Contrary to reports, second generation Chevy Volt is already under development
by Sam Abuelsamid on Jun 29th 2009 at 8:47AM 
Chevrolet Volt Integration prototype - click above for high res image gallery
When automakers are getting a new vehicle ready for production, the main specifications are generally locked down about 18-24 months before production starts. After that point, validation testing and calibration continues right up until Job One and changes are restricted unless a major problem is encountered. Because of the potential impact on other vehicle systems, any changes are necessarily limited. Meanwhile, once a current generation is locked down, the advanced engineering teams move on to further evolutions.
UK magazine AutoCar is claiming that the Chevy Volt and its European twins the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera will be one=generation vehicles. After the first generation, the publication claims, the Voltec propulsion system will just be applied to other existing vehicles like the Astra. While Voltec will almost certainly be mainstreamed just as Toyota has done with its Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Volt will apparently live on. GM spokesman David Darovitz tells ABG "there is about much truth to this as I am going to be in the next Superman movie. We're already working on Gen II." GM discussed the Gen II Volts back in March. The Ampera may be a different situation however, as GM attempts to sell off controling interest in its European operations. That variant may fade away in the coming years.
[Source: AutoCar, General Motors]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
win39 12:50PM (6/29/2009)
Why is every GM leak about working on a Mercedes/BMW/Corvette priced automobile? I think GM prospects are dismal if they still think that desirable, affordable cars are not their most important focus. Remember, the cheap a-- Kcar resurrected Chrysler in their first bankruptcy.
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wave54 2:37PM (6/29/2009)
** Remember, the cheap a-- Kcar resurrected Chrysler in their first bankruptcy. **
Chrysler didn't go bankrupt in 1979 -- loan guarantees PREVENTED that. Yes, the K-car allowed them to repay the loans and move forward, but I question whether those poor quality crapboxes haven't contributed in some way to their current troubles.
People with long memories probably have a built-in prejudice against anything the company builds today. Honda and Toyota have decades of goodwill from buyers who have been happy with their cars from the 1970s onward.
Chrysler needs to build rock-solid, reliable cars and trucks -- not tinny junk just to turn over cash.
fnc 4:10PM (6/29/2009)
Because those are the only things worth scooping to the media. GM's efforts to get more small models into showrooms are already well known (see:Cruze, etc.). And frankly it's a good idea to be ready for the next high profit high margin automobile niche now that SUV's have (thankfully) run their course.
BT 8:40PM (7/05/2009)
Leak? Where do you see anything about a leak? ABG asked him a question and the guy answered it.Mercedes/BWM/Corvette priced car? Maybe the C class or 3series...aint no way your getting a Vette for $40K not including a $7500 tax credit. You need to cut the caffine out of your diet.
Snoopy 1:10AM (6/30/2009)
Should this be that surprising? I mean, sure, they haven't made a cent on the first gen model yet, but you've got to be ready to move forward.
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