VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday!
by Sam Abuelsamid on Nov 27th 2009 at 2:12PM 
Chevy Volts on 1,200 mile drive - Click above for high-res image gallery
Here at ABG, we've been tracking the progress of the Chevrolet Volt since before the concept debuted in January 2007. Along the way we've spent plenty of time with various members of the Volt team and last spring we were among the first to drive the Cruze-based powertrain development mule. Later in August, we got take a ride in one of the pre-production prototypes with global chief engineer Frank Weber. As we head into next week's Los Angeles Auto Show, GM has crossed another threshold by allowing selected members of the media actually drive the IVER prototypes with the range extender mode enabled. We will get our own chance to drive on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. PST and we'll be doing some live streaming of the event thanks to Ustream and our snazzy new Droid phone. Join us on Sunday and ride along. Watch my twitter feed @samabuelsamid for updates on what's happening.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Ignatius 3:31PM (11/27/2009)
What's with the related video? It's someone messing around with a laptop for a bit and then a plate just sitting on top of a notebook.
Accidental upload?
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gorr 3:39PM (11/27/2009)
I will watch for sure. Im very curious on the mpg figures with the r-extender.
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paulwesterberg 3:50PM (11/27/2009)
Which has not been disclosed by any of the embedded reporters who have been allowed to drive the volt in range extended mode.
Sir Vix 12:48AM (11/28/2009)
Once it gets into people's hands in range extended mode, we will see people drive them hard and get the lowest possible MPG, but we'll also have the hypermilers who can push the limits and see how HIGH they can get the Volt mileage with it in range extended mode. I wonder if they can beat out the 70's and 80's MPG numbers that hypermilers got out of the 2010 prius and the fusion hybrid.
Nozferat 3:11AM (11/28/2009)
I don't see why there has to be so much secrecy regarding this car and the range it's supposed to get. Frankly, if it dos 230 MPG what the hell do they have to worry about in regards to competition?
Smells like bullsh^t to me.
paulwesterberg 3:49PM (11/27/2009)
If abg is given special access to preview gm products how can we trust that gm product reviews will be accurate and impartial? What is the financial relationship between abg and gm? Is future access to products and information contingent on positive reviews?
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Joeviocoe 4:00PM (11/27/2009)
ABG is the "green" department of Autoblog (one of the biggest of online automotive news sources). This gives ABG journalistic jurisdiction for the Chevy Volt.
There is nothing special about the access given to ABG as a credible automotive publication. GM simply feels that the Volt will hold up to criticism. And they are confident that even an impartial review will still be positive.
And they never said that ABG will be the only reporters there. So put the conspiracy theory back into your pocket where it belongs... save it for the aircar.
why not the LS2LS7? 4:29PM (11/27/2009)
You can't. You never could before either. And not just with GM, not by far.
Sam Abuelsamid 4:36PM (11/27/2009)
What's with the paranoia Paul? We are just one of a number of media outlets scheduled to drive the Volt over the next several days leading up to the start of the LA Auto Show. Access to GM has never been contingent upon anything except the fact that we provide some coverage. The nature of the coverage has never ever been part of the discussion. If we didn't write something (anything) GM would have no reason to talk to us.
paulwesterberg 4:49PM (11/27/2009)
I'm not paranoid, just looking for full disclosure. If gm pays for airfare, meals, travel accommodations, etc they might be expecting a generous review.
Jon 5:46PM (11/27/2009)
Does it even matter if the review is fair or not? The car isn't finished and you shouldn't base your purchasing decisions on reviews of unfinished vehicles.
jake 7:32PM (11/27/2009)
Insideline (Edmunds) was also given access.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yssYHbwrOnM
Jalopnik is frequently given access to do testing of cars and they always disclose it. It just comes with the territory when you are an auto journalist. I don't see the problem as long as there is a disclosure on the review that the automaker provided the accommodations.
Ronaldo 4:06PM (11/27/2009)
Sorry, I already have plans...
Real Madrid v. Barcelona in "El Classico" on Sunday.
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Conspriacy theory 4:48PM (11/27/2009)
Most important question???? ...... Price!!
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Mark Kiernan 4:49PM (11/27/2009)
Good to see some folks who know what they are talking about reviewing the car.
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EVsuperhero 6:34PM (11/27/2009)
I would expect their will be no price reveled on the car and no mpg given in extended mode. Just a test drive. They will have to drive 40 miles or so to make sure the pack is discharged for ABG and the others there to review the car. Wonder if they left the ash tray out?
When you get in the car guys punch it and see how much the engine revs up to handle the load then drive it mellow and see how the engine revs. Will it burn rubber while the range extender is on. What are the 0-6 times? Sorry but the performance thing has been ingraved in brain since childhood via commercials. Is it a closed course or will it be on the street? Guess I will find out the answers soon enough. Have fun! I envy you guys.
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Mark_BC 8:04PM (11/27/2009)
I've always been cynical of GM and the Volt. I mean, everything else they have done is sh*te. But I am prepared to be pleasantly surprised, maybe not by its price though.
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Brant 6:39PM (11/28/2009)
I agree with EVsuperhero i would like to know figures aswell i'm not to worried as my 91hp jetta is fun to drive just not real quick but addaquat so tell us how to get 230(240)whatever the number was or just give us a avg say 40 mpg under load maybe 50mpg with cruising then tell me if i beat the hell out of the peddle i'll get 30mpg i'd be extatic with that (My jetta driving for fun is 27mpg driving it for range is 39ish that was at 80-90km/hr very light just to see what i could get) i guess only time will tell
just to bad they killed the ev-1 maybe we'd actually have the volt or maybe just more compitition for BEV we could of had a whole decade to advance but noooo they had to sweep it under the carpet
sorry don't mind my ranting just want to see who i can get to talk
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letstakeawalk 1:54PM (11/28/2009)
I'm looking forward to ABG's coverage. I have full faith the writers here know what to look for, and what questions to ask.
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Tohe 6:11PM (11/29/2009)
Nice first part of the Q&A. Looking forward to seeing a live stream of the test drive and how the Volt's generator performs.
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