Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet
Production Chevy Volt photos leak out!
Just days after we got a hint of what the production 2011 Chevrolet Volt would look like from some folks who spotted one during filming of Transformers 2, we now have official photos of the actual car. Someone apparently leaked out a series of studio shots of Volt with some of the executives leading development of the car. Vehicle Line Executive Tony Posawatz, Chief Engineers Frank Weber and Andrew Farah, Design lead Bob Boniface and of course Maximum Bob Lutz are caught posing with GM's new star. The car is expected to officially debut next Tuesday during GM's centennial celebrations at the Renaissance Center. The basic shape we saw on the movie car appears to be the same but it varies in some details. The shoulder area at the bottom of the side windows is blacked out to replicate some of the look of the original concept. Given that the Volt shares its basic platform with the new Chevy Cruze, it's no surprise that it appears to be about the same size. So far we haven't been able to reach GM for a comment but hopefully we'll have higher res images soon.
Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt
[Source: The Car Connection]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Chris MacMillan 2:16PM (9/08/2008)
First the Vibe now the Prius . . . and how about an actual photo of the car without the posers.
I hope this works well for the General.
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oldraven 2:38PM (9/08/2008)
"First the Vibe now the Prius . . ."
So, what does that mean? Did you mean Matrix, as in, GM copied it to make the Vibe? That wouldn't make a lot of sense, since they're the same car made in the same factory. That's like saying the Malibu ripped off the Saab 93 because they have the same chassis. If that is your point, how is this related to the Prius the way the Vibe is to the Matrix? They don't share a single bloody part, or even use the same type of propulsion.
I know there was a point in there somewhere, I'm just not sure what that is. Please explain.
gary 7:17PM (9/08/2008)
why do they have to have someone in front of the car in every photo? are they ashamed of it?
Chris M 9:28PM (9/09/2008)
Quite the opposite, Gary. These are publicity shots of some of the key people involved in designing the Volt, they are showing off their work and they want to get some credit, too. They have every reason to be proud.
Don't worry, there will be shots of the car, naked and unashamed, without the executives, engineers and designers showing off.
Gordio 2:19PM (9/08/2008)
I liked the concept one better. The prius sold b/c of its daring unorthodox styling, and this car should have done that.
I like the front and the ass. The middle area looks too normal. Anyway I'm just happy to hear they're actually progressing with this car, and it's not just vaporware.
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Tobes 11:12PM (9/09/2008)
definitely disagree on that one. The concept's front not only wasn't aerodynamic, but also the ugliest car I've ever seen. Way better now.
James 2:43PM (9/08/2008)
Can't wait for this car to be on the street. The shape is a bit different but I'll deal with it if can perform like GM says it will.
Can't Wait for 2010.
P.S. not thrilled about th color but can't wait to see it in red or black.
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Dave 2:51PM (9/08/2008)
Kind of reminds me of the Honda Civic design. Looks way different then the original concept, to be expected I guess although disappointing. Don't like the rear end design much look our of proportion in some ways.
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PeterG 3:05PM (9/08/2008)
Looks like a fairly neat and tidy package.
Though I do hate the door sill treatment that was carried over from the Concept and the small windows high door sills that go with it.
Other than that. Looks good and aerodynamic. But I am not in the market for $30K+ economy car.
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MattKelly 3:13PM (9/08/2008)
Can't wait until the official unveiling later this month when we can see the interior and the rear fascia. Awesome!
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david 3:15PM (9/08/2008)
Looks perfect!!! I was afraid they would try to be too stylish and make it more for looks than functionality. I still wish they would make a wagon type version more like the Opel concept.
I'll be buying my first Chevy in 2011!!!
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gorr 3:21PM (9/08/2008)
There is a special group that might attack Gm in legislative court for patents ownership when the time come. This group is a scam and is called AFS-trinity, They claim to have the technology to make 150 mpg with their hybrid truck that they show everywhere.
They have a guy in their team that had written a lot against hydrogen. It's a private compagny but the money and the personnel all come from goverment related agencies, very strange group.
http://www.afstrinity.com/index.htm
Im not sure but i suspect it's a complete scam to sue the one that might want to but an efficient hybrid vehicule on the market.
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Chris M 10:00PM (9/09/2008)
While it is possible to file frivolous lawsuits for any reason, I can't imagine AFS Trinity having any grounds for a legitimate case. Series hybrid design dates back to 1908, it has long been in the public domain. Patents on the batteries are held by the battery suppliers. The motor and controller design patents are held by GM.
One patent that AFS Trinity is applying for covers the use of ultracaps to buffer the LiIon battery pack, but that patent might be ruled invalid as there are many EV hobbyists who have been using ultracaps that way, and the ultracap makers have been promoting that particular usage for years. Besides, there is no evidence GM is even considering using an ultracap buffer for the Volt.
AFS Trinity is a small company without a lot of resources, and I see no evidence of fraud there. Methinks Gorr has a grudge against them for opposing his beloved H2 fuel.
gorr 3:25PM (9/08/2008)
' to put an efficient' not ' to but an efficient' sorry for the mistake.
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Martin 3:38PM (9/08/2008)
When will GM get their heads out of Michigan and realize that 30 states require a front license plate?
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Zigster 3:58PM (9/08/2008)
That's a very nice 1988 Mercury Sable
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oldraven 4:21PM (9/08/2008)
Blind people really shouldn't comment on a car's looks. ;)
nighttime 6:07AM (9/09/2008)
nice camry, more like.
me 4:03PM (9/08/2008)
Yawn. It looks like another Chevy car. Nothing special at all.
It lost the wide tires, the low roof line, the squarer edges, etc. I knew it would.
Now its down to performance. I'm guessing the range is going to be pretty disappointing.
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Gary 11:28AM (9/09/2008)
Lost the wide tires? Have you seen how "wide" the tires were on the concept?