xcel
07-30-2009, 04:10 PM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg Prius comparisons, Charge sustaining mode driving, colors, interior particulars among others but nothing new was actually learned. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=224940)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2011_Chevrolet_Volt1.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - July 30, 2009
2010 Chevrolet Volt concept – This is the final with only minor design touches left to clear up before full-scale production begins next year.
Bob Boniface, Design Director for the Chevrolet Volt took questions and provided answers via the web. He spoke about the vehicle’s progress, design and details in a soft balled web chat the other day. Some of the highlights included the following:
Q: An approximate number of how many mpg the volt will achieve after the battery runs out?
A: When battery is depleted you should expect several hundred more miles running on engine generator.
This one still appears to be a problem or a more definitive answer would have been given?
Q: Costs
A: Obviously we had to pay attention to cost. We have however added features such as dual LCD screens in the interior.
We can expect a Ford like SmartGauge w/ ECOGuide on the upcoming Volt if two LCD’s were used. No mention other than the rumored $40K MSRP stuff.
Q: Initial concept to production layout and appearance:
A: The difference is drastically different proportions. The concept pushed the front wheels forward giving us the long hood we all loved. However, it also gave us a 116" wheelbase (same as Chevy Tahoe) and made drivability and maneuverability unmarketable.
Q: The Volt was "meeting aerodynamic performance," which means what?
A: The fact is many of our competitors quote grossly exaggerated aero figures that are not repeatable when we test their vehicles. If I quote an actual GM derived tunnel figure, it may not look impressive to you when, in fact, it is superior to most if not all of our competition. The Volt’s aero performance is second only to the EV1 in GM history.
GM is testing the 2010 Prius as we speak and expect the Volt to stand up to it.
A Cd will be released along with everybody else’s hopefully... I have heard this from the domestics many times before regarding Aero numbers from the Asian manufacturers and maybe this time reality will be spelled out?
Q: LED’s?
A: We used LEDs extensively on the Volt’s brake, stop, turn, side marker and interior because of their low energy draw. Headlamps are not LED due to regulatory and cost issues.
This was expected and I am glad they are equipping LED’s where they are cost effective to do so.
Q: Cadillac Converj true to form?
A: The Converj would make the transition easier because it is based off of the production Volt architecture.
The Converj looks hot and adding the best in class Volt drivetrain would make the statement that GM is back... If they can sell them at a price the consumer would accept and is also profitable to the Corporation.
Q: Volt design is complete. Is there any more work before production?
A: Volt design is done. Still working on the Opel Ampera. Working on some other (secret) projects now.
It is in the production guys' hands now so unless a catastrophe occurs, the Volt should be on the street late next year.
Q: When will someone outside of GM be allowed to drive the Volt in Charge Sustaining mode?
A: I think the team wants it to be perfect before letting others drive it. So, as far as outsiders driving it are concerned - stay tuned.
This one still concerns me and I can only hope that a 50 + mpg capability is there but we will not know for a while yet? 50 per the EPA makes it a world record breaker under a number of scenarios as far as I am concerned.
Q: The 3 HX’ers...
A: There are actually 5.
5 HX’ers? Engine coolant, A/C, pack (that is not a good one :(), interior heating and inverter?
Overall, it is nice to know the Volt's design is almost complete and the only thing left is to wait for the launch and first drive :)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2011_Chevrolet_Volt1.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - July 30, 2009
2010 Chevrolet Volt concept – This is the final with only minor design touches left to clear up before full-scale production begins next year.
Bob Boniface, Design Director for the Chevrolet Volt took questions and provided answers via the web. He spoke about the vehicle’s progress, design and details in a soft balled web chat the other day. Some of the highlights included the following:
Q: An approximate number of how many mpg the volt will achieve after the battery runs out?
A: When battery is depleted you should expect several hundred more miles running on engine generator.
This one still appears to be a problem or a more definitive answer would have been given?
Q: Costs
A: Obviously we had to pay attention to cost. We have however added features such as dual LCD screens in the interior.
We can expect a Ford like SmartGauge w/ ECOGuide on the upcoming Volt if two LCD’s were used. No mention other than the rumored $40K MSRP stuff.
Q: Initial concept to production layout and appearance:
A: The difference is drastically different proportions. The concept pushed the front wheels forward giving us the long hood we all loved. However, it also gave us a 116" wheelbase (same as Chevy Tahoe) and made drivability and maneuverability unmarketable.
Q: The Volt was "meeting aerodynamic performance," which means what?
A: The fact is many of our competitors quote grossly exaggerated aero figures that are not repeatable when we test their vehicles. If I quote an actual GM derived tunnel figure, it may not look impressive to you when, in fact, it is superior to most if not all of our competition. The Volt’s aero performance is second only to the EV1 in GM history.
GM is testing the 2010 Prius as we speak and expect the Volt to stand up to it.
A Cd will be released along with everybody else’s hopefully... I have heard this from the domestics many times before regarding Aero numbers from the Asian manufacturers and maybe this time reality will be spelled out?
Q: LED’s?
A: We used LEDs extensively on the Volt’s brake, stop, turn, side marker and interior because of their low energy draw. Headlamps are not LED due to regulatory and cost issues.
This was expected and I am glad they are equipping LED’s where they are cost effective to do so.
Q: Cadillac Converj true to form?
A: The Converj would make the transition easier because it is based off of the production Volt architecture.
The Converj looks hot and adding the best in class Volt drivetrain would make the statement that GM is back... If they can sell them at a price the consumer would accept and is also profitable to the Corporation.
Q: Volt design is complete. Is there any more work before production?
A: Volt design is done. Still working on the Opel Ampera. Working on some other (secret) projects now.
It is in the production guys' hands now so unless a catastrophe occurs, the Volt should be on the street late next year.
Q: When will someone outside of GM be allowed to drive the Volt in Charge Sustaining mode?
A: I think the team wants it to be perfect before letting others drive it. So, as far as outsiders driving it are concerned - stay tuned.
This one still concerns me and I can only hope that a 50 + mpg capability is there but we will not know for a while yet? 50 per the EPA makes it a world record breaker under a number of scenarios as far as I am concerned.
Q: The 3 HX’ers...
A: There are actually 5.
5 HX’ers? Engine coolant, A/C, pack (that is not a good one :(), interior heating and inverter?
Overall, it is nice to know the Volt's design is almost complete and the only thing left is to wait for the launch and first drive :)