Volt Concept styling won't make it into production

[paul8488]

Well that's frustrating... can't they keep some of the design? Or use some cues on a Cobalt refreshening?

[EllwynX]

Did anyone really think the production model would look like the concept? The Volt concept didn't look the least bit production viable.

It was 'cool' looking, but not realistic or practical looking which is something the Volt will need to be.

I think they should keep some of the angular look, but not quite so strong. Give us a Volt/Malibu cross and it could be practical yet still unique.

[racy]

Originally Posted by Mr. Burns

With a car like the Volt you just can't ignore the aerodynamics, and it will be a higher priority than styling. So the car will end up looking like all the other aerodynamic cars (like the prius) where the engineers just put a piece of clay in the wind tunnel, put it on full blast and whatever comes out goes

Very aerodynamic cars are often VERY ugly. Now if GM's designers are any good, then they will be able to craft something that is beautiful, and aerodynamic (functional), and that is their ultimate job as designers. Designers aren't called stylists anymore for a reason, because good design must go down all the way to the product.

There is a 90% chance the Volt will end up looking like the Prius, that is, ugly/bland, weird, disappointing, simply because physics will be at war with the designers.

Corvette is near the top of the list. I wouldn't call it ugly. Someone above mentioned that function will trump form, in the case of the Volt. I disagree, based solely on the comment to which you originally responded. GM's mottot of late seems to be "we're not gonna build no more stinking bland cars".

As the designers said: The Volt will be sought after not only for its economy, bot for its looks as well.

Don't give up faith so quickly on this one. So much of GM's future rides on the success of the Volt. GM knows they literally cannot mess this one up. It may not look like the concept, but its not going to be ugly either.

[vanshmack]

Isn't it amazing how the argument about this car has evolved? A short time ago, the discussion was about whether GM was going to deliver the Volt at all. Now we're all debating the finer points of aerodynamics and it's impact on styling!

How about this: GMI should have another design contest. Setup a few styling parameters (2+2, 4-doors, etc) and let the members decide. Ship the winner off to ol' Maximum Bob and see what happens!

[big swede]

Originally Posted by T-Type

Who says they don't know. Lutz is talking about this now, but they probably figured this out a while ago. I'm sure that as soon as Lutz decided to seriously pursue this thing they put it in a windtunnel. Concept cars don't have to be practical, they only have to look good. No need to waste money by throwing a concept into a windtunnel.

So then the predictions would have to be based on the concept cars which would mean that the production car should do better since it will be more aerodynamic.

[Mr. Burns]

Originally Posted by racy

Corvette is near the top of the list. I wouldn't call it ugly. Someone above mentioned that function will trump form, in the case of the Volt. I disagree, based solely on the comment to which you originally responded. GM's mottot of late seems to be "we're not gonna build no more stinking bland cars".

As the designers said: The Volt will be sought after not only for its economy, bot for its looks as well.

Don't give up faith so quickly on this one. So much of GM's future rides on the success of the Volt. GM knows they literally cannot mess this one up. It may not look like the concept, but its not going to be ugly either.

the 'vette does not seat 5!

[NfamousZ24]

A Volt that looks very similar to the Concept, gets 40+ miles off the batteries for $25k I am a buyer.

A Volt that looks like a Prius even if it gets 60+ miles off the batteries and is $20-25k I won't buy.


Why couldn't they make 2 versions A bubbely Chevy Volt and a aggresive Pontiac Volt that looks like the Chevy Volt concept.


Yes looks is 99.99% of what I would pay to drive.

[CaptainDan]

Originally Posted by Evo69

I knew it wouldnt look anything like the concept but I really hope they dont make it look boring or bland.

Boring and Bland are registered trademarks of the Toyota Corporation.

[MonaroSS]

Originally Posted by CaptainDan

Boring and Bland are registered trademarks of the Toyota Corporation.

Perhaps GM should simply copy the aero shape of the Prius but give Toyota a lesson in style......

[jimbo]

OK, GM. Don't be idiots. How about building a conventional economy car using the Volt's wonderful styling. Say, that would be too easy, wouldn't it???

Idiots!

[mrgto]

Wherei s the 1982 Trans Am on that list?

[prototype66]

2010 Chevy Chevolt

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by MonaroSS

Perhaps GM should simply copy the aero shape of the Prius but give Toyota a lesson in style......

Ya know, I kinda actually like that. Looks aggressive.

[ponchoman49]

I never could see how a peculiar looking design like that would have been green lighted anyway.

[TriShield]

Style was the biggest Ace in this car's sleeve next to the E-flex system. If this car ends up lacking standout style GM is going to find it very difficult to compete with Toyota in this segment. If they can even make the technology work.

Funny though that Ford managed to make the GT40's style aerodynamic when they remade that car a few years ago. I think if GM wanted to they could find a happy medium between the concept's look and the wind tunnel.