GM has decided to afford us with a new set of visually interesting Chevy Volt pictures. You can click them to bring you to the galleries from where you can get to wallpaper size if your click the “View this photo on Flickr” link. Enjoy.
54,178 people support the Volt!
Jan 24th, 2009 (9:42 am)Awesome!
My favorite pic is the hand about to plug in the Volt, ’cause that’s what it’s all about.
Jan 24th, 2009 (9:45 am)Nice pics, really. But how about a production prototype? Maybe I’m impatient, but it is amazing how a start-up like Tesla can design, build, and produce the vehicle with less thank a fourth of the budget of the Volt.
On another note, I have clients that had hourly pensions with GM that just yanked GM’s $2,500 per month payment. It has been cut completely with a one time payout in March of $700. The UAW must have made some serious concessions because I also hear health care is gone too. This may have been worse than bankruptcy for GM’s retirees. Still, only a month to show the Feds GM can survive with the bridge loans.
Jan 24th, 2009 (9:46 am)Wow, I like the shot with the hatch open. It has a very unique look.
Where were these pictures taken?
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:02 am)A hatchback… I like it. If the back seat has 34-36″ of leg room this car is going to sell… Exciting times to see such advances in engineering. I still like the muscle cars but this car is very well designed. Too bad the Cobalt, G3, G5, and other small GM vehicles weren’t (granted I do like the HHR).
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:09 am)These are great photos and exactly the kind that they should use in their marketing (meaning the home/flowers ones).
The volt should be thought of as a cool and fun car, but also as a practical vehicle.
-1
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:16 am)Love the pictures! I really hope this car comes out and the government offers a kickin’ kick back for making the switch. There’s only one thing that I would change after viewing the pics. The charge plug looks really cool with handle. I’d only suggest they have a black cord instead of that funky orange.
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:23 am)The more I see of it and read about it the the more I like it! Currently I drive a 1989 Ford Tempo that gets about 30mpg and has 440,000 miles on it, why, because in the past 20 years cars have not progressed enough for me to want to buy a new one. The Volt however, this is finally new technology, the Volt may be my next car!
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:35 am)Looks pretty interesting.
I had no idea it was a hatchback until now, Lol!
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:48 am)Nice static pictures, however the car still has the “old style” center dash display pod. Have there been ANY Volt mule sightings on the road? I would think we would have seen some by now.
Red HHR (waiting to see the Volt powertrain move!)
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:51 am)Love the pictures, but when can we get on the list to buy one?
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:59 am)Along the lines of Campy’s thought, they should also have a shot of the back with grocery bags in it, one with a set of clubs in it, bag of soccer balls, etc., so people understand that this isn’t just a car meant for eco-friendly commuting, that it can basically handle all the things a family of four would require. I don’t know if it has been announced or not but this just got me thinking about interior features, whether the rear and front passenger seat will fold down for moving long objects…
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:31 am)Love the VOLT….
I just hope that the American public support the change ‘to the future’ ….in large numbers.
Can anyone give me the ‘VOLT Sister website’ address by Lyle?
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:31 am)Great pictures! Did not realize it was a hatchback. That makes me happy. Even though I “registered” on the unofficial wait list I bet my odds are pretty low of getting my hands on one… that makes me unhappy. I will keep hoping though. I really want to be in on the ground floor of the electric car revolution!!
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:34 am)The Volt needs 18″ wheels (not 17′s) and a 1″ lift on the front. The hatch-back design is a good feature. I believe a voltek SUV or truck will be out before the Volt is produced in high enough numbers to actually find one to buy. The low ground clearance on the stock Volt may look good, but is a real world concern.
=D~
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:35 am)Not a 40,000 dollar car thats for sure.Since I’m one of those “new wage structure” working poor that is topped out at $15.00 an hour I will buy a used car that gets 40mpg or build my own.I am looking at remortaging my house if they build that Converj tho.Keep me on the list at 6,2xx
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:38 am)Where are the pictures? All I see are dead links……
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:48 am)Pics look pretty good. I wish the rear hatch went all the way down to the bed since it makes loading and unloading stuff a lot easier. The have said rear seats fold flat and I think there are specs for cargo space with and without seats folded. I haven’t heard about the front passenger seat folding flat. That is a really nice feature of the Pontiac Vibe.
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:57 am)Man, the back of the Volt really does look a lot like a Prius when you open the hatch. I am still having a hard time loving this design. It’s going to be real tough for me to spend $30-$40k on this. Maybe I’ll like it better in person. Still haven’t been abel to see it since it was a no show at the LA auto show.
Jan 24th, 2009 (12:29 pm)hi DaV8or #18,
Yes, I was surprised when the GM reps wouldn’t open the hatch at the L.A. and Santa Monica Auto Shows. We get a pretty good idea from the pictures Lyle has posted.
=D~
Jan 24th, 2009 (12:29 pm)#14 Dave K.:
To each his own. I like the ride heigth just fine. I have my S10 lowered farther that that, as part of the gas mileage enhacement experiment (ahem,ahem). It kind of eats up the front spoiler, but it’s a consumable item to me. Our Impala is equally low (factory ride height!). It has gone through one spoiler in almost 14 years, so no big deal. It drags the tailpipes too on a steep driveway, but the factory ones are still just fine. The homeboys here in LA lower them some more!
I’m ready to buy a Volt now. My concern continues to be how GM is going to survive until the !@#$% thing is available in 2011. If then, for the likes of us.
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS! DBNGCMEMEV
Jan 24th, 2009 (12:36 pm)Hi Noel,
We have some very deep intersection drainage dips (and tall speed bumps) here in Santa Barbara. They are fine at 10-15 mph. Problem is, I drive 25-30 mph. The city isn’t going to smooth these out, so we need to go higher with our rides. I also like being able to have a tall view of the street.
=D~
Jan 24th, 2009 (12:37 pm)Regarding the rear seating area. It’s been described as pretty much identical to the front seats, so leg and head room should fare well. The back seats were supposed to fold down to within a few degrees of “flat”.
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS
Jan 24th, 2009 (12:46 pm)I sure hope the plug-in is unique to the Volt so other cords wouldn’t work — I want it to be like cell phone chargers — a different one for every model so we can have lots of new manufacturing jobs…it is so convenient, Sure wouldn’t want a standard electrical plug to work…
Jan 24th, 2009 (12:57 pm)I sure hope that if you loose your plug, or the dog chews it up, that you can use regular extention cord to charge. I would not want to wait on UPS, or the dealership to order, receive, and call me when it comes in. Maybe the Volt can come with an extra or two charging cords, or harging handles. On the other hand, I would just call in and take a day or two off, if I had a job that is.
-1
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:03 pm)This New Volt has a great overall look! I can’t wait to see how it drives. Sign me up.
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:11 pm)#21 Dave K.:
I think that the ride heigth impacts directly on the Cd. That’s why they are willing to accept the inconvenience.
Go real slow, and try to cross on an angle. That’s what I do, LOL. Every once in awhile I get my sums wrong, and there’s a big screech from under the front bumper, but it’s a small price to pay for the psychological good feeling of thinking I’m outsmarting the Saudi royal family, LMAO. Save about 0.25 mpg probably.
In the ’60s (’50s?), Citroen had driver adjustable ride heigth. They didn’t even have a jack for flat tires. Just run the suspension all the way up, stick a jack stand (came with the car) under the designated jacking point, and run the suspension back down until that wheel came off the ground. Maybe we should put that on the wish list for Gen 2, along with the solar panel, hehehe.
Or bring it down to Compton and have the lowrider boys put hydraulics on it. Maybe JC Whitney can make some money selling spring spacers.
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:12 pm)Nice pics. The concept could easily be extended to a wagon version. In fact it would look better with a stretched roof version and more vertical hatchback.
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:13 pm)Just pictures isn’t really new anymore. Need to know production specs, when available, and price.
This is just marketing department work. We’ve already debated just about everything about this car already. Everyone interested should know the basics by now and have an opinion.
Until it’s available and we know the cost, how much more can be said?
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:13 pm)“My favorite pic is the hand about to plug in the Volt, ’cause that’s what it’s all about.”
Mine too, because you can’t see the rest of the hideous car.
I love what the volt is all about but they KILLED the look of this car vs the concept.
I guess it’s moot as I can’t afford this thing anyways. The Caddy flavor looks pretty sweet though.
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:34 pm)I love it. “Please raise the car so I can drive 30 MPH over speed bumps.” Who cares if it is no longer aerodynamic enough to get 40 miles on zero gas. Perhaps there is a safety related reason Santa Barbara would like people to slow down where they put the speed bumps? The solution, sir, is to slow down, not to raise the car.
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:35 pm)Once again GM has failed the American public. The car looks great & I am glad to see an American company on the leading edge. Wait for it >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> $40,000.00 >>>>>>>>. What average American can afford this ?????? When the average pay in the US is $40,000.00 a year… GM needs to wake up !!!!! who is going to buy this car all the people who can afford a $40,000.00 car are going to buy there BMW’s & Lexus & Acura’s ect before they shell out $40K for a Chevy. To think we bailed GM out for this ?? What happened to the EV-1 ( look up who killed the electric car it will make you sick ) ??? Hey GM make a cheap good looking car with a small block 400hp V8 for $20K ( they get 25mpg on the highway with a six speed auto it would get almost 30 mpg ) and I will have fun burning the $20K in gas that I’ll have left over I can even get a few sets of tires . $40K HAHA . Buy a Jetta TDI 36++ mpg almost 600miles on a tank for $25K.
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:35 pm)Looks like a Prius (YUK) but I still want one.
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:39 pm)True to form, GM took a great concept and uglied it up. But that doesn’t surprise me coming from one of the most mis-managed companies in the auto industry.
Because of the screwing I received in 1998 when my ’97 Grand Am ate the brake pads due to warped rotors, I will continue my boycott of GM, regardless of their innovations.
GM warranted the warped rotors and then charged $164 for pads that were worn out by the rotors. As a result, my customer loyalty went begging, and that comes from someone that at one time was a die-hard GM fan.
Great concept, but making it look like a Prius isn’t going to get it to sell.
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:46 pm)These onese were out for some time. I thought we got something new
.
Jan 24th, 2009 (1:49 pm)Still looks like 90% of the cars on the road today. A real yawner. I’m sure the competition will show some STYLE.
Jan 24th, 2009 (2:06 pm)I can’t see any of the pictures except the top one. I like it. Hatchbacks rule!
Notice the ultra-green grass strip in the middle of the driveway.
Jan 24th, 2009 (2:11 pm)I really like the hatchback. Back seats down, put a couple of bedspreads in the back and both our Goldens can jump right in and travel in style. A station wagon or small crossover version is also a great idea.
Jan 24th, 2009 (2:27 pm)The photos prove that GM can out design Toyota and Honda. Electric or not, the car looks great.
Jan 24th, 2009 (2:38 pm)Again Guy’s, Can anyone help.
I read that there is a sister site to this one – Hosted by Lyle. Does anyone know the address?
Jan 24th, 2009 (2:45 pm)Think I’m going to purchase two of these motors and go for 1/2 the Horse Power.
Conversion 18000$, Donor Vehicle (nice one) 5000$, $5000 Labor and 3 months
I’m in a nice electric car in 3 months for 28k$
What are we waiting for? Someone build abusiness plan for converting cars to this system.
Hi-Pa Drive Ford F150 http://www.hipadrive.com/sema.html
Taipan60@aol.com
Jan 24th, 2009 (2:47 pm)#38 TALLPALL
I’m not aware of any other site dedicted to the Volt that Lyle hosts.
Perhaps you’re thinking of the Volt Forums:
http://gm-volt.com/forum/
Then there’s the old gm-volt forums, but these can only be viewed as archives:
http://gm-volt.com/volt-discussion/
Of course, you can always contact Lyle directly & ask about it.
chevyvolt@gmail.com
Hope this is of some assistance to you.
Jan 24th, 2009 (2:50 pm)I like that it’s (more or less) a hatchback. You could fit some big stuff in there, especially if the rear seat backs fold down.
Jan 24th, 2009 (2:58 pm)Great pictures, Lyle, but I saw these a week or so ago. Still many here have not seen the pictures.
Jan 24th, 2009 (3:00 pm)My other thought:
A year ago I found this site and Wow everyone on here was saying :”Man it’s great and I don’t care how much caus it’s just sooo cool!”; me included.
Today I read: Looks great/ugly, it costs too much, it’s about time and it’s still not in production.
My perception is, this is just what GM wants us to do, lose interest in what the Volt was supposed to be all about. This is the prelude to the murder of yet another great concept to move away from the Big 3 and 5 Sisters Oil.
Jan 24th, 2009 (3:06 pm)I think I’ll wait till they get around to equipping it with all that good vapor ware like wheel motors, EESTOR units, free piston engine range extender and put it all in a HHR. Till then my Golf TDI will have to serve.
Jan 24th, 2009 (3:24 pm)Computer digitized imagages! Are we ever going to see the real thing? 2011? What happened to 2010?????
Sounds like the EV-1 all over again! Tired of wasting your money? Just do it then!
Jan 24th, 2009 (3:31 pm)#38 TALLPALL:
allcarselectric.com
Jan 24th, 2009 (3:33 pm)#31 Phil says “$40,000……………………………………”
Are you sure about that ? Insider info ?
Jan 24th, 2009 (3:35 pm)It does not look like the original prototype at all. In fact it looks like a prius
Jan 24th, 2009 (3:56 pm)hi marc #30,
You like misquoting people? I didn’t say,“Please raise the car so I can drive 30 MPH over speed bumps.” Have another look at my #21 post.
____________________________
The car manufactures are bending over backwards to make cars that sit lower and lower. Why not just sell them with normal ground clearance and let the “cool guys” lower them?
Again, reread my #21 post and you’ll see my main concern is the surface street drainage system and the bottoming out of low riding vehicles. And, it goes without saying, speed bumps cause scraping as well. Along with most parking structure entry ramps and home driveways.
Remember the internet video of the original Volt? The lady exited her driveway at about 2 mph (no kidding). And barely made it without bottoming the nose. I’ll end up going with high profile tires or simply wait for a truck. Have fun with your stock belly drag’r. And reread my #21 post.
=D~
Jan 24th, 2009 (3:59 pm)I like this picture the best. It looks good from this angle. The wheels on the Volt look good.
http://gm-volt.com/galleries/photo/3220976825/2011-Chevrolet-Volt-Production-Show-Car.html
Jan 24th, 2009 (4:00 pm)I can see why GM played it safe..if the Pruis is such a success…why not make it “Prius like”. It’s clearly not my taste at all. Bring on the
“not much more to build Converj” Bob.
…and watch it sell like mad.
Why GM went with this style when the CONVERJ is available is a whole different story. That is rather confusing, frustrating and what ever other adjectives you can come up with….
Build the CONVERJ along side of the Volt. What fools GM are once again if they let this one get lost in the halls of such amazing but never to happen designs. The answer for GM survival stares them in the face. Clearly, strikingly, powerfully.
Yet they fail to see…and why I see the bail out so undeserved, but necessary. Now they must wake up. Smelling salts anyone…
Jan 24th, 2009 (4:05 pm)With the hatch open, I thought I was looking at a Prius.
I hope the vehicle won’t allow you to pull away with the plug still attached…
Jan 24th, 2009 (4:05 pm)#2 Dave B Says: “Maybe I’m impatient, but it is amazing how a start-up like Tesla can design, build, and produce the vehicle with less thank a fourth of the budget of the Volt.”
————————————————————————————–
No, it’s not amazing at all.
If GM set out to make a $100,000 sports car, and only sell 2000 of these cars a year, then I’m sure they could do it in much less time than the Volt. At 2000 units a year, you’re basically hand-building each one, so a lot of the manufacturing engineering that goes into building an efficient assembly line doesn’t apply.
Tesla has to start with small production runs. They don’t have the capacity for a mass market car. In order to grow the company, they have to start with a low volume luxury sports car. Tesla aims to eventually make a mass market car, but they have to grow the company before they can do that. Elon Musk makes this all very clear.
GM is already a big company, so they can skip the growing phase and go straight for a mass market vehicle. This is why the Volt is such a big deal.
Jan 24th, 2009 (4:15 pm)I think people are used to seeing the longer front ends and a more stylish rear end … pretty much what a Corvette looks like. They don’t realize that GM had to make some styling compromises in order to get the aerodynamics they wanted. The Kammbach (squared off) rear end is apparently what is the most aerodynamic for a car with the Volt’s E-REV powertrain specs.
I’d love for GM to make the Volt look ultra cool like an Aston Martin Vantage but they probably couldn’t do it because of cost and aerodynamics reasons. The #1 priority for the Volt was for it to go 40 miles on electricity alone before the IC engine kicks in …. AND be somewhat affordable.
Once the “super ultra mega batteries” come out in 5-10 years, the designers will probably be free to design E-REVs and pure electric cars any way they want …. even if it doesn’t have the “ultra low drag coefficient” and all that.
Jan 24th, 2009 (4:27 pm)Prius +1
Jan 24th, 2009 (4:31 pm)Still waiting for a production model. But alas I don’t think it will happen, to much hype and not enough reality.
Jan 24th, 2009 (4:33 pm)Awesome pics! I might actually use a couple of them as desktop wallpapers! (I’ll have to crop them or something though, because for some reason they’re all square…..???)
Jan 24th, 2009 (4:35 pm)Awesome, I like it much, it has the look.
Jan 24th, 2009 (4:49 pm)Great pictures,
I just hope they change the centre console from white to black or a very dark silver.
The reflection would would drive me crazy.
Plus the fact the Ipod type white looks so “GAY”
Jan 24th, 2009 (5:00 pm)Exciting times to see such advances in engineering.
________________________________
“See” is the key word.
“Purchase” is what makes a difference.
Merit will be awarded when it is earned. Remember how many times we have been presented with plans & prototypes in the past. Eventually, something will indeed be delivered. But hold off on the excitement until the advanced engineering is actually in your driveway.
Jan 24th, 2009 (5:09 pm)Nice Car.Too bad it’s not real.
A lot will change in the auto world in the next two years that may make this thing irrelevant. Things are moving much quicker than GM.
Jan 24th, 2009 (5:13 pm)#2 Dave B Says: “Maybe I’m impatient, but it is amazing how a start-up like Tesla can design, build, and produce the vehicle with less thank a fourth of the budget of the Volt.”
==================================
#53 Dave G said:
“No, it’s not amazing at all.”
==================================
…well, its a little amazing, hehe. I was thinking they would end up like most startups…push out a few copie, then realize buildings “carz is hard yo,” then close up.
—
Thanks for updated the photo gallery, and making it a thread at the same Lyle…it is a nice change of pace for the weekend.
Jan 24th, 2009 (5:17 pm)Toyota just announced they will make a plugin hybrid. The sad thing is they are starting much later than GM but may beat GM to production.
GM management and UAW need to change fast or they will lose it all.
Jan 24th, 2009 (5:17 pm)120v vs 220v question —–
I read that the Volt will have the option to recharge with either, but that the recharge time is MUCH quicker with 220v.
But the photo looks as there is only three leads on the connecting plug – which would imply on 120v will be supported.
Does anyone know (before I invest in having an underground circuit put in during my anticipation)?
Jan 24th, 2009 (5:36 pm)New 3rd Gen Prius + 2
Jan 24th, 2009 (5:56 pm)What a nice looking Prius. Too bad GM is going into chapter 11.
Jan 24th, 2009 (5:58 pm)Actually , the name should be changed to the CoVolt-90% Cobalt, 10% poorly engineered Hybrid.
Jan 24th, 2009 (5:59 pm)LOOKS like a Honda Civic… GOOD luck selling for $40K.
Jan 24th, 2009 (6:01 pm)GM…. Please make a freaking head turner!!!!
Jan 24th, 2009 (6:10 pm)I am starting to love the way this car looks like!
It’s pretty nice
Jan 24th, 2009 (6:20 pm)I must admit 5 yrs I have been following the production of this car because I loved the ORIGINAL Design now it looks like an average car why do they always tease us with a great looking prototype then rip the carpet out from beneath our feet I just loved the car but no way would I buy this vehicle. Good luck GM your going to need it and alot more
Jan 24th, 2009 (6:28 pm)Just got back from the Detroit Auto Show and got to see the production Volt in person. It does look really good in person. Also was impressed with the looks of the new Chevy Cruze. If the Cruze really does get 40mpg and looks this good, it should be big winner.
Jan 24th, 2009 (6:31 pm)GM ruined this car. The original spec was amazing. Now this just looks like a Honda. Thanks GM for hyping this car up with an amazing look then giving us something that looks like this….nothing new. I am “so glad” we are giving 700 bil to make MORE cars that look alike. Great marketing…..hire me, I will tell you what everyone else thinks…..
Jan 24th, 2009 (6:39 pm)The back looks sporty. Front still looks like a mommy-mobile to me. I guess we’ll have to wait for aftermarket parts to fix that.
Jan 24th, 2009 (6:47 pm)Kell #43
People keep questioning GM ‘s commitment to the Volt and the reality of it’s development. It is pretty clear they are all in this time. Other then the fact that the Volt is solely propelled by an electric motor, there is very little resemblance to the EV1 program. From government regulations, corporate motivation, powertrain (EREV vs BEV), and manufacturability to long term strategy there is absolutely no reason to believe the Volt won’t be built. In the 90′s when the EV1 was being developed it was clear from many different indicators that GM did not “really” want to mass produce it. The present Volt experience is almost entirely different.
Jan 24th, 2009 (6:56 pm)I like the look of the production Volt. I saw it at the Santa Monica Auto Show (09/26/08) and immediately thought “BMW”. The Volt is a winner in the looks department and a leader in mileage rating.
Example of my weekly drive pattern:
mon: work & gym 35 miles
tue: work and RC planes 38 miles
wed: work and gym 35 miles
thur: bike ride 0 miles
fri: gym and shopping 60 miles
sat: work and gym 35 miles
sun: work and fishing 60 miles
total: 263 miles 6x $1 charges $2.50 for gasoline = $8.50
263 X 4 = 1052 miles per month = 12,624 miles per year
cost = $442.00 (no smog ~ no noise ~ good power)
12,624 @ 45 MPG = 280 gallons x $2.50 = $701.00 per year
=D~
Jan 24th, 2009 (7:12 pm)cost = $442.00 (no smog ~ no noise ~ good power)
_______________________________
How can running the engine be accomplished without any smog or noise?
Jan 24th, 2009 (7:18 pm)Looks like a Prius to me…YUK!
Jan 24th, 2009 (7:24 pm)WOW!!! A Hatchback !!!!!!!
Now it really looks less than the prototype by more than abit.
Aweful looking.
Jan 24th, 2009 (7:50 pm)As has been said before, GM better hope like h*ll that Toyota doesn’t sue them for this Prius knock-off! You promised such EXCITEMENT with the initial prototype – way to blow another opportunity, GM.
On a positive note: Apparently Fiat has offered to help bailout Chrysler – it would be great to see some economical (well over 50 mpg) Cinquecentos aka 500s back over here. Yes, they’ve asked for several billion to “sweeten” the deal, but that’s still less tax dollars than it will certainly cost we American tax payers to continue keeping Chrysler on life support: the only remaining option is to just let them fail as the free market economy dictates, which is frankly the best course of action.
Jan 24th, 2009 (8:05 pm)#39 Kell Says: “Think I’m going to purchase two of these motors and go for 1/2 the Horse Power.
Conversion 18000$, Donor Vehicle (nice one) 5000$, $5000 Labor and 3 months
I’m in a nice electric car in 3 months for 28k$
What are we waiting for? Someone build abusiness plan for converting cars to this system.”
————————————————————————————–
Let us know how you make out.
By the way, where did you get the price of $18,000 for the conversion?
Jan 24th, 2009 (8:05 pm)2011
Yikes – how much bail-out money will they need to survive that long?
And they are going to ask 40K for that thing?
Edsel – AMC – GM
Jan 24th, 2009 (8:10 pm)Price the car in a range$ 28,000 and $ 33,000 or you have a loser on your hands the math just does not work. I must say if it works as well as it looks that will surely go a long way towards success.
Jan 24th, 2009 (8:10 pm)Don’t forget that Fiat nearly went under a few years ago. GM dumped its partial ownership a couple of years before that at a big loss. This might be the weak buying the weaker. Fiat makes most of its sales in Italy, very little across the rest of Europe (WSJ).
Jan 24th, 2009 (8:15 pm)Poster #2, I gather you haven’t been reading anything about Tesla recently…
So it turns out GM is smart to move carefully forward, who’dathunkit?
Jan 24th, 2009 (8:15 pm)#82 Thomas Earl Says: “2011, Yikes – how much bail-out money will they need to survive that long? And they are going to ask 40K for that thing?”
————————————————————————————–
The amount of bailout money needed is mostly dependent on whether the banks start loaning money again. If people can’t get a loan or a lease, they won’t get a new car. It’s pretty simple.
The price of the Volt will probably be $30K or less after the tax credit.
Jan 24th, 2009 (8:26 pm)Thanks for the photos!
I was wondering, because the plug looks extremely close to the door in the photo – What if after driving home the the daily commute or the grocery store or wherever, you get out of the car and plug it in. Then you remember you forgot something, sunglass, pocketbook, bag of oranges, whatever, and then you open the driver side door. Is there enough clearance for the door to open with the car plugged in or are we going to break the cord end?
Jan 24th, 2009 (8:30 pm)#76 Dave K. =D~ Says: “Example of my weekly drive pattern:
mon: work & gym 35 miles
tue: work and RC planes 38 miles
wed: work and gym 35 miles
thur: bike ride 0 miles
fri: gym and shopping 60 miles
sat: work and gym 35 miles
sun: work and fishing 60 miles
…
263 X 4 = 1052 miles per month = 12,624 miles per year
————————————————————————————–
Your driving pattern here ends up being not that different from the average yearly driving pattern I’ve been using in my calculations:
• 30 days at 8 miles per day
• 50 days at 16 miles per day
• 240 days at 30 miles per day
• 30 days at 60 miles per day
• 3 days at 450 miles per day
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzenu6hr/ebay_pictures/Plugin_mileage.xls
Total yearly miles: 11390
Jan 24th, 2009 (8:38 pm)The car looks good. It just took too long to bring it to market and it’ still not available… At the reported $40K it’ll be a hard sell in a good economy unless their are substantial tax incentives. In the current economy, (thank-you Barney Frank and Chris Dodd…) it’s a real stretch. Gotta hand it to ya though… it looks excellent!
Jan 24th, 2009 (8:57 pm)Great pics, I’m still happy with the design. Really looking forward to it…seems like we’ve been waiting forever!
Jan 24th, 2009 (9:26 pm)Kell Says:
Think I’m going to purchase two of these motors and go for 1/2 the Horse Power.
Conversion 18000$, Donor Vehicle (nice one) 5000$, $5000 Labor and 3 months
I’m in a nice electric car in 3 months for 28k$
What are we waiting for? Someone build abusiness plan for converting cars to this system.
=====================================================
Yes, you can do this and so can nearly anyone with enough dough in pocket.
But (you knew there had to be a BUT..):
1) What is the life of your batteries? I will take a guess, and say you probably do not know. Will your $18,000 conversion have batteries with integrated thermal management and individual cell charge monitoring? Will your battery maintain SOC withing acceptable limits, to prevent premature cell degradation? What type of warranty do you get on this $18,000 conversion kit? Does your battey on use approx. 50% of the usable power, to again prevent early onset battery disposal? I could run out to Batteries Plus and buy up a couple thousand AA’s and series/parallel them to make a 330V battery, but would I? NO.
2) Does you $18,000 include a ICE and generator and all the goodies it takes to make a range extender? This ain’t no cheap and easy piece of hardware. (This conversion kit is probably just the EV portion, and no Extended range is even optional?)
3) Does the $18,000 conversion kit give you all the on-board monitoring and control that would provide?
4) I want an EV, but I know you do not just throw in a battery pack, a few electric motors, and a simple controller. Well, actually you could, but this solution will NOT make any economic or even environmental sense. Your going to end up with a car that will last 3-5 years tops, before you would likely need to recycle your batteries. This just will not work, unless your doing it for pure fun or experimental purposes (which I have no issue with people doing, but do not think this is going to save you or the planet).
Bottom line is the Volt includes many items that must be designed for the mass market. I cannot over state, the amount of effort and costs that will go into designing the Volt. I will actually be surprised if the Volt can be produced for less than $40,000, and that’s just GM’s costs, but time will tell.
Jan 24th, 2009 (9:34 pm)I put money on a Prius in 1999, got delivery of a fairly low number 2001 in Nov. 2000. Mind you, I got it for 20K, tags and title included, because they wanted the things to sell like hotcakes, and were willing to take a loss on them for a while. Don’t know if the current market or the current mindset would allow Chevy and such luxury.
Also hoping to find out how much current this draws, and whether I can put in enough wind and solar. I live close enough to coal areas to know that “clean coal”…isn’t. Sadly, around here, if I plug into the grid, I’m supporting the fouling of my own rivers and groundwater.
With only 5 solar panels, I’m hoping I could get 15 or 20 miles “free” every couple of days, and bike more on other days.
Jan 24th, 2009 (9:42 pm)Its too bad GM decided to change the design of the Volt….The origional prototype was beautiful..can’t say that now…you had a winner…chow.
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:03 pm)Hi
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:06 pm)I’m so disappointed. This looks like a Prius. I was hoping that they could come through with a hybrid/’green’ car that you don’t have to be embarrassed to drive. I was sold on the total package until I saw this. I would have even gone for the $40K (under $30K would be much better) if it kept the sexy futuristic look to it. They really messed up in my opinion. Now they’ve tied the hands of their ad guys, and I don’t see this really taking off in the US looking like this.
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:16 pm)Are they still going to use that box full of flashlight batteries? Why not use thin film/ lithiun ion batties like Toyota, Panasonic, Toshiba, Nissan, Subaru, Mitshubishi, and NEC ? How has GM lasted this long ? (Answer: Auto-Workers Union/ Political Contributions and Votes).
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:39 pm)Remember when the designs for the Volt were cool. Now this soccer Mom mobile gets uglier and uglier with each new image the release
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:39 pm)You know the Prius doesn’t use Lithium batteries?
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:46 pm)$40000 – I think not. Cutting edge design – I think not. GM survives – I think not.
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:47 pm)Rent the Movie “Tucker” this guy built a fantastic car only to be stepped on by the giant feet of the big three.
I just returned from the Houston Auto show. The Camaro also lost it’s concept looks…I don’t know about this one people. The pics were great…in reality…I really tried to like it…They had a nasty yellow one and a silver one with awful black painted steel wheels like a kid in a Civic. Bad, really bad.
The Volt was not there nor was the Converj.
Chrysler didn’t have the Viper….but there Electric model was there..not bad…
Dodge had the new nice looking Ram…but still uses “hard” crap feeling and looking plastic interior. Who the hell bailed these a holes out…
Back to GM…not a bad car but at 40K it better have the Converj body on it people…or it’s a flop. Sorry. The Volt will do good under 30K…40K ??? Not with that body bolted to it.
But it does look better than a Prius.
The new “CC” from VW is jaw dropping. Thats what 40K needs to look like. Are you reading this GM…man you guys are mind blowing…the train is coming…here the horn…feel the tracks rumbling…get off your old school asses…
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:47 pm)#87:
That’s easy. They can design the charging receptical like they do with fire trucks – when you turn it on and put it in drive the plug is automatically ejected. I’ll bet they didn’t do this, more than likely you simply won’t be able to put the thing in drive if it is plugged in.
I had high hopes for the volt but fear it’s going to be too little too late by the time it comes out. And GM should be able to build & sell the thing in the mid to high 20′s not near 40K and have to rely on a tax credit to sell it.
To the person that said they probably couldn’t make it look like an astin martin and get the aero they need to get the mileage – Fiskar didn’t seem to have that trouble with the Karma, it has a 50 mile AER. Granted, it costs 89K.
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:50 pm)I’m afraid your way out of the ball park. You better start thinking about building something around $10,000 or less. There’s not enough rich people to support it and no middle class or lower can afford it.
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:52 pm)Still a bunch out there who like the boy racer look?
The chopped appearance of the prototype was old in 1955… Get over it!
Jan 24th, 2009 (10:58 pm)Toyota is supposed to ship 150 plug in Priuses with lithium batteries to the USA this year, and if they do not hit a snag, I expect Toyota will put a plug in Prius in retail showrooms before the Fall of 2010.
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:00 pm)junk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:15 pm)My first impression: WOW – looks like a Prius with bettter tires/rims.
Second thought: It’s (another) hatchback
Third thought: – I remember my first car from the 80′s was a hatchback (Volkswagon Scirocco – anyone remember those?) and I loved that car – very sporty and practical, though only a two door.
I currently have a Prius, and will only switch when a “worthy adversary” comes along (better than 45 mpg and similar investment $). From the outside, the Volt doesn’t immediately say $30k+ to me, so I will wait to see interior features.
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:33 pm)I am very much wanting to buy a CHevy volt to replace my Honda Civiic Hybrid in 2011 when the California high occupancy sticker expires. I will only buy if the economics are viable. $15 K for a Ford Focus vs $35K+ for a Chevy volt is a no brainer. The ford will fit nicely in our garage with our ford 500. Buy Chevy must be economically viable as well!!!
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:54 pm)I am looking forward to an affordable yet the inevitable transformation of the auto industry.
I am encouraged that GM is making the effort to make this car available, and to be a leader in a this important process.
I hope that the “VOLT” will be made available sooner rather than later and the restructuring and training requirements will be a model to ween our insatiable appetite for oil.
Oil still has a place in this economy, but not first place and, certainly not at the expense of our future.
Make it happen, you have the power!
Jan 24th, 2009 (11:55 pm)It looks good, but I liked the original prototype better. But I really like and need the hatchback. The price is steep, but hopefully we’ll have some good rebates to make it affordable. There’s already a $7500 rebate approved, and maybe the Obama administration will increase it or offer other incentives…Good point someone made about the placement of the plug.
Jan 25th, 2009 (12:28 am)Summary of everything above:
The pictures are nice.
The Volt is a hatchback (yuck)
How much does it cost (still)
Nice touch (sarcastically) with a proprietary power cord
ho hum
Jan 25th, 2009 (12:49 am)It’s uglier than I thought. The rear end is hidious!
Jan 25th, 2009 (12:56 am)I love the look of this car, and it’s a hatchback too boot (doesn’t look like one until you pop it open). I think that greatly increases the utility of the car. Nice job GM. Lets try and keep it affordable for the average Joe.
Jan 25th, 2009 (12:59 am)TRULY… my dead grandfathers Oldsmobile!
Jan 25th, 2009 (1:01 am)Hee, hee… it’s interesting to see all the Volt comparisons to Asian-made cars. The Volt is a way around our daily need for oil products. The Asian hybrids fire up each morning by putting a spark to gasoline.
Earlier, I had posted an example of my weekly driving pattern. I didn’t realize it then, but I am using the Volt’s gasoline power ICE just 40-50 miles per week. 200 per month, 2400 per year. This means that with a good 15,000 mile rated synthetic motor oil, I could forget about oil service stops for a pretty long while.
Let’s move away from oil use, go Volt.
=D~
Jan 25th, 2009 (1:18 am)[...] 24, 2009 I hope they don’t mess with the current design. It would be the sexiest sedan out [...]
Jan 25th, 2009 (4:50 am)Flowers in the trunk..is that an optional extra?
Jan 25th, 2009 (5:53 am)has futuristic design. releasing early will help GM in money making better than FCX by honda
Jan 25th, 2009 (8:33 am)I must say it’s a freaking nice sedan!!
Bring it to europe.. it will certainly sell. And probably help GM!
I really love the design. The first design was way to futuristic and unpractricle.
We need this.. but i hope the 40 miles will get more when more models will come out.. I love 100 miles because that will do almost 99% of our trips in europe.
I see alot american’s yelling that it’s ugly.. Really i don’t get you folks. It’s better then the prototype. It looks alot more like a “CAR” now.
I love the design it’s great. And i wasn’t expecting such nice interior from GM.
It’s has a luggage department, it can fit 5 persons. It can drive on electricity and all in a nice package..
What did you expect? Another sportscar? then buy a tesla roadster.
Jan 25th, 2009 (8:36 am)Forget the pictures; what’s taking so long to get this car on the road?
Agreed, it does look like a Prius….
And why is everyone forgetting that this car needs ‘electricity’ to run it…..that means burning coal….the worst polluter on the planet
And if its made in Ohio…I’m seriously reconsidering a Toyota instead… I bought an piece of lawn equipment made in Ohio and it ran once before breaking down.
Jan 25th, 2009 (8:51 am)Very disappointed, a hatch-back… Prius but made in America by an American Company… For the price, thanks but no thanks, if it was a sedan, maybe, a coupe hmmm. But this, no thanks…
Jan 25th, 2009 (9:38 am)This thing is going to sell just fine. It will definitely be a feather in GMs cap.
Jan 25th, 2009 (9:41 am)#119 Valerie Says: “And why is everyone forgetting that this car needs ‘electricity’ to run it…..that means burning coal….the worst polluter on the planet”
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Even with our current mix of fuels for electricity, electric cars produce 40% fewer emissions than a regular gas engine car.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/programs/ht/tm/3507.html?site=22&pl=qt&rate=hi&ch=5
As electricity moves toward cleaner fuels sources (wind, solar, clean coal, etc.), then that 40% will only get better.
Electric power plants, transmission lines, batteries, and electric motors are all dramatically more efficient than gasoline. Even if you use oil to make electricity to run an electric car, the car will go 2-3 times further than if you refined that oil into gasoline to run a regular gas engine.
Any way you slice it, electric cars produce less pollution…
Jan 25th, 2009 (9:49 am)Now what about our current parts and labour repair and replacement costs of all the oil changes, fan belts, water pumps, antifreeze, block heaters, oil leaks, head gaskets, tune up: plugs, cap/rotor, wire sets, ignition coils, radiators, Auto transmission servicing, diff failures, clutches, and on and on …wow! no more leaks on the driveway! I’d sure miss the expense of a Gasoline Car! Where do I sign!
Jan 25th, 2009 (9:50 am)#119 Valerie Says: “Forget the pictures; what’s taking so long to get this car on the road?”
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This has been asked and answered many times before.
The reality is that it takes any car manufacturer 3-5 years to develop a new vehicle from scratch. If they have an existing car and they’re just changing the body style, this is much faster. But to design a new chassis, get all the parts suppliers to build new parts, do proper testing, and design and build up a new assembly line, this stuff all takes time.
The main reason it seems like a long time is that GM announced it’s plans very early in the development process. Considering that production work on the Volt didn’t start until the spring on 2007, and they’re selling it in Nov. 2010, this is a FAST schedule. Lots of long hours on the Volt.
Jan 25th, 2009 (9:54 am)The BYD E6 is starting to look better at $22k
http://tinyurl.com/adqld5
add some fancy wheels and paint it anything but silver.. 250 mile range and no engine at all.
Jan 25th, 2009 (10:08 am)#123 Rick Says: “Now what about our current parts and labour repair and replacement costs of all the oil changes, fan belts, water pumps, antifreeze, block heaters, oil leaks, head gaskets, tune up: plugs, cap/rotor, wire sets, ignition coils, radiators, Auto transmission servicing, diff failures, clutches, and on and on …wow! no more leaks on the driveway! I’d sure miss the expense of a Gasoline Car! Where do I sign!”
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Careful! The Volt still has an internal combustion engine (ICE) that runs on gasoline or E85. So for Volt maintenance, you’ll have:
• Oil changes (probably once a year or so)
• The Volt has no fan belt
• The Volt has 2 water pumps, both electric, 1 for the ICE and 1 for the battery
• Antifreeze changes (probably once every 5 years)
• The Volt uses both the ICE and electricity to heat the cabin, so there is a heater core
• The Volt has the possibility of oil leaks and head gasket issues
• Volt tune ups will be required, but much less frequently
• Most new cars don’t have a cap/rotor anymore, so this is a non-issue
• The Volt will have at least 1 radiator, possibly 2. The ICE and battery both need cooling.
• The Volt has no transmission or clutch
• The Volt does have reducing gears and CV-joints between the electric motor and the wheels.
Jan 25th, 2009 (11:16 am)We have been avid GM enthusiasts all of our lives, Chevy, Buick and Cadillac. We were also enthusiatically looking forward to an American made GM plug-in electric. We both try to support the green revolution. Unfortunately, we may have to change our position on GM support. After hearing Mr. Lutz say that the Volt will probably be a $40,000 car, we were severely disappointed. The new pictures of the 2011 Volt were disappointing as well; Is that a new Prius?
For a car that has no known battery life, is small and has known and proven competition, it looks like GM is getting Bush-like, ‘out of touch with the typical buyer’. In a fantasy world do they think this car will bail-out GM? That’s inaddition to the tens of billions being handed to them from the TARP funds.
We are an older couple with modest tastes and sensibilities, we would never pay $40,000 for a car when there are soooo many viable alternatives, foreign and domestic. We are truly sad to make these statements, it’s unfortunate.
Jan 25th, 2009 (12:41 pm)I was excited when the Volt was a cute, sporty car. Now that it has turned into a Prius at $40,000, I am losing my excitement. BUT, I want an electric car.
Jan 25th, 2009 (12:55 pm)I think that if you can afford a $40,000+ electric car, you would pay another $5,000 or so to get some styling. I would buy the original prototype at $45K but not this on for $35K.
Jan 25th, 2009 (1:05 pm)Wow, enough said. Sign me up, I am ready to buy.
Jan 25th, 2009 (1:40 pm)How many electric cars will GM really sell at $40,000 each
how many will be able to afford this Volt electric.
Jan 25th, 2009 (2:15 pm)You know this company is actually sickning. They need our Government handouts, Over pay there executives, They had the technology years ago and could have only done better with it. I personally think this is 2 little 2 late. A friend of mine in Canada ordered a Saturn(chevy owned) Vu hybrid, Waited over a year for delivery. OVER 1 YEAR? How sick is that? A company that cannot fill orders getting government handouts. I love the VOLT. I think it should do well if the economy picks up. But as we all know(some refuse to admitt) we are heading for an economic collapse. The ultra rich are lining there pockets before the inevitable collape. This is why I say, 2little 2 late!
Jan 25th, 2009 (3:54 pm)Gm Needs to speed up Production,2011 ,Wow , This is all begining to sound like a pipe dream to get Tax Dollars.Gm be realistic,Start to Produce this car Now, So that when gas Prices start to rise you will be there for the American Public. Cut the Price to 25K With the tax credit People can Buy for 15 K and Gm Regains It’s world sales Dominance and beats Toyota.But 40K in this economy by 2011 GM IS Gone.
Jan 25th, 2009 (4:59 pm)The first prototype pictures that came out were a better looking car than this version. I am really pulling for GM with this car and will buy one if the price is right, But remember that great looking vehicles will sell themselves. Shrink the new camaro body and put it on this chassis, remember the Chevelles and camaros and corvettes that used to sell, but reshape the body to look unique and muscular. It’ll sell more.
Jan 25th, 2009 (5:00 pm)Gee, The photos of this 2011 model car looks very similar to the photos of the 2010 model. I can not drive a photo, sorry. Posted By Darling Dave, Fairfield, CA
Jan 25th, 2009 (5:59 pm)I would like to ask an opinion. I live in the northern US (cold, ice, snow) and do not park my car in the garage (too much stuff in garage). If I were to buy the Volt, I would have to run an extension cord out from the garage to th car. Is this practical during times of inclement weather such as heavy rain and snow? I don’t know how waterproof the mating electrical connection would be. I assume that most people buying the volt will have a nice protected garage to park it in.
Jan 25th, 2009 (6:26 pm)I am chomping at the bit to get my hands on an affordable electric car. A 40 mile range is more than enough for my use and I would purchase it NOW!
Although I am on the list for a Chevrolet Volt, I bet a dollar that I will be purchasing a new electric car from Toyota, Honda or Tesla for about $25,000 to $30,000 because we all know they will get it on the market before Chevrolet.
Building an electric car is not thermo nuclear science yet for some reason it’s always years away from production.
Take a look at the Tesla at: http://www.teslamotors.com/ We have the technology!
Jan 25th, 2009 (6:49 pm)The Hatchback is a good idea and essential but I side with comment #17 stating that the tailgate opening should go down to the bed of the cargo area (for moving heavy loads like 50lbs. of Dog Kibble, small furniture/antique items, strollers, etc.). This could prevent possible injury(s) to the back–GM does not want/need to be associated with a potential problem that they could have designed away.
Also (although this will make the Volt look more like the Prius) a dark glass portion of the rear end would be helpful for viewing from the rear view mirror.
Jan 25th, 2009 (7:01 pm)The car is gorgeous….BUT, drop the hideous GOLD Chevy insignia, logo or emblem and change it to silver – sleek and shiny and non distracting from the gorgeous design of the car. Gold insignias came and went ten years ago… but Chevy seems not to have noticed. It drives me nuts every time I see one on an otherwise modern, competitive American car…. what are you guys thinking? I dare you to do a group study of potential buyers on this one. Oh yes, and when you find out public opinion on this one and you change it you can put $10k in my son’s college fund as a thank you gift.
Jan 25th, 2009 (7:49 pm)“QUOTED”
#12
TALLPALL Says:
January 24th, 2009 at 11:31 am
“Love the VOLT….
I just hope that the American public support the change ‘to the future’ ….in large numbers.
Can anyone give me the ‘VOLT Sister website’ address by Lyle?”
—-America is ready, been ready since the 70′s. The bailout should explain that one.
Chevy should have stuck with the prototype design. Much, much cooler.
Jan 25th, 2009 (8:01 pm)#
Glen Says:
January 24th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
The photos prove that GM can out design Toyota and Honda. Electric or not, the car looks great.
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Too bad this design was done by GM’s Asian counterparts years ago. This cars turning into a joke.
Jan 25th, 2009 (8:44 pm)At $40,000.00 will not be a care for average Joe. While Honda promise to sell the first hybrid for less than $20,000.00, GM has no chance to succeed.
Jan 25th, 2009 (9:18 pm)I love this car, but I have one question,
How long will it take for the heater to work? I live in Utah and the worst part of my winter drives is the first mile up the canyon before my car warms up. If I drive downhill, it takes almost 5 miles for my car’s heater to put out warm air. I have a good friend who drives a Prius, and his car never warms up before he gets to work. He ends up wearing a coat, hat, scarf and gloves in the car just so he doesn’t freeze.
Jan 25th, 2009 (9:36 pm)Nice car, but $37K for a car that only looks slightly better than the new Prius? I understand that the Volt concept was a wind tunnel disaster, but this more closely resembles a current model Cobalt than the Volt concept. Perhaps the Caddy version will look closer to the concept than this does.
Is it just me or does that front grill work look super cheap? The hatchback, with the vast expanse of black plastic, also looks very low budget (Honda-esqe) to me.
Still, I will buy it for my wife as soon as its available…she’s okay with the middling styling.
We all want this car and GM to succeed, but I hope they get the power train cost down low enough so that they can spend a little more coin on Volt 2.0’s styling. For this kind of money they should be thinking Audi “styling” and not Toyota “packaging.” If you know what I mean?
Jan 25th, 2009 (10:15 pm)#144 Kyle M Says: “How long will it take for the heater to work? I live in Utah and the worst part of my winter drives is the first mile up the canyon before my car warms up. If I drive downhill, it takes almost 5 miles for my car’s heater to put out warm air.”
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The Volt heats the passenger cabin in 2 ways:
1) When the gas engine is running, engine coolant warms the car.
2) In electric mode, an electric heater is used
I don’t remember the specific type of electric heater, but it’s more efficient than simple resistive heating elements. I’m assuming the electric heater will be fast. I’ve heard the Volt also has seat warmers standard, but that has yet to be verified by GM.
Jan 25th, 2009 (10:18 pm)it looks like a toyota Corrona, with the edges shaveds.
After the EV’s and this is all you can produce?
Theres no wonder you need a bailout.
I suggest you go Chapter 11 and reorganise abolishing the present contracts and Union. Then and only then will you start to be competitive and produce something needed and wanted. Until then you flogging a dead horse.
Jan 25th, 2009 (10:33 pm)Looks a lot like a Prius, but reverse engineering is good.
Jan 26th, 2009 (6:30 am)What happened to the 2010 Volt?
Jan 26th, 2009 (6:58 am)Get the Volt into production. Ready to buy!
Jan 26th, 2009 (7:44 am)LOL. I am busting a gut laughing at some of the transparent trolling going on here. Was it a slow day at Toyota headquarters, so they let all the interns hit the internet? The funniest part is that the only people being thrown off by the trolls are probably other trolls. This reminds me of an SNL skit I just saw called “Narc School”, where literally every student in a high school classroom is an undercover narcotics officer, yet none of them know that any of the others are cops. Keep on trollin’ folks; you’re only confusing each other!
Jan 26th, 2009 (8:13 am)#149 Ralph Says: “What happened to the 2010 Volt?”
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The 2011 model year Volt will be available for purchase in November 2010.
Jan 26th, 2009 (8:30 am)The car cannot cost more than $20,000 or no one will buy it — get real. Americans are in serious financial trouble. The average American needs a cheap car, not another Chevy with Cadilac prices
Jan 26th, 2009 (9:04 am)Not thrilled with the new design but these pics have actually helped me warm up a bit to it. However I agree that the price tag and delivery to market are the critical issues here. Realistically it looks like volume not until 2011. By then there will be other choices that may well offer comparable performance (mileage, function, etc.) for the same or even less money. At that point the Volt moves from revolutionary to just another offering in that segment. Think Prius. You didn’t really have a 4 seat Hybrid choice other than the Prius for awhile and they had the market to themselves and have (for good or bad) set the standard. GM with the Volt has that opportunity but only for short period of time. The timeline and price, from the generally agreed upon rumors, is working against them.
Jan 26th, 2009 (9:39 am)You guys (GM) blew it! The protype was beautiful because it DIDN’T look like everyother hybrid watermelon seed. Look at what’s happening just in the last month. in the industry—the designs are already making the production Volt an old lady car.t….what a disappointment—I was going to buy the Volt based on the it’s looks and electric performance—whatever suit made this decision should be kicked to the curb—I’ve been tracking the commenatry on this—it doesn’t match up what is going on in the new car community—I’m a loyal Chevy fan—-how could you guys possible screw this up—unbelievble—you just lost my $40K !!!!!!!!
Jan 26th, 2009 (9:43 am)This is a big let down. The original prototype in their commercial and at the auto show was very cool and sleek. This is horrible.
Jan 26th, 2009 (10:16 am)#154 Gary Says: “Realistically it looks like volume not until 2011. By then there will be other choices that may well offer comparable performance (mileage, function, etc.) for the same or even less money.”
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I’m not a fan of GM, but I don’t see anything on the horizon that competes with the Volt.
The Volt is in a different league than the Prius and other hybrids. For example, with a typical yearly driving pattern, the Volt gets 311 MPG average:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzenu6hr/ebay_pictures/Plugin_mileage.xls
Let’s ask the question this way: What other cars do you see with:
• an announced production date
• electric range anywhere near 40 miles
• a range extender to eliminate anxiety issues
• a company that has a network of dealerships throughout the U.S.
• targeted mass production
I’m not seeing anything. The closest thing is from Chrysler, but they haven’t announced any production date, and I’m even less of a fan of Chrysler than I am of GM.
My dream would be to have GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, etc all building EREV type cars, but this doesn’t seem to be happening.
Jan 26th, 2009 (10:34 am)Notice how the car sits on the driveway pad. Assuming the pad is set up for a regular size automobile it will give you an idea of how norrow this vechile will be. Not a bad thing!
Jan 26th, 2009 (10:40 am)YUK — they just HAD to copy the ugly Prius didn’t’ they.
As a car collector, I can assure you that this will be a disposable design that we will all be laughing at in the years to come. Remember the Gremlin and the Pacer ?
The prototype showed some interesting and unique design, so I was on the waiting list to get a VOLT. With the Prius copy design, I’m not sure I have the stomach to see one in my driveway. I’ll stick with my customized Honda Civic Hybrid and it’s 45 mpg for now as it does look cool and unique.
Jan 26th, 2009 (11:20 am)Tell me there will be a coupe. I want this as a commute car not a bus. I don’t need 4 doors.
Jan 26th, 2009 (12:08 pm)I didn’t realize that the car was a hatchback. Yuk.
Jan 26th, 2009 (12:40 pm)My only issue is I won’t have the availability of an affordable electric car in the Seattle area for another 5 years
The first ones NY & CA and only limited availability too long too wait for overpriced technology
+1
Jan 26th, 2009 (1:21 pm)I’ll give you an excellent idea for free: Do a retro Tri-Five series electric car, dump the Volt production Prius lookalike and make a billlion dollars……oh never mind that makes too much sense.
Jan 26th, 2009 (2:11 pm)I have an 07 Prius. It averages 48.7 MPG, up to 55 or more if I drive below about 58 MPH in the freeway slow lane, and it cost about $23K new. It’s got quite a bit of interior space, rides pretty well, and so far, at 15K miles, only had one problem when I left it for a month and the tiny battery (there’s two in the car) went dead and it locked me out–battery drain while parked is an issue to watch out for.
Will the Volt be better? I’d upgrade if what I get is a reasonable competitor, won’t if it’s not. The estimated $40K price is not good competition; get the price in the range of the Prius and they’ll sell.
Jan 26th, 2009 (2:44 pm)#164 Lee Chambers Says: “I have an 07 Prius. It averages 48.7 MPG, up to 55 or more if I drive below about 58 MPH in the freeway slow lane… Will the Volt be better? I’d upgrade if what I get is a reasonable competitor, won’t if it’s not. The estimated $40K price is not good competition; get the price in the range of the Prius and they’ll sell.”
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The Prius is a great car. We need more cars like this.
But the Volt is in a whole different league. With a typical yearly driving pattern, the Volt will get 311 MPG. This is because the first 40 miles are all-electric, and most people drive less than 40 miles on most days.
You do have to pay for electricity, but the fuels that make electricity don’t come from countries that hate the U.S.. With today’s mix of fuels for electricity, driving electric produces 40% less emissions, and this will only get better as more renewables come online. And electricity is cheap, around $0.80/gallon equivalent.
According to people that have driven the mules, the Volt will have much better acceleration than the Prius. It will be a sporty car.
As for reliability, we don’t know. GM is not known for their reliability.
As for price, the Volt will probably cost around $30K or less after the $7500 U.S. tax credit.
Jan 26th, 2009 (3:05 pm)I knew the Volt was going to be a 4 seater but the pictures show the rear seats so wide there is no way to recline them more than an inch or two as they hit the rear wheel wells on the side. As a commuter car I guess they figure no one will want to sleep with a 40 Mile R/T per day, my R/T is 128 Miles/day. Vans at least allow you to recline and sleep for the commute. Admitedly most cars do not allow reclining of the rear seats and vans do but most cars usually have a bench or 60/40 & not independant seats in the rear too. Maybe in Volt 2.0 unless it is a 5 seater by then.
Jan 26th, 2009 (3:37 pm)I like the revamped design of the VOLT. But what happend to the original prototype of the VOLT. I really hope they don’t just throw it away. I hope they use that original protoype for a North American compact biodiesel car–in my opinion that would really complement the new fuel efficient lineup of GM cars.
Jan 26th, 2009 (4:03 pm)I work at a GM dealership and just spoke with a GM rep. about the VOLT. What GM doesn’t seem to be talking about at all is the flexibility of the “powersource-battery powered engine-drivetrain system”.
The fact of the matter is, the gas power generating engine in the volt is easily swappable (from an engineering perspective, and possibly in the future ‘hot swappable’) with a hydrogen fuel cell, biodiesel generator, and pretty much any other alternative energy fuel source one could imagine.
In this way the GM-VOLT is the only true *fully* alternative fuel vehicle because it can technically be easily modified to use any power source.
The GM-VOLT is also going to be a stepping stone to an entirely new lineup of GM vehicles which will impelment the technology in the volt to produce battery powered vehicles in every class. Before 2020 I think we can expect to see several other electric powered GM vehicles designed for many purposes.
The VOLT is thus about getting us off oil in the short term by providing a car that is totally electric. But in the long term the VOLT is about a new type of powertrain that will easily adapt to ANY new alternative fuel source that becomes available in the next century.
Jan 26th, 2009 (4:20 pm)I liked these pictures even more when they were labeled “Toyota Prius”
YUCK.
Sorry, but this car has the look of a $20,000 care – not a $40,000 car. Plug or not I dont care.
Jan 26th, 2009 (5:33 pm)Keep this crap. Tired of waiting.
Looks like a Prius anyway.
Jan 26th, 2009 (7:59 pm)#168 Dave Says: “The fact of the matter is, the gas power generating engine in the volt is easily swappable (from an engineering perspective, and possibly in the future ‘hot swappable’) with a hydrogen fuel cell, bio-diesel generator, and pretty much any other alternative energy fuel source one could imagine.”
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A lot of points to make here:
1) Those swappable options are part of the E-Flex platform, but not the Volt. The Volt will run on electricity, gas, or E85. Future E-Flex vehicles may have different options.
2) Hydrogen is the biggest scam going. It’s the big oil companies that are pushing hydrogen. They know it will never work out. That’s why they call them Fool Sells. They are meant to deceive us.
http://www.physorg.com/news85074285.html
3) Bio-diesel and a regular diesel are interchangeable. The engine is the same. You can mix bio-diesel and regular diesel. The actual fuel is no different. Only the source of the fuel is different.
4) Passenger vehicle diesel engines in the U.S. require lots of emission control hardware, which makes them more expensive and less fuel efficient. Europe also has new emission standards that are having a similar effect. So diesel engines in passenger vehicles don’t seem to have a great future.
5) Cellulosic ethanol is getting real. In particular, GM has started investing in a company call Coskata. They make ethanol from energy crops, corn stalks, wood chips, garbage, or even used tires, all for less than $1 / gallon.
Jan 27th, 2009 (6:26 am)NICE CAR BUT IT IS NOT THE PICTURE WE WANT IS IS THE CAR SO WE CAN BUY IT.TIRED OF WAITING
Jan 27th, 2009 (12:28 pm)I HUNG THE PICTURE UP IN MY GARAGE AND RAN AN EXTENSION TO THE OUTLET BUT – IT DOESN’T SEEM TO BE HOLDING A CHARGE.
Jan 27th, 2009 (2:19 pm)Maybe GM should listen to what the people are saying on this site and sell the Seden Volt for less than $30,000 and then sell a limited addition of the VOLT with the original concept design for $40,000 and that will make a lot of people happy.
Jan 27th, 2009 (3:06 pm)They are going to loose money on every car at $40K even if it is not what the concept looks like. This rebake of a Chevy Malibu is a second start for them, but the economics are not going to help GM short term. I wounder what price the Volt will be sold in Europe as an Opel ?
Jan 27th, 2009 (5:51 pm)Warning, Warning, losing interest in this overpriced Toyota Prius – Daewoo Cruz, Malibu looking thing. The good ole’ bait and switch is alive and well. Bait’em with a really cool looking stylish and sporty looking car, then use the stuff that’s already out there and rebadge it under the Chevy Bowtie those suckers will buy it. Hmmmm for the money should I buy one first generation Volt thing with new unproven technology or two 5th generation(by 2011) Toyota Priuses?????? It is no wonder GM is in the shape they are in, you had the chance to be #1 but because of your lack of vision (and profit margin) when you had EV1 and could have easily made it into an AWESOME hybrid far better than anything at the time………nope sorry just couldn’t see anything better than all those Hummers and SUV’s.
Jan 28th, 2009 (4:12 am)[...] by Jerry on Jan.28, 2009, under Car Stuff http://gm-volt.com/2009/01/24/new-chevy-volt-picture-gallery/ [...]
Jan 29th, 2009 (12:20 am)[...] http://gm-volt.com/2009/01/24/new-chevy-volt-picture-gallery/ [...]
Feb 4th, 2009 (9:37 pm)I do NOT like. When I first saw the Volt it looked like a car that I could be proud to drive as a straight male. Now it just looks like something that a Californian liberal would drive. Same ol run of the mill car that the Japanese have been putting out. Really sad. I want to save gas without giving up style.
Dec 7th, 2009 (12:48 am)Hey GM, great ideas, but at our house we really HATE silver/gray cars & trucks! Seems everything new we see is silver, yuck. Give us nice pacific blue, southwest red, autumn sunset, new shades of gold or something of character.
See ya!
Dec 28th, 2009 (10:48 pm)Now go compare the Volt with the Opel Ampera front-end styling……(which gives the Ampera the visual “impact” to set it apart from anything else on the road………)