Buy now or wait for the 2013???

[Mike-o-Matic]

If you have the NAV package, your Volt has 30G worth of internal storage. If you do not, it has none. But in either case, it can store an unlimited number of songs through an external USB storage device.

Something to consider: the 2012 Volt Owner's Manual states that for the standard radio (non-NAV unit) that when using the USB port, there is a limitation of 1,000 songs that can be "listed." I don't know if that means "shown at one time" or "capped at 1,000 songs on the device."

Also, this limit may not apply to the MyLink-equipped color touch radio option. At least, I hope it doesn't, because I have one of those on order :-) ... you can count on me reporting comprehensively, when I get my Volt in a few weeks.

The documentation of track count limits on various infotainment head units and input methods has been vague, in my experience. But, I probably haven't read EVERYTHING available. Be that as it may, the manuals alone should cover such subjects comprehensively, and IMHO do not achieve that. GM could do a better job documenting what the real specifications and limitations are.

[mbepic]

I'm curious about the roof & trim. Is it an option to get the black roof & paint on the windows or is it only body color now? I really like the way the black roof and window paint goes with my Silver paint & dark tint! I knew it reminded me of something & I realized the other day that it's the same color scheme as my Macbook Pro!

I really don't think the black under the side windows is going to change..........just the black roof and rear hatch will now be body colored to be consistent with the Ampera scheme. AND, I don't believe it will be an option for it to be painted black. You could have it redone 'aftermarket' paint shop.

[donstim]

Something to consider: the 2012 Volt Owner's Manual states that for the standard radio (non-NAV unit) that when using the USB port, there is a limitation of 1,000 songs that can be "listed." I don't know if that means "shown at one time" or "capped at 1,000 songs on the device."

Also, this limit may not apply to the MyLink-equipped color touch radio option. At least, I hope it doesn't, because I have one of those on order :-) ... you can count on me reporting comprehensively, when I get my Volt in a few weeks.

The documentation of track count limits on various infotainment head units and input methods has been vague, in my experience. But, I probably haven't read EVERYTHING available. Be that as it may, the manuals alone should cover such subjects comprehensively, and IMHO do not achieve that. GM could do a better job documenting what the real specifications and limitations are.

I haven't been able to figure out what that cap means, but I have way more than 1,000 songs on my USB stick, and more than 1,000 songs in a playlist and have no trouble playing them.

[buckhead]

Autobytel has a 2013 Volt Configurator that lists some of the prices for 2013 options. Some of the interesting prices are:

• Base MSRP $39,145
• Comfort Package (Heated Front Seats, Leather-wrapper steering) $275 * for cloth only
• Safety Pack 1 (Auto-dimming mirror, Rear Park Assist, Rear Vision Camera) $575
• Safety Pack 2 (Front Park Assist, Front Collision Alert, Lane Departure) $595
• Radio: Color Touch AM/FM Stereo w/Navigation $895
• Bose: $495 (unchanged)
• Premium Trim Packages (2012 features + Rear Center Armrest w/Storage) $1,395
  
  New Exterior Colors include the predicted Silver Topaz Metallic
  New Interior Colors include Pebble Beige/Dark Accents w/leather-appointed seat trim
  (i.e. nothing mentioned about the Urban Leather option with Suede inserts).
  
  Nothing mentioned about MyLink as a separate option.
  Nothing mentioned about the new wheel option.

[jsmay311]

Autobytel has a 2013 Volt Configurator that lists some of the prices for 2013 options.

Wow. I wonder if this info is supposed to be out already or if this was posted by mistake.

That's a significant cost reduction on the Nav, although I assume the lack of a hard drive means no radio "DVR" feature, which is a shame.

Slight cost reduction on the back-up camera and rear park assist package, although you lose the front park assist sensors unless you get the Safety Pack 2.

I'm curious about what the "aero" wheels look like and what measurable effect they have on efficiency.

[buckhead]

Wow. I wonder if this info is supposed to be out already or if this was posted by mistake.

It's pretty typical for sites like autobytel to have option and pricing information in advance of manufacturer web sites. And to date, the information has been pretty reliable.

That's a significant cost reduction on the Nav, although I assume the lack of a hard drive means no radio "DVR" feature, which is a shame.

Yes, although if the autobytel site is correct, the Nav radio (UHQ) requires the addition of the Bose option. I don't think this was a requirement before. I agree that the loss of the hard drive is regrettable. The pause feature is nice.

I'm curious about what the "aero" wheels look like and what measurable effect they have on efficiency.

I suspect that these are the same as the '17" sport alloy wheels' that are listed on the Chevrolet web site for $695 and that are often shown on the Ampera. These wheels have black inserts, and optional body colored inserts were supposed to be available as a dealer option for selected body colors.

The original announcement for 2013 features listed a new wheel, the '(WQX) 17" 5-spoke painted aluminum wheels'. Since the Aero wheels are not painted, I was thinking we would be seeing a new 5-spoke wheel design.

[mbepic]

Autobytel has a 2013 Volt Configurator that lists some of the prices for 2013 options. Some of the interesting prices are:

New Interior Colors include Pebble Beige/Dark Accents w/leather-appointed seat trim
(i.e. nothing mentioned about the Urban Leather option with Suede inserts).

The other thread on the 2013 Specs, refers to the AFJ2 option as Pebble Beige, Leather appointed with footnote (Suede inserts).

[electric]

This is timely information as I have been shopping for a 2012 Volt. I priced a 2013 Volt using the Autobytel build feature, and total MSRP was only $625 less than a 2012 model with the same options. The radio with navigation is now $1100 less, but you lose the hard drive AND dvd-rom. The cost of the rear camera with front and rear park assist has increased by $475, when Safety Packs 1 and 2 are included. However, forward collision and lane departure alerts have been added for 2013.

Also, while they are deleting the black roof and tail gate, GM should eliminate the lower gray plastic trim and make it body colored like on the Ampera. It would give the Volt a much classier and sportier look.

BTW, great site.

[jsmay311]

Found this gem on the Autobytel site:

"The 2013 Chevrolet Volt is a 4-door, 4-seat Hatchback, available in 1 , the Base. Upon introduction, the $39,145 Base is equipped with a standard , 0-cylinder, engine that achieves 95-mpg in the city and 93-mpg on the highway." http://www.autobytel.com/chevrolet/volt/2013/

Wow! I didn't realize that GM is introducing the long-awaited cylinder-less engine in the 2013 model. Exciting stuff! :P

[jbfalaska]

Probably unnecessary. With flash drives so prevalent and now 30 GB on a micro-sized drive, I think a 30 GB harddrive is overkill. I wanted need it today.