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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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VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST

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

Chevy Volt durability testing - Click above to watch the video after the break

These days, we hardly give any thought at all to driving our precious cars and trucks over rough, potholed pavement. Sure, it's uncomfortable and we avoid the nastiest stretches when possible, but the worst thing that we expect might happen is a blown tire or bent wheel. In the grand scheme of things, not that big a deal.

Electric cars, though, are different animals entirely. Back when the automobile was in its infancy and the internal combustion engine first staked its claim as the powerplant of choice, it was sometimes possible to practically ruin a car when traveling over harsh terrain. That just won't do in today's modern society. For proof that electric vehicles need just as much care as other cars, look no further than Lyle Dennis from GM-Volt.com, who's own Mini E broke down after hitting a nasty pothole.

So, what is General Motors doing to ensure that the Volt doesn't rattle its delicate electrical bits to pieces over the course of its life? Glad you asked. Click past the break for a video showing the rigorous durability testing that GM is currently inflicting on its fleet of pre-production Volts.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability

VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Wicked Chevelle isn't as fuelish as it seems

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Chevrolet, SEMA Show, Green Daily

1970 Duramax Chevrolet Chevelle custom - Click above for high-res image gallery

The clean exterior of this 1970 Chevelle hides a wicked little secret. If you take a look at the photo above, you'll see what we mean. The bundle of plumbing you see spilling out of the engine bay tells only part of the story. That's no overworked Chevy small block in there, it's a Duramax diesel that has been pushed to new heights via an outrageous custom twin-turbo setup. The stripped-out interior and racing slicks out back show the true purpose of this ride. It was built by Mike Racke and made Popular Hot Rodding's Top Ten Builds this year. We couldn't agree more.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: Wicked Chevelle isn't as fuelish as it seems originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live webchat with Frank Weber and Doug Parks today at 4pm

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST

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

Frank Weber and the Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Frank Weber, who has served as the vehicle line engineer for the Chevrolet Volt program for the past two and an half years, is packing up his wife and kids and moving back to Germany next month. Before he leaves, though, he will be sitting down at the keyboard alongside his successor Doug Parks for a web-chat this afternoon. You can pose your questions on the latest status of the Volt program directly to the guys that have been and will be running the show.

Things are moving along rapidly on the program with a recently-completed 1,200 mile development drive and plans to let a contest winner drive the car in Los Angeles next month. Check out (and participate in) the chat after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Live webchat with Frank Weber and Doug Parks today at 4pm

Live webchat with Frank Weber and Doug Parks today at 4pm originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: General Motors delays Cruze launch by three months

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet

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

General Motors is desperate to avoid the recall stigma that plagued the first year of North American production of the original Ford Focus a decade ago. That car was recalled five times in the first year to fix early production glitches. The new Chevrolet Cruze had been scheduled to launch production at the company's Lordstown, Ohio factory in April of next year, but that has now been pushed back to July.

Although earlier launches of the Cruze in China and Europe have not had any serious problems, as the first major new product since GM was re-born out of bankruptcy this summer, and the company wants to make sure nothing goes wrong in the U.S. as well. The Cruze is expected to hit 40 mpg in highway driving with its new 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder. According to reports, the delay will also give GM time to have every variant of Cruze ready for customers on day one. Often, production launches are staggered with some versions held back. This can frequently cause problems for an automaker if they don't build enough of the version people actually want to buy.

[Source: Detroit News]

Report: General Motors delays Cruze launch by three months originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Equinox fuel cell vehicles ready for Vancouver Olympics; Volts due in February

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

Vancouver continues its two-fold path towards reducing gasoline usage (H₂ and plug-ins) with a new fleet of eight Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicles that will used during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Games start February 12. The fuel cell vehicles are being used for test drives now and will shuttle athletes, journalists, organizers and more around town during the Olympics, part of a GM fleet that is made up of over 4,600 vehicles. The hydrogen-powered Equinoxes were engineered and made in Canada. Come February, GM will also send two Chevy Volts ~~to steal the show~~ for PR duty. The GM vehicles will operate in town until the Games are finished.

Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Equinox fuel cell vehicles ready for Vancouver Olympics; Volts due in February

Equinox fuel cell vehicles ready for Vancouver Olympics; Volts due in February originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:05:00 EST

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

So, plenty of time has passed since General Motors first made the announcement that its Chevy Volt extended-range electric vehicle would score 230 miles per gallon on the yet-to-be-completed EPA testing procedure for such vehicles. Still, lots of questions remain, such as How many miles per gallon with the Volt achieve after it has traveled the 40 or so miles necessary to deplete its battery pack?

Well, we still don't have an exact answer, which is partly due to the fact that GM hasn't yet finished developing the vehicle's complex software systems. In an interview with Fox Car Report Live, vehicle line directory Tony Posawatz shed some light on the topic, saying that the Volt's sustained mileage will be "better than any conventional car, and we're trying to figure out how close, or if it will actually be better than any hybrids."

To put that figure into perspective, we'd imagine that means the Volt would fall somewhere between the 32 mpg rating of the Toyota Yaris and the 50 mpg rating of the Toyota Prius when running under charge-sustaining mode with an otherwise depleted battery pack. Whatever the case, don't expect this hot-button topic to go away any time soon. Click past the break to see the exchange on video.

[Source: Fox Car Report]

Continue reading Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids?

Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM invites Volt fans to name first color and win a test drive!

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST

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

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

Take a close look at the Chevy Volt in the photo above. We've seen it a number of times already but we've never said anything about the color. While it's predominantly silver, it does have a green (or more specifically emerald) tint in it. According to General Motors spokesman David Darovitz, this will be one of the launch colors for the Volt and, in fact, will be exclusive to the company's extended-range electric vehicles. Anyone who has ever bought paint, sorted through a box of Crayolas or ordered a car knows that every hue, no matter how subtle, needs a unique name. This Volt color is no different.

GM wants to include Volt fans in the naming process and is running a contest on www.chevroletvoltage.com starting today. Between now and November 4, people can submit their color name suggestions on the site. GM will sort through submissions and pick out three finalists. Between Nov. 16 and Dec. 1 you can then vote for your choice among the finalists. The three finalists will be flown to LA where the winner will be announced on the eve of the LA Auto Show press days. That person will be among the first people in the world outside of GM who actually gets to drive (not just ride along) one of the pre-production Volts. We've include a full gallery of high-res Volt images, so jump in to get your creative juices flowing and start submitting your name ideas! Details are after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM invites Volt fans to name first color and win a test drive!

GM invites Volt fans to name first color and win a test drive! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM's OnStar EV Lab opens its doors, loves the Chevy Volt

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:51:00 EST

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

OnStar EV Lab - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the features that GM is promoting with the Chevy Volt, due late next year, is a completely new level of connectivity for the plug-in hybrid. Well, completely new isn't quite right. The Volt will certainly communicate with the grid and with GM in new ways, but the underlying OnStar technology that will make all of this possible isn't new at all. It's a decade old, and the updates to the ninth-generation OnStar system that will be in the Volt would not be possible without years of testing and development. The system is also helping GM test the Volt and it came in handy during the recent eight-Volt, multi-state test drive. Read on after the jump to find out how OnStar xo's the Volt.

Gallery: OnStar EV Lab

Continue reading GM's OnStar EV Lab opens its doors, loves the Chevy Volt

GM's OnStar EV Lab opens its doors, loves the Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM aims for 44 mpg from 2011 Chevy Cruze XFE

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Chevrolet

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

When General Motors first announced the 2011 Chevy Cruze for the United States market, the automaker bandied about a fuel mileage estimate of over 40 miles per gallon on the highway. That's a laudable goal to be sure, but there's apparently more in store from GM's next small car platform in the form of an XFE edition. Interestingly, Motor Trend reports that the engineers that had previously worked for GM's Performance Division are now tweaking future cars for XFE.

That's eXtra Fuel Economy, for what it's worth. You may recall that GM was able to wring a few more mpg from its long-in-the-tooth Cobalt XFE and Silverado XFE, and the same treatment is reportedly in the works for the Cruze with the goal of hitting 44 mpg. The most miserly powertrain combination will be based on the optional 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission, which will be a step up from a standard 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated mill.

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: GM aims for 44 mpg from 2011 Chevy Cruze XFE originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM: Soon, Detroit will earn its nickname as the Motor City

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:51:00 EST

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

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

What's in a name, anyway? Detroit has been known as the Motor City for longer than this blogger has been alive, but is that moniker actually a misnomer? Well, that depends... are you the type that believes motors are driven by electricity and engines by something else? How does one explain motorcycles, then?

Tony Posawatz, Vehicle Line Director for the Chevrolet Volt, is ready to make the distinction between the engine and motor, as you can see from his latest posting to GM's FastLane Blog. Soon, though, the nomenclature will be meaningless as the Chevy Volt goes into production at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant late next year. After all, the Volt will come equipped with both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: GM FastLane Blog]

GM: Soon, Detroit will earn its nickname as the Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader spots Chevy Volt prototype parked in a driveway

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EST

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

One of our ever-alert readers has been out walking the neighborhood armed with a camera this weekend when he spotted one of the most anticipated cars of the next few years. Sitting in a neighbor's driveway was a Chevy Volt IVER prototype. We know GM has been out running the Volts on public roads including a 1,200-mile, three-day drive from Michigan to Virginia last week.

However, it's unusual a year before production to see the engineers driving these types of pre-production units home for the weekend. That doesn't usually happen until much closer to Job 1. On the other hand, it's also unusual to see such cars running undisguised this far ahead of production. GM has been so open about this program from day one that they haven't bothered with camouflage on any of these prototypes.

The fact that GM has seen fit to allow these vehicles off the proving ground is a sign that they have a reasonable degree of confidence that it is going to work reliably. That's a good sign for Job 1, which should come just about a year from now. Thanks to Eric for the photo!

Reader spots Chevy Volt prototype parked in a driveway originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Webchat with Tony Posawatz and Felix Kramer, 3:30pm EST today

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:54:00 EST

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

Readers of this site are probably quite familiar with the names of Felix Kramer and Tony Posawatz. Kramer is the founder of the California Cars Institute (CalCars) and major proponent of plug-in vehicles. Posawatz is the vehicle line director for the Chevrolet Volt and has been part of the team since almost day one. Both Kramer and Posawatz will be speaking at the Business of Plugging In conference in Detroit next week. They will be part of a panel on Wednesday October 21 titled "The Consumer: Who, When and Why?"

Since most of you won't be there, you can pose your own questions to Posawatz and Kramer today at ~~12:30pm~~ UPDATE: delayed until 3:30 EDT. They will participating in a web chat on ChevroletVoltage.com. The chat will also be available here on ABG (find it after the jump).

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Webchat with Tony Posawatz and Felix Kramer, 3:30pm EST today

Webchat with Tony Posawatz and Felix Kramer, 3:30pm EST today originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Catching up with Chevrolet's 1,200 mile pre-production Volt fleet drive

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:59:00 EST

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

Chevy Volts on 1,200 mile drive - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday, we had an opportunity to chat with Chevrolet Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah as he rode through the hills of West Virginia during a development drive. On Tuesday, a fleet of eight pre-production (a.k.a. IVER) Volts set out from the company's Milford Proving Ground in Michigan on a three-day, 1,200 mile jaunt through Ohio, Pennsylvannia, Maryland, West Virginia and back. This event is known in General Motors' engineering process as a "65-Percent Drive" and as it implies it's one of a series of milestones on the road to production.

The 65% roughly corresponds to the minimum level of completeness of development of all the hardware, and more specifically, the software. At this point, many of the systems are in fact approaching 90-100% complete. Over the next several months, 70, 80, 90 and 100 percent drives will follow on the way to production launch a year from now. Read on to find out what we learned from Farah.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt 65% drive

Continue reading Catching up with Chevrolet's 1,200 mile pre-production Volt fleet drive

Catching up with Chevrolet's 1,200 mile pre-production Volt fleet drive originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last pre-production Volt comes off the assembly line

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:54:00 EST

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

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

The saga of the Chevrolet Volt's run from concept to production reality has taken yet another step as the 80th and final pre-production car has just rolled down GM's assembly line in Warren, Michigan. Just like all the other Volt engineering mules built up to this point, this car is headed for a hard life at the Milford Proving Grounds, where it will be put through its paces time and time again in an effort to ensure the final result is as good and durable as possible.

Up next for these 80 pre-production Volts is a series of stages that includes crash testing and extreme-weather climate testing. Sometime during the first quarter of 2010, The General will begin building validation versions of the Volt that will allow the automaker to finalize production details and the process that will be used to assemble the cars on the lines at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant. If all goes according to plan, the first 2011 Chevy Volts will be rolling into dealer lots just about one year from now.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: Detroit Free Press, GM-Volt.com]

Last pre-production Volt comes off the assembly line originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM investing $230M in Flint area facilities to support Chevrolet Cruze, Volt

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:04:00 EST

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

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

General Motors announced today that it will spend $230 million on four facilities in the Flint, Michigan area that will support the production of the new Chevy Cruze compact and the Volt extended-range EV. The biggest chunk of the money ($202 million) is being spent on the Flint South Engine plant. The line that currently builds the inline five- and six-cylinder engines used in the Chevrolet Colorado and Hummer H3 is being revamped. That line will now build the 1.4-liter Family 0 engines that will be used in the Cruze and Volt. Originally, GM had planned to construct a new factory adjacent to Flint South, but that plan was canceled last fall as the financial crisis hit the already embattled automaker.

The Flint Metal Center a few miles away is getting updates that will allow it to stamp the sheet steel body panels for the Volt. The other two facilities are designing and building the stamping dies and welding robots that will be used to produce the panels and put them together at the Detroit-Hamtramck (Volt) and Lordstown,Ohio (Cruze) factories. GM's official press release is after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM investing $230M in Flint area facilities to support Chevrolet Cruze, Volt

GM investing $230M in Flint area facilities to support Chevrolet Cruze, Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt heads to Pikes Peak to practice mountain climbing

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST

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

Chevrolet Volt prototype at Pikes Peak - click above for high-res image gallery

One of the main concerns that many people have about the Chevy Volt is how well it will perform when running in charge sustaining mode with the engine-generator cranking away. While we haven't yet had an opportunity to try out any of the Volts or Cruze mules operating in this fashion, the engineering team has. John Blanchard, the lead calibration engineer for the engine-generator, has posted on the Voltage blog about a recent trip to Pikes Peak in Colorado with the Volt prototypes.

According to Blanchard, the Volt got to the top of the 14,110 foot peak faster than anticipated and did a good job of replenishing the battery on the downhill run. What is not clear is exactly what GM has been anticipating. The engine generator only puts out a bit over 100 hp while the traction motor has a 160 hp output. We know the Volt will be able to draw down the battery below its 30-35 percent depletion point for transient full power acceleration, using regen and surplus energy from the generator to replenish it back to depleted mode when the load drops off.

A sustained uphill run like this means that either the car will loose a significant amount of performance or draw the battery way down. Until we have a chance to talk to Blanchard or someone else on the team, we won't know for sure which it is.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt prototype testing at Pikes Peak

[Source: Chevrolet Voltage]

Chevy Volt heads to Pikes Peak to practice mountain climbing originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM sees more demand than supply with the Chevy Volt in the beginning

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST

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

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

General Motors has already warned us that the Chevrolet Volt will be in short supply at launch. But that isn't stopping Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman in charge of marketing, from going out and talking about how popular the car - due next year - already is. Lutz told Automotive News that the promotional efforts GM has laid on thick are working. Once the car is further along the production process, Lutz said GM will "pull out the heavy artillery and get Volt buzz" going, hinting that a short-term test drive/lease like Project Driveway is being considered.

Over 50,000 people have signed up for a "want list" over at GM-Volt.com. About a year and a half ago, 20,000 people had signed up. To keep up with that projected demand, GM's Dave Barthmuss repeatedly told attendees at this weekend's Alt Car expo in Santa Monica that the automaker will build "tens of thousands" of Volt units in the first year. To compare, Nissan has collected names of about 22,000 people who are interested in the all-electric Leaf in the two months since it was unveiled.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd.]

REPORT: GM sees more demand than supply with the Chevy Volt in the beginning originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM considering hybrid Corvette, other mileage tweaks

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, Lightweight

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept - Is a hybrid powertrain in the Corvette's future?

Is GM really considering a hybrid Corvette? Tom Stephens says it's a possibility. Who is Tom Stephens? He's GM's vice chairman of global product development, so he should know. To be fair, he says that a hybrid would only be considered if the Corvette's very livelihood depended on it. Now that CAFE standards are ratcheting up to a corporate average 35.5 mpg by 2016 though, it might be the 'Vette's only hope.

With Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and others showing electrics and other alternatively-powered sports cars, and some companies doing nothing but plug-in hybrids or electrics (like Fisker and Tesla), it's not that hard to imagine an electrically-boosted fiberglass flyer. The question is whether or not Corvette buyers would even consider a hybrid. We think the idea will grow on them.

For now, GM thinks they have a good enough plan to keep the Corvette electron-free. Until a hybrid is the only option, expect future 'Vettes to be made lighter, and equipped with low rolling resistance tires, direct injection, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation to make them more fuel frugal. Even electric power steering can boost mileage by half a gallon. So, although a hybrid Corvette hasn't been ruled out, Stephens does say that we shouldn't expect a six-cylinder engine in that engine bay anytime soon.

[Source: Auomotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: GM considering hybrid Corvette, other mileage tweaks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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