Archives

The production version of the Volt is finally revealed. (http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/blogs/marty_blog/2011/2010-chevrolet-volt-first-production-photos/)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Volt_Pics_leaked.jpgMarty Padgett - TheCarConnection – Sept. 8, 2008

The Volt pics are out... leaked or otherwise. Chief line engineer, Tony Posawatz in front of the Volt.

Thanks to Voodoo22 for the find - Ed.

These photos of the production 2011 Chevrolet Volt were released moments ago on a media information Web site.

The pictures of the production Volt show all the details we've been bringing you for the past months--along with the GM engineers in charge of developing the vehicle.

We'll be talking to those engineers and GM vice chairman Bob Lutz next week, as TheCarConnection.com heads to the Renaissance Center for the world debut of the Volt. Keep this page bookmarked for more photos and more details as they emerge this week--and stay tuned next Tuesday for all the coverage of the Volt we can possibly generate… http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/blogs/marty_blog/2011/2010-chevrolet-volt-first-production-photos/






The Volt and the Managers responsible for its creation

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Volt_8.jpg
Volt and Bob Lutz - GM Vice Chairman

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/medium/Volt_3.jpg
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Volt_1.jpg
Volt and Tony Posawatz - Vehicle line engineer

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Volt_7.jpg
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Volt_6.jpg
Volt and Bob Boniface - Chief Designer

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Volt_5.jpg
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Volt_4.jpg
Volt and Frank Weber - Vehicle Line Director

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Volt_2.jpg
Volt and Andrew Farah - Chief Engineer

Price.

It all depends on the price.

I made a comment to that effect.

Harry

Get the guys in the suit out of the way so we can see the car!

What happened to:

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Volt2.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/Volt.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Chevrolet_VOLT.jpg

Well the shape changed, but the design elements are still similar. I mean, similar grill, headlights, and side mirrors.

Do they really need to be in front of ALL the pictures??? :eek:

The reason these suits are in front of all of these pictures is because they were done as a photo shoot and the pictures were leaked. I'm sure we'll see some real photos of the car soon enough.

I must say though, they did change quite a few appealing design elements, such as that whole "razor-thin" look to it. Now it just looks like the Cruze. In fact, I think the Cruze looks better :p

It's going to be a tough call... 60mpg Honda Insight for $18,500 or perpetually infinite mileage Chevy Volt for $35,000+ I think that the fine (and I use this term loosely) folks at General Motors are going to have to rethink their price! It is a nice looking ride, however not as cool as the prototype by far!

Hi bomber...,

The grill changed. Its no longer a grill, just a shiny piece of metal that does not permit any airflow. Check out the 6th picture (the one with the guy squating in front of the front of the car). Or better yet, the last picture with Lutz behind the car.

The side mirrors are completly different too. Rather than the original horizontal beam mount, they are nearly vertical post mounted. The design manager made a comment about the change in one of the on-line videos. He said it improved aerodymanc drag.

Hi All,

The front of the car reminds me of the 08 Accord. I saw a brand new one of these this weekend close up, while I was out on my walk (besides a Lamborghini, and a LS460h!).

Went from a 40k car with a 40k design to a 40k car with a 20k design. Typical GM crap, I won't be buying it.

Why do the production versions always turn out so hideous?! :confused:

That shiny grill thing is just awful. I don't care what kind of mileage it gets, I won't be driving that! I was riding the fence until I saw some pics, but I think I be signing up for one of those new snazy Honda hybrids. I kind of liked the coupe version.

I feel the design looks great. Hopefully they'll come through with the 1 year refresh cycle and the proliferation of the technology into other platforms, which should allow them to bring down the price as batteries, motors, and other electronics improve.

Lol, I like how there are numerous insults to the design of the car based on two not very revealing photos.

I'm just happy it appears they are going to really build the thing. If they had to tone down the look from the prototype to meet a certain price point I'm happy to see them do it to make sure it is built.

It's a relief it's not a 2+2 sports car. We need practical cars. Good move.

Price? The Prius with the Hymotion pack with 25-51 mile range is ~$33k.

We'll need to see the numbers, but I'm glad they're starting with a family car.

Hi All:

___I added the load to the OP and it does appear to be a match to the transformer leak but the green/blue color sucks by comparison to the hot blue and larger rims ;)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Chevrolet_Volt_Revealed.jpg

___There is something wrong with the back end however. Where is the trunk or hatch opening? Its like a 4-door coupe with no way to open the back???

___Good Luck

___Wayne

The opening is there. Look closely at the rear end shot.

Why do the production versions always turn out so hideous?! :confused:

That shiny grill thing is just awful. I don't care what kind of mileage it gets, I won't be driving that! I was riding the fence until I saw some pics, but I think I be signing up for one of those new snazy Honda hybrids. I kind of liked the coupe version.

I think it looks excellent. Much better than the front of the new Fords.

Considering the concept car was an aerodynamic disaster, I like the production design. It looks clean. I wonder what the cd is.

Hi Blaster94:

___I must be blind but I do not see a separation following the glass up to the roofline. Unless it uses the edge of the glass which seems odd for a heavy lift back?

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Volt_5.jpg

___Wayne, GM is saying .27 to .28.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I was thinking the edge of the glass, down the side, over the taillight, there appears to be a gap between the taillights and above the bumper. Definitely an odd design for a liftback though.

I think the Volt looks fine. But then, I think the Prius looks good. The Prius looks a bit dorky from the front, 12:00 position, but looks really good from the 8:00 or 4:00 positions.

There isn't a thing wrong with the Volt's looks, so of course the Neanderthals on that site are bashing it with their wooden clubs. They haven't gotten to stone axes yet...

Harry

Personally, I like the look and I'd like to own one -- provided there really is a solid 40mi AER. :)

There actually is some airflow around the edges of those grill inserts but the majority of the cooling airflow is directed through that large lower scoop.

After working for GM for 25 years I would say the photos were leaked under a grand plan that GM has. It's not a bad looking car really, they don't want to make it too wacky looking. Our V-8 production numbers have been slowly dropping over the last few months, and 4 bangers are picking up. I know a lot of folks are buying or looking at the Vibe now.

Its GM. It will take a act of god to keep it from dropping parts off in the road as it is being driven.

Geeze! We need pricing info! However, I heard on the news this car could "save" American Auto Makers.

I hope this saves GM (at least my portfolio does), but I just don't see it competing very well with the new prius or insight. Plus my real concern is first year models from GM have been notorious for their "issues", I'm really concerned that this will be another edsel, but I hope it is a great success.

Its GM. It will take a act of god to keep it from dropping parts off in the road as it is being driven.

Cynical, are we? ;)

Well, I wouldn't call the car ugly, but I might consider it homely. Now, let see some final specs. I'm sure that there are people who will like the way it looks & buy it. Hopefully it will be enought to continue development of the tech & keep the prices of PHEVs coming down.

What's it supposed to look like, a Hummer? :p

Harry

I think you guys are too critical about the looks. Form follows function, right?

I'm with Wayne, the transformers one looked great and this one is just kinda meh.

Cynical, are we? ;)

Exactly! The Cobalt scored decently with consumer Reports. Ironically, it's their most expensive vehicles (Hummer, and the other guzzler-hulks) that all seem to receive the dreaded "black circle" from CR.

LOL!!! Psyshack was exactly right - GM cars aren't known for reliability to say the least. God, my aunt and my mom have gotten so many GM cars (they get the employee discount since their brother worked for GM) and they've all been clunkers.

I actually like the looks of this car - except for the cheezy chrome grill. Unneccessarily big chrome grill? Must be an American car. *rolls eyes* I won't be getting one though - $40k for a Volt vs. $30k for a Prius vs. $20k for an Insight. Answer: Insight wins on price and ties with Toyota on reliability. I'll be buying an Insight in the spring.

It's a nice looking car, for sure, but I was hoping for the sportier look. Also, I seriously think GM needs to rethink the price.

It's a relief it's not a 2+2 sports car. We need practical cars. Good move.

Price? The Prius with the Hymotion pack with 25-51 mile range is ~$33k.

We'll need to see the numbers, but I'm glad they're starting with a family car.

I had the exact same thoughts about a practical family car needed. I've gotten past the need for a sports car to drive around but I know there are people wanting the combination of FE, environmentally friendly, and sports car. I guess that is what was hoped for with the Volt concept. I really liked the pictures also and like everyone else the price is the biggest concern.

How about turning this into a poll....Rate the looks. 5 excellent; 3 average; 1 blind me;

I would give it a 2; Form does follow function; And if enough people hate it, the function will be coffin nail. The car has to inspire. To me, it looks like a cross of a prius and the large front end from the cadi's. Even if we all hated it (and clearly not all do), the quesiton is whether the general public will. I think they are still aiming more upscale on this one & don't plan on competing with a Prius PHEV for the first few years. Prius has a market, but many won't buy it because of its small looks....maybe this will pick up on that market.

Why do the production versions always turn out so hideous?! :confused:

That shiny grill thing is just awful. I don't care what kind of mileage it gets, I won't be driving that! I was riding the fence until I saw some pics, but I think I be signing up for one of those new snazy Honda hybrids. I kind of liked the coupe version.

In the case of the Volt it’s because the concept body frame had the coefficient of drag numbers of a brick. Concept cars are just that, concepts. The bodies always change to reflect practical limitations of weight, drag, efficiency and cost.

BTW, it looks good to me.