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Lutz calls Volt 'electrifying'

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by zenMachine, Jun 7, 2008.

  1. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Bob Lutz Drives the Volt, Calls It 'Electrifying' | Autopia from Wired.com

    Bob Lutz, the guy cracking the whip to make sure the Chevrolet Volt gets built by 2010, spent some time behind the wheel of a Volt test mule and couldn't resist the obvious pun, calling it "electrifying."

    GM's engineers have been flogging the mules -- known formally as "engineering development vehicles" -- pretty hard for a couple of months now and they've got the lithium-ion batteries and electric drivetrain pretty much sorted. Lutz finally got a chance to take one of the range-extended electric vehicles for a spin and notes on his blog, "While the car is still most definitely a work in progress, the thrill of driving electrically -- that instant, silent torque -- is certainly present and accounted for."
     
  2. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    . . . something Toyota has known for a decade.
     
  3. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I guess he didn't drive the EV1.
     
  4. bac

    bac Active Member

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    Now he's done it ... he's pissed of the blind with that statement! :D

    ... Brad
     
  5. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    i applaud gm's effort, albeit, they will be too late with a product that will in all likelihood, be in the 2nd class for performance, economy, and affordability. but at least they will be in the market. (a position they currently do not have imho)

    they waited too long. they THINK the volt will be revolutionary, but i predict by the time its released, the technology will be old news...still current mind you, but they wont be first, maybe 5th or so and by rights, that is where they belong... they dont deserve the top echelon, have not been there for a long time and has done nothing to earn the right to be back there.

    i am probably biased, but i am waiting on the CityZenn... i like its stats much better... albeit, no price or firm release date (rumors of fall 2009...but just rumors)...i figure, they have just as much going as gm...that would be some interest over a few press releases
     
  6. FL_Prius_Driver

    FL_Prius_Driver Senior Member

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    No, he drove over them.
     
  7. FL_Prius_Driver

    FL_Prius_Driver Senior Member

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    I cannot help but think of all the tax payer money wasted on GM fuel cell vehicles for the future. Now compare it to GM being in the position of developing a REAL vehicle for the future spending their own money....that originated as a PR stunt.
     
  8. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    What was he going to say publicly even if the car is a complete dog he will sing its praises.
    Can you see him jumping out of the mule shouting that's no mule, it's a dog!! Doubt it.
     
  9. Stev0

    Stev0 Honorary Hong Kong Cavalier

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    Paris Hilton denies she is pregnant.

    The above news story has just slightly more impact on the world than any GM press release about a car that may or may not be released in two years that will probably be available in a limited market for lease only and will undoubtedly be very poor quality if it is released.
     
  10. onlynark

    onlynark Member

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    true, the aptera is supposed to be released later this year with a claimed 300 mpg for ~120 mile commute (60 miles on battery power, then the generator kicks in).
     
  11. hiremichaelreid

    hiremichaelreid New Member

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    IMO Lutz doesn't think that, if he's in his right mind and has an ounce of intelligence.

    He's a marketing man, a cheerleader, and puns like "electrifying" belie that.

    What GM hasn't had in terms of foresight and proper engineering timelines, they are trying to make up for in terms of Marketing/Lying, selling the sizzle of a steak that's gristly and under-done.

    This reminds me of Microsoft. Pre-announce the upcoming versions of Windows they claim will solve ALL of the problems the last version they sold you had. They want you to rethink buying that Prius or small Honda or Toyota, and wait for their Volt which will be "so much better".
     
  12. priusuk2008

    priusuk2008 New Member

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    I don't really bash GM much, I just think they make crap cars, always have done, always will and I will probably never buy one. But for their sake and all the people who rely on GM for a wage and their well-being, I hope the Volt is a success, because if it isn't, then GM will be history and a lot of people will be without a job.
     
  13. hiremichaelreid

    hiremichaelreid New Member

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    Survival of the fittest, IMO. If Toyota thrives and employs American and Canadian workers building Toyotas here, then why not ? Let GM live or die on it's own merits. There is really no such thing as purely American or Japanese or whatever cars anymore. How many different countries do all the computers and electronics and everything else come from ? Probably dozens IMO.
     
  14. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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  15. Ailu

    Ailu Prius Groupie

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    If GM thinks I am going to even consider the Volt or any other commercial propaganda they come up with after they crushed 100's of perfectly good electric cars in this very decade [when people even begged to pay cold hard cash for them!] they are out of their gas guzzlin minds. :mad:
     
  16. priusuk2008

    priusuk2008 New Member

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    Do you think that maybe what Bob Lutz actually said was that the Volt was "Shocking" and this got misinterpreted in the spin ?:D
     
  17. skruse

    skruse Senior Member

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    At the same time Detroit continues to ignore the Hypercar work of the Rocky Mountain Institute (carbon fiber body, lighter mass, low energy requirements, incorporates much of what Toyota offers in the Prius).
     
  18. hiremichaelreid

    hiremichaelreid New Member

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    Probably. But when the Fit hits the Shan and it's Mad Max time for real, you'll be able to "Tase" the zombies with your Volt...:shocked:

    Don't Volt me bro ! :)
     
  19. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    It is difficult to believe GM or Honda for the total distruction of thier Electric cars. Who all was involved? Which oil companies are in collusion with Honda and GM. Who else is responsible???? It's a travesty. Congress should be investigating.:mad:
     
  20. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    Detroit ignores EVERYTHING that does not have a direct link to oil. that is why they are pitching the volt. because IT STILL USES OIL.

    if it does not use oil directly, it is completely ignored.

    what about a vehicle (small yes) that goes up to 68 mph, had a range of 125 miles and runs on compressed air. the CityCat does that and does it NOW... not this fall or next summer. RIGHT NOW...

    now it wont work for everyone, it is pretty small (plus i dont think i would feel comfortable driving on the freeway with one...but who knows?) but its got excellent range. can be refilled at home with a small electric air compressor...

    plus it wont work for the US because it simply aint available here...