GM releases first teaser shot of the production Chevy Volt!

[Tideland Prius]

The Chevy Volt is changing! During a blogger dinner at the Los Angeles Auto Show, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz declared that the aerodynamics of the Chevy Volt concept proved to be a real disappointment. In Lutz's words, the aerodynamics might have been better if they put it in the wind tunnel backwards. Lutz acknowledged that the production Volt would still be recognizable as a Volt, but would definitely be different.

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[Godiva]

Isn't this what posters said about that ugly, big, blunt nose (and the ugly chrome) when the concept pictures and photos first came out?

I don't see how it is still going to look like their concept Volt if they fix the aerodynamics enough to have a considerable impact. Then it will look like...a Prius.

[patsparks]

If I was an air molecule I wouldn't want to go near that ugly thing either. Looked like a coffin with wheels rather than a car.

I just looked over the pictures. I find it hard to believe Chev have had that mock up since January 2007 (check the image dates) and only now are they saying it has similar aerodynamics to a army parachute. So for the last 12 months it has been 98% promotion 2% development!

[apriusfan]

Originally Posted by Godiva

...Then it will look like...a Prius.

Or, the EV-1.... Maybe GM should change the name to EV-2?

[JackDodge]

Originally Posted by Godiva

Isn't this what posters said about that ugly, big, blunt nose (and the ugly chrome) when the concept pictures and photos first came out?

I don't see how it is still going to look like their concept Volt if they fix the aerodynamics enough to have a considerable impact. Then it will look like...a Prius.

Do you think that the Detroit 3 keep cranking out angular designs because they're afraid of looking as if they're copying the Japanese? That would explain why they make so many we-don't-give-a-damn-about-aerodynamics cars. Do they not have the ability to come out with curvy designs that are original and take solving drag coefficient to a new level without looking like a Prius? 'We cain't do curves 'cause that's what them rice burners have. We either do angles or we're gonna look like them. Shoooooot.'

[Danny]

Judging from the picture, it could be

1. any Chevy SUV
2. any Chevy coupe
3. any Chevy sedan
4. any Chevy.... well, you get my point.

It looks like their internal graphics design guys had a good time making the Volt look like, well, anything. Nice and blurry except for that subliminal "swoosh" to show the aerodynamics.

[SureValla]

unbelievable, this is pure insanity, how can you over look something as important as aerodynamics. This makes them look like such idiots.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by SureValla

unbelievable, this is pure insanity, how can you over look something as important as aerodynamics. This makes them look like such idiots.

Why should you be surprised? Haven't you seen their full-size SUVs for the past decade?

[patsparks]

I think GMs wind tunnel is the hard pipe of the cleaner's vacuum cleaner.

[efusco]

Originally Posted by SureValla

unbelievable, this is pure insanity, how can you over look something as important as aerodynamics. This makes them look like such idiots.

Let me say that I, too, have been harping that the design, though cool looking (IMO), made little practical sense... aerodynamics, visibility, etc.

But, the Volt, as we saw it, was a concept car. It was designed like it was to make a big impression at car shows and to elicit feedback, positive or negative, for the idea. They didn't, and still don't, know if it's going to be a 4 seater or a 5 seater at this point. So I'm not too upset that they're just now tweaking aerodynamics...I think all the body design, features, etc. are just now being fine tuned.