The primary differences in the new official photo of the interior, when compared to the pre-production interior in the car shown at the official unveiling, and then a week later at the 2009 GM Collection Event in Dallas, TX, include a redesigned cupholder area, a new shape and trim for the gear selector, redesigned switch layouts on the center stack, and reshaped vents on either side of the nav screen/computer area.
All of the iPod-like design quality and futuristic features appear to remain intact, but there is now much doubt over the future of GM and whether the company will even be around in late 2010 to produce the car. GM insists it will find a way through, however, and looking back just two months, there was a great deal of optimism wrapped up in the Volt.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Volt in September, GM CEO Rick Wagoner said, "Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century. The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future ... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges."
As the Volt is still in development, its specifications could easily change before its expected sales release in late 2010. Nevertheless, GM has revealed the spec sheet as it currently stands. The five-door four-seater will be capable of up to 100mph (160km/h) top speed and can cover 40mi (64km) of the EPA's city cycle on electric power alone, earning it the name Extended-Range Electric Vehicle in GM parlance. To get that range it uses a 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack in the form of a 'T', plus a 150hp (111kW) electric motor that delivers 273lb-ft (370Nm) of torque at all speeds.
Charging the battery is accomplished by plugging it into either a 120v or 240v wall outlet. The more potent 240v outlet can charge the car in just three hours, while the more common 120v outlet will take eight hours to fully charge the system. At ten cents ($0.10) per kWh, GM figures that's 80 cents per day for 40mi of all-electric driving. That estimated cost of about two cents per mile compares favorably to 12 cents per mile using gasoline priced at $3.60 per gallon.
The design of the production Volt has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Gone is the wide hulking stance and chiseled looks of the concept, replaced by a much sleeker and more conventional sedan body. Underpinning the body is a combination of McPherson independent strut front suspension, a compound crank twist axle rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, and electric power-assist steering.
Because fuel-economy was one of the major constraints for designers, aerodynamics has played a key role in the car’s final look. The Volt's rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag. Its dimensions, however, aren't tiny. A 105.7in (2,685mm) wheelbase and 70.8in (1,798mm) width offer mid-size sedan cargo space of 10.6 cu. ft. (301L) while the 177in (4,404mm) overall length reflects the car's short overhangs and the relatively low 56.3in (1,430mm) overall height helps it squeeze through the air.
This design was essential in meeting GM’s original goal of having an electric-only driving range of 40 miles. This means that Volt owners who drive less than 40 miles on a daily basis will have no need to ever purchase fuel again. That amounts to a savings of about 500 gallons of fuel for a commuter that stays within the Volt's 40mi electric-only range each day. At an average price of $3.60/gallon, that's a yearly savings of $1,800. Commuters with a 60mi (96km) radius could save up to 550 gallons, or $1,980 per year.
The Volt is expected to be built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility, subject to officials successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States.
Reader Comments
Tue Sep 16 2008 9:33 AM
Leigh Taunton says
Boring looks. Great technology but I would prefer it in something other than a generic sedan. The black below the windows to try and mimic the concept is a complete disaster.
Tue Sep 16 2008 9:37 AM
Laz says
The more and more I see this, I might be jumping back on the "Bowtie" bandwagon! If this thing has a $40k or more pice tag, then I would have to stick with the next gen Prius.
Tue Sep 16 2008 9:39 AM
Bender says
The black window underline is terrible...
Tue Sep 16 2008 9:40 AM
admin says
Opinions around the MotorAuthority office are pretty good for this car. Looks futuristic and "chunky" compared to the Honda and Toyota offerings. Of course, the biggest factor will be pricing but we'll have to compare it to the upcoming Toyota plug-in, not just the standard hybrids.
Tue Sep 16 2008 9:51 AM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
Question! When it comes to the black strip running under the windows, can we just let it go?
The reason it is there is that if it was not the car would look extremely slab sided and the door mirrors would look like add ons sitting in no mans land.
If it bothers you that much buy one in Black!
Tue Sep 16 2008 9:57 AM
Laz says
The black strip that has some folks in a tizzy will probably be black vinyl that can be stripped if you choose.
Tue Sep 16 2008 10:06 AM
JPoll says
Yawn. I was excited about this car when I saw the concept. Now that it looks like nothing more than an electric Malibu, I could care less...
Tue Sep 16 2008 10:14 AM
Rick says
I agree, the black under the windows and the strange goings on in front and in the mirror area also look like a lets-make-iot-look-like-the-concept magic trick and it fails horribly. Clean that whole line up and it won't look so odd. Otherwise, not as bad as I had thought. Strange gear shift, curious to see how that works.
Tue Sep 16 2008 10:34 AM
Axial6 says
There is a bit of a prius look here, that I cannot stand. However the technology is light years ahead of the Prius and the next iteration. I would seriously consider dropping my Audi A8 as long as they place this technology in the next SAAB 9-5.
Tue Sep 16 2008 10:46 AM
lfann says
If the combustion engine is only to charge the battery, and the car is only driven by the electric motor, then it shouldn't need any gear? just like trains and trams....?
Tue Sep 16 2008 11:04 AM
Jgodin312 says
It looks the way it looks because of necessary aerodynamics. The majority of these commenters who "lose interest" over a window treatment or some other styling quirk are missing the point. The volt, GM's extended-range electric vehicle, actually exists. It is not some vaporware or whatever. Also, when you think about the evolution from concept to production, I'd have to say it is the most futuristic styling exercise that GM has ever actually brought to market (bear with me here). - I mean, look at the LEDs in the front lights, those narrow-slit taillights, the glass in the rear, the video-game like speedo and gear display and the center stack, for heavens sake. This is stuff we would decry, if we saw it on an original concept car, as "never making it to production."
Tue Sep 16 2008 12:27 PM
Gus says
Everyone besides Jgodin312 is missing the point.
This is the first modern electric car.
It goes 40ish miles on electricity alone, and then you can go as far as you want on gasoline.
The styling is fine, and much better than any of it's competitors, oh wait, there are none. Even the "plug-in" Prius will only go a few miles before turning on it's engine.
This is, I hate to say it, "An American Revolution".
The only problem is the price. $40k will be hard to swallow in gas savings for a long time...
Tue Sep 16 2008 1:12 PM
Tom Mills says
The side profile reminds me of the Civic. The specs sound great, though I'd be worried about how long the batteries last (4 years?) and what it'll cost to replace them. Now we just have to wait another 2+ years for them to actually deliver these puppies.
Tue Sep 16 2008 2:05 PM
Laz says
The only good thing about having time on your side is that battery technology should get cheaper by the time this car rolls out and hopefully give you 4 years of service...
Tue Sep 16 2008 3:52 PM
noname says
Doesn't gasoline go bad after a while? So if it sat in your tank and you never used it, then it would go bad?
Tue Sep 16 2008 4:08 PM
griffin lauerman says
What happen to the prototype? that car looked cool. This is boring and average, even for an ugly American car. Bring back the other design because I won't buy this vanilla product.
Tue Sep 16 2008 8:57 PM
NoNameDenton says
noname, you trying to be like me? Anyway, I like the styling some what, but prefer the Cruze, wonder if that will get a hybrid.
Fri Sep 26 2008 11:51 AM
Corvette4Ever says
Looks like an American Prius to me.
Fri Nov 14 2008 5:47 PM
mburleigh8 says
Im used to expecting cheap plastic interior that looks like it was made by a cheap toy company from china, when it comes to GM,
But Wow this is pretty cool looking.
Fri Nov 14 2008 11:39 PM
InkMaster says
@ mburleigh8
Don't worry, they still have time to screw it up :)
Sat Nov 15 2008 10:55 AM
Gus says
I really do like it. Now that gas is back down to $2 a gallon, how hard of a sale will it be at that price?
Sat Nov 15 2008 3:00 PM
Chris says
i dont care how bad the economy is or how low the price of gas is.. this car is going to sell out. it could look uglier than sin, and it will be getting dealer mark ups for SURE.
that being said.. the technology will trickle down. almost certainly. this car is bubbly to take care of wind resistance which is a huge factor in efficiency. as the tech becomes cheaper and more accessible, you're going to see it in cars like the cruze and likely this car and the malibu will merge into the same vehicle.
its going to be a hit, no matter what.
Sat Nov 15 2008 3:13 PM
Chris says
i dont care how bad the economy is or how low the price of gas is.. this car is going to sell out. it could look uglier than sin, and it will be getting dealer mark ups for SURE.
that being said.. the technology will trickle down. almost certainly. this car is bubbly to take care of wind resistance which is a huge factor in efficiency. as the tech becomes cheaper and more accessible, you're going to see it in cars like the cruze and likely this car and the malibu will merge into the same vehicle.
its going to be a hit, no matter what.
Sun Nov 16 2008 8:26 AM
Gus says
Especially when you make your point twice!! :)
I think you're right, it will sell out at first, but I wonder if it will sustain that momentum the way the Prius has.
Mon Nov 17 2008 4:20 AM
azlan says
id buy one of these over a prius any day, people forget that prius's are made with materials all over the world which requires huge amounts of shipments therefore the co2 and pollution through the production of the prius makes it one of the worst for the environment cars out there!!! but i like that toyota did make a step towards hybrids which has lead to cars like the volt which may actually be ok on the environment if the shipments arnt terrible like the prius.
Wed Nov 19 2008 9:29 AM
rfranden says
Why can't they leave the body style like the concept model. I'm sure that would sell better then the style they are going to try and sell . Go back to the concept style or you'll lose on this model for sure
Rfranden
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