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

[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.

[fishmahn]

Gah, accidentally hit tab, then without thinking hit backspace to delete the tab from my word processor - oh cr*p I'm in FF not Word. Lost a nice long post...

For 2012 I expect nothing to change - maybe some minor software tweaks. Hopefully an ICE enhancement (though still with the 1.4L). I hope for (but don't expect) flexfuel.

For 2013 I expect a redesigned battery, probably a new range extender ICE (or at least major improvements - DI and/or Atkinson cycle, etc.). With the redesigned battery we may get 5 passenger seating. I expect some body tweaks as well - maybe more back seat headroom & legroom, etc. For this year they may reduce some of the luxury features to bring down price. I'm guessing battery redesign will save a couple $k and maybe luxury loss will bring base price near $35k before tax credit (but luxury loss may wait until 2014).

For 2014 I expect nothing. Probably the year a second voltec is released - maybe a small SUV (EREV Equinox?)

For 2015 I expect a Gen 3 battery.

For those other things:

Longer range: If battery power density is increased, you may see longer range. Probably not much - enough to get EPA to 50 miles max. And only if density increases a lot. First thing will be to reduce battery weight. ( I want a longer range - I have a 53 mile round trip daily with no office charging).

Selectable range: Only aftermarket, IF GM allows it, and only if battery technology advances a lot. Tech. isn't there yet. It just doesn't make sense for a large company to make this a factory option. Now, if it was an EREV Van (full size) or Silverado 2500, then an 'add a battery module' option makes sense. Otherwise, the cost of the option isn't worth it - it'll either cost so much very few will use it, or it won't make money if priced so it is useful.

Diesel or Fuel Cell: Not at this time. They're just not high enough demand in the case of diesel and not nearly advanced enough in the case of fuel cells. I see fuel cell in the future, but probably not this decade.

More Power (Volt SS): Possibly in the Gen 3 release, an option for a 150kw traction motor - possibly the same motor used in the EREV SUV/Crossover that was released the year before. With obvious suspension and handling changes of course.

Truck/Van: That would likely be the 3rd Voltec vehicle.

Mike.