[ad#post_ad]As we sit here on the eve of the official Volt pricing announcement after three years of waiting, information about ordering details have begun to come online.
The Volt is now appearing on GM’s Online Order / Reference Guide, which is intended solely for business use by GM dealers.
The guide reveals the 2011 Chevrolet Volt as model 1RC68.
The standard equipment is in the table below:
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| Free Flow RPO Code |
Ref. Only RPO Code |
DESCRIPTION | Volt 1RC68 |
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| Volt | |||||||||
| AY0 | Air bags, dual-stage frontal, side-impact and knee for driver and front passenger and roof-rail side-impact for front and rear outboard seating positions, includes Passenger Sensing System
1 |
S1 | |||||||
| AL0 | Air bag, Passenger Sensing System, sensor indicator inflatable restraint, front passenger/child presence detector | S
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| C68 | Air conditioning, single-zone automatic climate control | S | |||||||
| Assist handles, 2, rear outboard with rear coat hooks | S | ||||||||
| UFV | Audio system with navigation, AM/FM stereo with DVD-ROM and MP3 playback capability, includes voice recognition, Radio Data System (RDS) and timeshift function | S | |||||||
| UQA | Audio system feature, Bose premium speaker system with 6 speakers and sub-woofer, Energy Efficient Series Sound System | S | |||||||
| Audio system feature, auxiliary input jack, located in center console | S | ||||||||
| Audio interface, USB port, located in center console | S | ||||||||
| Hard drive, 30 GB of audio data storage | S | ||||||||
| U2K | XM Radio is standard on nearly all 2011 GM models and includes 3 months of trial service. Get over 170 channels, including: commercial-free music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, comedy, family and kids’ channels, and much more. With XM’s incredible range of programming, everything worth listening to is on XM
1 |
S1 | |||||||
| XM NavTraffic and Local Forecast use your vehicle’s GPS navigation system to show continuous traffic updates and weather conditions when they’re needed most-while you’re driving. NavTraffic is available for over 100 markets and Local Forecast for over 150 markets
1 |
S1 | ||||||||
| UPF | Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system | S
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| Cargo cover | S
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| Console, center, covered storage bin with dual cup holders | S
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| Console, rear, open storage bin with dual cup holders | S
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| Controls, center, touch-sensitive | S
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| Cruise control, electronic with set and resume speed, steering wheel mounted controls | S
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| Defogger, rear-window electric | S
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| Display, center, 7″ LCD touch screen | S
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| Door locks, power programmable with delayed locking feature and lockout protection | S
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| Driver mode control switch, Normal, Sport and Mountain modes | S
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| Efficiency display screens with programmable charge times | S
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| B37 | Floor mats, carpeted front and rear | S
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| Glovebox, passenger-side | S
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| Instrumentation, 7″ digital reconfigurable LCD screen, includes Driver Information Center, compass and selectable efficiency gauge | S
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| Keyless ignition, engaged with electronic push button start | S
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| LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren), for child safety seats | S
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| Lighting, interior, ambient LED-based, front reading lights, dome and cargo area lamp | S
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| Lockout switch, child, rear doors and windows, electronic control | S
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| Map pockets, driver and front passenger seatbacks | S
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| Mirror, inside rearview auto-dimming | S
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| Mobile application, Chevrolet Connect, powered by OnStar, requires compatible smartphone | S
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| MyVOLT.com Vehicle Connectivity | S
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| UE1 | OnStar, 5 years of Directions and Connections plan, includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance including Stolen Vehicle Slowdown and Remote Ignition Block, Remote Door Unlock, Turn-by-Turn Navigation with Destination Download (requires navigation radio) and OnStar eNav (where available), OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, Roadside Assistance, Remote Horn and Lights, and Hands Free Calling.
1 |
S1 | |||||||
| Power outlets, 3 auxiliary, 12-volt, includes 1 in front center console, 1 in rear console and 1 in upper instrument panel storage bin | S | ||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry, extended range, with remote start, panic button, door lock/unlock and charge port door control release | S | ||||||||
| Remote vehicle starter system | S | ||||||||
| Safety belts, 3-point, all seating positions, includes front seat dual pretensioners | S | ||||||||
| Seat, rear 40/40 split-folding | S | ||||||||
| Seat adjusters, driver and front passenger manual, fore/aft, up/down and recline | S | ||||||||
| EEY | Seat trim, Premium Cloth | S | |||||||
| A51 | Seats, front bucket with reclining seatbacks and adjustable head restraints | S | |||||||
| Steering column, tilt and telescopic | S | ||||||||
| NK5 | Steering wheel, comfort grip | S | |||||||
| Steering wheel controls, mounted audio controls | S | ||||||||
| Storage, covered, dedicated for vehicle charging cord, located in rear cargo area | S | ||||||||
| Storage, covered, upper instrument panel | S | ||||||||
| Storage, door panels, dedicated umbrella pocket and bottle holder | S | ||||||||
| Storage, open, located forward of shifter | S | ||||||||
| Theft-deterrent system, anti-theft alarm with immobilizer | S | ||||||||
| UJM | Tire Pressure Monitor System | S
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| UG1 | Universal Home Remote, includes garage door opener, 3-channel programmable | S
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| Visors, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, covered, sliding | S
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| Windows, power with Express-Down on all, driver Express-Up with anti-pitch override | S
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| Antenna, roof-mounted | S
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| Daytime Running Lamps, LED illumination | S
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| Glass, solar absorbing, windshield | S
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| Headlamps, bi-functional halogen projector with automatic exterior lamp control | S
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| Lamp, LED center high-mounted stop/brake (CHMSL) | S
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| DWK | Mirrors, outside heated power-adjustable, body-color, manual-folding with integrated turn signal indicators | S | |||||||
| Pedestrian friendly alert, driver activated horn chirp using turn signal lever | S | ||||||||
| Spoiler, rear | S | ||||||||
| Tail lamps, LED illumination | S | ||||||||
| KTI | Tire inflation kit | S | |||||||
| Tires, P215/55R17 all-season, blackwall, low rolling resistance | S | ||||||||
| RSB | Wheels, 17″ (43.2 cm) 5-spoke forged painted aluminum | S | |||||||
| Wipers, front intermittent, variable, with washers | S | ||||||||
| EVB | Battery, Propulsion, Lithium-ion (16-kWh), Rechargeable Energy Storage System, includes liquid thermal management system with active control | S | |||||||
| Battery, 12-volt with Rundown Protection | S | ||||||||
| Brake, parking, electric | S | ||||||||
| J60 | Brakes, 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc, electro-hydraulic power with StabiliTrak, regenerative system | S
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| Charge control, programmable time of day with charging indicator light on instrument panel | S
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| Charge cord, 120-volt | S
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| MKA | Electric drive unit, Voltec (estimated: 150 hp [111 kW] motoring power, 273 lb-ft of torque [368 N-m] motoring torque, 74 hp [55 kW] generating power) | S
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| LUU | Engine, Range Extender, 1.4L Internal Combustion Engine (estimated: 80 hp [60 kW]), requires premium fuel | S | |||||||
| StabiliTrak, stability control system with brake assist, includes Traction Control | S | ||||||||
| Steering, Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist, variable for low to high speed maneuvers | S | ||||||||
| Suspension, front, MacPherson strut | S | ||||||||
| Suspension, rear semi-independent, compound crank | S | ||||||||
Available options include a premium trim package with leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather trim seats, and graphic door inserts. There is a rear view camera/sensor option, and a polished 17 inch wheels option.
Other accessories that can be ordered include Cargo Net; (RWW) Rear Seat Storage/Barrier; (RWJ) Vehicle Cover (indoor/outdoor); (SFJ) Front Window Shade and (RXL) ADDITIONAL Charging Cord (120-volt).
There are six official colors:
Silver Ice Metallic, Black, Crystal Red Metallic Tint,
White Diamond Tricoat, Cyber Gray Metallic, and Viridian Joule Tricoat.
Interesting news is that it appear the Volt will come with 5 years of free full-featured OnStar and access to the dedicated owners website apparently called MyVolt.com.
Now for that stubborn last fact, the price…noon Eastern tomorrow folks, its a fact. Might as well take a poll now:
Source (GM)
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This entry was posted on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 2:11 pm and is filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+19
Jul 26th, 2010 (2:14 pm)Woooo Hooooo!!!
Ahem. Excuse me.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (2:20 pm)I was doubting that the pricing was REALLY going to be announced tomorrow at the Plug-In Conference. I thought it was just a rumor… but with this information today, it’s a definite possibility.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (2:24 pm)Bose audio system shows up as standard. There’s something that’ll go away in year two as they try to get the price down.
Lyle, did they reiterate the official six colors or is that list from the earlier announcement? I want my Victory Red.
+4
Jul 26th, 2010 (2:27 pm)Engine, Range Extender, 1.4L Internal Combustion Engine (estimated: 80 hp [60 kW]), requires premium fuel
So it wont run on normal fuel on long runs ? and same SRX issue if run on normal fuel ?
+4
Jul 26th, 2010 (2:38 pm)I see that the Keyless Entry system has a range extender as well.
And I wonder what MyVolt.com is. Should have bought the domain 3 years ago. The ransom could have been a Volt for me!
It’s lame that the range extender requires Premium fuel… especially in Canada, since Premium works out to about 30 extra cents per Gallon. Americans have it good with the upgrade price being reasonable. I wonder if you can just run it on Regular if you don’t plan to do any mountain driving or huge hill climbing?
So many questions!
Jul 26th, 2010 (2:39 pm)“Engine, Range Extender, 1.4L Internal Combustion Engine (estimated: 80 hp [60 kW]), requires premium fuel”
Premium fuel?? What the…??
Jul 26th, 2010 (2:45 pm)At first glance I can’t see anything I need to add. I don’t really care about Xm radio as I don’t want to pay for a subscription. I’d like to know if the navigation can work without Onstar entering the destination manually similar to my portable GPS or is it dead without Onstar?
Guess I need to visit the Onstar site.
I’m a little disappointed that it needs premium gas. Might not mind as much once we learn how much premium it uses.
-16
Jul 26th, 2010 (2:53 pm)(click to show comment)
+7
Jul 26th, 2010 (2:57 pm)That is one handsome car in that picture. Then again, I’m a little biased!
+8
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:01 pm)Why do I feel like I was just on “The Price is Right” ?
NPNS!
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:07 pm)No, no, and no. (Just my opinion.) Surely what they are saying is 74 HP of regen power while slowing down or holding speed going downhill.
+5
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:08 pm)My last two auto purchases (’97 Buick Park ave and ’06 Caddilac CTS) were purchased because they did not require premium fuel. The volt requirement for premium fuel is a real turn off.
-1
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:13 pm)That’s premium fuel AND 80 hp.
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:14 pm)what is that last color look like- viridian joule tricoat?
+8
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:17 pm)IT’S VOLTMAS EVE, FOLKS!!
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:20 pm)“polished 17 inch wheels option” – I was hoping those were standard. I bet the standard wheels are not nearly as good looking. If they are brushed alloy that will still be great. Plastic wheel covers will be a disappointed.
+21
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:23 pm)I will use so little gas the prem requirement means nothing. It looks like they are doing this right with a nav/Hard drive/bluetooth/keyless/5yr onstar and Bose standard. Now give use a good price GM and I will be a believer.
+3
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:25 pm)Sounds like it is the same wheel but painted instead of chromed.
-5
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:25 pm)Lets see, standard base model for say $27,500.00 (US) with the $7,500.00 government discount would bring it to $20,000.00. Trade in my car for say $10,000.00. Finance $10,000.00 (0% for 60 months?). I would say that would be doable. At least that would be my dream/guess. ;D I didn’t see a link for an official poll.
+7
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:26 pm)That can’t be true. Premium fuel is for high-compression engines to avoid pre-combustion knock. I really doubt the ICE is a high-compression engine. Perhaps it is because they expect the fuel to be sitting in the tank for so long. Perhaps premium fuel has a longer tank-life?
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:34 pm)The pictured Volt is “viridian joule”. That is a new color created for the Volt.
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:38 pm)I see they have a time shift function on the radio. I hope this is like a DVR on the tv where you can go back if you miss something and want to replay it. With a 30 GB hard drive it is easy to do.
+4
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:38 pm)So the only options are:
Premium Trim
Rear Camera
Chrome Wheels
Then it looks like a short price list for tomorrow!!!!
And what is this?
“Audio system with navigation, AM/FM stereo with DVD-ROM and MP3 playback capability, includes voice recognition, Radio Data System (RDS) and timeshift function.”
What voice recognition? And what is timeshift function? Since time travel is supposed to be impossible, what is that?
And I thought we were told that the universal home remote would not be a part of the Volt! That is good news.
As far as the premium fuel, as long as the CSM is really good, it is not that big of a deal. For the small amount of gas that will be used by most people per year, this is an insignificant amount of money. For me, it will be under $30.00 per year additional for the premium gas.
Sounds good. Now for that pesky price number………
See you all at Noon tomorrow!!!!!!
EDIT: OK, I see that timeshift is like a DVR for the audio functions. Lots of cool toys to play with!
So it looks like after tomorrow, my only two questions will be:
What is the CSM?
When can I buy it in Youngstown, Ohio?
+6
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:41 pm)The base car comes well equipped so the announced MSRP will be realistic. That’s good. Other than the cargo divider and maybe the backup camera/sensor nothing I couldn’t live without. The polished chrome rims would have to wait for a test drive. Seems like this would fit with a performance rather than a commuter car.
Interesting that it requires premium gas.
Definitely a +1 for Voltmas Eve. Clever. Very clever.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:42 pm)THe timeshift function is similar to Tivo….you can rewind radio to reply something…possibly even schedule NPR recordings? That would be nice!
Jul 26th, 2010 (3:59 pm)base: EEY Seat trim, Premium Cloth
premium: Available options include a premium trim package with leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather trim seats, and graphic door inserts.
=D-Volt
Would like to know how much the premium trim package costs. Leather seats and special paint included.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:00 pm)Pretty wide spread on the pricing guesses . . . we really have no idea how much it will cost, do we?
+5
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:06 pm)The premium-only fuel thing has me stumped. Wasn’t the Volt supposed to be FlexFuel. Then they trimmed it back to gasoline only. And now it requires premium? WTF?
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:11 pm)The generating power refers to the regenerative braking… It’s the amount of power the motor can send to the batteries, and is unrelated to the ICE.
On another note, man, I’m getting excited!
Slightly disappointed with the 12V battery vs. just using the Li-Ion with a DC-DC converter, but oh well.
join thE REVolution
+3
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:16 pm)I think it’s leather trim on cloth seats not leather seats.
It’s the power the generator can send to the motor. Some of that might go to the batteries but this would be incidental. I don’t think it’s related to regen — 55 kW would probably kill the pack! Though charging the battery in less than 9 minutes would be tres cool.
+6
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:17 pm)Here is a link for all the GM Volt ordering info and dimensions etc. I see that the rear leg room is 33.94 so that is not great but not bad at all for adults in the back. lots of good info enjoy
http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/proddesc.jsp?year=2011&butID=1®ionID=1&divisionID=3&vehicleID=10621&type=0
-1
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:18 pm)That would be neat. 30 Gig is a good sized drive as well. Should have just made it flash though.
+3
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:19 pm)Lots of Options are standard, I think it’s going to be real close to 40K
.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:25 pm)Im guessing its like the Ford Sync technology. I didnt know GM was even working on this. Cool.
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:32 pm)Really great information I am happy with it all with the exception of the premium fuel and halogen headlamps they should be LED it is possible premium is specified for long term stability and octain retention as opposed to engine compression .
Tom
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:33 pm)“Windows, power with Express-Down on all, driver Express-Up with anti-pitch override”
anti-pitch????
t & n aren’t even close on the keyboard.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:34 pm)Bose developed the low power/high efficiency sound system specifically for the Volt. I think GM will stick with this until someone else develops something that’s efficient.
-1
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:34 pm)Thanks, DonC. So are you going to try to get on any “lists”, or are you already on one? Maybe I’m assuming too much to begin with. Are you interested in *buying* a Volt? You’re out there in Original Rollout Country, aren’t you?
It’s only *slightly* over the top to compare this wait to an Olympic athlete with the competition tomorrow. “We’ll know soon”. Could be great, or the beginning of another long wait – Gen II. OK, now that I read that, it’s definitely way over the top (g).
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:39 pm)Naw, I figured that I’d be able to yell out the door in winter and call it to come get me. “HERE, Volt! Come on boy….That’s a good Volt!” (g) (note to self: check meds)
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:40 pm)It doesn’t say that it’s not flash.
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:46 pm)That’s a downer. Sure looked like full leather at all of the car shows.
=D-Volt
+4
Jul 26th, 2010 (4:59 pm)I am really impressed, all the standard features exceed anything I would want. They are really going all out to prove this is a premium car to justify its high price. 5 years OnStar… excellent. I was hoping free for ever, but I guess that was expecting too much.
One small quibble:
“- Requires a subscription to XM Radio and XM NavTraffic, sold separately by XM after trial period at which time service automatically renews and bills, at then-current rates, unless you call XM to cancel. ”
I don’t like a trial system where you are automatically billed at the end of the trial to continue. You should have to specifically agree to that.
Re: Premium Gas
I hope this is not just a PR stunt. I disliked the SmartForTwo for this approach. Using a higher compression engine for premium gas does give you a higher mileage figure, but at a 20% price increase it had better be more than a 20% increase in mileage. If CS mode at 40mpg was acceptable before it had better be more than 50mpg now. Actually I was expecting it to beat the Prius 42mpg, so has to be better than 53mpg!
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:02 pm)Premium Fuel ??
They must mean preferred fuel… but running regular fuel on a lower compression engine is certainly not going to hurt anything…
The 2010 Fusion Hybrid I am driving uses regular and it has only about 160 HP.
It is going make for bad publicity to for GM to tell everyone that the VOLT will give you approximately 40 Miles per charge and then XX ? per gallon with the ICE.
But please note …. this little 1.4 Non turbo 4 cylinder engine has to use PREMIUM Fuel at 10 – 15 Cents per liter more that regular gas… (about 50 – 75 cents per gallon for the non metric folks)
So it is going to cost you more to get XX ? miles per gallon on the Volt..
I wonder if the Cruse needs premium fuel ? (same engine basically but with a lot more power)
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:04 pm)The premium fuel requirement is so baffling that I must wonder if it’s a mistake.
Only 80hp from 1.4L on premium fuel? Toyota gets 106hp from their 1.5L Yaris engine and it runs on regular gas. You’d expect a similarly proportionately effective 1.4L engine to generate 98hp and using premium would suggest a more powerful engine. And they only claim 80 hp?
There might be an advantage in power from the ICE with a higher octane fuel requirement; my ’01 V6 gets about 10% extra power when using premium but there’s no improvement in fuel economy (which is related to efficiency). In the Volt, additional ICE power that could be gained from high-octane fuel would have no effect on Volt performance, as the 150hp electric motor is what we are told drives the car.
+3
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:08 pm)Contacted area dealer #2. Mentioned desired options. They will hold with our agreement of calling when price is available. From our conversation. Sounds like the first lot is sold via blind deposit check. We have many wealthy greenies around here. Several are Hollywood people.
Will update gm volt dot com when I receive more on the attempt to buy a Volt. Have a feeling it’s going to be out my price range. If so, best of luck and smooth cruising to the better off.
Either win or lose. This is a big win in the move away from our addiction to oil. Can’t wait to see the wave of EV and EREV to follow. Maybe even a small SUV?
=D-Volt
-1
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:13 pm)Almost all audio systems in the last 10 years are very efficient. But yes Bose tends to be expensive, however I expect that GM bargained hard for a good price from them.
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:13 pm)One outstanding set of standard features. Now we’re talking competition. Setting the bar. (We are of course hoping GM will price VOLT as Whitacre promised in the low 30′s.) Out-Honda-ing Honda. Blowing LEAF away. Leaving FORD in the dust. Turning Mercedes star. (Anybody got one for BMW?)
Congrats to VOLT Leadership. VOLT should stay relevant and hold its value over the years.
Special mention of preferred features: cloth over leather-anyday; Reclining seats. (For seniors) On-Star 5-year program which includes security against break-ins and theft. There’s more.
Lyle: Are you planning to attend Plug-In 2010 in San Jose tomorrow night?
+8
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:19 pm)geez as usual folks spending $40K on Volt and whining about 10-15c /gallon on premium ..80% of car mileage is commute …so for other trips premium gas is not a killer …Hope GM price it right to make $$$ & not a loss leader for other cars ..GM has a premium product on their hands use it to bring profitabilty to GM and become a leader in producing quality cars ..Dont become the old GM …
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:30 pm)Marginally interested.
I was told that I was the first person to sign up at a local dealership.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:38 pm)It says it’s a “hard drive” so I assumed it meant a disk.
Usually when they say leather trim they don’t mean leather seats but we can hope. I don’t put much stock in show interiors — they’re usually just “for show”. (Like the gull wing doors). The Leaf had a great looking white leather interior which will thankfully never see the light of day. I can’t imagine cleaning that all the time but it looked great. (FWIW I don’t think the Leaf offers leather seats).
-1
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:38 pm)Thank God. Tomorrow we FINALLY know for sure what the price of the 2011 Volt is going to be. Man, I’m hoping GM is going to shake up the automotive world by having an an MSRP of $32,000. That means you get to drive out of the Chevy dealership paying $24,500 after the Federal tax credits … maybe $20,000 if you live in certain states.
That would be a sweet deal. No doubt, GM would sell out every one of the 2011 Volts if they’re only making 10,000 of them. Who knows, with a price like that you might even see people lining up at their local Chevy dealer like people did for the iPhone 4 release date.
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:39 pm)It says hard drive 30GB. It didn’t say memory. Doesn’t hard drive still mean hard drive?
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:50 pm)Nice, love to see the black and red ones. Hopefully the eventually offer 18″ wheels as an option.
Anyone hear anything more about the Google Android operating system coming in the car? Haven’t heard any more news on it.
Check out this site,
http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/proddesc.jsp?year=2011&butID=1®ionID=1&divisionID=3&vehicleID=10621&type=0#
It allows you to print documents on all Volt options available. Look at planned distribution numbers. Neat internal info.
http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/printbook
Which is basically the detailed options info PDF.
Few more months…….. getting exciting now..
-12
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:55 pm)(click to show comment)
-1
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:57 pm)DITTO WTF is that. Granted it may not be filled often BUT WHEN TRAVELING????? Now the REAL QUESTION>… I keep reading all gas has alcohol in it now that would limit knocking PLUS most cars will sense the octane and change timing accordingly so the question is why premium ?????? Makes no sense for a car in the Chevy line.
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:01 pm)News on pricing….
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-26/general-motors-said-to-price-chevrolet-volt-electric-car-at-about-40-000.html
$32,500 after rebate!!!
GO EV!!!
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:04 pm)Pedestrian friendly alert, driver activated horn chirp using turn signal lever
Cool, I was hoping that it would be driver activated and not a constant automatic alert system. I’m also very glad to see that the Bose system is standard! You can afford to buy some premium gas once in a while if you can afford this fine vehicle.
+5
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:05 pm)Well, this article says nothing different than what we have heard so far, and is not an official announcement. It will come tomorrow…have some patience!
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:08 pm)The only option on that list which interests me is the back-up camera. This should be standard on all vehicles, IMO; especially the bigger ones.
5 free years takes some sting out of “OnStar Required.”
Voice recognition? Can you turn it off?
I think all of us need some elaboration on this Premium Fuel thing. It may be a longevity issue for seldom-purchased fuel just sitting in your tank (wouldn’t be relevant when you know you’ll empty the small tank on a long trip), but I’d feel a lot better hearing that from someone on the Volt engineering team.
Voted lowest, just for the sake of optimism …
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:10 pm)Great feature list! However, I’m disappointed in the interior dimensions (per the link provided by RDOCA)…it’s smaller than my Honda Civic Hybrid!
+3
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:13 pm)I definitely hope that is NOT the price. $40K before rebate is not gonna fly. I have heard countless people ridicule the Volt for being possibly priced at $40K.
The Volt is a phenomenal vehicle; it needs to be priced right. And what about the people who do not pay $7,500 in taxes? They’ll have to pay the full $40K and get no rebate whatsoever.
If they are so intent of pricing at $40K, it is obvious that they do not care about it going mainstream, so they might as well throw a Cadillac badge on it and be done with it. People are not gonna pay $40K for a Chevy car; plain and simple. Hyundai has been having the same problem with one of their products: the Genesis. The car is fantastic, but people won’t pay $40K for the top-of-the-line 4.6, mainly because of the perceived perception of Hyundais being mainstream and not luxury cars.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:31 pm)I’m wondering if this makes more sense than it first appears. What’s the octane rating for E85? IIRC it’s higher than regular or premium gas. The intent might be to eventually take advantage of higher E85 octane rating to boost efficiency. Needing to run on regular would mean compromising more on E85 performance. Maybe Gen 1 will be E85 capable with a software revision.
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:34 pm)I don’t know whether this will turn out to be true or not – but it would be unusual if there were no leaks at all.
+6
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:37 pm)For those households who don’t pay more than $7500 in income taxes each year, they aren’t in an income position to be able to afford the Volt.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:41 pm)Wow! I’m impressed.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:42 pm)The leaking has begun! This is typical for a news story like this: Unidentified inside source leaks the information to major media outfit the night before the public announcement. This has the effect of drumming up attention for the actual announcement. You’ll see more leaking by tomorrow morning – a few hours before the announcement in San Jose.
BTW, $40,000 is on the very high end of the GM-Volt poll respondents shown above. 22-23% say up to $40,000 Only 4% have been guessing at $40,000 and above.
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:51 pm)I would rather have halogen headlamps that create heat versus cool LED lights for night driving conditions in snowy weather. I live in Canada, and when driving in snow, the heat from the bulb keeps the headlights clear. After all, the Volt is an electric car designed to work properly in cold climates. As For LED daytime running lights for a wee more efficiency, that’s fine with me.
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:54 pm)Possible but I doubt it. The alcohol in all fuels will cause issues if left in long enough. So the if premium is designated for that issue options should be considered. Sea Foam or other stabilizer might work be better.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:55 pm)Another rumor! With all these features it can’t be priced much less?!?!?
“GM has long suggested the car could retail for $40,000, but various tax incentives and rebates could drop that figure to the neighborhood of $32,000. GM says pricing for the car will be announced tomorrow.”
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6668824/green/2011-chevrolet-volt-ordering-guide-released-official-pricing-due-tomorrow/index.html
GO EV!!!
+11
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:55 pm)I am still laughing about all the grousing about the premium fuel. I will be using all of 20-25 gallons a year of gasoline, so if it is premium fuel for the Volt… It will cost me around $4 a year more than regular.
What is that costing me a day, I wonder? LOL
Its an EREV guys, gas is not something you will be using a hell of a lot of.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:58 pm)I also prefer LED …. they will do fine in any weather on a car. If Halogen is like HID lamps they will be expensive to replace. Plus make the fuel regular.
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:59 pm)“Hard drives” can be disk or solid state.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Hard-Drives/Solid-State-Drives/pcmcat201300050005.c?id=pcmcat201300050005
It’s going on noon…..
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (6:59 pm)E85 Octane varies because E85 is not always E85. In winter it can be E70. Typical octane is about 95 Octane, although you might be able to find some higher.
That said, E85 is much less efficient than gasoline. If you look at Flex-Fuel cars rating you will see them quote numbers anywhere from 25%-30% lower than regular fuel.
E85 is not strictly software change. It needs special valves, hoses, etc. Using E85 in a “normal” car will eventually destroy major fuel injection components. That is why a typical Flex-Fuel engine is about $2,500 more than “normal” engine.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:03 pm)Well….. if you are using the “same fuel” for a year then possibly a “range extended” electric car may not be your best option.
I think most that buy this car will expect to use the ICE because they will not worry about going > that 40 miles when needed. That is my 2 cents. :+}
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:07 pm)AMEN! Most people here see the Volt’s best feature is that it NEEDS so little (if any) gasoline. It should be obvious that with the amount that we plan to use, it’s not going to be a significant $ drain. It’s almost like complaining that the Volt needs electricity. “My old car doesn’t”. That’s a buck a night I’m not paying right now, so why go with a Volt?!?
I need for it to be tomorrow. Would someone please put a “Rush” on that order, please?
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
-3
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:12 pm)The “fuel efficient” Smart also required premium. Look how well that worked out.
-1
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:14 pm)Here’s an “add-on” question: Does the tax that is paid on the car, get included on an income tax form? (and therefore count toward the $7500 credit)?
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
-3
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:15 pm)I see Bloomberg included the long abandoned 230mpg number. Publicizing that should turn out to be one of history’s great marketing mistakes.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:18 pm)From the Colour and Trim section:
“Perforated leather-appointed1
1 – Includes textile accent. Requires (PCQ) Premium Trim Package.”
I read that as the seats are mostly perforated leather with textile accents.
+3
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:29 pm)In my opinion all the talk about the premium fuel is just that it seems so odd that it would be required. My father-in-law is a petrochemical engineer and he contends that only a high-compression engine needs high-octane fuel to avoid pre combustion knocking. I don’t think anyone is sweating the cost of the fuel.
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:30 pm)I think the name “hard drive” came from the fact that the platters were “harder” than the first floppy disks. I’ve never heard of a flash drive or SSD called a hard drive but perhaps that’s more technical than usual.
+4
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:30 pm)About two months ago I rented a log splitter for the day. I have had troubles with my chainsaw in the past, and apparently the stale gas causes the problem, so I asked the owner of the rental shop what he does, since he has a lot of equipment with small engines.
He stated that the best thing you can do is use premium gas (and fuel stabilizer for extended periods between use). Apparently, so he says, premium fuel doesn’t have as much ethanol or other additives that cause it to go stale.
Not sure if this is part of GM’s reasoning, but if the premium gas has a longer tank life, it could be.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:33 pm)My understanding is E85 compatibility requires alcohol resistant materials, higher maximum injector flow rates (trivial to change), and a sensor to measure alcohol content of the fuel. That is already developed for flex-fuel vehicles and might already be in the car. It could be essentially just refining the engine control maps to accommodate E85. We have already heard they’re planning to be E85 capable in future generations. We don’t know how close the generation 1 is to compatible. The premium fuel thing makes me think it’s almost there. Making an engine run on premium or E85 would take less of a hit on E85 performance than one that has to run on regular too. 95 octane is better than premium normally available around here. An E85 optimized engine wouldn’t be happy on gasoline (not enough octane). Requiring premium would mean E85 performance could be closer to optimum and not that quite the mileage hit.
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:35 pm)No. The taxes paid on the car at the time of sale are usually state and local sales taxes. The tax credit is a credit against federal income taxes. Note if you lease the lessor gets the credit, which means that the tax credit comes off the top and you end up paying sales tax on the Purchase Price – Tax Credit.
If the leaks prove true and the MSRP is in the upper thirties before the rebate does that still work for you?
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:37 pm)About two months ago I rented a log splitter for the day. I have had troubles with my chainsaw in the past, and apparently the stale gas causes the problem, so I asked the owner of the rental shop what he does, since he has a lot of equipment with small engines.He stated that the best thing you can do is use premium gas (and fuel stabilizer for extended periods between use). Apparently, so he says, premium fuel doesn’t have as much ethanol or other additives that cause it to go stale. Not sure if this is part of GM’s reasoning, but if the premium gas has a longer tank life, it could be. (Quote)
Agreed. Here in the Toronto area at Shell gas stations, it says so right on the pumps that the premium fuel “contains no ethanol”.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:39 pm)Interesting point.
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:39 pm)If you itemize you may add the tax on a new vehicle to your itemized deductions. Line 7 on schedule A: “New motor vehicle taxes from the worksheet in the instructions”. The only effect this might have is to possibly lower the amount of tax you owe. If the tax you owe were to dip below 7,500 then it would effect the size of your credit. Very doubtful for most potential Volt buyers.
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:41 pm)About two months ago I rented a log splitter for the day. I have had troubles with my chainsaw in the past, and apparently the stale gas causes the problem, so I asked the owner of the rental shop what he does, since he has a lot of equipment with small engines.He stated that the best thing you can do is use premium gas (and fuel stabilizer for extended periods between use). Apparently, so he says, premium fuel doesn’t have as much ethanol or other additives that cause it to go stale. Not sure if this is part of GM’s reasoning, but if the premium gas has a longer tank life, it could be. (Quote)
Don’t think that’s true. I think even premium in my area is E10.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:51 pm)Statik’s site is running a story on the leaked pricing as well, looks like it is real
http://nissan-leaf.net/2010/07/26/general-motors-to-announce-price-of-volt-very-shortly/
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:01 pm)Russ, check out post #56 link….. same as Statik’s source…
GO EV!!!!
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:03 pm)It depends on how much I get for this kidney on Craigslist. (Don’t worry, it’s my wife’s)
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+6
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:04 pm)Dude William,
Ever hear of the Chevy Corvette? Chevy can handle premium! This is new and exciting technology and you gots to pay to play!!
There will be plenty of people lined up to pay top dollar for this fine piece of technology.
If people are not paying $7,500 in taxes, you are either to poor to even watch this game so go get a Zenn NEV for $10K… OR you are so rich you hide your money off shore and don’t need the measly $7,500 for the break.
Chevy…. Lead… Follow…. or Get Out of the Way…. William you need to get out of the way buddy!
My prediction…. VOLT 1.0 $49,490 (10,000 cars)
VOLT 1.5 $46,499 (30,000 cars)
VOLT 2.0 $42,490 (60,000 cars)
VOLT 3.0 $37,450 (100,000 cars)
VOLT 4.0 $33,790 (As many as possible!)
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:06 pm)I expect the Perforated Leather seats are exactly that – leather – and the front buckets are heated. The ‘textile’ accents are likely material used on the door panels and possiblly elsewhere around the interior. There are 2 center stack colors: Ceramic White or a dark charcoal gray. With the standard cloth interior, the center stack is Ceramic White. With the Ebony Leather, you can choose either Ceramic White or Charcoal Gray, and with the Neutral Leather you get the dark Charcoal Gray center stack.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:07 pm)Darn it, that is what my wife has been saying all along…
She says the Volt is for rich people.
+4
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:08 pm)One thing you guys may be overlooking is the fact that Volt is a global car and europe typically has higher octane rating fuels than the U.S.
From Wikipedia:
“…87 octane fuel, the “regular” gasoline in Canada and the US, would be 91-92 in Europe. However most European pumps deliver 95 (RON) as “regular”, equivalent to 90–91 US AKI=(R+M)/2, and deliver 98, 99 or 100 (RON) (93-94 AKI) labeled as Super Unleaded – thus regular petrol sold in much of Europe corresponds to premium sold in the United States.”
Perhaps the Volt ICE was setup to be optimized for higher octane fuel so that there would only be the need for one engine calibration worldwide?
+4
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:14 pm)William,
You might be suprised to learn that Chevrolet currently sells more vehicles with an MSRP of OVER $40,000 than ANY other manufacturer – yes, that includes Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, etc. Think how many Corvettes, Suburbans, Tahoes, Avalanches, and some Silverado Pickups that is.
Without blinking, there are enough current Chevrolet owners who could buy the first 2 years of VOLT production.
However, the VOLT offers so much new, leading edge technology, and creates new paradigms for EV range and ease of use, that the VOLT will easily attract plenty of new owners to Chevy. You are welcome to become one of them ….. or watch from the sidelines as every VOLT built for the foreseeable future is snapped up by eager buyers.
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:14 pm)Don,
I stand corrected, thanks. I didn’t pay much attention to that power value and misread the statement. 55kW would be a much higher rate than the pack could take, which I assume would typically be 16kW (conservative 1C charge rate).
I hate being wrong, but you caught me red-handed on this one.
join thE REVolution
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:14 pm)No solar/photovoltaics listed, though. I think Lutz was wrong.
+5
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:17 pm)The 2 top selling cars for Chevrolet this year: Camaro and Equinox. The majority of both selling between $31,000 and $39,000 and of course many of the Camaros sold at launch time went for $5000 to $10,000 over MSRP. So there are plenty of people spending ‘close’ to $40K for old technology. I am sure there will be plenty that will spend just a little bit more for the NEW technology.
I agree that a $40,000 VOLT will not spur massive adoption, but remember, this is just the first shot from the General. It won’t be long till we see a ‘Voltec-Powered’ Chevy Cruze for much less!
-7
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:34 pm)3 years went fast…. wonder what questions will be asked 3 years from now?
Maybe we will be saying… remember the talk about batteries 3 years ago.. now all we talk about is Hydrogen fuel cells!
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:36 pm)I’m not sure that Lutz *ever* said that a solar roof was a good idea on a car. He said it’d take 2 weeks to charge if you left it at the airport in the sun.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:38 pm)From February,
“Bose has been chosen to supply the Energy Efficient Series sound system.”
“The Bose stereo system is “30 percent smaller, 40 percent lighter, and uses 50 percent less energy than conventional Bose sound systems,” and is reported to produce energy savings equivalent to removing 50 pounds of mass. To produce these energy efficiencies, engineers were able to reduce the size of the amplifiers, increase the force per unit area of the speakers, and create specialized digital control circuitry.”
http://gm-volt.com/2009/02/10/gm-announces-goodyear-to-supply-chevy-volt-low-rolling-resistance-tires-and-bose-to-supply-its-energy-efficient-stereo-system/
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:39 pm)LeoK,
Nice post on the other site. Yes, there is plenty of market room.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+2
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:40 pm)Could be the hard drive is ‘solid state’. I am not sure if 30 Gigs hard drive are still made, but it seems it would be expensive to make a small hard drive when larger ones are really cheap. A ‘solid state drive’ would be a good choice in a car where there are vibrations and the possibility of a crash. My guess would be BOSE would use a Solid State Drive.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:41 pm)I just have to say…this is exciting…thanks for the info Lyle.
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:49 pm)Hard drive ……
I would also think a solid state drive would use less electricity.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (8:51 pm)Nurse, set up a round of double meds! *Everyone* will have trouble sleeping tonight.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
-1
Jul 26th, 2010 (9:01 pm)A standard mechanical hard drive uses electricity to spin the platters.
Jul 26th, 2010 (9:10 pm)thx – gotta share the love
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (9:25 pm)Hey, “What happens on the Leaf site, stays in the Leaf site”
Lets play nice…the price announcement cometh, and hopefully not taketh away your Volt.
+4
Jul 26th, 2010 (9:30 pm)I just checked out the Onstar plan that the Volt gets included for 5 years and it is $299 per year. I also looked at the Cruse and the Corvette and they both only get 6 months free. This perk is a $1500 add at no chg. not bad
-1
Jul 26th, 2010 (9:41 pm)Not sure that I was feelin a lot of love over there, but it looks like a really nice site.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (9:49 pm)That would have worked well if what happened on the VOLT site stayed on the Volt site. I didn’t start it.
BTW, I agree that eventually you will be right about BEV’s taking over. I just see the Volt as bridging technology. I have no idea how long that will take, but I DO know that the Volt and the LEAF will give people the chance to experience the electric smile – and that’s a huge first step in the process. JMO.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
/night all. See you tomorrow.
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 26th, 2010 (9:50 pm)It’s a tough virtual world out there. Best if you wear your virtual undies with thermal tiles well adhered.
You can feel the “electricity” with the on coming announcement.
So, which site posts the announced price first? Who has the quickest keyboard?
Jul 26th, 2010 (10:04 pm)Gee, I was kinda thinking it’d be streamed live, but you’re right, it may need to be passed on.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+7
Jul 26th, 2010 (10:20 pm)It is all Lyle. He knows his Volt stuff, and I don’t look to be (or want to be) the authority on all/any things Volt over there or anywhere/
I really try hard to not have threads on the Volt at all-and keep the two camps/sites seperate; as they should be. He has got all the bases covered here, and I’m trying to cover the bases there.
Volt pricing just happens to be like LEAF pricing a few months ago-a really big deal in electrification/future of the EV, so I’m doing a little coverage on it from the Plug-In 2010 show today, as well as tomorrow.
(Random factoid: Nissan got a little upstaged by Chevy at the show, they are doing a dealer rollout announcement and ‘next step’ announcement on getting those reservations to the dealers for orders tomorrow as well)
I still look at all mass produced EVs as a good thing overall, heck if we can have 92 models of compact SUVs in the market, surely we handle 3-4 EVs without breaking a sweat.
-16
Jul 26th, 2010 (10:33 pm)(click to show comment)
+4
Jul 26th, 2010 (10:36 pm)Hopefully they announce the 220V charger option pricing. I didn’t see it listed above?
-9
Jul 26th, 2010 (10:37 pm)I predict the Hybrid Volt will be more expensive than the Toyota Prius and will be unable to ever outsell the plugin Prius in the marketplace.
The Volt appears to be a nice step in the right direction. Hopefully GM will be offering and EV version soon.
+3
Jul 26th, 2010 (10:39 pm)Why are people griping over premium fuel. I figure I’ll only fill up 6 gallons every 2 months anyways. An extra $1.80 6 times a year. If it makes you feel any better I’ll pay pal you the $11 for the first year.
Also, no gas tank size In the specs?
-15
Jul 26th, 2010 (10:44 pm)(click to show comment)
Jul 26th, 2010 (10:45 pm)Well, just goes to prove that my reading skills are not as good as I thought.
When you said ” I think GM will stick with this until someone else develops something that’s efficient. ” I took it as meaning that you thought the Bose system was NOT efficient, I didn’t put emphasis on “else” i.e. read without the “else” word. Thanks for the post, I didn’t realize that Bose had gone the whole 9 yards and shaved weight off everything including the speakers.
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (10:46 pm)I’m getting ready for the price announcement tomorrow, counting all the change in my piggy bank, so far up to 32,500…..
Jul 26th, 2010 (10:55 pm)As some have mentioned the premium requirement is probably to prevent people from buying low quality gas.. after all for many drivers the same gas will stay in the tank for years. Dont forget only put Top Tier gas in your Volt.
http://www.toptiergas.com/
There could also be a requirement for an atkinson cycle engine since they usually have very high compression ratios.. but probably not.
-19
Jul 26th, 2010 (11:07 pm)(click to show comment)
-12
Jul 26th, 2010 (11:16 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Jul 26th, 2010 (11:17 pm)Less than 12 hours to go…….
I have to go and get some sleep!!
However it goes, tomorrow will be very interesting.
-10
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:42 am)(click to show comment)
Jul 27th, 2010 (1:00 am)Easy to do. GM has been saying that the gen-set output is 55 kW for so long that as soon as I see those numbers it’s reflexive. It’s funny how the first person to talk about this was John Lauckner. Hope he’s doing well. He was always great about the Volt and he’s missed.
Jul 27th, 2010 (1:50 am)This may vary by state, but at least in California, you pay “sales” tax on your lease payments, then if you decide to buy at the end of your lease you pay sales tax on the residual. Since your lease payment in effect includes interest that the lessor would have to pay for a loan, you sort of end up paying sales tax on PurchasePrice – TaxCredit + Interest, if you keep the car. This can be more than it would have cost to pay it on the full purchase price.
Jul 27th, 2010 (2:02 am)http://www.detnews.com/article/20100727/AUTO01/7270365/1148/GM-hopes-leases-will-boost-Volt
“General Motors Co. will offer a competitive lease price on its Chevrolet Volt that could soothe consumers hinky about buying a vehicle that relies on pricey battery technology.
“The lease price will be unveiled today, along with the Volt’s retail price tag of slightly less than $40,000, minus a $7,500 federal tax credit. The pricing is one of the last secrets surrounding a car that GM hopes will turn around its perception as the maker of gas-guzzling SUVs.”
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (2:40 am)Huh?? Option??? What kind of rumors are you spreading? It’s true that most of the time you can get by charging the Volt at 120v, but I certainly hope and believe that a 240v charger is standard equipment built into the Volt. (More specifically, that the Volt will have a single on-board charger which supports both 120v and 240v input.) Volt owners are definitely going to want to be able to use level 2 (240v) charging docks in public places.
Perhaps what you meant to refer to was a garage-mounted charging dock so you can do level 2 charging at home. If so, I don’t see how that would be an option as a part of the Volt purchase. It’s not in the car or part of the car. It’s permanently mounted in the garage, and could be used for almost any EV or pluggable hybrid, so it would be a completely separate purchase from the vehicle purchase.
Jul 27th, 2010 (2:41 am)From the home page:
“Currently 46 Users Online, Most Users Online Was 1,038 on August 11, 2009 @ 1:33 pm”
I’m thinking we’ll beat that 1,038 number Tuesday!
Also, pretty nice standard features list. Makes me want to call up my local Chevrolet sales manager…
Jul 27th, 2010 (4:13 am)Other quotes from the story:
The Detroit News has learned that GM plans to set a lease price that will be far lower than monthly payments to buy the extended-range electric car, and competitive with Nissan’s Leaf, whose monthly lease price starts at $349.
“To a lot of people, if the Volt doesn’t work as advertised, by leasing it, GM takes all the uncertainty out.”
GM decided to offer low lease prices because it can retain and eventually reuse the expensive, lithium-ion battery packs. And the automaker can apply a $7,500 federal tax credit, per vehicle, to the lease payments.
That strategy could trim monthly payments on a three-year lease by around $200.
So it looks like leasing may be the way to go. Great idea–especially for a technology that is rapidly evolving.
BTW, the Detroit News is an excellent original source of news. Of course!
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (4:43 am)To my thinking, this news is almost more important than the pricing news itself scheduled for noon ET. Because, whether buyers admit it or not, a monthly payment of ~$200 less than the payment needed to purchase a Volt (e.g., $475/mo vs $675/mo) can be a deciding factor. It certainly is in my own case, because my tax accountants have made use of my business writeoffs such that I haven’t owed any federal tax for years, so the lease approach is the only sure way I could benefit from the $7.5K tax credit. Thanks GM! This is GREAT NEWS!!!
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (6:02 am)Actually, since these guys are managing hundreds of engines and probably have to clean a few carbs out each month, they know their gas pretty well. They may not know the chemical formula for the fuel but they do know which fuel causes problems.
Jul 27th, 2010 (6:17 am)Or better yet, we could be talking about EEStor. Hydrogen is way out, while EEStor is just around the corner.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (6:18 am)I don’t know about you guys, but I am bracing for a real disappointment in the price.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (6:31 am)And here I thought “time shift” meant if you hit 88 miles per hour you could travel back to 1985… oh well.
Jul 27th, 2010 (6:31 am)I think that you are both correct. Although not technicality part of the actual Volt, I suspect (closer to “know”) that GM has a wall mounted charger for the Volt that they will sell separately. Yes, it should be compatible for any 220V ev/erev, but it would be an “option”. Buy it from them or buy it from someone else. I don’t doubt that third party companies will have 120V cords to buy as well.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (6:33 am)—
Yes.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (6:36 am)So if “Victory Red” is not a color choice, how come they were showing one off in that color at Lyle’s recent test drive? Are my hopes of additional colors dashed?
The limited color selection is the only thing about the Volt that dampens my excitement. Whatever spiffy names they give them, you have Black, Dark Gray, Light Gray, Greenish Gray, White and… Burgundy. Are we going to a funeral or something?
Jul 27th, 2010 (6:53 am)I’m with you on this one. My Dear One *loves* Victory Red. I like it, but love the *name* (g). Sure hope it’s available!
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (6:58 am)Coming up on T – 4 hours…
My fear is that the only affordable way to have a Volt will be through a lease. I really don’t want want to go that route.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:02 am)Right. And with the miles I put on, the lease option is out.
But I think I will actually be buying this car for my dear wifey.
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:03 am)Thanks, Nuclearboy. I guess some people don’t believe in practical experience, and would instead hire a Ph.D at the American Petroleum Institute as a consultant.
It may cost some coin to get the same advice, but it makes much better conversation at cocktail parties.
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:04 am)Gee, I was thinking more along the lines of room-temp, super conductor, mag-levs! (g). Yeah, EEStor is more likely.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:06 am)Thanks, Nuclearboy.I guess some people don’t believe in practical experience, and would instead hire a Ph.D at the American Petroleum Institute as a consultant.It may cost some coin to get the same advice, but it makes much better conversation at cocktail parties.
LOL, true that. +1.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:06 am)Yeah, I agree. That’s a lot of standard equiment; let’s hope that they still deliver an attractive price with all that equipment to really start the wave of demand and interest.
join thE REVolution
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:15 am)The cords are the perfect add on like floor mats but only more expensive. Over time I am sure you will be able to get the cords at NAPA, Car Quest, etc. But short term GM will want to sell you theirs. It will be like cell phone cords. You will want 3 – 6 of them. 110 & 220 for trunk, 220 for the house, and another 110 & 220 stored away just in case you lose one. Then you will probably want one 480V in case you come across the opportunity to fast charge.
It sounds like GM is not scamming you into buying an actual charging unit like Nissan. All you need is a separate circuit in the garage for the VOLT. I am sure Nissan’s unit has timers and monitors, but it should not really be needed.
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:23 am)GM has said all along that the economy and price of oil will figure in the MSRP. Even with these two elements being on the weak side. We may still see a higher number due to plain ol’ consumer demand. Half of the local Volts are already sold before the price is known. I feel most here at gm volt dot com will have to wait until the 2012′s come out. By then word will have spread and demand will be even higher. We’ll need to wait and see.
=D-Volt
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:24 am)That’s good news and bad news. Good news is that I can record and play back Rush Limbaugh. The bad news is that I am rapidly becoming a liberal, and the Volt is pushing me down that path. Oh well, life is grand.
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:34 am)Well, I wouldn’t say they’re “sold” but I agree with you that they are certainly in demand. I think if GM comes out with a high price, a lot of those deposits securing Volts may be returned. They are refundable, after all.
I’m still holding out for a nice low price, hope I’m not being too optimistic!
join thE REVolution
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:37 am)Yeah, and in three we will still be “talking” about hydrogen. That’s because hydrogen is always “only a few years away” been that way for decades. Battery electrics like the Volt and Leaf are the way off oil. Hydrogen may be the next step, but not for a long time from now. If we keep waiting for it, we’ll suck the world dry of oil first, just what they want us to do….
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:43 am)Correct, i was referring to the 220V charging cord/unit/dock whatever you want to call it. This is an accessory to the Volt I see being an option to buy at time of purchase, so I call it an option. Basically I want to know what this unit costs if its not included (which I didnt see it listed). That way I can determine if I’ll spend the cash to get a 220V line installed/modified.
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:46 am)We are gonna suck the world dry of oil regardless Tom. Maybe just maybe we’ll leave behind 10 or 20 percent of it but most likely we’ll use and burn every last drop of it. I do agree though that batteries are the way off oil, not hydrogen, not now.
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:48 am)It’s certainly not included, It’ll cost a couple grand but they are giving away a lot with the first gen of Volts, GM isn’t but I think the DOE is. So if you’re not on a waiting list go get on it, today! You might get yourself a free 220 charger.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:53 am)I hate to burst everyone’s bubble but, in addition to the $40k MSRP (my guess), you’ll also need to factor in about $5k – $10k in “Additional Dealer Mark-up”…
The Gen 2 Volt should cost less with a smaller battery and additional cost cutting measures.
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:53 am)Oh dear,
Do what I’m doing JohnK, forget all those guys who make money talking about politics, you can’t trust them, if they were level headed they’d have far less listeners. And don’t think a car like the Volt or caring about the environment is a “Liberal” idea. It makes me upset to see more and more conservatives thinking global warming is a farce. Why should a scientific idea become a battle of left vs right. Forget the politics, it’s just gonna make you a grumpy old man. I’m gonna start simply voting on campaign finance reform. Whoever has or can raise the most money shouldn’t be the deciding factor as to who our politicians are. I think we can all agree on that.
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:56 am)A single changing cord will be insufficient for most people. You’ll want to keep one at home, and another for charging away from home. The additional cord can also be used as a spare if the main one get’s damaged.
So I guess the next question is where to buy the extra cable. I’m sure the dealer will charge a ridiculous price. The Volt and Leaf both use a standard SAE J1772 charging connector.
Does anyone know who makes standard SAE J1772 120 volt charging cables?
Jul 27th, 2010 (7:57 am)No. Premium gas AND Sta-bil? Which one do you suppose is doing the heavy lifting?
I’d also note that a rental shop that has problems with stale fuel in its equipment is a rental shop that has a big problem. Think about that.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:00 am)I’d like to see close up pictures of the
Standard Wheels, 17″ (43.2 cm) 5-spoke forged painted aluminum
vs
Polished 17 inch wheels option
NPNS!
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:12 am)The car shown in Lyle’s recent post was actually Crystal Red Metallic …. somehow the color was mis-labeled as Victory Red on another site and it was picked up wrong. You will be able to get a VOLT in that color…. and once you have it you can name your color anything you like!
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:12 am)Melville, New York (Vocus) July 21, 2010 — Leviton and Coulomb Technologies today announced an OEM, product and marketing partnership for the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) market. Through the agreement, Leviton’s EVSE product family, including home and public charging stations, will be network-enabled by the ChargePoint® Network through an open interface architecture that provides Leviton customers advanced features similar to all charging stations on the ChargePoint network. The product line will debut at Plug-In 2010 Conference and Exposition in San Jose, California on July 26-29, 2010 in Leviton booth #310.
Looks like these guys will have 3rd party cords.
Be well,
Tagamet
T-3…
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:15 am)These batteries are formulated to operate at much higher than 1C. Maximum charge rate is usually similar to maximum discharge rate. We know maximum discharge rate is maximum for motor which is 111kW, (why is that estimated?) and possibly an additional 55kW in Sport Mode, in any case the maximum charge rate would be over 100kW. Of coarse this would not be possible in practice, and they probably do limit it to 1C except for brief period during hard braking.
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:16 am)I hope I don’t have to label it “That darn GM blood-sucking red”(G).
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:22 am)If you drive ALOT of miles, you might be suprised to find out that the lease makes more sense. If you build miles into your lease upfront, most leases charge just 10-15 cents per mile – yes, your payment will increase, but the mileage charge is far less than the real world depreciation.
If you drive 30,000 miles per year – over double the average annual miles – you will pay about $1,500 to $2,250 more per year on a lease than someone driving the standard 15,000 miles per year. That’s 15,000 miles of extra driving for around $2,000 in payments. The math works in your favor….
The key is to be honest with yourself upfront as to how many miles you think you’ll be driving. Miles ALWAYS cost less when you build them into the lease upfront.
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:22 am)I was going to suggest that you go to a Chevy (Chevrolet) dealer and look at the colors “side by side.” They are both existing GM colors, so you should be able to see an HHR in “Victory Red,” and maybe a Malibu in “Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat.”
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:23 am)Oh man, NO SUN ROOF? (as in the kind that opens and lets you enjoy the beautiful sky)
I haven’t had a closed roof auto since 1983!
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:25 am)Today is the day each of us learn for ourselves if we will be willing to buy or lease a Volt – or not!
I wonder if Lyle will be able to offer a live feed or perhaps Chevy-Voltage will? Tony Posawats (sp?) is scheduled to do a web conference following the announcement.
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:30 am)That sounds like pretty good advice. If what the Detroit News is reporting, that the lease price will be very attractive because of the federal tax credit being deducted up front and because of the battery (with the whole car) being returned to GM after the lease, then leasing will be the way to go.
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:32 am)Thanks LeoK. I didn’t know that. Yes, I drive about 30,000 miles per year.
My current car has 219,000 miles on it
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:32 am)I didn’t know that. So there *are* two different colors, or was one mislabeled?
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:36 am)Better take a screwdriver and a can of WD-40 with you.
=D-Volt
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:38 am)Anyone know if dealerships have the option to simply not offer leases? I’d assumed that they could choose to simply sell (and not lease) a high demand product – or are they bound by GM to allow leases?
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:38 am)Yazaki.
The bigger question is what happens if you put 240V at the charger port without a charger signaling the car?
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:40 am)A couple questions:
1) Are heated seats not standard? There’s buttons for them on the center console. If they list stuff like assist grips, you’d think they would list heated seats.
2) Does anyone know if there’s a gap between the two rear seats, that always makes the storage area in the back visible? I ask based on the 40/40 rear folding seat statement in the equipment list.
join thE REVolution
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:40 am)GM has a lot of different colors of Red. Crystal Red Metallic has been the Volt tint since colors were first announced. Sorry to differ with you on this, but I prefer something other than pure red red. (starts to duck in case Red HHR is lurking) AFAIK, the Volt will only come in Crystal Red and the earlier photo was mislabeled (or the car was mispainted
).
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:44 am)Heated seats are an option as part of Premium Trim Package, along with the leather trim, etc.
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:45 am)In most states you can buy ethanol free gas for small engines. I’ve found that it has fewer problems in the small engines.
Ethanol free is the only thing you should put in a boat with a built in tank.
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:47 am)I’m thinking more like a large jar of Vaseline™.
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:48 am)GM TO PRICE VOLT ABOUT $40,000, EMPHASIZE LEASING
http://www.leftlanenews.com/gm-to-price-volt-about-40000-emphasize-leasing.html
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:49 am)The Volt wil be $40,000.00 after rebate.
$40,000.00 MSRP minus $7,500.00 govt rebate plus $7,500 dealer markup (probably more) = $40,000.00. I’m sorry, but at least in the DC area, the dealers will get the rebate – NOT YOU.
As far as I’m concerned, GM blew its chance to reinvent itself. They could have gone the preorder route, with dealers acting solely as delivery points. They could have set a fair dealer profit for their new “halo” car, the Volt. But they didn’t – GM customers get thrown to the wolves (dealer sales managers) again. Seeing the local dealer MSRP feeding frenzy makes me sick. They’ll take your “rebate”, and laugh in your face. Thanks, GM !
I refuse to send a dealer’s kid to college, just to get a Volt. I’ll do some more shopping, to see if I can get a fair deal in DC, but it’s not looking good right now.
Welcome to the Capitol Wasteland.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:52 am)Yes, they’re in dire financial shape because they can’t rent snow blowers between June and September, nor can they rent out string trimmers in January.
/sarcasm.
You shouldn’t act smug about your (alleged) intellectual superiority when you can’t handle the concept of seasons.
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:55 am)What is the competition for the VOLT today?
Ford Fusion Hybrid ~ $28,100 to $28,800 before Ford announces removal of hybrid premium
Prius ~ $32,000 fully loaded
Leaf ~ $32,780
There may be others…
Will the pricing of today’s VOLT reflect these realities or will they push the envelope?
Early adopters are willing to jump in but they generally are not stupid if the pricing is in gouge territory. The “average” person will also make these comparisons and ….
Will be a lot of fun to see how it all plays today. :+]
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:56 am)You can add a nice power moonroof aftermarket for like $1000. Most dealers will even get the job done for you and finance the cost into the loan, obviously it is not covered by factory warranty but the installation shop will likely cover it to some extent.
Jul 27th, 2010 (8:56 am)If you’re right The Grump, I’m getting a LEAF.
I hope you’re wrong, but I don’t have much to argue as a counter point.
-7
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:00 am)The Volt ain’t looking too good these days is an under statement.
Priced too damn high.
$5000.00 in CARB penalties against Volt owners ! (about time)
Weak engine.
Premium Expen$ive Gasoline required.
Volt negatives just keep building up. Too bad. So sad. LMAO.
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:00 am)T-2…..
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:01 am)I have a variety of engines that are seasonal and after a few bouts of bad gas issues I have found a product called “Sea Foam” that works really well. It has been around since the “40′s” but I found it 2 years ago. It not only stabilizes gas but generally cleans up the mess if you just left the gas in over the inactive part of the year. “If you don’t take care of your gasoline it will take care of you” :+}
If my Volt’s gas flow is really low I will probably add a few drops of SF to it too.
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:03 am)Umm in his defense a shop that knows their product would probably drain the fuel tanks during the offseason. That is what I do with stuff at home
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:04 am)Premium fuel — heat.
It’s possible that the reason for premium fuel is that they’re having heat issues with the Volt. There is a LOT of stuff packed under that hood. If generator efficiency losses are taking a significant toll on kw’s out, then the combination of a tough cooling environment and high work loads could lead to detonation. If temperatures are running higher than normal, premium fuel is a way of precluding detonation.
The optimistic reasoning for premium fuel would be that they’re running a higher compression engine to eke out a little more mpg in cs mode. Another reason would be they’re trying to get bit more genset power to mitigate power fade.
But if it turns out they are running normal compression in the 1.4 litre (i.e. 9:1 or less) then that is bad news. That means everything is running hot and there could be numerous other heat related issues (everything from bearing wear to efficiency losses to early seal failure to …. and the list goes on and on) associated.
-1
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:05 am)Don’t forget the lame warranty.
They should be thumping themselves on their chests….swingin from trees while shouting LOOK AT ME.
But nope. Same ol’ sh1t. Different car. Nothing learned. History repeats itself.
-1
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:06 am)The sad part about the premium fuel is we can’t even use E85 in this car.
Is E85 considered premium? For some reason, I’m thinking E85 is higher.
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:08 am)If not “fun”, at least it will be soon.
This is absolutely the hardest time I’ve had trying to stay optimistic. If GM shoots themselves in the foot, they will lose the leg.
Under 2 hours now.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
-1
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:11 am)I’m already quite down myself. This is the worst I have felt since following this car.
I’ve got butterflies in my stomach.
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:15 am)If it is like most rental shops i am familiar with,
#4 and #5 almost never leave the shop — and only the desperate would rent #5 — its a POS!
Our best ones are out, but sure, we have a log splitter you can rent! Umm, it is a beast to start and smokes but — oh, your going to 123 rental? Hmm.
so i respectfully disagree.
-2
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:16 am)WTF Premium Gasoline ?
I don’t get it, this car is supposed to SAVE money at the pump. NOT !
The rest of you can live in your 20 mile radius while I upgrade to a LEAF.
- Salt Out
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:16 am)I just returned a vehicle I test drove over 300 ( 100 city miles and 200 highway) this weekend. In 90+ degree heat and the AC blasting all four of us made the trip with carry-on bags each. If the Volt is $40K (Plan A), I’ll place my order for Plan B this week.
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:18 am)I hope this article about the 2011 Chevy Volt having an ultracapacitor is true.
http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/20100727/chevy-volt-to-use-afs-trinity-rsquoultracapacitors-for-better-acceleration-regenerative-braking-capa.htm
I think it would be awesome if the Volt had some extra power in Sport mode for acceleration and in passing situations. I’d love to have GM surprise everyone by telling us the Volt will go 0-60 mph in 7 seconds (or better) in Sport mode.
The other big surprise everyone would LOVE to hear about is the PRICE of course. I’d love to see GM shock the automotive world today by announcing an MSRP of around $32,000. The Nissan Leaf’s MSRP was just announced as being $32,780 ($25,280 after Federal tax credit). GM doesn’t want Nissan to steal possible sales away from the Volt do they?
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:18 am)Right now, I’m more anxious than depressed. The next emotions will either be depression/rage or Joy. I know that the die is already cast. No need to fuss about something over which we have no control. At Noon, that changes.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:22 am)How LOOOONG is that Warranty??
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:22 am)I dont understand why this is such a huge deal to everyone… Premium gas – so what your talking an additional $2.00 per fillup, how often are you planning on filling up the car?
$2.00 is a small price to pay to say you only fill up your tank 4 times per year…
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:25 am)Some of us will be using the Volt as a daily driver….
I drive anywhere from 60 – 300 KMS per day “on the job”….
Sure on the short days I will not be using any gas but for all the other days…. gas is going to be used.
And if it is Premium… my costs will be going up…
My 2010 Fusion Hybrid (averaging about 52 MPH (Lifetime…Canadian MPG) still costs me between $130 and $ 175 per month for Regular fuel… I am saving over 40 % in fuel costs over the 2007 MAXX that I had before…
I am hoping that the Volt is going to do better….
Seeing as I won’t see one here in Central Alberta Canada till 2014 or later… I will be using this website to see all the stats that everyone is getting for milage…
And I will still be getting a Volt when they arrive… I will just keep the Fusion Hybrid for the longer trip days if the milage on the Fusion turns out to be better than the Volt..
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:25 am)or 1885 in BTF II
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:25 am)From your lips to God’s ear.I’ll be ecstatic if the post credit price starts with a 2.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:29 am)I have been told have have read that ultra capacitors are in most hybrids for “regen” braking and power boost. The capacitors are not very big ( as they could be) but they do help.
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:33 am)You can relax about this because leases can be good. You don’t really lose anything since at the end of the term you can always buy the car for the amount you haven’t yet paid for. For example, if you have a 3 year lease, and if the price is $45K, and if the assumption is the car will lose 1/3 of its value during those three years, then at the end of the lease period you can buy it for $30K which might be a more manageable number. (You can of course finance it then). Or you can walk. So think of it as a very extended test drive.
Whether to lease should come down to the financing deal. While the economy is not so hot, credit is available, and since the economy isn’t so hot the interest rates are very low. Good time to buy a car or house in some ways. Even if you can pay cash it’s worth the effort to shop around and see what the financing options are.
Leasing, financing, or paying cash are just options. One isn’t necessarily better than the others, they’re just alternatives. If you “have” to go the lease route I think you’ll find it a perfectly OK experience.
-5
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:37 am)80 HP from 1.4 liters ? Something is very wrong with this number. What the hell have those damn engineers done to cripple this motor !
And premium gas ? Get real. They have ruined my car.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:37 am)That is great news for you! I am pretty sure ALL grades of gas in the US now have at least 10% ethanol. Part of it has to do with the “oxygenation” of the fuel issues?? Ethanol replaced MTBE
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:42 am)Thanks DonC, but it won’t work that way for us. Without getting into all of our family finances, we could have tolerated a single large out-lay, but not a lease. Only part of it is fiscal. A large part are emotional/personal values issues. Bottom line for us, is if we can’t walk out the door with a Volt and no payment, we’ll wait. Just us.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:44 am)Lol at all the premium gas complaints. Like the $0.20 more per gallon times the relatively few gallons of gasoline you’ll need to buy won’t be THAT much of an expense. What’s an extra $50-$100 bucks on a $40,000 car? Really?
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:47 am)Note- all of those vehicles are SUVs, Big Cars and a very hot expensive sports car.( which I like!)
If this is where GM wants to price the VOLT even todays current EV/hybrids offerings will eat it alive.
Like it or not the majority of the folks here and abroad do look at PRICE as a MAJOR FACTOR in PURCHASING.
If the VOLT expects to be a major player in the emerging world EV market they need to be looking at the big picture… i.e. “life after the $7,500 rebate” Just my 2 cents to apply to my new VOLT :+}
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:47 am)Why would they not offer the lease? The lease makes it easier for them to move units and they’ll get the same amount of money — if they sell above MSRP that will be reflected either in a lease or a side payment. Plus dealers like leases because it prompts people to return after 3 or so years instead of 15.
The most appealing thing about leases is that it keeps the monthly payments down. Most people only care about the monthly payments. Not smart but that’s the reality. FWIW in the case of the Volt I’d lean towards the lease because of the new technology and related uncertainties but the lower payments do seem to make things painless.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:50 am)+1….
WHAT an extra $20 per year for gas forget that! I will keep spending hundreds or thousands per year in gas for a regular car, or risk getting stranded with a slightly less expensive BEV!
Get over it people if you can affor this car you should not have any issues with 20 cents per gallon.
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:50 am)Here in central PA we have a gas station that sells “Ethanol-free” gasoline.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
-1
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:52 am)It looks like the RETAIL PRICE is $32,780 (Before any tax credits).
GM preference is for all owners to LEASE this vehicle, hence they will be offering much lower monthly payments via leases.
Those who buy will be labeled suckers I guess.
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:54 am)I won’t pretend to understand car dealers, but the place where I’m on the list said clearly and repeatedly NO LEASES.
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:56 am)Is this an opinion, or do you have a link?
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (9:58 am)VOLT PRICING “LIFTOFF”: ONE HOUR AND COUNTING!!!
oops, sorry Tag! ….didn’t mean to upstage your countdown
(I guess launch countdowns have been “my thing” for too long!)
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:00 am)T -1
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:01 am)LOL, you were 2 minutes early! I have an atomic clock.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:04 am)I would be tripping over myself getting to the dealer.
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:06 am)Well, the Volt you don’t buy will be available for someone else who does want one.
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:08 am)Yep, that’s why I wanted to get on a dealer’s list that actually has an allotment COMING, before the price was announced. I hope my optimism is rewarded and not punished, er, I mean unjustified.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:11 am)You are used to that “hold” at two minutes (g).
YOUR prediction is….???
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:18 am)Also, (i know you guys are talking about DC regen charging), the onboard charger is limited to 3300W, (when charging from an external AC source).
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:18 am)I’m overly risk averse — under leveraged by all standards — but for me it’s just numbers. The last time we bought a car the lease option wasn’t that great but they were offering three year 0 percent financing and 5 year 3% financing. Just based on the existing money market rates, you were $4500 ahead if you took the 0 percent financing deal rather than paying cash. IOW if you took the purchase price of the car and put it into a money market and wrote checks on the account every month, at the end of three years you’d have (roughly) $4500 in the money market.
If you don’t have the discipline — some people will just spend whatever they have — then it makes sense to always pay cash. But if that’s not the case then it’s just numbers. Leverage can be your friend, albeit on a small scale.
Just trying to take the emotion out of what shouldn’t be an emotional decision.
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:26 am)Do you have a link for that? (sorry super busy today, no time for surfing). I ask because I thought the heated seats were going to be standard as GM determined they more efficiently delivered heat to the passengers, thus retaining AER.
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:27 am)We too, are very risk averse. Although we have a top shelf credit score(s), we keep debt to a minimum. Frankly, with me, health issues play a role on both sides of the scale, which makes the whole thing very complicated. Enough of that, almost at T -30…..
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:27 am)I’ve tried to stay optimistic, but I’m getting a bad feeling about this (even though I had already decided to wait awhile. Though Gen I pricing might not affect me directly, what’s announced today could put a lasting chill into the program).
Sometimes the way to deal with a lot of bad news is to ‘yank the band aid off quickly.’
1) Premium Gas Required
2) High purchase price designed to favor leasing – ?
3) CS-mode mpg is – ??
4) – ???
Hope I’m wrong.
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:29 am)I remember the discussion of preferred heated seats over ambient heating. I don’t know how it turned out though.
Be well, be patient, and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****Victory Red, spring, 2011!
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (10:30 am)Thats not the point here. I was just calling you out for being pompass and assuming the guy at the rental shop is a lousy source of information. I find in my travels that there are many very intellegent people without a college degree who know exactly what they are doing and how things work.