Speculation on upgrades for 2012-2014 Volt?

[igotzzoom]

Just thought I'd do some armchair-quarterbacking and predict some of the features or changes that may be coming within the next few years for the Volt. I've posted my predictions in a poll, but I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.

[pdt]

2012-2014 will likely be incremental refinements.

All substantial improvements in the Volt will be battery related. Lower cost and smaller are the most important needs. Smaller = 5-passenger seating. Smaller and cheaper would also allow GM to sell a choice of EV range.

They will probably improve the engine to allow higher CS-mode MPG, but that will only be true if it doesn't impact the costs much. You just can't afford to invest money in an engine that doesn't get used much.

[igotzzoom]

I agree. I think changes to the size/configuration/capacity of the battery will probably be most likely short-term changes. The DI engine could be coming relatively soon. Seems like GM is heading in the direction of an all-DI lineup in the near future. A DI engine would probably increase fuel economy, as well as increase range-extender output, possibly facilitating a more powerful electric motor. Although, from my brief test-drive in L.A. I certainly didn't think the Volt was under-powered. But more power is never a bad thing. After all, Tim Allen IS the new voice of Chevy...AARGH!! AARGH!!

[DanFowler]

A hard drive that sorts songs by track order? :-)

I think more potent/cheaper/smaller batteries are likely, and a more efficient engine will be investigated (but won't be as likely).

[maynard]

Why don't they put a small diesel in the Volt. That would be far more fuel eficient than this gas thing? I think they have everything else right at this time. This car is a nice balance, but a diesel generator engine would help a lot. I think they should re-badge this car and put 3 portholes on each front fender. This new car would be a Buick and should be called an Electra. That would revive the old name. Remember the Electra deuce and a quarter,(225). Oh heck...maybe this crowd is too young. Maybe that old 225 had 4 portholes a side; I guess I don't remember. I do know that your girlfriend had to kiss you when you spotted a 4 hole Buick. Am I dating myself?

[Raymondjram]

I believe that the Buick with four portholes was much bigger, and was the Roadmaster. My neighbor had one and traded it for a Volkswagen SUV. The Volt already has a Buick twin which is the 2011 Regal. The Electra was larger, so I recommend that the LaCrosse body be converted to Voltec, and given the Electra name. I have a 1995 Buick Regal, and I plan to keep it until I can buy my own Volt or Electra.

Raymond

[pdt]

Engine options would be good. I would choose cheaper and sacrifice performance. Diesels do add cost to a vehicle though and emissions controls are a big pain (e.g. expensive).

[Shaft]

I think they'll go Atkinson.

[hermperez]

No DI or turbos, too expensive and noisy, not useful for an engine that does not need to be responsive.. but an atkinson cycle makes lots of sense, probably using the larger 1.8L sister engine to compensate for the reduction in torque.

Note the Prius does no have DI or a turbo.

[Michael]

Until Fuel Cells are more economical, I think using a diesel engine would be a good option. One reason is that the current engine does get a little noisy when it uses the higher revs to generate more electricity. Having the engine rpms not directly related to pedal location is a bit distracting as well. I believe a diesel engine would be able to produce more energy at lower rpms and result in a significant reduction in noise generation.