Chevy Volt: On Video

[peakay]

Here is an extremely interesting and informative video about the Volt work in progress. If they can deliver, it's at least a big of a game changer as the Prius....probably more so.

Spy Photos: Radio Reporter Sneaks Out First Video Of Chevy Volt Electric Car

I like that the rear is now going to be higher like the Prius. This shows they are taking aerodynamics seriously and that it will be a more practical vehicle than the concept car.

[bgdrewsif]

Hmm... is it really possible... will I be able to buy a 1/3 scale all-electric chevy volt toy for the 2010 christmas season??? :-P

[daniel]

Originally Posted by bgdrewsif

Hmm... is it really possible... will I be able to buy a 1/3 scale all-electric chevy volt toy for the 2010 christmas season??? :-P

Nope. Due to battery issues the 1/3 scale model will run by mixing baking soda with vinegar. The full scale will be delayed to 2015 and later to 2020, by which time our national refusal to build sustainable energy will have left us too poor to repair the roads, so cars will be useless.

But not to worry: If you are willing to learn Hindi or Cantonese you'll be able to get a job at a call center where people will cuss you out for not speaking their language well enough.

[bgdrewsif]

Originally Posted by daniel

But not to worry: If you are willing to learn Hindi or Cantonese you'll be able to get a job at a call center where people will cuss you out for not speaking their language well enough.

Hilarious!!! (and sadly, probably true...)

[rpiereck]

Man, I am tired of petrol heads saying how ugly the Prius is, just wait until they see this beast! That is one ugly car! I think the Prius is a very nice looking design, but this Volt thing is fugly!

[hill]

God forbid that GM would simply scale up the EV1 ... back into the 4 seater that it originally was, prior to being released as a 2 seater. What simpleton can't see that the EV1 was already a lower drag coefficient car than any other. The new volt looks dang nearly the same! The original (1st fake) Volt has the drag of a parachute, so how much better can this new one be? Why does Lutz refuse to let GM engineers simply drag out the old body? ... 10yr old technology that's already paid for?

[usbseawolf2000]

The way I see, Volt will be like the Honda Insight. It will not be mass produced and reach mass market -- just for the bragging rights.

[joe1347]

Given the current anti-GM mood of the American public - other than possibly interest in the upcoming Camaro - GM is likely doing itself a big favor by continuing the hype the Volt program. Possibly (or hopefully) the Volt will change the public perception of GM as only making Loser mobiles that only chumps or idiots purchase. In addition to the slow trickle of these 'teaser' no cameras allowed press releases, you wonder if GM should hold almost nothing back and even post a daily updated blog on the Volts progress - including photos. The development staff at GM is certainly creating mountains of powerpoint slides and emails documenting the Volts progress. Why not skim off a few select and interesting items every day - that aren't too proprietary - to keep up the excitement level. Granted, the Volt development isn't a moonshot or presidential race that would easily capture the publics interest. But, possibly GM would be surprised at the level of daily public interest in the Volts progress. Also, one could argue that most - possibly all - of potential Volt buyers are likely heavy web users that would constantly be checking up on how the Volt is doing and then posting pics and videos all over the web (i.e., LOTS of free advertising).

[daniel]

Originally Posted by joe1347

... you wonder if GM should hold almost nothing back and even post a daily updated blog on the Volts progress - including photos. The development staff at GM is certainly creating mountains of powerpoint slides and emails documenting the Volts progress. Why not skim off a few select and interesting items every day - that aren't too proprietary - to keep up the excitement level. ...

Maybe because the Volt program isn't actually developing a car. It's just producing hype. The mountains of email and powerpoint slides are not about how they are solving the critical issues of a car, but rather about how to keep the public interested in something that does not exist.

[efusco]

Originally Posted by daniel

Maybe because the Volt program isn't actually developing a car. It's just producing hype. The mountains of email and powerpoint slides are not about how they are solving the critical issues of a car, but rather about how to keep the public interested in something that does not exist.

Again, Daniel, you fall back into this hate filled unsubstantiated rhetoric despite solid evidence to the contrary. You do yourself a disservice and really make yourself look like you lack the ability to evaluate things rationally.

I think the evidence is more than clear that the Volt project is quite real. While GM may find a way to screw it up there's a lot of room for optimism. If they DARE release this car anything short of perfect it could spell the end for GM. I'd rather they not rush some half-hearted EV1 mutatation but a well concieved and designed vehicle that will be embraced by a very broad market. And I'm willing to give them time to do that.