GM Releases Teaser Shots of Production Chevy Volt

If you’re wondering why GM has decided to release teaser photos of the production version of the all-electric Chevy Volt nearly two years before it hits the market in late 2010, the answer is for the same exact marketing reasons that we were bombarded by official photos of the new Camaro undergoing tests well before its scheduled launch in 2009.

As we've already seen in a video from ABC News, the new photos reveal that Chevy’s designers have reworked the Volt’s front end which now features faux air-vents in the grille, a new bumper design with a larger lower air intake and cool wraparound foglamps along with a new set of headlights. We also get a teaser glimpse of the Volt’s rear end with the characteristic model badge and several pictures of GM’s design and engineering teams working on the car. -Photo gallery after the jump

Video: Near Production Chevy Volt Shown on ABC News

In a video report on the forthcoming Chevrolet Volt for ABC News, GM’s exterior design executive director Michael Simcoe partially lifted the veil off the one of the most recent clay models of the production Volt. As you can see by comparing photos of the concept with the latest production prototype, while not dramatically different, the Volt’s front end has been tweaked as it features modified headlights, a new bumper with a larger lower air intake and wraparound foglamps. Moreover, the front grille has a pure cosmetic role as all the air intakes have been sealed off.

We wouldn’t go so far by saying that this is what we’re going to see in 2010 (if all goes well that is) but the clay model revealed in ABC News’ video does give us a good indication to as what GM’s design team has in mind for the final product. -Video after the jump

Thanks for the tip Markus!

Opel to Launch Electric Model Derived Directly from the Volt in late 2011

GM Europe's President Carl Peter Forster has revealed details on what the company plans to do with the Chevrolet Volt in the European market. Assuming that all goes well during the development phase and the Volt is launched in the US in late 2010, GM's plan is to have the first electric-vehicles (EV) for sale in Europe about a year later, which is late in 2011. According to Forster, Opel and its UK arm Vauxhall will initially introduce a model derived directly from the Chevrolet Volt but more European-market specific EVs are planned for the future.

"The thinking goes that to have a significant impact on the environment, EREVs must be sold in high volumes, hence the reasoning for Chevrolet. The same logic is true for Europe, so the first EREV vehicle will be an Opel/Vauxhall, followed several months later by a Chevrolet,"said Carl Peter Forster. "The Opel/Vauxhall will be derived directly from the Chevrolet Volt to get into the market quickly, but I can assure you that more variations for Opel-specific designs of EREVs are already in the works but more on that at a much later time", he added. -Continued

Forster also stated in the company's official European blog that although the first EV variants will come from the States, GM will need to produce the cars in Europe as well.

"The first EREV variants will certainly come from the U.S., but the thinking goes that to get significant long-term volumes to impact our CO2 compliance strategy, we will need production capability in Europe," said Forster.

"Additionally, to deal with the huge cost implications of the new technology (the batteries initially are costing several of thousand Euros more than a typical engine/transmission setup), we need incentives for consumers to off-set the high costs and drive more volume. One thought that I floated in media discussions was that we get early adopter "super credits" under EU CO2 schedules for the initial volumes."

"By giving an Opel/Vauxhall EREV-powered vehicle (which will have an exceptionally low CO2 number) a high multiplier in CO2 fleet averaging, it would allow GM more flexibility in meeting the overall fleet average while pushing the vehicles into the fleet faster than otherwise would have happened. In other words, if one Volt was incentivized in the compliance plan to count as multiple vehicles at that low CO2 number, it would give GM incentive to offer a higher volume of Volts to the market than the affordability of the vehicle would normally warrant. This is a logical use of the regulations to get a desirable shift in consumer behaviour," added Forster.

Opel’s Variant of the Chevy Volt will be Built in the U.S.

In a recent interview published on the German magazine Automobilwoche, GM Europe’s president Carl-Peter Forster revealed that Opel’s first electric car that will be based on the Chevy Volt will be manufactured in the U.S. Forster also told Automobilwoche that European customers should expect to pay a substantial surcharge of €10,000 ($15,800) or more over a comparable Opel model with a conventional diesel or gasoline powertrain. Opel’s variant of the Volt that was previewed in concept form as the Flextreme (photo) at last year’s Frankfurt Show is due to arrive on European shores in 2012.

GM Plans on Selling 70,000 Volts in Two Years at $40,000

In an e-mail sent to the Free Press on Thursday, GM’s Vice Chairman Bob Lutz told the website that the automaker is planning to manufacture 10,000 examples of its plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt in 2011, the hybrid’s first full year of production, and another 60,000 units the following year. Lutz also told Freep that the Volt will go on sale by November 2010 at a price around $40,000, though understandably, since we're talking about it two years ahead of its introduction, the price could go up or even down by then.

Chevy Volt Eco Ad: Don’t Bath, Let Your Dog Lick You…

Even though GM's eco-friendly ad for the Chevy Volt is supposed to be funny, we must say that we found its humor too "grotesque" for our taste. The TV ad shows a dog licking someone’s foot with the following text rolling on the screen: “If you care about the environment, you could save water and let your dog give you a bath. Chevy cares about the environment. That's why we're working on an extended range electric car expected to go up to 40 miles without a drop of gas. The Chevy Volt concept”. -Video after the jump

Chevrolet Volt EV Concept: Limited Edition Scale Model

While the production version of the Volt EV Concept (see here) will need another two years before it hits the roads, you can start dreaming of Chevy’s eco-friendly hybrid vehicle by acquiring a 1:32 scale die-cast model of the Concept. Apart from the fact that it will cost you significantly less – a mere $13.95, you can brag about being one of only 7,500 people that will obtain the first official replica of the Volt, made by BBurago. Note however that you can only order it online from Chevy’s official site as the die-cast model will not be available at retail locations.

Via: Autoblog Green , Source: Chevrolet

Chevy Volt: GM Releases Near Production Sketch

General Motors is moving ahead with the development of the Chevrolet Volt that’s scheduled to enter production in 2010 (see here). In order to maximize the electric range, GM is focusing on improving the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The image above that was released by GM illustrates one of the latest design themes undergoing a wind tunnel test at the American carmaker’s Aero Lab in Warren, Michigan. Compared to the prototype, the fascia seems a bit more down to earth, and to be honest, a bit more of what one would expect from Chevy. -Press release after the jump

Press Release

Chevrolet Volt Development Moves Forward With Focus On Aerodynamics

Warren, MI –The massive fan in GM’s aero lab wind tunnel has been cranked up to full blast as GM’s designers and engineers work to optimize the aerodynamics of the Chevrolet Volt as part of the quest to make the breakthrough concept car a production reality. Aerodynamic improvement is a critical step in meeting the range targets necessary for moving the vehicle to a final production decision.

The design team, now with its own studio dedicated to the development of vehicles powered by the E-flex propulsion system, has been working with engineering, aerodynamicists and other scientists to develop an energy efficient Chevrolet Volt by optimizing aerodynamics.

“One of the ways design can contribute to the efficiency of any vehicle is through the aerodynamics of the body shape,” says Ed Welburn, VP, GM Global Design. “The collaboration between a designer and an aerodynamicist can not only contribute to improved fuel economy or extended range, but can produce beautiful and different body shapes.”

Frank Weber, Global Vehicle Line Executive and Global Vehicle Chief Engineer for the E-Flex System, agrees. “The electric range of the Chevrolet Volt is most sensitive to improvements in aero, which is in contrast to a traditional vehicle program in which mass typically plays a larger role.”

Reducing drag

Aerodynamic drag accounts for approximately 20 percent of the energy consumed in an average vehicle, directly impacting vehicle fuel efficiency. GM designers apply their expertise to address the opportunity to improve the fuel economy of all GM vehicles. In fact, GM offers more fuel efficient vehicles than any other manufacturer, in part due to vehicle design and GM’s aerodynamic development capabilities.

GM’s aerodynamics laboratory, located at the technical center in Warren, Mich., is the center of expertise for optimizing the impact of airflow. In addition to fuel economy, range, emissions, and acceleration are all affected by wind resistance, or aerodynamic drag. The cooling of components such as radiators and brakes are affected by airflow, as is cornering capability, crosswind response, directional stability and on-center handling. GM’s aero lab allows for the testing and development of each of these characteristics.

Aerodynamics development begins with a 1/3-scale model where basic shape and major features are defined. The model includes a highly detailed underbody and engine compartment. Radiator and under hood cooling flow is developed with computational fluid dynamic models. Simultaneously, computation development takes place to determine aerodynamic drag of design alternatives. Development continues with full-scale models, where shape is refined and optimized for low wind noise. The development process concludes with a vehicle prototype validation of the math-based analysis and physical testing.

“I'm proud to say that after extensive aero development of the Volt, and more to come, we have achieved a vehicle that had a coefficient of drag that is more 30% lower in drag than the original concept,” said Welburn. “It’s not easy, but it is a necessity.”

The Chevy Volt: GM Answers (Almost) All of Your Questions

“The Chevy Volt” paid Boston a visit this week, interior and all. While at the “Volt Event”, which is hitting 3 other major cities in the U.S. (Miami, L.A and San Francisco), I had the opportunity to bring our readers’ questions and concerns about the new electric car to the engineers and designers that were in attendance.

In 1996, per direct orders from Mr. Lutz himself, the design team for the Volt began frantically sketching drawings of what will hopefully, one day, become a hallmark vehicle for General Motors. Bob Boniface, the Design Director of the Volt (father of the Camaro design) told us that GM’s main priority right now is to tie up the loose ends in terms of design and engineering and put this car into production sometime in 2010. Bob and his team meet twice a week, every week, with Bob Lutz to go over last minute ideas and production details. So for those of you that are anxious to see this on the road, don’t worry, it’s closer than it’s ever been. -Continued after the jump

For those of you that are more concerned with the design and overall logistics of the vehicle there’s good news and not so good news. There were many floating rumours about the battery life and whether Volt buyers would have to cash in some coin for an extra battery but it’s guaranteed to last 10 years and will probably be leased through GM.

But just to clarify confusion, here’s how it works. The Volt can be fully charged by plugging it into a 110 volt outlet for 6 hours a day. When the lithium battery is charged, the Volt will deliver 40 miles or pure electric range regardless of speed. When the battery runs out, the three cylinder turbo charged engine spins at a constant speed to create electricity and replenish the battery which in turn increases the fuel economy and range. The theory behind the engineering in terms of fuel conservation is that if you live with in 30 miles of work (60 miles round trip) and charged your battery every night or during the day, you would get about 150 miles per gallon.

The Volt concept uses a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine which is designed to run on E85, a blend of 15 percent gas and 85 percent ethanol. With E85, fuel economy of 150 mpg using gasoline would translate into more than 525 miles per petroleum gallon. But if you forget to charge the vehicle or go away on a vacation far from home, the Volt would still get 50 mpg by using the engine to convert gasoline into electricity and extend its range up to 640 miles, more than double that of today’s conventional vehicles. Chevy is also playing around with “variant” systems such as the Volt with hydrogen powered fuel cell and diesel engines, which drive the generator to create electricity using biodiesel (for our European friends).

So I must admit, its capabilities are very cool. But let’s talk design for a bit. According to GM, “the Chevrolet Volt’s athletic design challenges the notion that an environmentally conscious vehicle can’t be beautiful and possess an aesthetic spirit that matches its driving characteristics.” But we’re skeptical, especially since about 4 different people at the event told us that even though “the production model won’t look exactly like concept model, you’ll be able to recognize it as the Volt if you see it driving down the street.” For me, this raises a red flag. If GM can just get the design aspect right on this car they can hit a home run just like they did with the Camaro and Corvette. Hopefully, they’ll take the kinetic idea that the concept exhibits and incorporate it into the production model casting away the typical “boxy” style GM cars are so well known for. (Pictures: Daniella & GM)

Posted by Daniella

Have Any Questions About The Chevy Volt? We’ll Ask GM For You!

We have been invited to an exclusive event for online media featuring the Chevrolet Volt concept in Boston this Thursday, October 11. Since we like to think of ourselves as representatives of our readers, we’d like you to bring us any questions you have about the new Volt or about electric/hybrid cars in general that you might want us to ask at this event. Just so know, as UAW kindly revealed last week (click here), Chevy’s plug-in electric vehicle will go into production in 2010.

GM representatives that will be attending the event include: Bob Boniface, GM Design Director E-Flex Systems, Frank Weber, Global VLE/Global VCE for E-Flex Systems, Alexandra Cattelan, Assistant Chief Engineer E-Flex Systems, and Keith Cole, Director, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs- Environment and Legal Reform. All you have to do is leave your questions as comments or just email them to us. We’ll be sure to post answers to these questions when we do our write up of the event. -Continued

...and a few words about the Chevrolet Volt:

Chevrolet first unveiled the Volt concept at the 2007 Detroit Show back in January. The 4door-coupe like hybrid concept is equipped with an internal combustion engine and a battery-powered electric motor. Unlike current hybrids, the Volt utilizes the internal combustion engine not to propel the car itself but to feed the online generator that in turn produces electricity for the electric motor. The Volt also recaptures energy from braking which is stored in the Lithium-ion battery.

When not in use, the battery can be re-charged by simply plugging the Volt into a 110-volt electric outlet for approximately six hours. According to GM, with the battery fully charged the Volt can deliver 40 city miles without using a drop of fuel.

Posted by Daniella

Blogger asks Chevrolet for a free car!

Signs of the times or just a mere trick to for some short lived publicity? I’d definitely place my money on the second but I have to admit that in any case it gave me a chuckle or two. In a nutshell this “wanna-be-greener than grass” blogger named Mark Miller posted a message on his site pimby.org asking Chevrolet to follow the example of Microsoft that sent a brand new computer fully loaded with their Vista operating system a few months ago to several bloggers by sending him a free Volt when the hybrid-concept goes into production.

Miller continues below saying that although his site doesn’t have enough followers to justify the move, by the time the Volt goes into production his blog will have gathered the necessary following to ensure inclusion. But Miller kept the best for the end. Here’s the extract: “I am a renter and may change addresses before you release the Volt. I will be happy to provide you with my address or take delivery at a dealership near me”.

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