After browsing through some of your comments on the post we did about
the latest GM Volt developments, we came across a link to a very interesting video thats causing a stir right now. Filmed and narrated Jeff Gilbert, a radio reporter for Detroit's
WWJ (950 on your AM dial), it a offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain into the electric lab and wind tunnel at the GM Technical Center. In addition to action shots of aerodynamics testing, we see the battery packs and a Chevy Malibu being transformed into a
Volt powertrain mule. That we see any of it at all is remarkable, seeing as there was a strict no-cameras policy in effect for this media visit. Hats off to Gilbert for having the juice to get himself a waiver.
Above all else, it's the aerodynamic testing that gets our attention. It featured a one-third-size Volt with the actual final production styling (pictured above). The concept version that we've all seen required extensive changes because its drag coefficient was
as good backwards as forwards, and so it seems this is the design GM has decided on.
Follow the jump to watch the video and see a still shot of the Volt's front end.
Thanks to Tim for the heads-up! 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris M 7:29PM (4/05/2008)
In spite of the camoflage, I did note some style differences between the original concept and the wind tunnel model. The wheels were slightly smaller and the front wheels were moved back a bit, allowing a more rounded front end. The fender flares were eliminated and the wheels moved in. The hood and beltline were lowered and the windows enlarged slightly. The size of the front grille was reduced. All of those were measures to improve aerodynamics.
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Joseph 12:03AM (4/06/2008)
Between 1:16 and 1:21 you'll see a red EV1 left of the large battery pack. You can only see a glimpse of it. To see it, "pulse" the play/pause button as quickly as you can.
Within 1:18 and 1:20 you'll be able to see it. "Pulse" through 1:16-1:21 several times until you get the best view. to verify for yourself that it is the EV1, look at this picture for comparison.
http://www.carsareevil.com/images/gm_ev1.jpg
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rgseidl 9:14AM (4/06/2008)
At first glance, it looks as if the trunk lid was very high and the rear window very narrow. It also appears to be at a steeper angle than the C pillars.
I wonder if GM will add a video camera to assist in parking this vehicle. It would be impossible to see young children, pets or stationary objects low to the ground with rear visibility this poor. With all-electric drive, backing up would also be silent so a slowly flashing LED panel in addition to the reverse gear lights might be a good idea.
The angle of the windscreen appears to be quite extreme. This is great for the aerodynamics but it will also cause the passenger cabin to heat up much more rapidly when the vehicle is parked in the sun - e.g. in California as opposed to Michigan. Running the A/C at full blast will reduce all-electric range by far more than what is gained in terms of aerodynamics.
Perhaps GM is planning to apply unusual materials or glass construction techniques to reduce solar radiation into the vehicle through the windscreen.
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Tim 10:20AM (4/06/2008)
Thank's Domenick. Change is happening so fast that I find myself going to YouTube every morning and search for "electric cars" and "electric vehicles". That's where I first found the Volt lab video and lots of info on ev conversions. We do live in interesting times.
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Tim 10:21AM (4/06/2008)
rgseidl, there is a screen on the center dash for controls, radio, gps etc. and there will be a backup camera. Pictures of the interrior (very fuzzy) and more specific into is at Lyle's site gm-volt.com
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Kevin Nugent 10:29PM (4/06/2008)
Ewww i hate the one third model of teh volt . They practically removed everything that says VOLT . The cars looks more like a compact sedan now . The car i seen as a concept looked more like a drag racer with exceptional styling . They want to increase the aerodynamics so they can get more miles on the battery? I woudl rather them give me the sexy volt i seen before and boost the price of the car about a 400 dollars (to cover the cost of extra batteries) to pay for the extra batteries. The main reason that this car got so much accolades was because of its styling and futuristic look . But if its going to look like a honda compact sedan then i will not even bother to ass myself to the waiting list . Even though that car they showed was a 1 third , you could definitely tell where they cut every thing back , seriously i don't want a ground breaking futuristic cara nd it does not look the part. The concept volt i seen woudl make the richest individuals in Manhattan new york jealous. Not that sedan i seen in the video . I hope they change that .
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ug 11:01PM (4/06/2008)
Anyone who wants to see an EV1 up close can visit a car museum that has one. They are kind of the equivalent to a stuffed dodo now.
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ug 11:11PM (4/06/2008)
"Ewww i hate the one third model of teh volt . They practically removed everything that says VOLT . "
Nice typing skills. You want an aggressive chop top type car with big wheels? Buy a Dodge Magnum and pay $3.50 for gasoline and leave the Volt for people who care about efficiency.
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Chris 7:43AM (4/07/2008)
I wonder how much it would cost to get a paint scheme like that done? I could imagine driving a new hybrid if it looked outlandish.
Did you catch the part about 150 mpg?
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Steve-o 2:39PM (4/07/2008)
Note to GM marketing. Get a clue. Showing video of an electric car going 5 miles an hour is a loser. Show the SOB tearing along in a blur. Freakin' dumbbells, no wonder you are being run out of business by the Japanese.
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Steve-o 2:45PM (4/07/2008)
Yes, I know that's not a GM commercial. But GM should have insisted on some control of the presentation in return for the favor of showing the wind tunnel test, etc. Americans care most about performance. GM now makes a 505 horsepower V8 Corvette that can't outrun a Nissan GT-R. Brilliant. As for you future electric car buyers, stay the hell on the shoulder of the road.
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Steve-o 2:45PM (4/07/2008)
Unless you are driving a Tesla.
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Cary 8:45PM (4/10/2008)
How the f-ck did Tim get the credit for something I reported 4 days ago? Tim, you're a bastard. On a more important note, I'll take one in black please.
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