagamet
/just saw my first LEAF commercial.
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (12:47 pm)Below is the “corrections” to my post #46. (Some sort if script error is prohibitting be from editing my posts)
**********************************************************************
The Cobalt is gonzo after 2010 anyways, and it’s replacement (the Cruze) is quite a bit larger in ALL metrics. (and you’re actually talking about 2 different assembly plants anyways)
In fact the CRUZE is exactly 0.3 cubic feet (passenger+cargo volume) from being EPA classified as a “mid-size” car. The VOLT very likely will be actually (it has yet to be “officially” classified) as because it’s a hatchback design it’s luggage volume is larger (estimated to be 16-19 cu. ft) and when added to a passenger volume of 94 cu ft, easily puts it into the mid-size category.
WOT
Feb 13th, 2010 (12:54 pm)Lyle–
The moving of the line and in color helps a lot
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (1:02 pm)pickup truck aerodynamics is a tough one to crack.. perhaps a smaller truck with a removable or folding bed shell that would slick it up.. combine that with variable height suspension and it might work. How about a small FWD Voltec pickup truck?.. heck, bring out a Cruze based El Camino.
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (1:02 pm)With all apologies to Randy, I’m afraid it does.
And now, my actually not off topic comment… GO GM, GO OPEL, GO VOLTEC!! This is exciting news!!
EDIT: BTW, speaking of Randy, +1 to you. I drive a Sierra 4×4 x-cab right now, and the thought of a Voltec Sierra makes me drool (it also probably would make me -bankrupt- … but still!!).
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (1:07 pm)Electra … Solstice… great ideas… I would like to see Pontiac come back…
I’m waiting for a Voltec CUV … very functional.. like a minivan.. or Rendezvous.. voltec hydrogen fuel cell. Maybe the Voltec Granite with no ICE and the option to add a hydrogen fuel cell.
This is all good.
Thank you for a very informative site… I visit daily… Thanks!
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (1:15 pm)Mike, if you need a pickup (and have no intentions of pulling a 10,000lb 5th wheel) you really should check out the 2-Mode pickups. I have a one (and a 2-Mode Tahoe actually) and LOVE THEM! Despite what all the nay-sayers think, they get excellent mpg as compared to my older trucks/SUVs. On the pickup I often get very close to 25mpg if I play with it nice…
WOT
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (1:15 pm)Ah yes, a feature that would be VERY useful, just about every single day on the freeway!! +1.
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (1:18 pm)OK WOT, thanks for the feedback. They’re pretty hard to come by around here. I don’t personally know ANYBODY who’s even driven one, so real-world experience is welcome.
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (1:19 pm)Batteries to power!
Turbines to speed!
Activate nose reactor core!
Go!
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (1:23 pm)Yes, and it seems the main typeface isn’t so “spread out” any more. It’s a lot easier on the eyes. The new site look is really coming together! Still a bit too much whitespace for my taste, and the background is BRIGHT(!), but it’s much improved nevertheless. Great work guys!!
-1
Feb 13th, 2010 (1:35 pm)Off Topic:
Okay. How do you link the Yahoo ‘MyBlog’ photo into this site.
I can’t get that avatar photo box to work.
Are there instructions somewhere. I don’t get it.
Email me a link. Thanks.
Feb 13th, 2010 (1:41 pm)JEC asked in #11:
What the heck is that thing poking out the grill? It appears that this thing may move in/out. Possibly it goes to “full extension” when it sees a Volt?
The Opel insignia will come out and allow the plug to be plugged in the front (for charging).
Eugene
+2
Feb 13th, 2010 (2:01 pm)The new larger Voltec car clarifies why GM is starting low with Volt production. The Volt in 2010. The Converj and Voltruck in 2011.
The description of the Voltec assist drive system clearly reveals the ability to power a truck. It was a puzzling “why” up to this point.
The CS mode number for the Volt is even more relevant now.
=D-Volt
Feb 13th, 2010 (2:07 pm)Very cool, can’t wait to see the whole thing. Is that knob on front where you put in the Anti-Matter fuel?
Feb 13th, 2010 (2:20 pm)#47
Yeah, I thought about “Mutt”, but I figured that the marketing folks would veto that pretty quickly.
+5
Feb 13th, 2010 (2:25 pm)I see several major reasons why you would never put the charging port on the front of the car:
1) In cold climates this thing is going to take the brunt of the crap on the roads. Ice, snow, water, salt, and all the other nice things that tend to get thrown up into your grill area. Now I cannot get this thing to open, and its 10 below, and my hands are frozen. Also, the possibility of the contamination from debris when you open that baby up.
2) Safety. Do you really want to be standing in front of a car when you plug it in? I know I do not. What if something is defective and for some reason the car decides to move forward. I know the possiblities of this are probably very small, but why even risk it. Put the plug in the side where they belong.
Feb 13th, 2010 (2:28 pm)This is about the Leaf-just bear with me as we go through some noteworthy facts. At the Buffalo Auto show GM shows its latest Fuel Cell (FC) being reduced in size by 1/3. GM’s timeline set for FC equipped EV’s is 2015. Now with every industrial country pursuing this holy grail AND with DOE’s hydrogen Program clearly making excellent progress, http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/annual_review09_fuelcells.html (May 2009) the Obama administration promptly cut off (May 2009) all FC funding. Why??? DOE says the FC will not be practical over the next 10 to 20 years. Now pay attention! DOE Secretary Chu is the keynote speaker at the foregoing mentioned Buffalo Auto show. Wait a sec. Not to boost the need to avoid closure at the Toyota-GM Nummi auto plant in Fremont, Calif next month. To boost the LEAF – Yes folks, its true. While we’re loosing Nummi 7000 jobs plus another estimated 35-40,000 area support jobs Obama administration is harking Japan’s Leaf.
-1
Feb 13th, 2010 (2:28 pm)The battery chemistry used by the cells powering the Volt have neither the power nor energy density for a larger vehicle. The best thing about them is that they’re less expensive than the alternatives, which is a very important property, but it limits the application of the existing packs. This is probably why Cadillac is not rushing to bring out the Converj — it has reservations whether the available power will be consistent with a performance brand.
The fuel cell concept if very cool but in order to use Voltec in larger vehicles GM needs better batteries.
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (2:39 pm)Power will be dependent on the number of cells (size of pack) although energy density of the Li Ion manganese spinel chosen for the Volt pack is reletively low. I believe GM sees the longevity of these batteries as being a key factor in choosing them over a higher energy density chemistry.
I’ll defer to you on the wait for Converj, I have no idea why it would not be moving forward, though I could likely speculate on a half dozen reasons as a thought exercise.
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (2:45 pm)Yawn…are the Obama Administration folks also_please feel free to make up your own rant, unAmerican-communist-socialist-Japanese spies_socialist-Euro philes- US haters- sarcasm off…
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (2:53 pm)I believe you are referring to the convenient horizontal feed option found in the new “Mr Fusion”
+3
Feb 13th, 2010 (3:06 pm)Truck, truck, truck….please, something easy to get in and out of, 4wd.
Feb 13th, 2010 (3:38 pm)#44 Thanks Noël, I said her but you must know that this implies eating macrobiotics, growing vegetables without any chemical manure, removing the wi-fi infrastructure in the house (we had three routers because the house is long, old with large stone walls and all the 4 children – they where at the University- wanted an internet connection in their study rooms) to replace it by 250m of Ethernet cabling with two Cisco hubs), etc. …
Ok, back to your topic “but it sounds like music or poetry as it is spoken.Truly a Romance Language”…
I cannot resist to reproduce one of the poems by Charles Baudelaire that I prefer.
It is about The Man and the Sea and the first verses translate like this :
“Free Man, always, you will cherish the sea,
The sea is your mirror ; you contemplate your heart
In the infinite unfolding of its blade,
And your spirit is not a less bitter pit. …”:
“L’Homme et la Mer
Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer!
La mer est ton miroir; tu contemples ton âme
Dans le déroulement infini de sa lame,
Et ton esprit n’est pas un gouffre moins amer.
Tu te plais à plonger au sein de ton image;
Tu l’embrasses des yeux et des bras, et ton coeur
Se distrait quelquefois de sa propre rumeur
Au bruit de cette plainte indomptable et sauvage.
Vous êtes tous les deux ténébreux et discrets:
Homme, nul n’a sondé le fond de tes abîmes;
O mer, nul ne connaît tes richesses intimes,
Tant vous êtes jaloux de garder vos secrets!
Et cependant voilà des siècles innombrables
Que vous vous combattez sans pitié ni remords,
Tellement vous aimez le carnage et la mort,
O lutteurs éternels, ô frères implacables! ”
I hope you enjoy it.
BTW, we always forget to mention that one of the best advantages of EVs will be to listen to our preferred operas in much better conditions of silence. Especially those from Lully (like Persée) or Rameau (like les Indes Galantes).
Best regards Noël and everybody,
JC NPNS
Feb 13th, 2010 (4:05 pm)#70
Many thanks, and very best regards to you, your illustrious wife, and your children.
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS! NMST!
Feb 13th, 2010 (4:07 pm)#58
The “avatar photo box” works with “Gravatar,” globally recognized avatar.
Go to: http://en.gravatar.com/ and sign up. You can post different pictures and select the one you want to use currently. After you do that, refresh the page here and you should see it.
Feb 13th, 2010 (4:17 pm)#54
Dang, you beat me to it! +1 How many times have I longed for such a thing when being cut off by some jerk in the gridlock on the LA freeways?
Feb 13th, 2010 (4:30 pm)To#67: My post about the Administration’s financing the Leaf plant is based on undisputed facts. I live in the East Bay (near the Nummi Fremont plant) where unemployment runs easily 20%+. For many many reasons Nummi should be Obama’s top priority. So far nothing as Nummi’s future except for Speaker Pelosi showing up once this Administration’s missing in action. This is jobs burning while the Administration fiddles. Maybe you are offended by my attempts to downplay politics. During the 2000 election – which at that time I was a Contributing Editor with an engineering website – we had a guest editor column which rotated between writers. It was my turn in the barrel. The topic: the election recount. So beings our website was about engineering I assiduously strove to balance. And all L broke out. I got feedback from all over the world … I was a right winger, I was a commie, … I was this and I was that. What really amazed me concerned my attempts at humor – I said looks like we blew it (the election) maybe the British will consider taking us back. That really set off some folks. I bet you were one of those climbing all over me for giving away the country.
Feb 13th, 2010 (4:30 pm)http://garfwod.250free.com/Volt_DavidBowie_CatPeople_clip.mp3
=D-Volt
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:10 pm)Sorry. Just checking in.
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:13 pm)Thank you! That fixes up my otherwise boring day!
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:18 pm)I am surprised no one has taken on the “VOLTguy” moniker yet.
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:20 pm)?????? Oh right, LOL, my bad.
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:24 pm)Some people get really upset by humor. A lot of folks just don’t like sarcasm, epecially if it touches their own sacred cow.
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:36 pm)I would have been, if I still lived in the East Bay. Without consideration of net present value and a suitable multiplier for future profit potential, I’d say that was a horrible idea, literally.
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:44 pm)Too soon, yet.
Things will seem very different to most people by next year.
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:47 pm)I think the writing on the wall for the Nummi plant was scribed
when GM pulled out of the “co-op” last June. I don’t like to see jobs lost either but there must be other issues there for Toyota to completely turn their back on this manufacturing facility.
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:47 pm)Congrats on the avatar!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:49 pm)“Tagamet” is Lithuanian for VOLTguy.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (5:53 pm)Very nice
Feb 13th, 2010 (6:17 pm)And I just noticed that when a osting gets to +10 it goes GREEN. Nice touch!
Feb 13th, 2010 (6:33 pm)Yes, there are direct customer billable charge stations available right now using radio key fobs for $6,000 plus the cost of the 240 or 480 volt services to be connected as well as communications costs (and increased customer-service-category costs for 480 volt service). I saw one at a small convention here in Austin a month or so ago. The vendor did not have, shall we say, very much enthusiasm for Volt, saying “Volt is really not an electric car”, to which I had to hold back saying an amendment “that needs to buy any power at any time”.
But, most all very small businesses do not have to (nor can) tie up that $7,500 dollars in order to earn a tentative at best, two to three dollars a day, when, instead, the costs to put in simple GFCI outlets as a customer convenience is far lower where the customer is personally known in small towns, say. And, there is a licensed electrician in the family (business) or, the licensed electrician is a customer.
Or, a valued employee is proven to be appreciated with their own 120 volt locked GFCI outlet box and parking space.
Feb 13th, 2010 (6:52 pm)Really nice photo Dave K.
I want one in that silver-green color. Looks like different colored floodlights are reflecting off of it.
Feb 13th, 2010 (7:08 pm)I totally agree with these assessments.
Never stand in front of (or behind) a bull , no matter how docile.
I think this charge port is just “show fair” however. In the photo you can clearly see the 5 J-1772 terminals on the drivers side of the extension, but because of the curved portions I dont believe this port is “in compliance” with the SAE spec dimensionally.
JMO
WOT
Feb 13th, 2010 (7:11 pm)Avalanche!!! I agree sign me up as I have said many times. I would be happy with 10AER
Feb 13th, 2010 (7:18 pm)Hey nasaman,
There is only one thing that scares the heck out of me regarding things designed and built in Europe. I mentioned it before, but, since the patent and trade laws here are enforced very strongly, the engineering backgrounds, from my working diagnostics experience with Euro autos, the engineering backgrounds of Euro engineers are experience-limited for American designs. This means they have to come up with entirely unique designs for everything, or else, if there is any risk of patent infringement possible regarding a similar American design, there is a risk that it can not be imported here.
So, what’s all that mean? To me, it means that European technical designs are necessarily very unique, and therefore very much more, if not extremely more expensive than any American-designed auto (part or system). This is what scares me about any car that has major new parts and systems that might be “outsourced” from Europe.
That GM has brought it’s electric motor manufacturing and design “in house” (as posted recently), gave me a huge and very deep sense of relief regarding very long term Volt repair and service feasibilities. That is my explanation regarding many things that I’ve very strongly said in the past.
-15
Feb 13th, 2010 (7:38 pm)(click to show comment)
Feb 13th, 2010 (8:01 pm)Well that just doesn’t sound like much fun up there at 93.
Sounds like a bad day is happening somewhere.
Hmm. Where could that be?
Poor ol’ Toyota doesn’t need any more problems than it already has with prius, etc.
With all the sweat over there, they’re the ones needing the kool aid.
But I do sincerely hope they can recover from all these disasters, I really do. They have in fact worked so hard.
Feb 13th, 2010 (8:23 pm)Lyle,
How come today the site seems to have a new graphics problem: the username is overlaped by the date and time…?! Do you guys see the same thing on your browsers?
Eugene
+4
Feb 13th, 2010 (8:50 pm)Wrong on so many fronts. You don’t have a CLUE! LOL
WOT
Feb 13th, 2010 (8:52 pm)Not anything wrong here, but I have a new antivirus and internet security program which tells me that some irregular activities have been happening lately.
I’ve just gotten Kaspersky antivirus along with the downloadable free 30 day trial of its internet security.
It also has proven to be far more informative when irregular things occur than what I had before.
I really keep nothing whatsoever at all in this laptop. So, for a full year, my previous security would always tell me
“I need to backup”. It became a year of irritation.
I’m also happy with Firefox, which apparently handles the display setup logistics a lot better than other browsers. I think others here like Firefox a lot better as well.
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:02 pm)Sorry Eugene,
It looks fine with Firefox. Someone mentioned problems with a particular edition of Internet Explorer, or maybe it’s the resolution setting on your monitor?
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:04 pm)I think the appropriate phrase is “Troll Alert.” Don’t pet the trolls. (DPTT)
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:06 pm)Hey Tag,
I noticed a while back your “no more stay tuned”.
I think that is a triple-meaning phrase that also meant “keep your engine tuned” and, also, it meant, ironically,
“be well”,
in automotive circles.
Just thought you’d be amused.
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:09 pm)I didn’t know that they were so expensive! At least at this point, it doesn’t look likely that they are commercially viable. Once the number of EV’s hits a critical mass, they would be a good draw for parking facilities, and as you said “Employee of the Month” slots (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:14 pm)Yeah, Dan, in Motorcycle circles we say, “Keep the Shiny Side Up.”
In religious circles there is a scripture that says, “have a sound mind.”
There are many ways to say, “be well,” all good!
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:18 pm)I think that’s all very true.
But I’d bet that costs will come down to about the price of a credit card processing machine, a cell phone, and a 240/480 volt gfci duplex (for two cars side by side). My guess would be around $1100. uninstalled max in three years. But still there is the value of that parking space itself.
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:19 pm)Well, I’ll sleep better tonight knowing that I’ve learned something today. Thanks for sharing. I started posting that in the signature right after my mini-rant a few days ago (“I’m really much better now”). I think I just had an exposed raw nerve and that phrase at the end of GM comments felt like fingernails on the blackboard. It seems a tad petty now (but just a tad).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:21 pm)Hey Micheal,
There are so many unique phrases that all of the various professions have, that gradually fade into our pasts. It would be a lot of fun to get someone to make a dictionary of all these phrases, defined, per the various professions as a cultural historical reference, and, for the rest of us to gain a sense of the “flavor and color of the era” as well.
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:24 pm)Sounds like a job for Tag, our resident, “we really can all get along” go to guy. +1
Well this is a lot more pleasant than saying what we feel like responding to #93.
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:31 pm)Yep, “keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down”. “Keep it between the ditches”. If I know the person (and often even if I don’t) a simple “God Bless” is nice. And there’s the ever-popular “Try not to assume room temperature”.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:33 pm)That’s “cold,” really “cold.” LOL
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:44 pm)Aw, ya make a guy blush (lol). Wise move not to reward that #93 poster – all they want is to get a rise out of someone. And we really *can* all get along!. It’s not always easy and it’s certainly not effortless. But just recognizing the “button pushers” is a great start!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:49 pm)My turn to have a “refresh button” glitch.
I think at 93 there are valid frustrations, and, all I try to do is lighten it up and express
hope they get it all under control again. That’s the best that can be done given the excessivly complex things all consumers are advertising-trained and expected to unrealisticallly-demand of transportation nowadays.
OEM’s have to answer to something like 19 different agencies as well, not just the consumer.
It is all a true nightmare for OEM’s regarding Internal Combustion and all the other loaded technologies in a car.
This is another reason why I really believe that electrification is the way out for all OEM’s, and,
ultimately in the very near future, to a pathway of solid profitabilities all around.
This is really how I see all this finalizing.
I have an entirely different kind of technical optimism, but in the maintenance of it, this site is the only one that provides me commentary space for engineers to be reminded or even initially informed regarding the financial concerns and pains that the various situations cause owners.
I can not condemn Toyota for these insane consumer demands heaped upon them which has caused these problems for them all. They must, however, be provided the consumer-patience to make it all right, which is only fair given the insanity of all the “suff” that consumers think they need.
Maybe a new kind of technical austerity (as chic) a’ la more toward CJS’s might be in order. (grin) (ahem/grin.)
Feb 13th, 2010 (9:57 pm)When I retired, they had a dinner for all the people in the school district that were retiring that year. Being an asocial individual, I declined the invitation to attend, but they put together a booklet for it, so we old folks could remember WHO retired (lol). They asked each of us to submit a sentence or two about what we’d be doing after retirement. By my name I had them put “Actively avoiding the assumption of room temperature”. I think only 2 or 3 people actually “got it”. (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:07 pm)Bah, I’ve pwn’d Mohsen many a time in the forums.
Labeling him a “Troll” is giving him far too much credit.
He “thinks” he knows how things work but I doubt he could re-cog a bicycle chain.
LOL
JMO
WOT
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:07 pm)I think one can be highly social in many unorthodox venues. Visiting here, of course, but, any activity outside of the home also counts, esp. at work (esp. if part time).
My other social life is my business life. I treat techs and business owners like my family.
Their response is a deep commitment to their own business efficacy, resulting in an all around happier set of outcomes.
A few might even consider me a “shut in”, but that’s certainly not at all the case.
There is a great little book.
“The Art of Friendship”
that was given to me when I was in the USAF in 1975. It says that there are as many kinds of friendships as there are friends.
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:09 pm)I knew that if I waited long enough, “Less is more” would come back!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:17 pm)As a simple practical approach, PDNFTT (Please do not feed the trolls) is effective. *Any* response to them simply rewards their poor behavior. JMO too.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:20 pm)OHhhh, so that’s what PDNFTT means!!
I thought it meant you were passing gas their way.
+1
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:25 pm)Given the number of people in the world, and the unimaginably unique characteristics of every single one of them, any pair which has formed a friendship, would definitely support that statement.
Reminds me of a signature I used to use: “We’re all unique – just like everybody else”. (smile).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:26 pm)Well, that too. (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:35 pm)‘nite all.
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:38 pm)Nite Dan.
Good chattin.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:39 pm)Not when one has blame in the heart stretching for reason with one’s head.
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:45 pm)So, is “passing gas their way” a form of “any response to them?”
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:51 pm)That reminds me of the old saw about Government employees. There was a policy requiring them to fall down if they died on the job, so one could tell the difference.
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:53 pm)Good point. I only post the PDNFTT if someone has already attended to their post. Completely ignoring them is best. They’ve gained nothing.
I think I’m going to turn in early tonight. Long day. C U tomorrow.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (10:58 pm)LOL, we can only hope that they don’t pass away while leaning against something.
Good one!
Night,
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 13th, 2010 (11:12 pm)I would be helpful information if you would state the operating system and browser that you are using. TIA.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Feb 13th, 2010 (11:38 pm)I’m getting the same result with Vista, Firefox and IE. Also the bottom of the comment numbers are clipped.
Feb 14th, 2010 (12:00 am)Just checked, the problem does not occur w/ XP
Feb 14th, 2010 (12:43 am)I run both IE and Firefox. Each has it’s advantages. Firefox is the default and works fine at gm volt dot com.
=D-Volt
Volt and EV1
Feb 14th, 2010 (1:29 am)True enough, but for goodness sake, don’t forget to give ‘em a thumbs down while you’re at it
Feb 14th, 2010 (5:11 am)Opel have shown just enough in the photo to make us think this is the front, but could it be the rear of the car rather than the grille ?
That “grille” assembly looks like a vertical slab with absolutely no aerodynamic features and no obvious air intake. The airflow elements in the LHS corner of the photo could also be consistent with the lower rear panels.
The Opel emblem device may retract, but even then it looks like an unacceptable safety hazard that would fail the pedestrian collision test if it was actually on the front of the car.
The Voltec text is more characteristic of a rear panel badge. Text on the grille is generally not the fashion anymore.
They have not shown the headlights, because maybe they would be the tailights.
Ahhhh, I like these puzzles, roll on March 3.
Feb 14th, 2010 (12:56 pm)How one chooses to define and treat negative posts is certainly a matter of personal preference.How “effective” your PDFTT technique is remains a matter of perspective IMHO.Personally I dont immediately label everyone that chimes in with a negative comment a “Troll”.Especially if they have the nads to use their normal log-in name and state their case, and engage the responses with a degree of passion. “Trolls” normally jump in, blurt out random negative or derogatory BS, (often using a pen-name) then run with a snicker, with no intention of responding to further posts.
Mohsen on the other hand has been the participant in numerous active and somewhat productive debates in the GM-VOLT forums. (where seldom is seen many of you) Perhaps “out here” in blogsville the protocols need to be a bit different. But being an active forum participant and moderator in numerous automotive forums – I dont “vote” for blog posts. If I strongly agree or disagree with a post I will just say so. So I’m not saying your technique is wrong, just not the fashion that I choose to deal with negativity, false propaganda, or technical inaccuracies.So I’m afraid PDFTT doesn’t fly with me, sorry if that offends…
Regards
WopOnTour
Feb 14th, 2010 (3:08 pm)WOT – I am keeping an open mind.
What is the consensus on the issue of the 2-mode planetary transmission? As you know, I am mostly in the battery section and don’t follow other forums.
How is the Volt a Serial? Is there a clutched mechanical shaft or not? Can the Volt self-charge?
Thanks
Feb 14th, 2010 (5:32 pm)“More details on the concept car will be revealed in due course.”
yummmy. Can’t wait