Bob Lutz, the Chevy Volt and the Easter Bunny

Fibb222 · 11-21-2007, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Referring to GM plans to demonstrate extended electric range of the Volt next spring, Lutz said, "Let's wait for the Easter Bunny. Somebody's going to have egg on their face. And I don't like having egg on my face."[/b]

Full Article

hill · 11-21-2007, 02:35 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Fibb222 @ Nov 21 2007, 03:17 PM) [snapback]542549[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Full Article
[/b]

Lutz . . . his cronies working the L.A. auto show are STILL telling their audience that the EV1 was hated by those who leased it, and that there was NO waiting list ... and that GM couldn't even 'sell' any of them. Same ol' lies. Egg on his face? He doesn't like it? Well, he sure seems to know what it LIKE to have egg on his face.

Earthling · 11-21-2007, 03:34 PM

Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman for product development, told a group of automotive journalists that the feasibility of the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid concept will be proven by next Easter. By that time, he said that GM will have put the Volt's electric drive system and lithium batteries in stripped down Chevy Malibu bodies -- referred to as "mule" vehicles -- and tested the ability of the Volt system to achieve 40 miles of gas-free range. The vehicle is primarily powered by an electric motor, with a small gasoline engine on board to extend its range.

Okay, that sounds better.

I'd like to believe old Bob isn't "Luddite Lutz," and has mended his ways.

Harry

San_Carlos_Jeff · 11-21-2007, 03:41 PM

I'm like the OP.

I feel like Charlie Brown and Lutz is Lucy holding the football. No matter how much I try to avoid it pretty soon I'm going to be running toward that ball "knowing" that this time she(he) won't pull it away at the last second. Hopefully come Easter time I won't be flying through the air yelling "aaaugh!"

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

**Tideland Prius** · 11-21-2007, 04:07 PM

[quote]Mr. Lutz, considered GM's product guru, was critical of environmentalists, especially the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) which advocates for using existing technologies -- such as better aerodynamics, lower tire resistance and more efficient transmissions -- to produce significant fuel economy gains. Mr. Lutz and UCS officials met privately last spring. "I'm not sure if they are concerned," he said. "But they are certainly not scientists." According to Lutz, GM and the auto industry has already "tapped out" on obtaining fuel efficiency benefits from conventional technologies. "We are at the very steep part of that curve." [\quote]

I don't think so. Are any of his cars in the 0.25 to 0.29 Cd range? Heck the RAV4 has a Cd of 0.31. What are the Cds of GM's smallest SUVs? Michelin just announced an even LRR tyre than the current crop of LRR tyres and transmission? Look at Nissan's CVTs for FE saves. It's not much but it's there. EPS also saves a tiny fraction. WEIGHT saves a lot.

When a Caliber or Nitro weighs the same as a Camry despite being much smaller, you know there's an issue.. oh I don't know.. like no using aluminium to cut cost?

daniel · 11-21-2007, 05:37 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(San_Carlos_Jeff @ Nov 21 2007, 12:41 PM) [snapback]542572[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I'm like the OP.

I feel like Charlie Brown and Lutz is Lucy holding the football. No matter how much I try to avoid it pretty soon I'm going to be running toward that ball "knowing" that this time she(he) won't pull it away at the last second. Hopefully come Easter time I won't be flying through the air yelling "aaaugh!"

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
[/b]

You've hit the nail on the head. Except that this Charlie Brown is sitting on his porch waiting for Lucy to bring me the ball.

Mr. Lutz: You put the Volt on a car lot here in Spokane, and if it's the first car to do what you claim, I'll buy it. Until then, Lucy's pulled the ball out enough times that I don't believe you're going to keep your word.

Stev0 · 11-21-2007, 08:40 PM

The Volt and the Easter Bunny have another thing in common: neither one (currently) exists.

Topgas · 11-22-2007, 08:57 AM

I'll make a bet. GM will come out with the Volt to save egg on face but with strings attached. If I had to guess it will go like this: We really tried to make this happen but the technology just isn't doable at this point or isn't cost effective or we'll make more of them available as technology and time permits or sorry it took us until 2014 to get this done and it's $60K. You know damn well they're not happy taking this route. This mind set is going to make the big three go the way of the dinosaurs.

JoeMagnusson · 11-22-2007, 10:31 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Nov 21 2007, 02:35 PM) [snapback]542557[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Lutz . . . his cronies working the L.A. auto show are STILL telling their audience that the EV1 was hated by those who leased it, and that there was NO waiting list ... and that GM couldn't even 'sell' any of them. Same ol' lies. Egg on his face? He doesn't like it? Well, he sure seems to know what it LIKE to have egg on his face.
[/b]

No waiting list for EV1 in Texas. I wanted one, but the car dealer told me there would not be a waiting list until after the EV1 started selling in Arizona then Texas will be next.

Still waiting for the waiting list.

Joe

11-21-2007, 04:07 PM	#5
Tideland Prius Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 13,932 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 11	[quote]Mr. Lutz, considered GM's product guru, was critical of environmentalists, especially the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) which advocates for using existing technologies -- such as better aerodynamics, lower tire resistance and more efficient transmissions -- to produce significant fuel economy gains. Mr. Lutz and UCS officials met privately last spring. "I'm not sure if they are concerned," he said. "But they are certainly not scientists." According to Lutz, GM and the auto industry has already "tapped out" on obtaining fuel efficiency benefits from conventional technologies. "We are at the very steep part of that curve." [\quote] I don't think so. Are any of his cars in the 0.25 to 0.29 Cd range? Heck the RAV4 has a Cd of 0.31. What are the Cds of GM's smallest SUVs? Michelin just announced an even LRR tyre than the current crop of LRR tyres and transmission? Look at Nissan's CVTs for FE saves. It's not much but it's there. EPS also saves a tiny fraction. WEIGHT saves a lot. When a Caliber or Nitro weighs the same as a Camry despite being much smaller, you know there's an issue.. oh I don't know.. like no using aluminium to cut cost? __________________ 2005 Tideland Pearl Premium Package as of 25th Oct 2004 VVT-i Emblem, Sport Pedals, OEM All-Weather Mats, Cargo Mat, EV Mod, JDM Prius Interior Footwell Lighting, DICE iPod Integration Kit, LED licence plate lights, Phillips Vision Plus 2008 smart fortwo passion coupé as of 28th Apr 2008 Foglights, dash pods, leather seats, OEM rubber mats, BRABUS alum. handbrake, LED licence plate lights & dome lamp

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11-21-2007, 03:34 PM	#3
Earthling Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Somewhere, NY Posts: 436 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman for product development, told a group of automotive journalists that the feasibility of the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid concept will be proven by next Easter. By that time, he said that GM will have put the Volt's electric drive system and lithium batteries in stripped down Chevy Malibu bodies -- referred to as "mule" vehicles -- and tested the ability of the Volt system to achieve 40 miles of gas-free range. The vehicle is primarily powered by an electric motor, with a small gasoline engine on board to extend its range. Okay, that sounds better. I'd like to believe old Bob isn't "Luddite Lutz," and has mended his ways. Harry

11-21-2007, 03:41 PM	#4
San_Carlos_Jeff Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern California Posts: 549 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I'm like the OP. I feel like Charlie Brown and Lutz is Lucy holding the football. No matter how much I try to avoid it pretty soon I'm going to be running toward that ball "knowing" that this time she(he) won't pull it away at the last second. Hopefully come Easter time I won't be flying through the air yelling "aaaugh!" Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

11-21-2007, 08:40 PM	#7
Stev0 Aluminum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Northampton, MA Posts: 4,719 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 7	The Volt and the Easter Bunny have another thing in common: neither one (currently) exists.

11-22-2007, 08:57 AM	#8
Topgas Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 96 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I'll make a bet. GM will come out with the Volt to save egg on face but with strings attached. If I had to guess it will go like this: We really tried to make this happen but the technology just isn't doable at this point or isn't cost effective or we'll make more of them available as technology and time permits or sorry it took us until 2014 to get this done and it's $60K. You know damn well they're not happy taking this route. This mind set is going to make the big three go the way of the dinosaurs.