Spy Shot: Production interior of Chevy Volt (maybe)
by John Neff on Aug 28th 2008 at 3:21PM 
Click above to enlarge
General Motors continues to eek out teaser shots of the production Chevy Volt, but it appears that an image of the production interior has slipped through the Empire's net of control. All we have to go on for this image posted on the Motivemag.com forums is the image itself, which is part of a display panel at what appears to be a sneak preview of the vehicle for god knows who. What we see is a sleek, all-white center console with virtually no buttons. The controls appear to be touch sensitive instead, leaving the face of the console as smooth as a Frigidaire. Good luck installing an aftermarket stereo in this one. Completely flush air vents flank the console, which stands out in contrast to the black dash panel. On top of it all sits the information display, seen here showing the relationship between the "range extending" engine and lithium-ion batteries. What say you? We all know the production Volt isn't going to be as wild as the concept, but does this innovative center console meet your expectations? Also keep in mind that this might not be the real deal, but it seems to be from all appearances. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!
Gallery: Production Chevy Volt
[Source: Motivemag.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
WhyNotTheC63? 3:27PM (8/28/2008)
For the iCrowd.
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Frank 3:04PM (8/29/2008)
i totally agree.
Sent from my iPhone.
Aki 3:27PM (8/28/2008)
It may be cooler, but pragmatically it's better to have buttons, as you have tactile feedback. Plus without buttons or divisions within the console it all seems so jumbled. The HVAC controls seem to blend right in with the stereo controls, and you don't see where either start or end.
Maybe they'll be backlit so it's easier to see where is what.
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Jason parry 4:50PM (8/28/2008)
um the stereo controls are the recessed ones? of course they will be backlit... do you think you need a flashlight on your own dashboard? Simply amazing
Jerk Face 3:40PM (8/28/2008)
I was just about to comment along the same lines. Good luck not dying in a horrible explosion on the freeway when you're trying to figure out where the eject button is!
geo.stewart 5:21PM (8/28/2008)
jason,
be careful in your assumptions.
this is the same company that did not backlight the HHR wiindow controls and had to put an LED in the roof to shine down and illuminate them.
Derek 6:20PM (8/28/2008)
Geo: since when do window controls need to be illuminated, never mind backlit? Up is up, down is down and there's only four of them. If you really need to look down to work the window controls it's time to go back to drivers ed. Adding extra light to the cabin is just a distraction.
ultima 9:18PM (8/29/2008)
@derek
I have never seen a person that complains about the window buttons being illuminated. and how could they possibly be a distraction? do you keep your eyes on the buttons when you drive? then it looks like you are the one who needs to go back to the driving school.
MemphisNET 3:27PM (8/28/2008)
I thought VW was the one going for Apple/iPod inspired interiors...
I'm all for white leather/interiors in 60's & 70's Mopars, but not like this... gloss black would be much easier on the eyes.
Still interesting.
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geo.stewart 3:34PM (8/28/2008)
how about color-coded to the exterior?...
otherwise, if I never see another white ipod inspired anything, itll be too soon.
MemphisNET 3:59PM (8/28/2008)
Agreed, body colour would be fine.
Unless its white :D
MasterCKO 5:07PM (8/28/2008)
agreed with body color matching comment. That would be good.
All white all the time, not so much.
ugg.tryptophan 5:15PM (8/28/2008)
yeah, gloss black w/ orange backlit keys
Brian 12:28PM (9/03/2008)
I think everyone may be paying a bit too much attention to the color of the dash in this photo. Since when have you not seen the dash color schemes change to correlate with either the interior/exterior in other models?
Guess time will tell.....
TJ 3:28PM (8/28/2008)
damn, that looks sick! I would HATE to see any repair bills, and hope the warranty is good....
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WhyNotTheC63? 3:57PM (8/28/2008)
You don't need tactile feedback. Many other manufactures make it just fine without it. And let's face it, almost anything put in this car is just an accessory to the product that is ultimately bound to be purchased because of it's electric properties, not much else will pull in buyers to a Chevy.
Am I right?
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Epyx 3:31PM (8/28/2008)
Looks great like it came directly from Cupertino, California ala Steve Jobs.
Only negatives I can think of is dirt, the white plastic yellowing, or the painted areas scratching off around the icons and words. Hopefully it is a real high quality design that can stand up to use and look good for a long time. Looks alone it is sweet, hopefully it is also durable.
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sashazur 3:32PM (8/28/2008)
This makes I-Drive seem good - ever tried using a perfectly flat touch-sensitive console while trying to keep your eyes on the road, or while wearing gloves?
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Seoultrain 3:35PM (8/28/2008)
Even apple has moved on from white. How about a brushed aluminum console?
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Mehul 5:55PM (8/28/2008)
+1