Volt Revealed!

[neqqy]

The Volt is a revolutionary vehicle, that's no doubt, but it will do nothing to change GM's financial situation and they've stated as much. The real test will be in seeing how the car is received by a fickle American public and elitist environmental groups. Will any of the groups that piled hate on General Motors after watching "Who Killed the Electric Car?" actually buy this vehicle? If environmentalists and celebrities pan the Volt because it is not an import, will they be exposed as nothing more than a bandwagon full of hateful eco-hypocrites? I wonder if Chris Paine and the movie stars associated with his production will change their minds about GM now that they have brought back the EV. I have my suspicions and I doubt we'll be seeing a follow-up "Who Brought Back the Electric Car" anytime soon.

"Who Brought Back the Electric Car? GM did!" should be plastered across the side of every Volt sold.

[Bvonscott]

Originally Posted by chaseabryant

This looks amazing. I am extremely impressed with the interior. While I don't like the white so much, I do hope that GM will be giving us color choices, kind of like what MINI does. I would at least hope for a black or silver option on the center console.

What really is getting me on the interior is the way that the dash panels on either side, actually wrap around and down into the door cards. It has a beautiful flow, and is definately unlike anything else on the market.

The car actually looks like a concept still, so if this is exactly the way that it looks when it rolls out onto the sales floor, I can't imagine that it won't be what a lot of people will be clamoring for!

-Chase

FYI:

The center stack draws a lot of attention for its shape, unique touch interface and bright white surfacing. Volt buyers will be able to choose from several colors for the center stack, however, including white, metallic black, and even green. The gear shifter fits right into the center stack and pulls out to put the Volt into reverse, neutral or drive. The Volt is also keyless, and the driver needs only the key fob in his pocket to start the electric motor.

The Volt interior was designed with a similar dual cockpit theme that is already available on the Chevy Traverse and Malibu, and the design looks very clean and simple in person. Seating surfaces are high quality leather, and while we weren't able to sit in them, they at least look comfortable. Dash materials are less impressive, though, as the range of plastics are all a little stiffer than we'd like. Considering how much technology and effort were put into the LCD screens and center stack, though, we can understand costs need to be cut somewhere in order to keep the MSRP from jumping into the stratosphere.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/16/v...volt-interior/

[2648562]

Originally Posted by TimR

From the press release:

GM said the Volt will cost about 80 cents to fully charge at a rate of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is about the national average. After that, the batteries will be recharged by a small gasoline engine that allows the car to travel hundreds more miles. GM said the engine will be able to run on E85 ethanol, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

Thanks. I guess I should read that stuff every now and then. I'm liking it more and more.

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by 2648562

Anyhow, congrats for now GM. It looks good, especially considering cars like the Prius. 40 miles just won't work for a lot of people though.

Now, who can tell me how much it's going to cost to charge this thing every night???

Less than $2.

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by eaton53

So, if you used E85 would you still need Sta-bil?

Does anyone still use that snake oil?

[Uzzy]

I didn't read the whole thread (cause only a reply button comes up on the main page under the big picture) so maybe it's been adressed, but what's with the red lights on the front? That's illegal in Ontario, and most places, I'd suspect. rust me, I know.

[Canyonaro]

I am disappointed in the video that they said here it is....2 minutes later it was over.

That said I think this car actually looks good. No Prius I know of has nice big 17" wheels and a good look to boot.

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by eaton53

So, if you used E85 would you still need Sta-bil?

No, MSG

[TriShield]

It looks well executed inside and out.

The biggest detriment to this car is going to the be the pricepoint. It's rumored it will be $40k+ and no matter how GM may try to spin it that is going to be a hard pill for the public to swallow. Especially given the economy.

Also, GM absolutely must deliver the promised range on electricity. If it turns out otherwise the car will really be a bust.

[Chaz_23]

Yeah, it doesn't have 3rd row seating, what's up with that?

Originally Posted by johnny smallblock

Volt, eh? Never heard of it. What is it, some kind of Prius?

Anyway, it doesn't have 7 seats. Way to blow it GM. You really dropped the ball on this one. Fail.

[GMOwner]

Come On Guys?!?!?!

If you think this car is innovative, then I got a bridge (or in today's world a "bridge loan") in Brooklyn to sell you.

OK, objectively speaking, here is what I see at first:

* can only do 40 miles on one charge...
* looks a lot like a Prius (yes, it does)
* did I see $40K price tag?
* doesn't look like the car at the shows
* outstanding interior
* we probably can't buy until 2011

I'm just as much a GM fan as anyone else, but, I really gotta tell you, this car doesn't inspire me to BUY IT!!!!

I see only those people who live really close to a train station (and who take the train to work), grocery store, and any other location one frequents in one's life in a suburb. For everything else, I'd use my regular car.

I can see Hyundai, Renault, Kia, etc. as companies that can drum up a car LIKE this and compete against it for half the price in a couple of years...

If you are a true GM fan, you cannot always see the bright side--you must be true to what you see--and that is what I see...

[2648562]

Originally Posted by TriShield

The biggest detriment to this car is going to the be the pricepoint. It's rumored it will be $40k+ and no matter how GM may try to spin it that is going to be a hard pill for the public to swallow. Especially given the economy.

Those hit hardest by high gas prices will want one. But they won't be able to afford one.

[PAULSTS1]

Originally Posted by roteague

Very nice, wonderful attention to detail on this car. I especially love the rectangular start button, as opposed to the standard round one most cars have.

Yes, it will be the first thing to fall off!

[Astra RL]

Its the Apple iCar excellent interior. I want one so bad. I can see this being like an iPod people are willing to pay the price to get it. They even have the iphone battery symbol
Wait do I see battery trip 118 miles in the image I think I do. That could change a lot of things. But, under the battery gauge it says 31 miles I wonder which is correct.

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by GMOwner

Come On Guys?!?!?!

If you think this car is innovative, then I got a bridge (or in today's world a "bridge loan") in Brooklyn to sell you.

OK, objectively speaking, here is what I see at first:

* can only do 40 miles on one charge...
* looks a lot like a Prius (yes, it does)
* did I see $40K price tag?
* doesn't look like the car at the shows
* outstanding interior
* we probably can't buy until 2011

I'm just as much a GM fan as anyone else, but, I really gotta tell you, this car doesn't inspire me to BUY IT!!!!

I see only those people who live really close to a train station (and who take the train to work), grocery store, and any other location one frequents in one's life in a suburb. For everything else, I'd use my regular car.

I can see Hyundai, Renault, Kia, etc. as companies that can drum up a car LIKE this and compete against it for half the price in a couple of years...

If you are a true GM fan, you cannot always see the bright side--you must be true to what you see--and that is what I see...

Whatever, Chuck. I live 35 miles from work and I would use the Volt. It has an on-board generator to allow for long distance trips, it's not a 40 mile-only car. Go over the specs again. This could be your only car.