Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM
Officially Official: 2011 Chevrolet Volt finally revealed!
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt
A week after some admittedly bad photos of the production Chevrolet Volt were accidently released on the GM media website, the car itself was officially unveiled this morning as part of GM's centennial celebration in Detroit. Fortunately, the vehicle we saw this morning looked vastly better than the car in the photos we saw last week. Unlike the unapproved shots that made the car look tall, wide and bloated, what we saw today was a far sleeker machine. Aside from some details such as the mirrors, the car actually looks much like the car we saw in the spy photos from the Transformers 2 film shoot.
That means it looks less like a Prius than we thought based on the leaked shots. As we've known for months, the production car had to change in order to optimize the aerodynamics. This had to be done to limit parasitic losses and maximize the car's ability to recapture kinetic energy. The back end is the most obvious carryover from the concept while the front gets the smoother, more rounded look we've been seeing in teaser shots for months. There's more after the jump.
UPDATE: Gallery of live shots added below with more images being uploaded as we speak.
UPDATE 2: Video of the live reveal added after the jump.
Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt
Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt Live Reveal
The area between the axles is the biggest difference from the concept. The base of the windshield has been pushed well forward giving a much smoother air profile. Fortunately, the car looks vastly better without a plain white background. The combination of the background and the angle at which the shots were taken in the leaked photos made it look a lot worse than it really does, flattening all the contours and sapping the life out of the design. When you see the car in the real world it has a much sportier look, as the greenhouse appears longer and less like the Prius egg shell shape.
Inside the car has a very high tech look including a user configurable LCD display. This will allow drivers to select the gauges he or she wants to see including state of charge, distance to flat battery and more. There is also roomy seating for four on either side of the battery filled center tunnel, while the tunnel itself is surprisingly compact.
The specs of the car haven't really changed all the much since the original concept with a 16kWh battery pack yielding a 40-mile electric range. The biggest mechanical difference is the replacement of the original 1.0L turbo three-cylinder engine with a naturally aspirated 1.4L four. The engine also retains its flex fuel capability allowing either gasoline or ethanol to be used to extend the range.
PRESS RELEASE
CHEVROLET VOLT LEADS GENERAL MOTORS INTO ITS SECOND CENTURY
DETROIT – General Motors launched its next 100 years today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt – a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles.
"Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future ... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges."
Form follows function
The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Because aerodynamics plays a key role in maximizing driving range, GM designers created an aerodynamically efficient design for the production vehicle. Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more. The Volt's rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag.
Working closely with GM aerodynamicists to shape the Volt, design and engineering teams developed one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in GM's history. They spent hundreds of hours with the Volt in GM's wind tunnel, testing and re-testing parts such as the front and rear quarter panels, rear spoiler, rockers and side mirrors. Aerodynamic improvements enabled GM to reach the Volt's target of driving up to 40 miles (based on EPA city cycle) without using gasoline or producing emissions.
Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect in a four-passenger sedan, and it delivers them in a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options unlike any offered before on a Chevrolet sedan. Modern controls and attractive materials, two informational displays, and a touch-sensitive infotainment center with integrated shifter distinguish the Volt's interior from other vehicles in the market.
Some of Volt's interior technological features include:
- Driver-configurable, liquid crystal instrument display
- Standard seven-inch touch screen vehicle information display
- Touch screen-style climate and infotainment controls
- Optional navigation system with onboard hard drive for maps and music storage
- Standard Bluetooth for cellular phone and USB/Bluetooth for music streaming
New era in automotive transportation
The Chevrolet Volt is leading a new era of electrification of the automobile by creating a new class of vehicle known as the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, or E-REV.
The Volt uses electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. When the battery's energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt's electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range of the Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the vehicle's battery can be charged. Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Volt eliminates "range anxiety," giving the confidence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery.
The Chevrolet Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. The vehicle's intelligent charging technology enables the Volt's battery to be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet or about eight hours on a 120v outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted. At a cost of about 80 cents per day (10 cents per kWh) for a full charge that will deliver up to 40 miles of electric driving, GM estimates that the Volt will be less expensive to recharge than purchasing a cup of your favorite coffee. Charging the Volt about once daily will consume less electric energy annually than the average home's refrigerator and freezer units.
Charge out of driving
The Chevrolet Volt offers spirited driving performance in a remarkably quiet interior. More than 220 lithium-ion cells contained within the Volt's battery pack provide ample power. The Volt's electric drive unit delivers the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 273 lb-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. The lack of engine noise, combined with special sound-deadening materials, make the Chevrolet Volt an extremely quiet vehicle to drive.
GM estimates that the Volt will cost about two cents per mile to drive while under battery power compared to 12 cents per mile using gasoline priced at $3.60 per gallon. For an average driver who drives 40 miles per day (or 15,000 miles per year), this amounts to a cost savings of $1,500 annually. Using peak electric rates, GM estimates that an electrically driven mile in a Chevy Volt will be about one-sixth of the cost of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. The cost savings are even greater when charging during off-peak hours, when electric rates are cheaper.
The Chevrolet Volt is expected to be built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility, subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States. Pricing has not been announced.
Want more Chevy Volt news? We've got you covered!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Turbofrog 10:48AM (9/16/2008)
...this car is exactly the same as the one in those unapproved shots. I thought it looked great in the previous photos, and I think it looks great now. If anything, now that we can see the whole thing from more angles, I'd say it looks more bloated in these shots, if only in contrast to the concept.
I'm glad that they were willing to put function over fashion, though, while still maintaining a distinctive enough style to bring in buyers. If ever I actually needed to buy a car, this would definitely be in the top 3. Chevy should have a winner on their hands.
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Anth 10:53AM (9/16/2008)
The only thing I don't like is the white plasticy center part with the screen and controls. Looks too toyish. Would prefer sharper edges and a gray color (aluminum instead of plastic - the plastic reminds me of my MacBook that I'm about to get rid of for the new Aluminum MacBooks that come out next month).
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megan 10:58AM (9/16/2008)
i'm glad it came out this way - the Volt I saw at the Detroit auto show a few years ago was way too boxy and ugly.
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JeremyZ 11:05AM (9/16/2008)
I really hope they offer a leather-free version of the car so that dirty vegans like myself can buy one. I'm glad that Tesla finally broke down and offered a leather-free option on the Roadster.
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Anth 11:08AM (9/16/2008)
I'd assume so, in the PR they mentioned optional stuff like a navigation system, so I don't have any doubt about multiple trim levels, various options, etc. I'll stick with fabric just because I'm cheap (the volt will be expensive enough as is, I don't need another $5,000 worth of options on top of it).
I'm looking at picture 7 in the gallery and I just want to put my hands on the wheel and start driving!
Steve 6:50AM (10/26/2008)
Thank goodness I am not the only vegan who reads this blog! I hope they do offer the Volt sans leather seats & steering wheel. I no this may be pushing it a little, but I also hope you can get recycled seats or something like Honda's Bio-Fabric. Unfortuneately, I can't afford a Tesla, nor do I live in California, nor will I ever want a Hydrogen car. But my Prius is still (somewhat) young so I can live with it until some automaker breaks down and realizes we want their products too.
Tim 11:08AM (9/16/2008)
WONDERFUL!
Great design with ground-breaking technology.
GM is back, baby!
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PeterG 11:16AM (9/16/2008)
It looks really good. Better than the concept.
Still hate the tiny side windows and fake style bar that makes them look better. Hello? I would prefer bigger windows with styling to make them looks smaller. I like resting my arm on the door sill. I like an expansive view out.
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GoodCheer 11:51AM (9/16/2008)
I agree. It does look like it's going to be hard to see out in any direction other than straight ahead.
Hello blindspot!
Will 11:21AM (9/16/2008)
I had been anticipating the launch of this car since I first saw it at the auto show. Now, not so much. It's bland, uninspired, too tall, and looks like a bloated Honda Civic. The original design looked so good; how does GM always manage to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory?
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Serge 11:25AM (9/16/2008)
Good job! Would like to see bigger rear windows (what's that wide black plastic trim around the edges?), slimmer VDS / Navigation screen and a trim with battery only (larger range, no RE).
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lionel 11:41AM (9/16/2008)
This Volt looks great, it has a good design for a Hybrid car. The prius 2 and the new insight have a so boring design, so classic....... this Volt is really more cool and fun!
Can't wait to try driving it !
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Serge 1:24PM (9/16/2008)
Agree. Cool design and perception of a "fun ride" need to be key factors differentiating Volt from Insight, which is "boring", can't be plugged in, but can be had for half the price of a Volt and has Honda's reputation behind it.
There is a reason people pay hefty premium for Apple products...
lionel 1:31PM (9/16/2008)
you re right, it would be better with a low price, like 20 000 dollars! with a crazy price like that ans the good MPG it would be a great economic car! BUt I still prefer Peugeot , it's a make who isn't sell in USA, too bad they get a very great design and goog MPG. MY favorite model is the Peugeot 207 sw, check the Peugeot 308 on the web too
david 11:47AM (9/16/2008)
I want to see pictures of the rear cargo area!!! I love it! The inside reminds me of an Ipod.
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Jason 11:52AM (9/16/2008)
Where is the trunk? It looks pretty small. The rear door looks just like the jeep cherokee. You know how hard it is to get in and out of one of those. Besides a couple small children it doesn't appear to have much room in the rear seat. It may be the angle though of the shot. I have to disagree. I liked the prototype model. I know there are tons of reasons why they had to change the design but that is pretty drastic. It looks NOTHING like the prototype.
Overall though I think they made the right choice if they really want to sell a practical car to the american public in the numbers they are going to need.
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Richard 11:57AM (9/16/2008)
NO WAY! The concept was what got everybody excited. This thing looks like any other car. For all the time and money they spent on designing this car, they could have just used another model and put the electric motor it that. The concept was cutting edge. I can't believe they did this.
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gorr 12:15PM (9/16/2008)
Is this car rear wheels drive or front wheels drive. I hope Gm offer it with a disengaging button for the anti-spin wheels, so that young people making drift race on tv can use it.
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John Pelletier 12:27PM (9/16/2008)
for it to fit in and have normal folks buying it it needs to look like other cars on the road, just slipped up a bit. there are alot of people who hate the distinctive look of the Prius, no matter what it does for fuel economy, thats why there is the (older) civic hybrid that unless you look carefully looks like a regular ol civic. for change to happen the new technology needs to be put into the old designs and then new designs can take place, new designs that stick out in a crowd, but for the normal driver, they don't want to stick out in the crowd, and i think GM was thinking that, sticking out in the crowd means a niche vehicle, means lower sales, look at the Prius and what their sales numbers are JUST now reaching, and the reasons why. if they manage to deliver this for a good price(30k is a good price and even 35k is a good price, with the proper financing plan) and dont sabotage it like they did with the ev1 then they have a car that even i would look at and think about owning, and my family has never bought anything from an American company in our lives (all our honda's are made in the USA however)
good work GM you might just bring back some of your haters, you just might
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Franklin 12:32PM (9/16/2008)
Can we deduce the battery maker from the battery specifications listed in the press release?
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