http://www.examiner.com/a-1098529~GM...ars_in_SF.html

Bring your tools? Wear a jump suit with a Mr. Goodwrench patch? <grins>


Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

I've read it will be wearing a chevy brand skin off off an existing model. A test mule for the drive systems or a full prototype I wonder.

I'd like to see even a black tarp covered test model. Reading suggests GM is going to have to stray far from the original shown concept to beat wind resistance.

I think it's way too early to draw that conclusion. The design studio will do what it has to do to balance adherence to the concept and optimizing aero, but they aren't gonna get crazy with it.



Here's a link to the Detroit Free PRess article I pulled the photo from.

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

AID=/20071211/BUSINESS01/712110403/1014&theme=AUTOSHOW112007

Here are the most relevant comments from the article......

The latest version of the Volt from the designers keeps the striking looks of the concept car that wowed the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January, but its front corners have been rounded off to improve aerodynamics for a production car, Boniface said.
The key is coming up with a vehicle that delivers on the 40-mile cruising range and retains the concept's appealing looks, he said.
"For this car to have popular appeal, and for buyers to embrace the new technology, it must look good," he said.

Peace,

Martin

I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues

I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues

I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues

With GM's experience with the EV1, I thought it wouldn't be difficult to develop the Volt.

But GM has not even developed a mule. The mule prototype is scheduled for Easter and they claim production is 3 years away.

That's a little discouraging, but I do believe that GM has a winner with this technology.

I understand we'll see some all electric cars much sooner, e.g. Tesla -- probalby within 12 months. It all depends on the development of lithium batteries.

By the way, GM claims the Volt is not a hybrid since only the electric motor propels the car.

This is true. The official classification within GM is Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). It is essentially an electric vehicle with something on board that can recharge the battery for extended range trips. Something the EV-1 sorely lacked. The something could be a gasoline based engine (1st vehicle to launch), a FlexFuel engine, a diesel engine (EU focused), or a hydrogen fuel cell. The something will not in any instance provide direct propulsion.

Some (Toyota / Honda in particular) prefer to refer to it as a series hybrid. It does fit within that definition as well. To-may'-to, to-mah'-to.

Peace,

Martin

I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues

I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues

I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues

Here's the production Volt model (not sketch):

http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/11/gm...design-center/

It's on the video.