Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, GM
VIDEO: Bob Boniface discusses the changes to the production Volt
Bob Boniface the director of the E-Flex design studio at GM is in Traverse City MI this week for the Management Briefing Seminars. We already saw the new teaser shots of the Volt released yesterday and Green Fuels Forecast had a chance to speak with Boniface following his presentation. Boniface elaborated on some of the design changes that have brought the Volt to where it will be for production. The slim packaging of the battery pack down the center tunnel and the re-shaping of the body have not only reduced the drag but also increased interior volume. As we've heard before, the drag reduction was key to helping achieve the 40 mile electric range target for the Volt. GM has also posted a new wind tunnel video that gives a further hint about the overall shape of the Volt that you can check out after the jump.
Update: There's an extra video added after the jump of the Boniface presentation from MBS that includes additional images.
Gallery: Production Volt Teasers
[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nils 10:03AM (8/15/2008)
Looks like it's a lot more aerodynamically shaped than the concept, which was to be expected. I hope these pictures don't reflect the current status of the project cause I see people pounding steel into shape with a hammer and some very preliminary design-stuff, like the clay-milling . The chassis doesn't seem to come out of a press either. Are they running behind on schedule? Hope not.
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ArtV 11:58AM (8/15/2008)
Those have to be older shots, showing the guys working on vehicle packaging.
Guy Incognito 12:36PM (8/15/2008)
I knew from day one the production version would be radically different from the concept.
The concept was nothing but aesthetics, all look, with no real streamlining.
The grill is completely enclosed with the air being ducted from under the fascia.
It will look cool, and it will sell.
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rec 6:01PM (8/15/2008)
Um... Electric, shouldn't need air =) Not generating heat the way internal combustion does....
Sam Abuelsamid 6:03PM (8/15/2008)
Actually electric motors generate heat too. Plus the lithium battery pack will likely be liquid cooled requiring a heat exchanger. Don't forget the range extender which also needs cooling.