GM will update the Chevy Volt throughout its life cycle
General Motors has said that it will continually update the software that runs its upcoming Chevy Volt. Unlike more traditional powertrains that center around an internal combustion engine, major parameters that govern how the Volt functions can and will be modified as real-world conditions require, and this process will not be dependent on new versions of the vehicle entering production.
This is a big change from what we're used to today. It might take a few years to introduce an update in engine tuning with a conventional vehicle. With the Voltec powertrain that General Motors is planning to launch with the Chevy Volt, computer software will determine things like when the engine will kick on to recharge the batteries or how much regenerative braking the car uses under various circumstances.
When a second-generation of the Volt is finally offered, don't expect GM to focus on extending its electric-only range. Instead, GM hopes to drastically reduce the size and cost of its battery pack, which should have the extremely desirable effect of allowing the vehicle to be profitable.
Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt
[Source: Reuters]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jpm 1:06PM (2/12/2009)
Is this Bob Lutz's funeral?
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Yikes 1:16PM (2/12/2009)
You are Kidding.
GM plans continual improvements?
How rare. Other car companies should take note. Continual improvements are NOW a good idea.
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BoneHeadOtto 1:33PM (2/12/2009)
This is their way of stating that there will be continual recalls to update the software :P
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John Rowell 1:48PM (2/12/2009)
It would be so cool if customers can download the updates from GM's website, copy it onto a flash drive, and plug into a USB port under the dashboard :D
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jpm 2:02PM (2/12/2009)
Ahahaha. But that would let you NOT see a dealer!
John Rowell 4:24PM (2/12/2009)
@jpm: LOL - good point there, and so true!
me 2:13PM (2/12/2009)
"This is a big change from what we're used to today."
You have obviously never heard about the Ford Powerstroke diesels. They are always being reflashed for "minor" issues.
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me 2:15PM (2/12/2009)
I take this comment to mean that GM doesn't have a lot of this car figured out and tested.
Basically, GM is going to ship this thing and figure out the various parameters on the fly.
This is a car for early adopters, not mainstream owners.
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-M.Dub 2:34PM (2/12/2009)
Just thought because we are talking about cars-computers-and updates that you guys might appreciate this.(long post warning!)...
At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the
computer industry with the auto industry and stated, 'If GM had kept up with
technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars
that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.'
In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release
stating:
If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving
cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part ):
1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash........
Twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy! a
new car.
3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would
have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the
car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some
reason you would simply accept this.
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your
car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to
reinstall the engine.
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable,
five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five
percent of the roads.
6. The oil, water temperature and alternator warning lights would all be
replaced by a single 'This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation' warning
light.
7. The airbag system would ask 'Are you sure?' before deploying.
8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and
refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned
the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how
to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the
same manner as the old car.
10. You'd have to press the 'Start' button to turn the engine off.
(tried to shorten it a bit, sorry if it's messy)
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Tim 3:21PM (2/12/2009)
FANTASTIC!
The Other Bob 10:29AM (2/13/2009)
I have said some of the same things quite often. Why we accept such low quality from our computers, but not from any other product in our lives, baffles me.
Great post.
John 3:38PM (2/12/2009)
again makes sense, it took many many years to refine the internal combustion engine, this is uncharted waters really, yeah there have been some range extended electrics over the years but usually home builts (as far as i have seen) so not reliable. even the honda insight(first one) didnt get everything right in terms of electric assist vs gas, they guessed the overall market, if you hack the old insight and take over control of the assist you can achieve much better economy with just the computer and nothing else added. so while i am not a fan of GM (will the materials on the inside stand up and not fall apart like they always do after a year of driving? seriously) i applaud gm for trying to think ahead and planning to make changes
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usbseawolf2000 5:58PM (2/12/2009)
Beta version will be out in 2010?
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gypsie 10:28PM (2/12/2009)
They've got to do something about the front mask. Even the logo looks horrible.
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Greg 11:14PM (2/12/2009)
You know if they sold a cheaper version with less batteries and a 15-20 mile electric range it would be just as good for me with my commute.
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Dan 11:24PM (2/12/2009)
Is it just me or does this car look like a Prius. I really liked the original Volt and now it is just ugly and I am no longer interested in it.
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RockStoneSteel 8:41PM (2/13/2009)
This is GM's way of saying there is no way they can deliver a finished or refined product on schedule, so it will be a "work in progress". Kind of reminds me of Microsoft's design philosophy. Never deliver a refined product, but then charge users for the subsequent, yet equally buggy, version of Windows.
Perhaps GM could release "Service Packs" when the Windows don't operate. Rebooting the electric motor may require simultaneously pressing the brake pedal, start button, and horn.
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jharlan 10:15PM (2/14/2009)
It hasn't been born until it's on the showroom floor. It can't have a life cycle until it's born. GM has proven itself to be an unfit mother so there is always the danger of "abortion".
Seriously I hope it's the most successful car ever designed, but I fear it won't be born until their competitors have already marketed something better, cheaper, and more dependable.
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