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2011 Chevrolet Volt: First Production Photos
These photos of the production 2011 Chevrolet Volt have been released 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.
UPDATE: GM says the photo release was an accident.
Related Chevy Volt links:
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John S. Posted: 9/8/2008 2:02pm PDT
If it can deliver on the stated MPG and performance, I say hats off to GM.
Scott S Posted: 9/8/2008 2:46pm PDT
This car went from super cool: http://www.thetorquereport.com/voltfront2-thumb.jpg
To super lame Prius wanna-be.
TheWeatherWarrior Posted: 9/8/2008 3:05pm PDT
Jeff W Posted: 9/8/2008 3:39pm PDT
RCK Posted: 9/8/2008 3:48pm PDT
Wildman Posted: 9/8/2008 3:50pm PDT
Mario Posted: 9/8/2008 3:56pm PDT
Sandeep Posted: 9/8/2008 4:06pm PDT
Eric H. Posted: 9/8/2008 4:18pm PDT
#2. The Volt concept had awful aerodynamics. The goal is to get the most mileage possible and that unfortunately didn't work with the concept's styling.
This is one of the most aerodynamic shapes there is while still offering decent interior room. It's still more stylish than the Prius or new Honda Insight, IMO.
Mike Matthews Posted: 9/8/2008 4:39pm PDT
Cmon, GM get out of the cubicles and promote the volt and make the world want our USA made products! Thank-you, Mike
Ed Posted: 9/8/2008 4:39pm PDT
PS I would be far more interested in the MEAT (performance, MPG, and price) than the stupid styling, which is irrelevant. Look at the prius, it is butt-ugly, but it has been a smash hit..
Wildman Posted: 9/8/2008 4:53pm PDT
Vanya Pelekoff Posted: 9/8/2008 5:14pm PDT
I'd suggest you get Congress to give you all those loans you are asking for, steal the money and leave the country. Its obvious you couldn't design a car to save your lives.
John Doe Posted: 9/8/2008 5:18pm PDT
Sergei Posted: 9/8/2008 5:23pm PDT
I hope that now everyone sees (not like it was not clear before) that GM has no right to be in business... any business... Very ugly looking car... I do not think it will be better inside. Considering that most cars gets even uglier in a production variant, this one will get dummer before it gets out of the GM doors....
Maybe this (or next) administration will bail them out, as they did banks. This is the only hope for GM and Ford.
NWchick79 Posted: 9/8/2008 5:31pm PDT
I want to minimalise my carbon impact as much as the next person, but can't it be done with some style?
The original pics of it was cooler; short backend, slight edging on the door. I liked it then. Now it just looks like some new Honda. Bo-ring.
YellowPeril Posted: 9/8/2008 5:37pm PDT
RandomBSOD Posted: 9/8/2008 5:47pm PDT
This POS final version, looks blunt, boring, lame, and not worthy of any interested.
jthistle Posted: 9/8/2008 6:39pm PDT
Harry Posted: 9/8/2008 6:43pm PDT
The Volt is interesting, but if it costs way more than a Prius, forget it. I won't spend an extra $15K on a Volt over a Prius. My next car will probably be the new Honda hybrid coming out soon.
But I won't bad-mouth the Volt. At least those buyers are like me, and want to conserve energy and minimize pollution, unlike the rest of the ignorati.
Harry
WangoTango Posted: 9/8/2008 7:20pm PDT
Tsk, tsk....
Unimpressed Posted: 9/8/2008 7:25pm PDT
Kent Posted: 9/8/2008 7:26pm PDT
Tony D Posted: 9/8/2008 7:32pm PDT
I'm not bowled over by the styling either, but then, the bar for styling on these technology showcases is set very low. You want a stylish hybrid? wait for the 80,000 dollar Fisker Karma.
Steve Posted: 9/8/2008 7:32pm PDT
But having said that and being a 50 something guy I would be interested in knowing how long it takes to recharge and what it's going to do to my electric bill?????
40 miles range isn't rally that much when I drive 25 miles to work one way every day so that's 50 miles round trip. It's not gonna cut it for me to drive to work. Bummer Heavy Sigh!
Maybe the wife could drive one since she only drives 3 miles one way to work. But then it really wouldn't be saving me allot in terms of gas would it?
I'll reserve my final decision once it's on the market.
Thanks for trying GM please don't give up!
R C Williams Posted: 9/8/2008 7:33pm PDT
Keep the car "made in the U.S."
OK, Ford, get off your hindends and get busy too.
John Posted: 9/8/2008 7:33pm PDT
My only hope is that GM still has 1 year before they ship it and hopefully they will deliver on the orginal design and not the blahhh in these pictures...
Heaven Ulrich Posted: 9/8/2008 7:34pm PDT
Looks kinda like a cobalt which I all ready currently own.
Back to the drawing board guys, you still have some time.
Jim Posted: 9/8/2008 7:35pm PDT
Bradp Posted: 9/8/2008 7:35pm PDT
Realist Posted: 9/8/2008 7:36pm PDT
Jeffmeister Posted: 9/8/2008 7:38pm PDT
Too bad that GM execs still don't understand that carbuyers don't care about seeing Photoshop-enhanced beauty shots of GM bigwigs. What people want from GM is a variety of stylish, affordable, fun-to-drive vehicles that are reliable and easy on gas ... like a Honda Civic.
These photos may have been released accidentally, but their focus on GM honchos reveals a lot about GM's true priorities.
Danubius Posted: 9/8/2008 7:38pm PDT
James Posted: 9/8/2008 7:40pm PDT
I'd rather by a prius, because it looks the same and they have more experience under thier belt.
You gotta be new and different. This is not.
Mike Posted: 9/8/2008 7:41pm PDT
Karl's Wife Posted: 9/8/2008 7:41pm PDT
Jason Posted: 9/8/2008 7:41pm PDT
My question is... Posted: 9/8/2008 7:42pm PDT
Neil Posted: 9/8/2008 7:42pm PDT
DC Posted: 9/8/2008 7:42pm PDT
hmmmm Posted: 9/8/2008 7:43pm PDT
Bundy Posted: 9/8/2008 7:43pm PDT
Michael Posted: 9/8/2008 7:43pm PDT
Grant Posted: 9/8/2008 7:45pm PDT
mark Posted: 9/8/2008 7:47pm PDT
Pete Posted: 9/8/2008 7:48pm PDT
Sooners Posted: 9/8/2008 7:50pm PDT
Phillip Posted: 9/8/2008 7:51pm PDT
Thomas Posted: 9/8/2008 7:51pm PDT
karen Posted: 9/8/2008 7:51pm PDT
Bundy Posted: 9/8/2008 7:52pm PDT
Kingssman Posted: 9/8/2008 7:52pm PDT
This photo shoot was pretty much to show off the rich execs pouring millions of dollars into a project that would probably not see production or cut so much production that it won't even compete. These egos that GM has is the reason why their company is failing. This Volt concept is more of a "play me up" for the investors rather than for the consumer. I've seen many car shows with new GM vehicles and designs that wow and impress the crowd, none of them ever made it into production. These people want to pour money into fancy concepts to stir the press but never to stir production.
I'm sorry but I doubt GM will ever deliver.
zac Posted: 9/8/2008 7:53pm PDT
LB Posted: 9/8/2008 7:56pm PDT
missy Posted: 9/8/2008 7:57pm PDT
David Seachrist Posted: 9/8/2008 7:58pm PDT
Alex Posted: 9/8/2008 8:00pm PDT
Nick Posted: 9/8/2008 8:00pm PDT
Coalface Posted: 9/8/2008 8:01pm PDT
Rob Posted: 9/8/2008 8:01pm PDT
Keep plugging ahead GM. These losers on this blog weren't really in your demographic anyhow. Just know that there are some of us out here following your endeavors and rooting for the home team. I for one appreciate the effort and result.
T. Edward Langan Posted: 9/8/2008 8:02pm PDT
Steve Posted: 9/8/2008 8:03pm PDT
Kyle Posted: 9/8/2008 8:04pm PDT
There are more important things in life than looking cool.
GetaLife Posted: 9/8/2008 8:04pm PDT
Jason Posted: 9/8/2008 8:05pm PDT
Angelo Posted: 9/8/2008 8:08pm PDT
DRB Posted: 9/8/2008 8:09pm PDT
Brad Reichel Posted: 9/8/2008 8:09pm PDT
Roy Jones Posted: 9/8/2008 8:09pm PDT
Marie Frocke Posted: 9/8/2008 8:09pm PDT
BC1358 Posted: 9/8/2008 8:10pm PDT
flipco44 Posted: 9/8/2008 8:18pm PDT
donee Posted: 9/8/2008 8:19pm PDT
Thanks for not sticking to the Boy-Racer styling, and coming up with something that makes functional, aerodyamic sense. I wish you all the best in this venture!
Sheila Posted: 9/8/2008 8:19pm PDT
Spanky Posted: 9/8/2008 8:19pm PDT
John Posted: 9/8/2008 8:22pm PDT
Me Posted: 9/8/2008 8:23pm PDT
Harry Posted: 9/8/2008 8:23pm PDT
And for the less informed, let's at least get the facts straight on the Volt, the first 40 miles are electric. The car doesn't coast to a stop after that. The gasoline motor kicks in and provides current to the motor and battery, so you could drive it coast to coast if you wanted to.
Harry
Wolf Posted: 9/8/2008 8:25pm PDT
Al Posted: 9/8/2008 8:25pm PDT
randy Posted: 9/8/2008 8:25pm PDT
Frank Posted: 9/8/2008 8:26pm PDT
Tyler Posted: 9/8/2008 8:27pm PDT
glenn Morris Posted: 9/8/2008 8:29pm PDT
p.s. Did chrysler ever pay back the tax payers for their bail out??
Harry Posted: 9/8/2008 8:31pm PDT
Brian Posted: 9/8/2008 8:32pm PDT
Mary Posted: 9/8/2008 8:37pm PDT
Ken Roberts Posted: 9/8/2008 8:39pm PDT
Rob Posted: 9/8/2008 8:40pm PDT
donee Posted: 9/8/2008 8:43pm PDT
Boy the negative comments. For the people not keeping up with the Volt story, the original design had a Cd of .43, and this design is said to be at .28. The difference is that the original design would only go 33 miles on the battery, while this design will do the 40 mile with design margin. This is a great engineering achievement, I say!
What do want, to get home on battiers? Or to send your money to Osama Bin Laden ?
They could have gone even further. And maybe the second generation will have a Prius hood, and a couple more miles range on electric. Ever see a helicopter seed get caught in the updraft, and fly up your windshield and keep spining? That happens all the time with a Prius.
As far as the 50 mile trip, I imagine if one takes the side roads, or gets caught in slow, steady moving traffic, and keeps it under 40 mph, it probably will do the 50 miles. Another trick will be to keep the tank 1/4 full. That will save about 100 pounds of vehicle weight. And a quarter full tank will still give a 200 mile total range.
Electric motors are much more efficient than gasoline engines (about 6 times more efficient than a car in metropolitan traffic). Besides that power plants are much more efficient than portable engines in cars. Put the two together and the total energy used is much smaller than that in the gasoline. This will save operating costs. I have not run the numbers, but $35 K might be a money saver, just like $23.5 K is a money saver in a Prius or something like a Pontiac G6 4 cylinder automatic.
Scott Baxter Posted: 9/8/2008 8:43pm PDT
GM is a dying company. They know they messed up with the hybrid cars, so now they are making up for it with electric cars. I do agree that the production model looks too much like the prius, but I feel that just put anything on four wheels and get it out the damn door. We can worry about styling later, the technology is what's important at this point.
I've been driving a honda civic for eight years and have been dying to get a new car. I don't have the budget for the Tesla, which hits the stylish and performance mark - but misses common citizen price point, so I will gladly settle for this model.
I kept thinking, GM your profit numbers, or lack-there-of are exactly what you get for making the wrong decisions. The public is sending a clear message about what it wants. So GM has put forth the effort and research dollars to try and appease. The public will respond accordingly. As soon as Toyota/Honda comes out with their electric models, then we'll have a full out competition! New styles, higher mpg, cheaper costs, better performance will win.
This is just the start of the battles everyone and although weaker than expected I'm still very happy about GMs first shot!
GO USA!!! Let's bring those manufacturing jobs back here to the states!!! Buy GM!
Rob Posted: 9/8/2008 8:44pm PDT
IxChel Posted: 9/8/2008 8:45pm PDT
If you style-obsessed idiots merely want something that "looks cooler", you'll just have to accept that it's NOT going to be as fuel efficient with our current technology, and take the hit in your back pocket when it comes to buying your gasoline, just like all the morons who're obsessed with their Hummers. END of story. EFFICIENCY was the function this car was meant to fill, and this form fills that function. If you don't like it, then go buy a Corvette, but be prepared to pay through the nose for your gasoline. Regardless, you can't have it both ways, so do everyone a favour and STFU, because nobody wants to listen to you whining about how "ugly" it is like a bunch of spoiled tweens.
BobRec Posted: 9/8/2008 8:45pm PDT
John Posted: 9/8/2008 8:47pm PDT
Come on guys, I WANT to buy a volt to screw big oil, but this?!?!?!?
Ben Robinson Posted: 9/8/2008 8:47pm PDT
Techxan Posted: 9/8/2008 8:50pm PDT
Tell me the Price, and when I can order one.
Craig in CA Posted: 9/8/2008 8:50pm PDT
Art Posted: 9/8/2008 8:51pm PDT
Kim D M Simmons Posted: 9/8/2008 8:51pm PDT
Todd Posted: 9/8/2008 8:52pm PDT
Nat Posted: 9/8/2008 8:53pm PDT
Harry Posted: 9/8/2008 8:55pm PDT
Airplanes are aerodynamic, with low drag. They have to be. They are extremely streamlined. Well, guess what, cars need to be, too. You can't have a fuel efficient car that is oversized, block-shaped, and heavy, e.g. the Hummer. Efficient cars have to look like the Prius, the Volt, and the Civic. Function demands that the Volt be streamlined, and it is. That isn't a bad thing, it's a good thing!
We need to stop looking at cars as personal expressions of ego and manhood, and instead think in terms of optimizing the machine for what it's real purpose is, to efficiently move people around at least cost to themselves and the planet.
Burk Posted: 9/8/2008 8:56pm PDT
Mike Rollins Posted: 9/8/2008 8:56pm PDT
Dan Posted: 9/8/2008 8:57pm PDT
Can I buy a six-pack of these babies?
Danno Posted: 9/8/2008 8:57pm PDT
How about renaming this abomination of a car, the REVOLT?
DCBill Posted: 9/8/2008 8:57pm PDT
WifiBahamas Posted: 9/8/2008 8:59pm PDT
JR Posted: 9/8/2008 8:59pm PDT
MS Posted: 9/8/2008 8:59pm PDT
The reality is that GM can't just build a new factory or order its suppliers to produce new unique body just for one car type. They're already having to produce a decent amount of unique internal parts which is why the cost is what it is. Using interchangeable interior/exterior parts is one of the things that made toyota save so much money on production and one of the things it pioneered, so I'm not sure why people would be bashing this now. If you want it to look like a camero/cadillac be prepared to pay the same price of a camero just like if you want a prius to look like a lexus be prepared to pay lexus price. As a side note the people on here must not be looking too hard at the two designs..the front of this car (the only thing you can get a clear shot of) looks much more agressive than the prius. Look again.
To the people that said the new plug-in prius is gonna be much cheaper...let me know where you got that info from toyota cause I'd like to see it. Considering you have to pay about 10K for an aftermarket upgrade from a THIRD PARTY to make your prius a plug in the price starts to look a little more reasonable especially if GM is using batteries with the capacity they claim.
Randy B. Posted: 9/8/2008 9:00pm PDT
ps: I agree, show us the car without the execs and the rear panel needs work. What about the inside?
Arno Posted: 9/8/2008 9:01pm PDT
john miloy Posted: 9/8/2008 9:02pm PDT
Why do you people hate America? You are the same people who rooted for our country to lose in Iraq.. Even if it was 10 times better and cheaper, You would still never buy American. You Traitors. You should be deported to Japan.
Harry Posted: 9/8/2008 9:02pm PDT
GM spent so many years dissing hybrid cars that they don't want to use the word. But guess what? The Volt is a hybrid. It runs on electric. It runs on gasoline. It's a gasoline-electic hybrid. It's just a slightly different form of hybrid than a Prius, but it is indeed a hybrid.
Harry
Don Lynch Posted: 9/8/2008 9:05pm PDT
Scott Posted: 9/8/2008 9:06pm PDT
Kuzashi Motoyama Posted: 9/8/2008 9:06pm PDT
glenn Morris Posted: 9/8/2008 9:11pm PDT
Steve Posted: 9/8/2008 9:13pm PDT
Joe Posted: 9/8/2008 9:14pm PDT
susannah Posted: 9/8/2008 9:24pm PDT
partspro Posted: 9/8/2008 9:26pm PDT
Kevin Posted: 9/8/2008 9:27pm PDT
Valannin Posted: 9/8/2008 9:27pm PDT
JKD Posted: 9/8/2008 9:28pm PDT
occ Posted: 9/8/2008 9:30pm PDT
1. Your first 40 miles (after full charge) is run on fully DOMESTIC power source - no more of your hard earned money going out of country!
2. If you have "TOU-Time Of Use" electric metering, it would cost you $1.60 for that 40 miles. NO OTHER COMPARABLE CARS OUT THERE CAN BOAST 80 MILES for a $3.20 gallon of gas! For most other people in the US, it'll probably average $3.20 cost of electricity for that 40 miles - more or less depending on your usage.
3. EVEN if our electricity is 100% -- YES 100% COAL -- it WOULD STILL REDUCE YOUR CO2 output per miles driven. Do the math yourself. The NOX might be about the same, and SO2 pollution would be a bit more than gasoline, BUT U.S. MIX IS 50% COAL, NOT 100%! And power mix is getting cleaner ALL THE TIME (unless the Coal industry gets their wish)!
I would bet someone who buys a Volt would prob drive to conserve, and they will most likely get better than 40 miles on EV mode.
After all that being said, you can prob tell I would rather buy a pure EV than the Volt, but if pure EV costs more, or take too long to come to market, I'm in the market for the Volt. I dont see any different in styling between Prius, Insight, or Volt - all I see is the above facts!
Yroc Posted: 9/8/2008 9:31pm PDT
partspro Posted: 9/8/2008 9:31pm PDT
JKD Posted: 9/8/2008 9:32pm PDT
Ex-Ford Guy Posted: 9/8/2008 9:33pm PDT
This very weak attempt to challenge Toyota, and will be another dark chapter in their history. While the Prius is popular, the #1 issue I hear about is the styling. Chevy had a chance to meet this challenge and grab much needed market share. This does not look like the car that will make it happen for them.
Next we will probably see Ford simply slap on the Taurus Logo to the failing 500....
Oh,they already did that!
DOH!!!!!
Richard Lee Posted: 9/8/2008 9:34pm PDT
(Fancy tail fins maybe?) then the ugly folks are not going to like it. Freaky looking guys will never buy it.
They badly need something that will make them LOOK good.
For those handsome people (like myself), who have good self esteem, a normal looking, functional car works just fine.
How old are you ugly people anyways? 13, 14??
PS:
After owning one GM car, I will never buy another.
That said, the Volt looks great to me. Wish I was a millionaire. :)
Seano Posted: 9/8/2008 9:39pm PDT
But then perhaps that's the point.....so few cars have ever been design icons. And almost none of those could be considered typical family runabouts. So why should the Volt be any different?
Personally......I'm still not sold on hybrids of any colour/breed. There's just too many good alternatives especially with Euro diesels under the bonnet that are more appropriate for where I live (outskirts of a remote rural town) than the current (and immeadiate future) hybrids. Our own work fleet Prius is such an awesome gas chugger on the highway (and such an average handler) that it is typically cheaper to take the V6 Aurion (Camry) or V6 Commodore (G8) on a intertown road trip.
That said though.......I am looking forward to the forthcoming Citroen C5 diesel/plug-in hybrid.
Tom Barbera Posted: 9/8/2008 9:46pm PDT
partspro Posted: 9/8/2008 9:48pm PDT
JKD Posted: 9/8/2008 9:55pm PDT
Harry Posted: 9/8/2008 9:56pm PDT
(Fancy tail fins maybe?) then the ugly folks are not going to like it. Freaky looking guys will never buy it.
They badly need something that will make them LOOK good."
You nailed it, Richard. Gotta have a hot car, a macho truck, or a Harley to pick up the babes...
So pathetic...
Harry
Jonathan Cassidy Posted: 9/8/2008 9:57pm PDT
I am sorry for those who do not see the effort these pictures represent. To me the original was obviously poor aero design. This design is a sleek as they come and this adds to the draw for me.
Down the road if this concept sells I can see them coming out with a more muscle looking car like the original concept. At this time it is best to offer a family car that is most affordable to the masses, then let the alternative deigns out.
mmhurst Posted: 9/8/2008 10:03pm PDT
JeremiahWright Posted: 9/8/2008 10:03pm PDT
Chris "Save Gas" Smith Posted: 9/8/2008 10:20pm PDT
Tom Barbera Posted: 9/8/2008 10:22pm PDT
tcsdoc Posted: 9/8/2008 10:35pm PDT
Jim Posted: 9/8/2008 10:40pm PDT
Bruce Posted: 9/8/2008 10:41pm PDT
spencer Posted: 9/8/2008 10:50pm PDT
>>40 miles range isn’t rally that much when I drive 25 miles to work one-way<<
I think a number of people writing comments are Yuppie’s that are more interested in impressing strangers with how far they are in debt or I have more cup holders than you.
No one in any Blog I read had anything to say about cost per mile over life of ownership.
“IF” the battery, in any make of car, lasts 4 years, what is the replacement COST? This could mean trade in value could be low.
I keep my useful ugly diesel paid off truck for now.
Carmen Posted: 9/8/2008 10:56pm PDT
Mike Posted: 9/8/2008 11:00pm PDT
Bruce Posted: 9/8/2008 11:06pm PDT
LT Posted: 9/8/2008 11:08pm PDT
Eric Posted: 9/8/2008 11:15pm PDT
Of course it does not look exactly like the concept, but it is a LOT plainer than the concept. The concept was silly - no way would it look like that - not aerodynamic. Most cars at least resemble the concept car they are based on, but this looks like an Impala or lumima.
People keep mentioning 40 miles - but they forget it has a gas engine. Isn't this the car that charges while you are at work? I thought of that, but then read one of these cars is going to do...my "inventions" are always 2 years too late!
I doubt many of you can afford this car anyhow...it's not worth $40k anyhow - gas is not THAT expensive.
joey y. Posted: 9/8/2008 11:17pm PDT
Kevin Posted: 9/8/2008 11:34pm PDT
Tell the suits that they ruined all of the pictures.
Creative Guy Posted: 9/8/2008 11:39pm PDT
WisdomSeeker Posted: 9/8/2008 11:47pm PDT
Kingofthehill Posted: 9/8/2008 11:48pm PDT
and BTW- I loved the first version of the volt. This is just ugly.
donee Posted: 9/8/2008 11:52pm PDT
In various other media sources GM people are quoted as saying the new design has a Cd between .27 and .28. Which is in the Prius ballpark, but not a home run.
What I do not get, is why people buy the illusion of performance (the original design), and when real performance (this new design) is staring them in the face they shreak in horror?
Agent Orage Posted: 9/8/2008 11:58pm PDT
PRIUS!!!
I was so excited to see that an electric car could be different.. that I didn't have to be just some schlub that sits in his lame a$$ wind wedge and cruise while having no fun at all.
Seriously, go out of business GM. Take the rest of detroit with you. You guys FN Suck.
Agent Orage Posted: 9/9/2008 12:11am PDT
Agent Orage Posted: 9/9/2008 12:12am PDT
Thumper Posted: 9/9/2008 12:35am PDT
Gandalf Posted: 9/9/2008 12:41am PDT
Randy Posted: 9/9/2008 1:26am PDT
Breaking News! The teen girl who works at GM who designed this fruity VOLT anti-concept disaster has been exposed:
http://tinyurl.com/volt-designer
James Posted: 9/9/2008 1:49am PDT
Thomas Mathew Posted: 9/9/2008 2:04am PDT
opinionated Posted: 9/9/2008 2:09am PDT
Bryan Posted: 9/9/2008 2:09am PDT
Diesel makes more sense, and GM makes a boatload of great diesel cars in Europe that we can't buy. More's the pity.
I'm a little disappointed, but I think people need to be realistic. Most people think that crazy styling sells. Sorry, it doesn't. The best selling vehicles in the country are basic, cleanly styled cars like the Camry, Accord, and Altima, etc. Although I drive an import (built in the USA), I do so because it far outperformed equivalent domestics in quality, features and durability, not because of where it comes from. Resale value speaks for itself.
The thing that will probably destroy the Volt is price. I like the styling, it's realistic. It won't look like yesterday's news overnight, and it's clean, like many new GM products like the G8, Malibu, CTS, and upcoming Camaro. But will people pay $40,000 for a marginal savings in fuel economy? I doubt it. It doesn't make sense. After the first few thousand "hey, look at me"'s buy one, it'll be a tough sell. Great on paper, but when it comes to the checkbook, ouch. Price it at $30,000, and it's a stretch, but I think people would pay for the plug-in cachet. Throw in a strong GM lease, and it's a steal.
For the record I drive a Honda, but my company, Raytheon(Hughes), used to be owned by GM. So there.
Chris Posted: 9/9/2008 2:33am PDT
dave Posted: 9/9/2008 3:05am PDT
Rafael Posted: 9/9/2008 3:16am PDT
A $40k hybrid is not the car for most of America maybe Beverly Hills, not really for the majority. The Japanese competition is building semi-efficient hybrids and selling them at almost half the price of this thing.
If GM really wanted to push for efficiency they would put a diesel motor in it. Since their mediocre management that put one of the largest companies in the world on the brink of bankruptcy I'm sure those guys know what they are doing.
Heck, even Ford has a 65MPG diesel car currently available in the EU that will probably never be available here. They lobby congress against fuel efficiency when they already have cars selling around the world that far exceed the goofy "amazing" 30 highway MPG of American small cars.
Pathetic.
Invective Posted: 9/9/2008 3:22am PDT
Andy Posted: 9/9/2008 3:36am PDT
Double Wow! Some of the idiots who posted here actually passed the test for a driver's lisence! Come on, people: if nobody informed you the US is in a seriously compromised position when it comes to exporting jobs and dependence on foreign oil (for those of you who had your head buried in the sand . . .or somewhere else for that matter). This type of vehicle is part of the answer. All this "aww, man! I don't like the styling, you guys suck" is a bunch of adolescent (if not toddler-like) selfish boo-hooing that characterizes why our nation has the problems it does. Do you know why the generation that fought the second world war has been called "the greatest generation"? Because they thought of a cause greater than themselves - a pattern the subsequent generation has been working very hard to reverse. Grow up and think of your nation, your society and your planet you knuckleheads!
God bless General Motors! It's about time an American car company did something like this!
Tony R Posted: 9/9/2008 3:37am PDT
2nd - Look at http://www.thetorquereport.com/voltfront2-thumb.jpg follow the body line on the door..see the 2nd door handle.
3rd - If you dont like it, dont buy it.
4th - These are most likely NOT the pics that will be used to sell the car. They where most likely for the developers.
5th - You people with the negative attitudes - Come up with something better!!!!!
mackg Posted: 9/9/2008 4:05am PDT
disappointed Posted: 9/9/2008 4:38am PDT
This dumpy car looks like every other car on the road today. The first teaser photos of the Volt style and was bold. I was on board for one... now, forgetaboutit.
Should have know better since it was a GM thing.
If it doesn't at least have its own look, ya might as well just stick with the Prius, at least with a Toyota you know it is going to be reliable.
allen Posted: 9/9/2008 4:49am PDT
Gene Posted: 9/9/2008 5:35am PDT
Patrick Posted: 9/9/2008 6:45am PDT
All of them are ugly.
Randy Posted: 9/9/2008 7:37am PDT
Joe Posted: 9/9/2008 7:53am PDT
Jim Posted: 9/9/2008 7:58am PDT
John Z Posted: 9/9/2008 8:32am PDT
Instead of being Cool! it's just a EcoBox.
KC Posted: 9/9/2008 8:39am PDT
TERRY Posted: 9/9/2008 8:41am PDT
Robert Posted: 9/9/2008 8:41am PDT
So as I look at this car, I ask myself ....why buy a car that costs more, looks 'blah', and does not outperform other vehicles that are already out there?
Rob S Posted: 9/9/2008 8:45am PDT
midnightcwby1 Posted: 9/9/2008 8:45am PDT
midnightcwby1 Posted: 9/9/2008 8:46am PDT
John Posted: 9/9/2008 8:49am PDT
Davva Posted: 9/9/2008 8:55am PDT
If we could get one of these cars in every family's driveway our foreign oil addiction would be over.
Knarf Posted: 9/9/2008 8:57am PDT
150 miles/charge and 150 mile range = $50,000 (at least) price tag with lackluster performance in a cheap Korean package (see Phoenix Motorcars).
The Volt has a 600 mile range, not 40. It has 40 mile electric range which was chosen to displace the maximum amount of petroleum based on US driving habits. Yes, GM did their homework, you all did not.
Comparisons to ALL other hybrids are apples to oranges. The Volt has a different powertrain architecture and is getting 100MPG, nothing can touch that in its class. Nothing. Yes you will pay more for a high tech feature like that.
The old styling was better but had terrible aerodynamics which hurt efficiency at a time when America needs it the most. Clearly that is lost of the majority of you idiots.
The Volt is the first plug-in series hybrid ever and it's built in the USA. You all should be proud.
Funny, I wonder how many of you actually believe that crap about GM killing the EV which was stylistically hideous and went a whopping 40 miles period. I suppose if they pull this they'll get accused of killing the PHEV even though it 40 miles EV and 600 miles total when its gen set kicks in. Ridiculous but possible in the US.
Bob A Posted: 9/9/2008 8:58am PDT
I hope they at least get the bowtie to not fall apart like has happens to all my Chevys. They are doomed to failure.
Dave G Posted: 9/9/2008 9:13am PDT
HawkIowan Posted: 9/9/2008 9:14am PDT
As for the tremendous concept car -- Chevy should try to bring that out as a sports car (or sports version of the Volt) WITHOUT dumbing down the edgy, flashy design. It was an incredibly hot looking car. I could see owning both: one for weekdays, one for the weekend!
J. Merchant Posted: 9/9/2008 9:15am PDT
Zack Posted: 9/9/2008 9:18am PDT
Ele Posted: 9/9/2008 9:27am PDT
Ed Posted: 9/9/2008 9:40am PDT
Are you effing kiddimg me?
For that $, 99% of all drivers would be far better off witht he excellent BMW 3 series DIESELS coming up this fall, TREMENDOUS Performance, HANDLING (a word GM would not know if it bit it in the butt) AND Economy!
Jeff Posted: 9/9/2008 9:56am PDT
Michael H Posted: 9/9/2008 10:06am PDT
Noel M Posted: 9/9/2008 10:06am PDT
The concept was absolutely breathtaking and this thing looks like a saturn that mated with one of those dorky prius'.
Who the heck redesigned the concept? Goes to show why my former favorite automaker is going hooters up! Also, battery power? Everyone knows water can run a car now. EVERYONE.
Water power doods! Time to break out the HH0 powered cars like Japan are about to do. Never mind the oil lobby, their days are numbered.
Michael Posted: 9/9/2008 10:18am PDT
Kristen Posted: 9/9/2008 10:19am PDT
Bill Posted: 9/9/2008 10:21am PDT
JoeR Posted: 9/9/2008 10:21am PDT
John Posted: 9/9/2008 10:24am PDT
Ed Posted: 9/9/2008 10:32am PDT
you will be far, far better off with the 5-door, 5-passenger Honda hatch that looks like the prius but will sell for LESS and will drive MUCH BETTER than the appliance, butt-ugly prius.
Jim G. Posted: 9/9/2008 10:35am PDT
SoundTech41 Posted: 9/9/2008 10:39am PDT
Tori_Fox-Hunter Posted: 9/9/2008 10:45am PDT
Best,
Kyle M Posted: 9/9/2008 10:46am PDT
WTF is wrong with you executives?? Do you never listen to your fans (i.e. customers)?? Your marketing focus groups are doing you no favors!
Whats wrong with prototype style as designed and the technology combined.
Way to screw up a good thing GM!
Ausarb Posted: 9/9/2008 10:56am PDT
GM needs a great car that appeals to the mass market. No niche car will save GM. I loved the looks of the concept car, but I wouldn't have bought it. With two kids, I need something practical that is easy to get in/out of and has some trunk space.
I sure hope that GM can pull it off, assuming the can build it.
Steve in SoCal Posted: 9/9/2008 10:59am PDT
Jerry Posted: 9/9/2008 11:04am PDT
Michael Posted: 9/9/2008 11:04am PDT
regards
Michael
Joe Posted: 9/9/2008 11:14am PDT
Scptt W Posted: 9/9/2008 11:16am PDT
Fred Posted: 9/9/2008 11:26am PDT
Very disappointing
Matt Posted: 9/9/2008 11:35am PDT
jthistle Posted: 9/9/2008 11:35am PDT
Quote: For the people not keeping up with the Volt story, the original design had a Cd of .43, and this design is said to be at .28. The difference is that the original design would only go 33 miles on the battery, while this design will do the 40 mile with design margin.
So, for those 7 miles we go from an exciting design, something that captured American dreams, to styling like every other hybrid.
Lets face facts this car will not make economic sense, at $40,000, in its useful life when compared to other hybrids on the market. You would need to drive Honda's new Insight 20K miles per year for 16 years before you spend $40,000. Talk about a hard sell.
Eric Posted: 9/9/2008 11:35am PDT
I can’t wait for a world with minimal usage for internal combustion engines!!! 128 years ago we patented the light-bulb; look at how far we have come!! I still think it’s a shame that we power so much of our lives on technology that was used for the Model T. Personally, I think such advancements (alternative power technology) exist and we could be free of petrol engines. HOWEVER, there is so much capital investment within the infrastructure of oil, so much profit coming in, that oil companies buy such technology and shelve it, or stifle its advancement all together.
Tim & Rachel Posted: 9/9/2008 12:01pm PDT
Stephen Posted: 9/9/2008 12:27pm PDT
BD Posted: 9/9/2008 12:52pm PDT
Doug Posted: 9/9/2008 1:01pm PDT
Doug Posted: 9/9/2008 1:04pm PDT
OblioA Posted: 9/9/2008 1:38pm PDT
OblioA Posted: 9/9/2008 1:39pm PDT
Japan Posted: 9/9/2008 1:44pm PDT
Japan Man Posted: 9/9/2008 1:45pm PDT
Sean K Monaghan Posted: 9/9/2008 1:59pm PDT
Franc Posted: 9/9/2008 2:00pm PDT
sean monaghan Posted: 9/9/2008 2:00pm PDT
West Posted: 9/9/2008 2:08pm PDT
Marky Posted: 9/9/2008 2:12pm PDT
GM, shame on you and what is with this business of year 2011??? For christ sake, this is America. This is all we can do from the number one automaker in the WORLD.
Where is the photo voltaic panel for recharging. That would be a no brainer (one would think) as the car will probably be sitting in the sun in some corporate parking lot for at least 8 hours per day, duhh. GM, the only thing saving your a-- is CHINA and the US Congress. Your time in the sunshine has come and gone and as a stockholder of a lot of GM I can only cry as the biggies get their golden parashutes and head for Toyota or Hondai or worse yet, Honda. REALLY year 2011. I am embaressed to be a GM buyer all my life. MARKEY
Dan Frederiksen Posted: 9/9/2008 2:22pm PDT
it's not Audi and it's a bit american/bland but certainly elegant enough to be a huge succes if the price can be kept reasonable.
present it in white though in lush green nature. an angel in its right environment. the right people will hunger for it.
and move the damn people out of the pictures
shiva Posted: 9/9/2008 2:32pm PDT
and this is coming a Honda fan. GM will make a convert out of me if they can deliver on the mpg ratings.
ApolloVet Posted: 9/9/2008 2:42pm PDT
The nation that built the Apollo/Saturn V in six years can do much better ttthan this in far more brief periods of time than this, at a much lower price.
Or, can it?
Knarf Posted: 9/9/2008 2:45pm PDT
It's gets 100 MPG!!!!
It goes 40 miles before it starts its engine.
What is so hard about that.
Your Honda an Toyota aren't anywhere in this cars league.
uncle Posted: 9/9/2008 2:50pm PDT
The volt has a sleek and cool design.
4 Doors, thats great.
In my opinion it looks much better than the concept with its tiny little windows.
I don't like Bob HUMMER Lutz, but if the Volt is going to hit the market, this could me my next car.
Driving to work in EV mode, and having an ICE running on clean Ethanol, why not.
Or drive to the mall on ev-mode.
If you do shopping you just don't need a hummer.
My car has about the same size as the volt and it is big enough to do shopping. Or go on holidays with 4 People.
greetz
uncle
Bill R Posted: 9/9/2008 2:53pm PDT
This car looks both attractive and more utilitarian (useful). Thanks for wisening up, GM.
artcenter Posted: 9/9/2008 3:11pm PDT
artcenter Posted: 9/9/2008 3:12pm PDT
Suman Posted: 9/9/2008 3:22pm PDT
To those worried about their electric bill, my electric scooter only raised my bill about $1.50 per month (10 mile round-trip commute * 5 days/week * 4 wks/month = 200 miles/month; 0.08 kWh/mile * $0.096/kWh * 200 miles/month = $1.54/month). The Volt will obviously use a little more power; I've read it uses a 16 kWh battery pack to go those 40 miles vs. my scooter's 2 kWh battery pack to go 25 miles. Plugging in those numbers, you get 0.4 kWh/mile, so my commute would then cost $7.68/month. I will gladly pay that "fuel" cost to get to work in air-conditioned comfort!
Do the math using your own commute distance and electricity cost.
Mark N Posted: 9/9/2008 3:22pm PDT
Mark N Posted: 9/9/2008 3:25pm PDT
Craig Posted: 9/9/2008 3:55pm PDT
BC Rosenau Posted: 9/9/2008 4:18pm PDT
The original version was futuristic - I wanted one. I don't want what it has now become...just another car for college girls.
John Posted: 9/9/2008 4:34pm PDT
I had sworn off buying another GM product due to the lack of quality on everything aside from engines, but was thinking the Volt could be a potential future vehicle for me. This new design has killed that idea, as I like to have at least some style. This looks like a combination of an Aveo and a Prius, with a Malibu grille slapped on for some brand recognition. GM really has some of the most poorly executed styling in the market. What design do they steal? The ugly (but functionally aerodynamic) Prius.
I would love to reduce my dependence on foreign oil and at the same time support an American car company, but GM is doing a great job of turning what was an exciting concept vehicle into its usual disappointing production version. They could have smoothed out the concept into a more aerodynamic version without completely changing it into a boring aerodynamic blob that is not eye cathcing or unique and has zero positive styling cues.
benlorenzo Posted: 9/9/2008 4:39pm PDT
This design, IDK, does not move me in the least, reagardless of its GREEN factor.
Randy Posted: 9/9/2008 5:06pm PDT
I don't think there were subtitles so forgive me if English isn't your primary language.
If you didn't watch then I and the rest of us know you are just a pretender.
banker Posted: 9/9/2008 5:11pm PDT
Eric Posted: 9/9/2008 5:13pm PDT
To borrow a line from Hussein Obama, The audacity....
Usually one becomes this arrogant AFTER you do something great...funny, Gm execs and Obama have something in common.
Booyah Posted: 9/9/2008 5:18pm PDT
Whitelightning Posted: 9/9/2008 5:33pm PDT
Lazar Bel Posted: 9/9/2008 5:33pm PDT
Scott Tudehope Posted: 9/9/2008 5:45pm PDT
dan rose Posted: 9/9/2008 5:51pm PDT
Jon B. Posted: 9/9/2008 6:07pm PDT
Elmo Posted: 9/9/2008 6:10pm PDT
Elmo Posted: 9/9/2008 6:24pm PDT
J.R. Posted: 9/9/2008 6:29pm PDT
Rob Posted: 9/9/2008 6:31pm PDT
Without a doubt it is DRAMATICALLY better looking than that ugly Prius though. I would rather drive my Tahoe, expensive as it may be, than drive that ugly little pop can Prius.
None of these little plug in rigs is going to pull my boat though!! Hurry up and get the technology into something with some actual room/comfort inside for traveling with my family and recreating. Oops, greenies probably think we should stop that too.
Frankie Posted: 9/9/2008 6:39pm PDT
Iwas ready for a trade in in 2010(11) but now - FORGET it! This looks like every other POS high mileage weenie car. The LAST thing we need is another Prius, Insight, ugly car. C'mon guys - sacrifice some Drag and make it slick!
so much for the Volt....
Rob Posted: 9/9/2008 6:39pm PDT
As far as the styling on the Volt it is fairly boring but at least it is not as UGLY as the Prius. I would drive a Volt. If a Prius was delivered to my house I would not drive that though--just too ugly.
I am waiting for the the Volt SUV so I can load up my family/camping gear, hook my boat on the back and head to the lake for the weekend. The Volt and and the Prius are not going to fill that void.
Not everyones ambition is to commute 7 days a week.
Mike Posted: 9/9/2008 6:45pm PDT
Joe Posted: 9/9/2008 6:46pm PDT
frank Posted: 9/9/2008 6:48pm PDT
Jumps Posted: 9/9/2008 6:59pm PDT
Too bad, Maybe next time?
TJinPhx Posted: 9/9/2008 7:37pm PDT
Oops, forgot - this is a GM product.
TJinPhx Posted: 9/9/2008 7:38pm PDT
Oops, I forgot - this is a GM product.
Chris K Posted: 9/9/2008 7:42pm PDT
There is a reason why I drive an Audi...car manufacturers in North America can't design a nice looking, well equiped car if they tried...of wait, they did try and they still couldn't.
Chris K Posted: 9/9/2008 7:45pm PDT
There is a reason I drive an Audi. North American manufacturers can't design a nice looking, weel equiped car if they tried...we'll I guess they did try and they failed.
alan Posted: 9/9/2008 8:06pm PDT
Jeff Posted: 9/9/2008 8:21pm PDT
Joe 2 Posted: 9/9/2008 8:23pm PDT
Arous Posted: 9/9/2008 8:29pm PDT
Stan Posted: 9/9/2008 8:36pm PDT
GEAH Posted: 9/9/2008 8:58pm PDT
Do they really think we want to look at them, rather than the car?
Joey Posted: 9/9/2008 9:02pm PDT
zapper Posted: 9/9/2008 9:05pm PDT
Kevbo Posted: 9/9/2008 9:13pm PDT
Reliability, high resale value, low maintenance costs and good fuel economy make it easier for American buyers to live with bland Japanese cars. American cars are not known for having any of the aforementioned qualities. American cars can now only appeal to style. American car style is the stuff of legend and it is known around the world. Though we haven't seen much of it in recent years there are a crop of retro styled American cars that have made waves.
I was seriously considering buying a Chevy Volt as my next car because while I don't want a gas guzzler I do love American muscle car style, and that's what the volt had. A mix of practical drive train and four doors in a mini-Camaro like package.
I would never (never, ever, ever! Never ever!) buy this boring, steaming pile of crap. I'd never buy any Chevy car product (unless gas goes back to $1 a gallon then I'll grab a bitchin' Camaro but that's not gonna happen). Cobalt, Impala, Monte Carlo, all crap.
The Japanese have won. Every car including this sad new Volt has a Japanese counterpart that mops the floor with it. On price, features, economy, quality, you name it.
The only thing promising about the Volt in the first place was that it hinted at the start a new game. Turn this boring green car movement on it's head. Build green cars that are fun, fast, and stylish and let the Japanese play catch up for once.
I guess I should have known the old suits pictured above would screw that up too. Way to go guys!
jason Posted: 9/9/2008 9:28pm PDT
Bill Aptera Posted: 9/9/2008 9:34pm PDT
How cheesy. How GM, like back to the bad old days.
It reminds me spiritually of a rusting 1979 Skylark in Sunset Orange paint, with crushed velour upholstery. Where is the Vinyl Landua roof?
GM, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, FOR YOUR OWN SURVIVAL, HAUL THIS TO THE CRUSHER AND BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD! In fact, throw out the drawing board you were using, the stench might linger.
LUTZ, my God, how could you stand to have your photo taken with that bloated pile???
Was this photo shopped in?
Are you getting Alzheimer's?
Have you been in too many meetings?
This is NOT a "gotta have it" kind of car!
GET WITH IT!
Bill Aptera Posted: 9/9/2008 9:37pm PDT
GM, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, FOR YOUR OWN SURVIVAL, HAUL THIS TO THE CRUSHER AND BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD! In fact, throw out the drawing board you were using, the stench might linger.
LUTZ, my man, how could you stand to have your photo taken with that bloated pile??? Was your image photo shopped in without your knowledge? Are you getting Alzheimer's?
Have you been getting punchy sitting in too many meetings?
This is NOT a "gotta have it" kind of car!
UGGGHH!! COME ON, GET WITH IT!
Bill Aptera Posted: 9/9/2008 9:43pm PDT
J_ Posted: 9/9/2008 9:44pm PDT
JST Posted: 9/9/2008 9:49pm PDT
Gary Gardner Posted: 9/9/2008 9:53pm PDT
Custom Cruiser Posted: 9/9/2008 9:55pm PDT
If it was more like the concept, I'd pay that extra 10K.
GM has been building crap for a number of years now,
(along with the other big 2) but the main issue is they need to ditch CEO Waggner, and his lame game plans, and resurrect the GM brand.
Chris Posted: 9/9/2008 9:55pm PDT
Bill Aptera Posted: 9/9/2008 9:56pm PDT
Sorry guys, but please go get a career with an insurance company.
Lutz, how could you?
America is going to seed, no wonder the stock market crashed today.
Sean Posted: 9/9/2008 10:07pm PDT
J.R. Posted: 9/9/2008 10:12pm PDT
To all of the artists at GM who tried to get the real Volt made, I salute your efforts and encourage you to go work for a car company that will actually realize your talent.
To all you nerds at GM who managed to bring the Volturd to life, have fun driving it. Can't wait to see you credited in the next GM movie called "Who killed the Volt?"
JR Posted: 9/9/2008 10:14pm PDT
Can't wait to see these execs in the credits for "Who killed the Volt?"
Foreverman Posted: 9/9/2008 11:02pm PDT
jeremiah of austin texas Posted: 9/9/2008 11:03pm PDT
For the BUY AMERICAN crowed, I'm with you, but remember that it took a labor strike to force GM to keep this product in the US. But for how long?
Foreverman Posted: 9/9/2008 11:05pm PDT
Lee Blackstone Posted: 9/9/2008 11:38pm PDT
Sobby Posted: 9/9/2008 11:43pm PDT
Slayer63116 Posted: 9/9/2008 11:52pm PDT
After seeing the latest photos, every one of those smug muckety mucks posing beside that sad excuse of a design, needs to resign their office and offer an immediate apology to the American public for "cheaping" the "greening" and birth of the electric vehicle. SHAME ON YOU!
Jake Posted: 9/10/2008 12:04am PDT
If you were going to buy a Volt simply because of its styling, you were never GM's target demographic!
This is geared to a family of 4 who wants to not buy foreign oil for their vehicle. Yes, plugging it in at home will raise your electric bill, but at least most of the coal used in power plants in mined here in America and we're not sending millions of dollars to Chavez in Venezuela and Amadinnerjacket in Iran.
GeoMac Posted: 9/10/2008 12:04am PDT
Kevin D Posted: 9/10/2008 12:08am PDT
Roger Posted: 9/10/2008 12:12am PDT
Roger M.
jen Posted: 9/10/2008 12:13am PDT
Stephen Andrews Posted: 9/10/2008 12:23am PDT
Steve A Posted: 9/10/2008 12:31am PDT
Steve A Posted: 9/10/2008 12:32am PDT
CS Posted: 9/10/2008 12:34am PDT
Steve A Posted: 9/10/2008 12:37am PDT
BellaCroix Posted: 9/10/2008 12:57am PDT
Anthony Posted: 9/10/2008 1:03am PDT
I do not understand patriotism when it comes to bad design. If you like a car that rides like a boat and looks boring and has cheap plasticky interior that is one thing, but a car is an investment. This country has the freedom of competition, I can't support low quality cars that are no fun to drive.
But some people can drive an Impala and think it rides like a dream, I get sea-sick. But I dont really care for any of those cars, Toyotas have that bounce too. I want to feel the road and not have to to the shop every two months.
Tesla is a home grown auto company that the "loyal Americans" can't complain about. The questions is, will they be able to deliver a car for the average consumer and not just the green glitterati? I hope so. We Californians don't burn much (if any) coal for our power, and it is much more efficient to used natural gas and petroleum to power electric cars than rely on combustion engines.
John Roberts Posted: 9/10/2008 1:04am PDT
Gandalf Posted: 9/10/2008 1:12am PDT
Plano (Texas) Snob Posted: 9/10/2008 1:18am PDT
American Comeback! Posted: 9/10/2008 1:19am PDT
Finally something the average American will be able to drive that isn't going to funnel large chunks of our hard earner money to our dear friends in the middle east.
Can you please pull in the launch date - that would be a coup! Trust me, you would sell as many as you could make.
Count me in.
RAW Posted: 9/10/2008 1:20am PDT
Whoever said "Dolt" is absolutely correct.
gerald krygier Posted: 9/10/2008 1:21am PDT
Carl Canaparo Posted: 9/10/2008 1:23am PDT
of how leaders lead. GM should be embarassed posting photos of the men taking credit for such a poor design.
Perhaps, God forbid, a woman should run such an old boys tastless company.
Oh my....the emperor has no close!
Rik Posted: 9/10/2008 1:25am PDT
OPEC Sucks Posted: 9/10/2008 1:26am PDT
Rik Posted: 9/10/2008 1:30am PDT
Billy Goat Posted: 9/10/2008 1:56am PDT
kingsburgphil Posted: 9/10/2008 1:56am PDT
thing at any price. Driving this car is like getting head from a queer-it feels good till someone see's you. Need more- remember the Aztec!
Retired saturn tech
Billy Goat Posted: 9/10/2008 2:00am PDT
Jim in MI Posted: 9/10/2008 2:14am PDT
Brad Posted: 9/10/2008 2:14am PDT
Ben Simon Posted: 9/10/2008 2:24am PDT
JoshCamper Posted: 9/10/2008 2:25am PDT
UGLY
JoshCamper Posted: 9/10/2008 2:28am PDT
Jay Posted: 9/10/2008 2:28am PDT
Juan Posted: 9/10/2008 2:50am PDT
DJ Posted: 9/10/2008 3:02am PDT
Tom Posted: 9/10/2008 3:36am PDT
Thom Posted: 9/10/2008 3:50am PDT
Hmm, the EV1 was already released and pulled out of the owners hands (who, by the way, loved their EV1s)... where is the progress in Detroit??? They're just going in circles, but I'm sure they'll bring the Camaro back... again, again, and again. No thanks, I'll keep driving my Del Sols, MR2's, Carolla's and Civics. Why does Detroit have to 'de-style' green... I think it is because they're in with fossil fuels. Please, Detroit, grow a pear; go green WITH some style.
loplop Posted: 9/10/2008 4:09am PDT
$ 40,000? Is this a joke?
Great Lake Boy Posted: 9/10/2008 4:26am PDT
jb stork Posted: 9/10/2008 4:34am PDT
The one thing Ford, GM, and even Chrysler (when it has been an American company) have consistently had over the Japs and Nazis is style. All the Jap and Nazi cars look alike with the same boring style, and the only way you can tell them apart is by the number that constitutes their names.
GM especially has done a lot over the past couple years to improve style -- e.g. look at the Cadillacs. If this is actually what the Volt will look like (a combination of Prius and Civic CRX), this is a huge step backward for GM.
jamesw Posted: 9/10/2008 6:40am PDT
The 40 mile electric range is good - if they paired it with a diesel engine over here it could do really well.
On the styling front I have to say that they've been *too* conservative. The Prius sells because celebs drive them - they are then inherently cool - the Volt may or may not get celeb backing so GM should have kept it closer to the concept. I'm thinking if they had kept the "wrap around" screen and not given it tiny pram wheels they might have been ok. I know bigger wheels can increase rolling resistance but I saw some new michellin tyres that can really improve that, while still having a low profile, at the motorshow in London.
To everyone buying a GM because its American.... well I'm sorry but over here in Europe cars sell on their merits, the British car industry died because it stopped making good cars and milked brand loyalty and patriotism.
Ford have just announced an amazing new diesel that will sell by the bucketload in Europe but they can't afford to market in the States. In the UK the Prius is destroyed in performance and MPG by any diesel car.
Steve Posted: 9/10/2008 7:14am PDT
Pathetic Posted: 9/10/2008 7:26am PDT
bh Posted: 9/10/2008 7:30am PDT
Plano (Texas) Snob Posted: 9/10/2008 9:07am PDT
You act like the only good desing for aerodynamics is to copy the bubble concept. But a bubble does not have to look plain. I point you back to the HHR & SSR. Great design, smooth lines and plenty of style. GM has failed to click with the audience, who obviously wants more than generic looking cars to drive.
Phil J Posted: 9/10/2008 9:16am PDT
So quit complaining.. its not the same sand they said it would look diffrent
Jim Posted: 9/10/2008 9:22am PDT
Let's see now.... I remember the Oldsmobile with the gasoline engine converted to diesel. And how about the Pontiac Fiero , Cadillac Alante , Chevy Citation, Chevy Vega & Chevy Chevette, just to name a few. Anyone who would buy any new technology from GM out to have their head examined.
No Fan Posted: 9/10/2008 9:31am PDT
James Posted: 9/10/2008 9:46am PDT
Remember the excitement generated by the concept? A BIG reason was it was a GREAT LOOKING electric vehicle. Now... BLAH!!! There goes the excitement from what I'm seeing.
Ed Posted: 9/10/2008 9:54am PDT
September 9th, 2008 - 5:46 pm
Dump the hybrid. Give us a fuel sipping diesel!"
It is a HUGE Shame that all these years, indeed decades, the US used tens of millions of Pickup Trucks and SUVs with GAS engines. The Diesel is IDEALLY SUITED for those vehicles (and the more they tow, the better the diesel is!), and would have almost DOUBLED their fuel economy!
The huge Ford Excursion with gas got less than 10 MPG, and with the Diesel got more than 19! (That's REAL, not EPA, MPG, in a one-year long term test by Motorweek
!
The onetime big 3 (now the pathetic 2) charged an extra $4000 for the diesel, although it only cost them $500 extra or so.
WHat a SHAME!
And the volt: Will anybody with a brain inside his or her head pay $40,000 for that POS??????
REALLY??????
I would NEVER do so.
BMW soon offers fantastic Diesels 330d and 335d IN THE US in 2009, and they are 10 times better than the stupid Volt!!!!
Backbone American Guy Posted: 9/10/2008 10:16am PDT
First glance of the 4-door Volt, not that bad looking of a car. However, the truth be told...here is where GM continues to miss the point:
1st; since the Volt is not a mid-size car and I doubt it has decent leg and storage room...a huge negative.
2nd; A tiny car with an anticipated price not to sell for less that $35,000...another huge negative because that's far too much money for such a little car.
3rd; The Volt when fully charged will not get one any further than 40 miles on a charge?...and for a whopping $35,000 price?...You folks at GM has got to be kidding us. Do you actually think you are going to sell enough of these to recoup your design/tool costs? And yet plug it in just to re-charge it daily or every other day basis just for a measily 40 miles?...Wait until one receives their monthly electric bill...What a big (and unfortunate) Joke.
4th; I don't want to buy a gas-guzzling SUV just to haul a bag of groceries in...nor a Tiny-Tot car (the Volt) with most likely no interior or storage space. What I need is a functional, all-American well built mid-size car with decent trunkspace (doesn't have to be a Goliath) and legroom for short/long trips for a fairly reasonable price...$25,000-$30,000 which can deliver 35-45 MPG Hwy and 30 City...capable of traveling a 400 mile range...a car GM really needs to develop and market for America to blow away all the competition and reclaim/return GM as the Backbone of America.
5th; Finally, I don't mean to be rough on GM...I've always bought only GM cars and would like to continue doing so. However, I'm just about set to throw in the towel on GM and give up: Your dragging the company Out of Business & risking the Shutdown of your Factories to pocket a buck. The Executives/Engineers/Designers working for the company & making these incompetent/irrational decisions (same goes for Ford & Chrysler) just don't get it! As for the factory workers, I kind of feel sorry for them (hate to have anyone lose their job) and sometimes I don't...you and the UAW fought for a lot of pampered/pricey labor agreement contracts which also helped drag a once extremely profitable company into Red Ink. Buy a Volt or ????...who's going to service them once you both drag the company Bankrupt?...because both parties are too proud to fess up the real reasons GM/Ford/Chrysler are in tough times?
ganesh Posted: 9/10/2008 10:56am PDT
Bob Posted: 9/10/2008 11:09am PDT
Allen Fuller Posted: 9/10/2008 11:11am PDT
Ed Posted: 9/10/2008 11:12am PDT
"And the volt: Will anybody with a brain inside his or her head pay $40,000 for that POS??????
REALLY??????
I would NEVER do so.
BMW soon offers fantastic Diesels 330d and 335d IN THE US in 2009, and they are 10 times better than the stupid Volt!!!!"
$40,000 for this little POS is LUDICROUS.
Peter Posted: 9/10/2008 11:15am PDT
Looking elsewhere Posted: 9/10/2008 11:16am PDT
James Posted: 9/10/2008 11:32am PDT
If that's the case, that fuel economy minded and environmentally conscious people will buy it despite it being "ugly", then why would they NOT buy it if the Volt had been designed to also appeal to those who do care about style? And if the case is that they WOULD buy it then, why wouldn't it be designed to appeal to a broader spectrum?
What, it can't have both function AND good looks? Would 35 mpc as opposed to 40 mpc matter to people if they didn't even know that an uglier version would get the extra 5 mpc?
And no, I'm not a high school kid who couldn't afford it like some suggest. I also don't need a "flashy car to pick-up girls". (Please take note that I also appear to be more literate than most of the responders on this site.)
Just what do these people that are espousing this BS wear? A sack? Doesn't a sack cover you just as much as a shirt? Do you live in a lean-to as many people do in India? It covers them and the left-over newspapers keep them reasonably warm at night. Do they buy their clothes at the Goodwill Store or from the Salvation Army? No? Then SHUT-UP about people that like style!
That's like saying that this car has a nice personality. In meeting someone, LOOKS provide a stronger initial physical attraction than personality. It takes a while to know someone's personality. Car companies don't have that luxury. They have to get that first impression, which means LOOKS in most cases.
GM claimed that they stopped the EV-1 in part due to lack of customer demand. From its limited range to its weird style. It also was an ugly car but I would have loved to have one (to keep).
No reasonably experienced person expects a production model car to be exactly as the prototype. But we do expect the prototype to represent a more accurate depiction of the final product than we were provided in this Volt debacle.
I have been a loyal GM buyer for years. From my '77 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme to my '03 Cadillac STS. I have now delayed the purchase of a new vehicle for several months due to my interest in the Volt. I was willing to go another 1.5 to 2 years to get one.
Now I see no reason to wait. And GM doesn't have a car that I want. Guess that means someone else will get my hard-earned dollars. I wonder why GM is hurting so much financially?
DRPhillips Posted: 9/10/2008 11:36am PDT
D. Silski Posted: 9/10/2008 11:38am PDT
D. Silski Posted: 9/10/2008 11:40am PDT
KB Posted: 9/10/2008 11:56am PDT
Look at what Honda did with the Civic: it is a modern looking car with some futuristic characteristics, yet still fits in with the current vehicles on the road.
You can whine about it not looking like the concept, but I'll be in line to get mine when the Volt finally hits dealerships.
Great job GM!!!!!
Patrick Posted: 9/10/2008 12:00pm PDT
Patrick
Duc Posted: 9/10/2008 12:08pm PDT
Don't ruin a good thing by wrapping it under a so so look.
It is like Micheal Jordan in a Walmart suit.
GM needs to wake-up and retake the lead and I am not seeing it.
Nick Posted: 9/10/2008 12:11pm PDT
That ROI will be a LOOOONNNNGGGGG time coming. Just as GM is ready to go into the crapper they put out a car that even LESS people can afford!!!!
Of course they have to figure out SOME way to pay the $22 an hour union broom pushers at their plants.
Helen Keller would do a better job at running GM than the bozos that are collecting their multi-million dollar bonuses and pensions.
No wonder the Asian companies have such a large share of sales in the good 'ol USA.
DEE Posted: 9/10/2008 12:25pm PDT
Diesel Posted: 9/10/2008 12:41pm PDT
Way to go Chevy...Wonder if all teh classic Chevrolets will be worth more or less when this company goes down.
Please sell off and split this rediculous company.
This Blows Posted: 9/10/2008 12:43pm PDT
I loved the concept and living in the real world knew there would have to be some changes to bring it to market but this is a joke.
If you want Americans to look at new technologies your going to have to make the package a little prettier.
This is a joke it looks like a Honda and I am no longer interested in this car, GM blew it big time they had our attention with the concept and wheeled out this box on wheels if this was their intention to start they could have simply threw the new power packs in a Hugo and saved allot of money.
GM stands for GAG ME.
Mark Posted: 9/10/2008 12:49pm PDT
This car is going to get the best mpg rating of anything out there by far.
busymom Posted: 9/10/2008 12:56pm PDT
Richard Posted: 9/10/2008 1:55pm PDT
onepoorguy Posted: 9/10/2008 2:12pm PDT
And, yes, I'm male. (Sorry, busymom!)
Brenda Posted: 9/10/2008 2:17pm PDT
Chris Posted: 9/10/2008 2:52pm PDT
Joseph Posted: 9/10/2008 2:57pm PDT
This is not an electric car with 40 mile range...it's a plug-in electric with a 600 mile range. That's pretty much twice any other car on the market.
Higher electric bill? Obviously. But the difference is electricity is estimated at an equivalent of $0.60/gallon. People are too eager to spend $100/week on gas and complain about a $175/month electric bill.
Henry Posted: 9/10/2008 3:54pm PDT
Good job GM. Hire Opel division to do the plastics and interior so that fit and finish is up to European Standards.
Bring the new Opel Insignia to the US as a Saturn.
Finally, working on building a solid portfolio of cars that are all environmentally friendly, and punish those who opt for large engines by charging them more? I believe that this is Mercedes and BMW's strategy in every market but the US. It's time that US consumer realize that they can't use so many natural resources.
Release the Volt, and then build three platforms of the highest quality, and build your cars off of them. Introduce lines of cars that will be around for a long time, and then now and then the interested industry changing vehicle like the volt to release new auto technologies.
GM PLEASE DON'T LET US DOWN WITH THE INTERIOR QUALITY... ESPECIALLY OF THOSE WITH THE PLASTICS. THERE IS NO REASON WHY A SATURN ASTRA HAS BETTER PLASTICS THAN A CORVETTE OR SATURN SKY. YOU APPARENTLY HAVE THE ABILITY, AND CAN CHARGE YOUR CUSTOMERS THE ADDITIONAL 250 FOR THE BETTER PLASTICS. IT'S THAT IMPORTANT THAT INITIAL QUALITY AND LOOK ARE STRONG. GO ASK APPLE.
My last plea for the American auto makers... please don't build such bulky cars (Chrysler is especially notorious for this)... there is no reason that the cars need to be so big, and use the interior space so inefficiently. Take cues from Opel, and I think GM really does have a chance.
Doug Roberts Posted: 9/10/2008 4:01pm PDT
2) I had hopes for the Volt, but I liked the concept car design better.
3) I hear the price of the Volt will be $40,000. Now I know GM will go bankrupt. I can buy a Corolla or Civic for about $17,000 and even if gas goes to $8.00 a gallon save more money that if I had a Volt at $40,000.
4) When GM goes to Uncle Sam for money I will make sure my representative votes NO MONEY until GM promises to move all their production back to the USA. I will not pay taxes to support a traitorous corporate citizen that shafts US workers.
5) Note to GM: If you want to continue to exist think VALUE FOR MONEY, VALUE FOR MONEY, VALUE FOR MONEY.
JR Posted: 9/10/2008 4:18pm PDT
LKM Posted: 9/10/2008 4:24pm PDT
Logo's are like sooooo yesterday, get that thing off the otherwise nice looking car.
Tim L Posted: 9/10/2008 4:47pm PDT
Nice try Chevy but its thirty years too late.
pooor guy2 Posted: 9/10/2008 4:49pm PDT
Dario Posted: 9/10/2008 5:11pm PDT
You are about to blow it Lutz. If you are going to be basing the future of GM on this car, you're in for a catastrophe. Go back to the original design and lose some aerodynamics. Or would you prefer to lose potential customers instead?
Rick Davis Posted: 9/10/2008 5:46pm PDT
Non ame Posted: 9/10/2008 6:02pm PDT
I liked the pre-production versions. Looked alot like the Saturn sky. I bought a saturn sky for list.
Brent Posted: 9/10/2008 6:15pm PDT
Chris Posted: 9/10/2008 6:34pm PDT
gork57 Posted: 9/10/2008 6:35pm PDT
Ed Posted: 9/10/2008 6:44pm PDT
Rex Posted: 9/10/2008 7:24pm PDT
gj Posted: 9/10/2008 7:34pm PDT
James Posted: 9/10/2008 8:19pm PDT
Jim Posted: 9/10/2008 8:22pm PDT
mark Posted: 9/10/2008 8:51pm PDT
argus Posted: 9/10/2008 9:19pm PDT
Norman D. Robinson Posted: 9/10/2008 9:22pm PDT
PRJ Posted: 9/10/2008 9:35pm PDT
Mr Dillon Posted: 9/10/2008 9:54pm PDT
Daniel Posted: 9/10/2008 10:11pm PDT
rdgz Posted: 9/10/2008 10:48pm PDT
Rosie Posted: 9/10/2008 11:25pm PDT
Corey Posted: 9/10/2008 11:26pm PDT
Bryan Posted: 9/10/2008 11:41pm PDT
Paris Posted: 9/11/2008 12:08am PDT
But! That design could benefit TONS from even a little Cadillac DNA. Just little changes! A squared edge here, little rake there. Purely cosmetic, still the same chassis! Slap whoever approved that and bring in whoever did the CTS and XLR. Same car, just little "zap" to go with the name, that's all it needs! A little face lift for a WAAAAAY better image.
If it meets all the performance hype and they sell tons of 'em, fine. But this is still a bit of a ball drop if you ask me.
Brian Posted: 9/11/2008 1:06am PDT
Kingpin Posted: 9/11/2008 1:15am PDT
say what? Posted: 9/11/2008 2:10am PDT
Wally Webster Posted: 9/11/2008 2:20am PDT
Charley Posted: 9/11/2008 2:37am PDT
Dnorthstar Posted: 9/11/2008 3:11am PDT
Angie Posted: 9/11/2008 7:10am PDT
baidt69 Posted: 9/11/2008 7:22am PDT
Jennifer Posted: 9/11/2008 8:21am PDT
John Posted: 9/11/2008 8:39am PDT
Ken Sherman Posted: 9/11/2008 9:08am PDT
Gary Posted: 9/11/2008 9:58am PDT
Ed Posted: 9/11/2008 10:14am PDT
WISE UP.
This pitiful vehicle will find FEW, if any, buyers at $40,000.
For $40,000 in the USA you can buy some AMAZING vehicles.
WHY would you waste them on this little POS Cobalt-Daewoo-Aveo look-alike?
$40,000 is LUXURY / Performance carf territory.
Ie, UPPER BMW 3-series, C-class and Audi A4 and even A6.
Ed Posted: 9/11/2008 10:18am PDT
NOT a $40k car.
And NOTHING they can do with design gimmicks, old Volt Concept etc, will make any thinking person shell out $40k for this POS.
Joe Posted: 9/11/2008 10:41am PDT
Kevin Posted: 9/11/2008 10:57am PDT
What really amazes me is that Saturn continues to be a part of the GM stable. The Aura and Astra are great looking (Opel) cars. Why can't Chevy figure this out???
Mike M Posted: 9/11/2008 11:06am PDT
Jennifer,
Energy is energy. The world will not be saved by an “oil”less car (Nuclear plants and Geothermal will do that). How do you think the electricity will be generated that will charge the batteries? Solar panels on the roof will only be a splash in the bucket.
Tom Posted: 9/11/2008 12:01pm PDT
If GM ever wonder why people are buying Honda and Toyota look at the designs of the car. Hell Chrysler got it right once or twice, show car to production car.
Jim Posted: 9/11/2008 1:09pm PDT
Cory The Cable Guy Posted: 9/11/2008 1:33pm PDT
Ed Posted: 9/11/2008 2:00pm PDT
But if it wants to sell MILLIONS of Volts, then it HAS to cut costs down BIG TIME and sell it for less than $20k.
Dave Posted: 9/11/2008 2:21pm PDT
Just in typical american manufacturing, they've taken a great idea and made it aweful. What was wrong with the original prototype?! It looked cool. It looked like an American car I would actually buy! Now it just looks like every other POS un-sexy american car out there. This is another HUGE mistake Chevy is going to make.
Joe LeDuc Posted: 9/11/2008 2:24pm PDT
SoNotATreehugger Posted: 9/11/2008 3:31pm PDT
David McDaniel Posted: 9/11/2008 3:43pm PDT
Nick Posted: 9/11/2008 5:37pm PDT
They likely need to do everything they can to get the efficiency of the car up so that it can do the 40 miles they've promised without breaking the bank on battery costs.
Kerry Posted: 9/11/2008 6:16pm PDT
reece Posted: 9/11/2008 8:51pm PDT
Charles Posted: 9/11/2008 11:41pm PDT
It looks slightly less "Jazzy" than a Gregorian Chant.
Was the Refrigerator Box with Wheels idea already taken so they had to go with something more plain.
I was really looking forward to spending a small fortune on an American car rather than forking our future over to a foreign country for fuel.
Cruzy Posted: 9/12/2008 4:06am PDT
Being able to actually get people and cargo into a car is not an option it is a mandatory!!
I'd buy it if the power train promises become reality.
Ed Posted: 9/12/2008 11:59am PDT
September 12th, 2008 - 3:06 am
What were you seriously expecting. That the Volt would look like the show car?"
NO, actually the show car looked silly and dysfunctional to me, and utterly impractical. I never advocated that GM build it like that.
" Get a Tesla Roadster if you want it sporty, "
Don't be ridiculous, the Tesla is $100k, and even people that can easily afford $100k will NOT be that foolish to part with that much $ to get a silly roadster.
People need a FAMILY car that can serve as their ONLY Car, and the VOLT is a DIMINUTIVE car of the CObalt-Aveo category, that CANNOT be priced at $40,000!!!!
It HAS to be sold for HALF the price, if GM wants to sell 100,000s of them.
IF it wants to sell only 100 or 1000 to Hollywood FOOLS slaves to rfashion BIMBOS, then it can, BUT then it will make NO IMPACT.
"but Chevy needs to make a practical car that will appeal not only to designers but to a very large number of people."
EXACTLY, and $40k is NO WAY going to FLY for such a tiny, non-luxury, basic econobox!!!!
"Being able to actually get people and cargo into a car is not an option it is a mandatory!!"
Fully agree too.
"I’d buy it if the power train promises become reality."
Specifically, what promises are you talking about? and will you be willing to part with $40,000 of your hard-earned $ for this silly econobox?????
WHY NOT buy the Oustanding BMW 3 series 335 DIESEL for that much $, and have a car that is 10 TIMES better????? Nor really comparable?
Matt Posted: 9/12/2008 3:15pm PDT
Ren Posted: 9/12/2008 7:33pm PDT
Stephen Posted: 9/13/2008 12:48am PDT
GM really needs to go and get some designers and let them loose to come up with something that looks better than a Maytag washing machine.
paralegal Posted: 9/13/2008 10:20am PDT
Dunkin Bleak Posted: 9/13/2008 11:07am PDT
WTF Posted: 9/13/2008 1:25pm PDT
You're Kidding Me Right? Posted: 9/13/2008 1:29pm PDT
Kathy Posted: 9/13/2008 2:05pm PDT
"Sam" Posted: 9/13/2008 7:20pm PDT
Lisa Posted: 9/13/2008 7:34pm PDT
Neuro Posted: 9/13/2008 7:43pm PDT
Jim Posted: 9/13/2008 8:05pm PDT
Neuro Posted: 9/13/2008 8:11pm PDT
Doc Settles Posted: 9/13/2008 11:13pm PDT
Doc of Ohio
John Posted: 9/14/2008 11:25am PDT
The Prius is far uglier, and those sell for the reason stated above...
Matt Posted: 9/14/2008 9:57pm PDT
Make sure your car looks like it can do what it can do.
Dan Posted: 9/15/2008 2:41pm PDT
David Posted: 9/15/2008 6:52pm PDT
Steve Meredith Posted: 9/15/2008 7:14pm PDT
boring. Not going to pay $40,000 it. Would have with the prototype!
Grady Posted: 9/15/2008 10:00pm PDT
Popofla Posted: 9/16/2008 12:49am PDT
Johnnydfred Posted: 9/16/2008 7:41am PDT
Once again, GM kicks the can another ten years down the road. I guess the best assumption one can make is that they might not be there to kick it again.
Brian J Posted: 9/16/2008 12:16pm PDT
Ethan Posted: 9/16/2008 12:23pm PDT
Matt Posted: 9/16/2008 12:38pm PDT
Jack Posted: 9/16/2008 1:30pm PDT
Simms Posted: 9/16/2008 1:35pm PDT
JT Posted: 9/16/2008 1:47pm PDT
The Concept was actually decent looking and this looks like an updated Chevy Citation. LAME.
Maybe they have to lose all the overpaid chicken's who like to pose with a lame car and get someone a decision maker who has the guts to produce something actually cutting edge instead of this dumbed down crap.
Good job GM - Your audience is not all from the nursing home. Just like the stupid decision not giving a more modern name to the "Malibu" I will NEVER drive (what appears to be a decent looking car) because the name screams "Grandma".
GM has lost it - and that is sad. Grow some GM.
SUPRISED Posted: 9/16/2008 2:09pm PDT
Woody Posted: 9/16/2008 2:37pm PDT
It can't cost more than a Prius. It needs to get better performance than a Prius. It needs to look half way decent. The concept car looks a little to roadster for me.It needs to be exceptional in fit and engineering. Made in the U.S. Make us energy dependent in the world. Needs to add a boost to our economy. The people in the pictures are distracting, I totaly agree, get rid of them, instead use some cool back ground shots that help sell the car. If you want to win GM you got to use your head!!!! Go back and do some more work.
JRobinson Posted: 9/16/2008 2:55pm PDT
The concept car was so hot, but this thing....come on!
Once again...Im not even trying to buy GM cars !!!
Brains Posted: 9/16/2008 4:03pm PDT
That thing is F U G L Y ... The concept was pretty decent looking..
Just like the GTO -- Holden builds a nice looking car, so what does GM do when they sell it to the American market? Screw up the looks of the car.
Then the vaporware Camaro ... Who knows what that will end up looking like, if it ever actually hits the streets. We've only been looking at concepts for longer than most vehicle generations last.
Ben Posted: 9/16/2008 6:16pm PDT
Cruiser Posted: 9/16/2008 6:41pm PDT
what, What, WHAT! Posted: 9/16/2008 7:00pm PDT
BN Posted: 9/16/2008 9:12pm PDT
jim Posted: 9/17/2008 11:27am PDT
DB Posted: 9/17/2008 3:25pm PDT
Yeti Posted: 9/17/2008 4:23pm PDT
like_the_concept Posted: 9/17/2008 6:33pm PDT
Ken Posted: 9/17/2008 9:27pm PDT
NV-Slim Posted: 9/17/2008 9:28pm PDT
They can design an entirely new car but not a new emblem.
Go Figure!!!
William J Toensing Posted: 9/18/2008 6:02am PDT
GeorgeD Posted: 9/18/2008 1:36pm PDT
The relevant statistic should situate that market share in the context of the historical trend: down, and more down!
See also: http://www.carofthecentury.com/answer_to_gm's_market_share_plunge.htm
RoberTx Posted: 9/19/2008 5:00am PDT
Jennifer Posted: 9/20/2008 8:38am PDT
Thanks!
DB Posted: 9/20/2008 2:30pm PDT
KP Posted: 9/20/2008 7:23pm PDT
Randy Brown Posted: 9/21/2008 8:43pm PDT
AutoFan Posted: 9/22/2008 6:46pm PDT
Taran Shaulis Posted: 9/24/2008 2:19pm PDT
Chris page Posted: 9/26/2008 5:06pm PDT
Ok, so it doesn't look THAT bad, but i was going to buy one, even if it meant waiting in line.
but now... its just another Green car and looks like a green car too.
GM's does have a saving grace... they could say this is: Volt 1.0 - AKA fat Prius
Volt 2.0 - AKA Sports car (concept design)
Volt 3.0 - Pick up truck
I say 3.0 cause its obvious that GM this its ok to come out with a concept vehicle, and release as something else?
why not make a concept SUV, and release a family minivan too?
Chris Page Posted: 9/26/2008 5:34pm PDT
I agree the GM will do 'well' with this.
But honestly. 'well'?
the car cought the attention of EVERYONE. now its back to that peice of the pie that is the Green people.
Imagine how 'well' the car would have sold if they kept the same look.
Car Dude Posted: 10/10/2008 11:02pm PDT
Richard Main Posted: 10/14/2008 12:59am PDT
Mike Posted: 10/16/2008 3:34pm PDT
Chuck Posted: 10/19/2008 2:43pm PDT
As far as the energy saving/green culture appeal, the idea that it goes 40 miles on a charge, however MIGHT get 30mpg?, no make that 50mpg?, no make that 100 miles on a tank of gas plus a charge, smacks of GM possible deception, or the car's seemingly efficient use of energy is something even GM is uncertain about.
Yes, this vehicle is another example that demonstrates why GM deserves to go out of business.
Indeed GM's management has run out of gas, and this "electric" car will not save them.
Shocked at GM Posted: 10/23/2008 6:22pm PDT
Scary for a company that should be able to throw together a concept car with one hand tied behind their back and blindfolded.
Makes you think GM is not really serious about this "green" stuff - just jumping on the bandwagon with buzzwords. What are those guys doing?
Gina Posted: 11/12/2008 1:52pm PST
Gina Posted: 11/12/2008 2:19pm PST
trace Posted: