VIDEO: Production Chevy Volt on the road!
by Domenick Yoney on Sep 20th 2008 at 12:39PM 
A few days ago GM finally introduced the production version of the Chevy Volt to the world (officially this time) much to the delight of the hundreds of journalists packing the hall and the thousands upon thousands of folks who descended upon the internets to get a good look and all the pictures. While it was truly wonderful to be able to see the car poised upon its pedestal after months of impatiently waiting and then sitting back and discussing things like whether this version will look better in a showroom than the original concept, it's quite another to see it in its natural environment, rolling down the road.
Now, thanks to über Volt fan Dr. Lyle Dennis, who helps keep the world up-to-date on all the details of the vehicle through his GM-VOLT website, we can show you just that. And more! Lyle has gotten hold of a promotional video featuring the 40 mile "E-rev" gently cruising around a track and has posted it on Youtube. Not only do we get to see the Volt moving along from all different angles but there are also lots of shots showing off the bling interior with all the fancy LCD displays doing their thing. The soundtrack isn't even half bad. Hit to jump to see the production version of the Volt in action!
Update: Added bonus video from My Ride with additional footage.
Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt
Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt Live Reveal
[Source: YouTube]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jeffzekas 1:53PM (9/20/2008)
Thank you, Dr Dennis... And, very nice, GM!!!
Now, if the interior has the quality of a Honda or a Toyota, and the dealers don't gouge new buyers, this will be a nice car!!!
Why not market it as a Saturn? Or, have a Saturn-badged version, since Saturn has a reputation for good customer service and fixed-price sales?
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AMcA 8:01PM (9/20/2008)
Why not market it as a Saturn?
Because more people know what Chevrolets are.
It's that simple.
(Besides, Saturn's on life support anyway.)
tankd0g 10:53PM (9/20/2008)
Saturn is where name plates go to die.
rj 2:44PM (9/20/2008)
I assume there will be long waiting lists for this thing.
Maybe I can get one in 8-10 years when they put out a bunch of models and hopefully manage to sell something in the $20,000 range.
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Adam 5:04AM (9/22/2008)
Why would GM, GGGG MMMM have a waiting list??? its not like they have a lack of a sufficient production line like the cars you may be trying to relate it to.
kert 2:57PM (9/20/2008)
Uh, its not a production car yet, is it now ? While the body styling might be close to final, the drivetrain is far from it, obviously.
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Chris M 6:08PM (9/20/2008)
Both the body design and the drivetrain basics are set, now they are working on testing and debugging the whole system, crash tests, and getting everything ready for production.
tankd0g 10:53PM (9/20/2008)
You don't know any more than he does, and you you listen to Bob Lutz talk, he doesn't know any more than the three of us put together on how far along the drive train actually is.
kert 1:22AM (9/21/2008)
Um, yes we know. Its about two years from production, meaning "not production" or "not final"
Will 4:26PM (9/20/2008)
I have to say I didn't like the pictures at all, but on the video, this thing looks surprisingly cool. Nice! When can we get some in the UK?
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fnc 7:14PM (9/20/2008)
I wonder if the one in motion was moving under electric power at all. I suppose it's possible to have one running on electricity at this stage. If so, the 2010 date really does seem solid.
I much prefer the production shape to the concept. It's not exactly exciting and it doesn't use many cues that haven't been seen before, but it's a nice looking interpretation of the wedge shape (better than the Prius IMO) and looks really good in motion. The only questionable decisions to me so far are glossy plastic and touch sensitive buttons on the console. But that could just be me liking tradition for tradition's sake. I was a little dubious that it will reach 50 mpg on gas, but as someone else pointed out the Prius can easily do it so why couldn't this car with similar technology?
Given that the tech works out (and there's nothing that's UNproven in the car), I think cost will be the only big question mark hanging over this car's future. And that will largely be a function of where battery technology goes.
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gorr 8:21PM (9/20/2008)
This architecture can be upgraded easilly. If you are cheap like me a 2 cylinders engine of 500cc can serve as a electric generator powered by gasoline-methanol-water-ethanol-diesel-natural gas from petroleum or green algae farming or from sewage water. With a combustion engine it's way more easy to make changes contrary to a combo ice-transmission-gears differential that have to match the weight of the car, electrical generator don't have to match the weight of the car in a configuration like the volt.
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Snowdog 9:42PM (9/20/2008)
"electrical generator don't have to match the weight of the car in a configuration like the volt."
So the difference will be made up of magic fairy dust? Of course the engine still has to match the weight of the car. This car will be 3000lbs plus and when the battery is run down the power to the wheels will not be higher than the engine powering the genset (minus loses). With your 500CC engine you are looking at ~40hp.Probably 30HP at the wheels. Ever drive a 3000lb car with 30HP?
Even the current design is probably going to draw complaints for flat battery usage as the ICE only has 70HP and it the car will drag when the battery is flat.
roz 12:57AM (9/21/2008)
You would need sufficient regeneration to recharge the battery.
I don't think its as bad as Snowdog says. Its not like the car will have 70 hp. The battery will act a buffer, so the engine will start and charge the batter long before the battery is fully used. So when you press on the pedal you will get full power for short bursts, like getting to highway speed, then while cruising the battery will charge more.
The trouble will be when you need sustained power, for example going up a long hill, that could challenge the system since you would need full power beyond the battery's ability to be charged.
TopaZ 10:05PM (9/20/2008)
I really think it's time for a new Chevy logo -- that thing looks so "seventies"!
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BiggieX 11:31AM (9/26/2008)
I agree. An glowing LED bowtie would have been better, same color as the instrument panel. On the flip side, it does remind you that GM has been around a long time.
tankd0g 10:53PM (9/20/2008)
You have GOT to be kidding me. Did he not think we would like to hear what it sounds like?
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Paul Sallmen 11:13PM (9/20/2008)
This is a sharp looking car. I hope GM gets all quality issues ironed out. If it is reliable, it will sell reasonably well. Increasingly so, as the price of the battery comes down. Interestingly, their biggest market will likely not be North America, but probably Europe. Europeans have much more expensive gas, and governments provide much more meaningful incentives to promote efficiency (eg UK forgoes road tax if fuel efficiency meets a certain minimum). Furthermore, Europeans are much more accustomed to dumping $40 000 on a car. I expect the Volt to sell better abroad (at least initially). Also, expect GM to put the drive train in a number of their European Opels. I think they have a winner here. They seem to finally have a car that can go head to head with Toyota's Prius. If it is as reliable, it'll actually be superior to the Prius.
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BRG 11:21PM (9/20/2008)
Anyone curious as to why the battery power indicator (green battery looking thing) is identical to the iphone charge indicator??
Didn't some GM type indicate that if you like the apple stuff, you would like the volt interior (all white and all)?...they also indicate in the video that the interior resembles a consumer electronic/cellphone device....the whole thing seems odd....
I agree with someone else that mentioned that the price is the key issue with this car...I will not be able to afford it until the planet is dead.
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jeff 3:33AM (9/21/2008)
Boooooo! Way to water down what used to be a great looking car. GM sucks.
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