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LA 2009: GM announces 100-vehicle Volt test fleet for utilities in California

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:51:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, GM, LA Auto Show

During Bob Lutz's keynote speech kicking off the LA Auto Show this morning, he announced that GM would bring a fleet of 100 Chevy Volts to California in late 2010. GM will partner with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), the Sacremento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for this real-world test that is intended to help figure out what sort of charging network is needed in an area to help automakers introduce plug-in cars. Over 500 charging stations will be installed as part of the program. "This program will determine the best methods to accommodate an expanding fleet of electric vehicles from all OEMs," Lutz said. "This extended real-world study will allow us to make electric vehicles as good as they can be for our customers."

The U.S. DOE is providing a matching grant worth over $30 million for this program, and will get user data for their money. OnStar will provide feedback on how the Volts are used to GM, and GM will relay this data to the DOE. This program does not mean that the first Volts will be used only for fleets. The first customer deliveries are still scheduled to happen at around the same time. We'll have a more complete report on Lutz's speech up soon.

Our travel and lodging for this media event were paid for by the Auto Alliance.

LA 2009: GM announces 100-vehicle Volt test fleet for utilities in California originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Officially, Official: Golden state to get first dibbs on the Chevy Volt

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:19:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, LA Auto Show

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chevrolet has confirmed was has been talked about for some time now: when the Volt goes on sale late next year, it will initially be available only in limited markets. First up will be the state that has pushed hardest for electric vehicles, California. Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District are partnering with GM and EPRI (the electric power research institute) to promote plug-in vehicles including the Volt. The partners will use $30 million from the stimulus bill for a test program to put 100 Volts into fleets for two years of real-world testing.

All new Volts are equipped with GM's OnStar system and the cars will report back vital technical data to the automaker. GM will monitor battery performance in part to validate its own simulation models and test cycles that are used to test batteries. The EV promotion program will also fund the installation of 500 public charging stations.

California is first in line because of its aggressive stance on establishing the infrastructure needed as well as other incentives to make the vehicles more palatable. The state's warm climate also makes it a good locale for using battery powered vehicles. Other regions will be added at a later date.

UPDATE: Utilities will also get a slice.

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2009: Officially, Official: Golden state to get first dibbs on the Chevy Volt

LA 2009: Officially, Official: Golden state to get first dibbs on the Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, mass-market potential has four doors

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:18:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Chevrolet, LA Auto Show

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is finally coming Stateside and during a private event held earlier this evening ahead of the LA Auto Show, General Motors - 20 minutes after announcing the departure of Fritz Henderson as CEO - unveiled the U.S.-spec version of its Cobalt replacement and Toyota Corolla competitor.

Sharing much of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt's architecture, the Cruze has the potential to be a massive leap forward for Chevy in the mid-size/compact segment. Larger than the Cobalt in almost every dimension and packing a choice of either a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder putting out 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque or a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-pot, fuel economy and efficiency take center stage. However, "driving enjoyment" was mentioned more than once during the presentation, so to aid both its fuel consumption (an estimated 40 mpg with the turbo'd four) and enhance the experience, buyers will be able to choose between a manual or automatic six-speed gearbox.

Although we've seen the Cruze in person before (it's been on sale in Europe and other markets for over six months), its sharp lines, taut headlamps and enlarged grille play Dr. Jekyll to it's rather staid, Mr. Hyde rump. Inside, the two-tone brown and black leather interior is a tremendous improvement over the model it replaces, with an artfully sculpted dash and center stack surrounded by soft touch materials, brushed fauxluminum and a smattering of chrome. Back seat passengers should be equally pleased with the appointments and a 60/40 split bench ups the ante for usability.

The Cruze's arrival late next year couldn't be better timed, as Ford is readying the next generation Focus and Honda is toiling away on a reworked Civic. We're expecting to get some seat time in the coming months, and for the first time in recent memory, we're looking forward to sampling a new mid-size product from the General. Full details in the press release below the fold and check out the gallery of live images below.

Continue reading LA 2009: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, mass-market potential has four doors

LA 2009: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, mass-market potential has four doors originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Initial Chevy Volt launch will be in select U.S. markets only

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Manufacturing/Plants, Chevrolet, GM, Green Daily, USA

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Undoubtedly, the Chevy Volt is one of the most hotly anticipated new model launches in Chevrolet's long and storied history, and it will likely be seen as a halo model of sorts for the entire General Motors lineup. As we saw first hand when we got the chance to slide behind the wheel of a preproduction Volt the other day, the car is well on its way to becoming a production reality, but actually getting the vehicle into the hands of customers will be another matter entirely.

According to a report from Automotive News, GM is currently in the process of selecting which markets will get first crack at the Volt when it finally goes on sale in just under one year's time. Chevrolet division President Brent Dewar said that the automaker is looking at a number of factors to determine those unannounced target markets, including the existence of an EV charging infrastructure and available tax credits. After this initial launch, the rest of the country's inhabitants will get its chance to see the USA in an electric Chevrolet.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Initial Chevy Volt launch will be in select U.S. markets only originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viridian Joule picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Green Daily

2011 Chevrolet Volt in Viridian Joule - Click above for high-res image gallery

The votes have been cast, the tallies tallied and the winner determined: Viridian Joule will be the official name of the silvery-green hue as seen on a slew of Chevy Volt marketing material for what seems like the last decade or so. So, um, what does Viridian Joule mean? We'll let the winner himself, 40-year-old David Thomas of Sanford, Florida, explain:

I looked at the photo of the Volt on the contest web site and thought it looked emerald in color, which led to jewel and then to an alternate yet appropriate play on that word - joule.

We needed a bit more help, so we looked up the word viridian. So says Dictionary.com: a long-lasting, bluish-green pigment, consisting of a hydrated oxide of chromium. OK, fine. Joule wasn't so hard to figure out, but here's the definition anyway: a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere is passed through a resistance of one ohm for one second. So, there you have it.

Want to know more? Click past the break to read the official press release, and see the image gallery below for more views of a Viridian Joule Chevrolet Volt.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Viridian Joule picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest

Viridian Joule picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet to announce Volt color contest winner today

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, LA Auto Show

Pre-production 2011 Chevrolet Volt - click above for high-res image gallery

The naming contest that Chevrolet has been running for the Volt's new signature silver-green color for the last several weeks officially comes to a close today in Los Angeles with the announcement of the winner during a live webcast. The three finalists - with the names EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule - have been brought out to LA for the event and the winner will get to be the first non-media person outside of GM to actually take the Volt for a test drive.

Bob Boniface and Mike Simcoe, the respective design managers for the Volt and new Cruze, will also be on hand conducting a design walk around of each of their cars to explain what their teams were trying to accomplish. Having now seen the Volt in the light of day and in motion and having driven it, the car definitely looks better than what we saw a year ago when the production design was unveiled. It's not perfect, but on its 17-inch wheels and wide stance it definitely has sportier look than either the Prius or Insight, which some observers have claimed it copies. According to Boniface, the Volt's drag coefficient is also at least 0.02 better than the new Prius. The live webcast starts at 12:15 pm PST (3:15 pm EST) and you can watch it after the jump.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt pre-production prototype

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet to announce Volt color contest winner today

VIDEO: Chevrolet to announce Volt color contest winner today originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Three years ago this December we first walked into a Manhattan conference room for a background briefing on a new concept being developed by General Motors for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. Earlier that year, the release of a documentary called Who Killed the Electric Car made the then largest automaker in the world the subject of some well deserved criticism for its handling of the end of the EV1 program. The movie and announcement of the all-electric Tesla Roadster lit a fire under GM to get back into the plug-in electric vehicle game.

What we saw that day in NYC was a description of a new powertrain architecture then dubbed E-Flex. GM folk on hand that day included vehicle line executive Tony Posawatz and former VP for environmental affairs Beth Lowery. They explained that among the biggest lessons learned from the EV1 program were that range anxiety and lack of practicality would make a car like EV1 nearly impossible to sell in the mass market. The engineers went back to the drawing board to address those issues and came up with the extended range electric vehicle, or ER-EV. The Volt concept was approved for production mere months after it was revealed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. At this week's LA Auto Show, GM is publicly showing the production intent version of the Volt. Before that, however, we were among the first to drive a Volt with its range extender running. Read all about it after the jump.

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production

Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Chevrolet finally unveils the U.S.-market production 40 mpg 2011 Cruze

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Chevrolet, LA Auto Show

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - click above for high-res image gallery

More than a year after first showing us a styling buck and nearly as long since launching it overseas, GM is finally showing off the production version of Chevy Cruze for North America. Set to be shown publicly this week at the LA Auto Show, the Cruze is still a good 8-9 months away from going on sale at U.S. showrooms.

When it does finally arrive, the Cruze should be a huge step forward from the Cobalt and GM hopes it will be an able competitor to the next-generation Honda Civic and Ford Focus which arrives not long afterward. The Cruze is slightly larger than the Cobalt, but will be powered by downsized engines including a new 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder with 138 hp and 148 pound-feet or an 1.8-liter normally aspirated unit with similar power but less torque. All Cruzes will get 6-speed gearboxes of either the manual or automatic variety. The turbo version is expected to get a 40 mpg highway rating from the EPA.

Based on our brief experience driving a Volt powertrain mule earlier this year (which was based on the Cruze), the new model should be vastly more refined than the outgoing Cobalt with more interior room and much better executed interior. We'll see, eventually.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading LA 2009: Chevrolet finally unveils the U.S.-market production 40 mpg 2011 Cruze

LA 2009: Chevrolet finally unveils the U.S.-market production 40 mpg 2011 Cruze originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

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.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt 65% drive

Continue reading VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday!

VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver controlled audio warning system with the blind

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, GM

As the popularity of hybrids has grown over the last few years, advocates for the blind have been raising a red flag about noise, or - more to the point - the lack of it. Because electric-drive vehicles emit much lower levels of sound on the street, blind pedestrians who've relied on the noise emitted from traditional vehicles lose a major source of information when navigating the streets and sidewalks.

There have been movements in various legislatures to mandate some minimum sound level from electric vehicles to ensure that blind pedestrians can tell when they're approaching, and General Motors recently conducted a test session at its Milford Proving Grounds with a group of the visually-challenged to assess the audible warning systems on the Chevrolet Volt.

The engineers have employed the car's horn to emit a series of warning chirps when a pedestrian is in proximity to GM's gas-electric hybrid, evaluating the nature and level of the warnings to alert pedestrians rather than startle them. GM spokesman Rob Peterson tells us that on the first generation Volt the warnings will be manually activated by the driver, although future iterations are likely to incorporate some sort of active system. Currently, the biggest hurdle is developing an active system that can distinguish a pedestrian from another vehicle. Otherwise, without a reliable detection system, the horns would be going off at all times, increasing noise levels and making it largely useless. Watch a video of the system after the jump.

[Source: ChevroletVoltage.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver controlled audio warning system with the blind

VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver controlled audio warning system with the blind originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volt battery life affected by hot weather, but 10 years means 10 years

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Green Daily

Chevy Volt - click above for high-res image gallery

During an information-heavy battery and technology update on the Chevy Volt's progress recently, GM said the following about the 16 kWh battery pack in the plug-in car:

"The biggest challenge in testing is hot-weather storage of the vehicle. Currently, ten years of battery life is the norm, but some people could get more battery life depending on the climate where they live and their driving conditions.

We understand that outside temperatures can have a big impact on how a battery operates and will affect the Volt as well, but the good news for Volt fans is that Green Car Advisor got it wrong. They said that hot weather Volt owners will get less than ten years of life from the pack, saying Volts in "many parts of the western and southern U.S." would not get "the normal 10-year life of the battery." Not true, says GM, which is confident that everyone will get 10 years from the pack. GM's hybrid and battery technology communication spokesman Brian Corbett told AutoblogGreen that, "in more moderate areas of the country, battery performance could last beyond 10 years. 10 years is our minimum target life for everybody."

[Source: GM via Green Car Advisor]

Volt battery life affected by hot weather, but 10 years means 10 years originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, USA

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

On November 30th, hundreds of middle school students and teachers will assemble at the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, along with untold thousands of their electronically-linked peers, to take part in a giant show-and-tell webcast featuring that upcoming electric car with the built-in range extender, the 2011 Chevy Volt. While none of the students are likely to buy a Volt (or any car, for that matter) when it becomes available next year, "Today's middle school students are tomorrow's leaders," according to GM, and so they feel it is important to educate the kids about the increasing role electricity will play in personal transportation.

The assembly, which is in support of the host school's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program, will listen and watch a presentation covering the basics of electricity and how it will transform the way we drive before taking part in a question and answer period. The appearance is only one of many that the Volt will be making while it's in town for the Los Angeles Auto Show. Official press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell

Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shots: First images of the 2011 Chevy Aveo

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:48:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet

Back in August, in the wake of General Motors emergence from bankruptcy, the company gave the media a preview of many of its upcoming products. Among those is the all-new Chevrolet Aveo which will take up the B-segment mantle to battle the new Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Unlike the current Aveo that is built in South Korea by Daewoo, the new model will be built at the Orion, Michigan assembly plant north of Detroit.

While there had been speculation that the ungainly looking Chevy Viva from Brazil would be the Aveo replacement, new spy shots show that this is a completely different car, although it will likely share some mechanical bits with the Aveo.

At the preview last summer, GM design manager Bob Boniface confirmed that the Aveo name would be retained because, in spite of the baggage the current model carries, it does have recognition and launching a new name would be too expensive. Of course that was three months ago and the Aveo is still a year or so away from launch so things could change. Whatever it's called, it's certainly a better looking car than the current model, with a wider stance that looks less tippy. Thanks to Jason for the tip!

[Source: Left Lane News]

Spy shots: First images of the 2011 Chevy Aveo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, USA

Chevrolet Volt pre-production IVER prototype - click above for high-res image gallery

We long ago had a chance to drive the Chevy Volt mule in all-electric mode, and more recently took a ride in the IVER (integration vehicle engineering release) version. We found the Volt's performance was rather impressive for a vehicle still under development. It was clear at that time that there was still room for improvement, though, and the question of how it would perform after the gas-powered generator kicked in remained unanswered since GM was not allowing anyone from outside the company to experience it. Would there be a sudden jolt of power during the transition or would it perhaps produce a howl reminiscent of the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz? Now it seems those questions are being addressed as GM has just started to allow media to drive the IVER and experience that change.

So how was it? According to Lindsay Brooke over at the New York Times, the initial moments, as the engine comes to life, are "inaudible and seamless." Very nice. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter the sound suddenly surged as the car became cognizant that its battery was lower than desired and attempted to quickly return to its preferred level by revving itself up. Clearly, there is still some refining to be done. The overall impression was extremely positive though, the regenerative braking in particular garnering some amount of praise. We look forward to soon gripping the wheel for ourselves and giving you our in-depth reaction. Thanks to wincros for the tip!

Gallery: Quck Ride: Pre-production Chevy Volt

[Source: New York Times]

Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

Chevy Volt going through a shake test as part of its durability evaluation - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors offered an update this afternoon on the current status of the testing and development of the lithium ion batteries for the Chevy Volt. Chief Engineer Andrew Farah and battery engineering group manager Bill Wallace provided a run down on the work done so far. Since work started in earnest on the production program in early 2007, GM has gone from two initial battery development partners (LG Chem/CPI and A123 Systems/Continental) to selecting LG Chem to supply cells. GM also decided to design and build the battery pack in-house rather than having CPI provide the finished pack.

Through the course of development, the team has learned that the battery management system is the key to extracting the best life and performance out of the battery. However, while the battery is the heart of the Volt, Farah emphasized that the goal was to create a great a great vehicle for customers, not just a battery on wheels. That means a lot of integration work has been necessary to incorporate the pack in the car, and develop the charge and battery management software. Read on after the jump.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt development update Nov 17 2009

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development

GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt comes to Main Street Michigan

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet

Chevy Volt in Royal Oak - click above for a high-res image gallery

Usually, if someone sends us pictures claiming they were taken in Michigan in mid-November and yet had guys in T-shirts in them, we'd tell them they're probably fakes. But, since we're experiencing the mild pre-winter weather in the Mitten state ourselves, we're willing to shift our focus away from the bare skin and onto the Chevy Volt sitting there on Main Street in Royal Oak, Michigan. Taken today, around noon, the pre-production vehicle was in town with GM's social media guy Christopher Barger and attracted the attention of a few passersby.

While there's nothing new revealed about the Volt in these pics, we do now have an idea of what it'll look like in everyday use and we know people notice the car. Pretty soon, this won't even be news any more.

Chevy Volt comes to Main Street Michigan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule are Chevy Volt color contest finalists

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

As of this morning, Chevrolet is moving into the final stage of its Volt color naming contest. The company has picked three finalists from among the names submitted by 13,000 people over the last two weeks. Starting this morning, you can cast your vote for which of the finalists will win the contest. The silver paint with a pale green tint will be one of the launch colors for the Volt when it goes on sale next November.

Among the names submitted from all over the United States, "EV-ergreen" submitted by Devin McQuarrie, San Jose, CA; "Viridian Joule" submitted by Dave Thomas, of Sanford, FL; and "environMINT" entered by Matthew Valbuena, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Visitors on the http://www.chevroletvoltage.com site can vote for their choice and the all three finalists will be brought to Los Angeles on December 1 where the winner will be announced. Immediately following the announcement, the winner will get to take a test drive in one of the pre-production Volts, the first outsider to do so. GM is limiting votes to one per person per IP address over the next two weeks.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule are Chevy Volt color contest finalists

EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule are Chevy Volt color contest finalists originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fans of the Chevrolet Volt have been waiting patiently for nearly three years now for the first extended range electric car to debut. Apparently a Columbus, Ohio Chevrolet dealer is looking to take advantage of that by putting up a listing on eBay claiming to have allocation of Volts. Jack Maxton Chevrolet is now taking deposits on the Volt a year before the first production models roll off the line in Detroit. There are problems with this. The current bid is at $1,525 but it's not clear from the listing just what that gets you. It could be the first position in line, if and when Maxton gets its Volts, but we can't say for sure.

Notice we said if Maxton gets the Volt. We checked with Volt spokesman David Darovitz about this and he told us that it's not certain that every Chevy dealer will get the Volt: "They must first go through a rigorous certification process" to ensure that they are ready to sell and service the electrically-driven compact and its battery. Darovitz also tells us that "Dealers have not been selected" at this time, and that includes Maxton Chevrolet. You might want to keep that in mind before placing your bid. Remember, patience is a virtue. Thanks to Nat for the tip!

[Source: eBay]

Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Cadillac, Chevrolet

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Electric vehicles are for people who would rather drive slow, boring commuter cars that don't consume fossil fuels and therefore don't spew pollutants from their tailpipes. Gas-powered cars - and especially those wearing time-honored badges like SS, R/T or GT - are for those that prefer fire-breathing, tire-screeching performance and care much more about nitrous oxide than nitrogen oxide. We all agree on these points, right? Not so fast, says Bob Lutz.

When asked whether or not Chevy could shock the performance crowd with an SS version of the upcoming Volt, Lutz said, "I would not discount that possibility." That's as close as you're going to get to an admission of intent this early in the game. Lutz goes on to suggest that the Voltec powertrain will allow for plenty of on-demand power. "[I]f we want to sacrifice a little bit of fuel efficiency in the interest of performance and still get over 200 miles per gallon, we can do that any time."

Following the same logical train of thought, we could certainly see a V-Series of the Cadillac Converj. If you're interested in hearing the news straight from ~~the horse's~~ Lutz's mouth, click past the break for a video.

[Source: Fox Car Report via GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility"

Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM: Volt won't become a brand name

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevrolet Volt isn't scheduled to hit the market for another whole year, but there's so much anticipation for the vehicle that some are already asking if The General will try to make a brand out of the Volt name. The answer, according to Brent Dewar, Chevy's chief of global operations, is no:

Our thought is to take the Volt technology to other products... The Volt was the original vehicle that we started, but I wouldn't see that as a brand marketing direction for us.

While other models in GM's lineup are likely to get their own versions of the Voltec powertrain, those vehicles won't fall under the Volt brand name. Toyota, on the other hand, says it is considering extending the instantly recognizable Prius moniker to a whole family of hybrid vehicles that may include a smaller coupe and a larger MPV.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

GM: Volt won't become a brand name originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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