Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Chevrolet
Volt designer "more proud" of production version
Back when GM rolled out the Volt concept, there was less discussion about its design than there was about its underlying technology. Sure, it looked ok, but with gas prices at the time headed straight up, its promise of cheaper driving overshadowed its sports car roofline.
Upon introduction of the more aerodynamic production Volt, there seemed to be a re-Volt. Our Hot or Not poll showed 65% of readers responded negatively to the dramatic redesign. You gotta wonder how that makes the Volt's designers feel.
Two members of the Volt design team are from Ohio, and Cleveland's "Plain Dealer" newspaper asked them what they think of the Volt's new look. Apparently they either disagree and/or just really like being able to cash GM's checks at the end of the week.
"There were probably a small number of people expecting the electric Camaro," Volt design team director Bob Boniface (in photo above) told the newspaper. "I'm more proud of this car than I am of the concept car," he says later in the story.
Many people saw the production Volt and wondered why GM couldn't come up with something that didn't look so "Prius-y." GM aerodynamics engineer Ken Karbon has an explanation: "The laws of aerodynamics are the same if it's a Toyota or a Chevy." Maybe Chery should have tried that line in court.
Gallery: Chevy Volt Concept
Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt
[Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Gabagool 2:37PM (10/20/2008)
WOW, 40K for Honda Civic sized caryes please.
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Kotse 2:47PM (10/20/2008)
Production Volt design = Low Voltage
AZZO45b 2:38PM (10/20/2008)
No Mr Boniface... we didn't expect a "Camaro" Volt.
We expected some of the unique elements introduced on the concept to find its way onto a reported $40,000 production Volt.
One of GM's problem is that they insult the intelligence of their buying public with their marketing bullsh*t. Trust me BOTH interviews with the Cleveland paper were cleared by GM's PR dept.
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jkeeler 3:25PM (10/20/2008)
In order for the Volt to be able to achieve the MPG numbers that it will get it needed to be aerodynamic.
The concept looked cool but was not as practical as the production version. If you ask me the production version looks great, kinda like an evolved Civic.
This car will be a game changer and pull GM out of the cellar, I for one can't wait!
GOT 7:47PM (10/20/2008)
"One of GM's problem is that they insult the intelligence of their buying public with their marketing bullsh*t."
EXACTLY
Hey GM, how far is your PRIDE, AERODYNAMICS, and MEDIA HYPE, going to get you???
Here's a clue: Make some goals to introduce beauty, reliability, and fun-factor into your entire line up.
AZZO45b 12:19AM (10/21/2008)
jkeeler: I'm well versed with their wind tunnel excuses. How does aero prohibit them from the concept's dual element DLO (as ONE example) making it to production
I'm sure GM will be thrilled that you think the Volt looks like a Honda... l'm sure Mr. Boniface will take that as the ULTIMATE compliment!!!
Stumpy 2:42PM (10/20/2008)
Is it better to say "More Proud" or "Prouder"? Or does it not even matter?
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Tim 3:48PM (10/20/2008)
Chase this ones for you bud.
The statement is in the subjunctive form where subject of the verb is in the present tense but the statement is making reference to something in the past.
The sentence is poor and if I am interpreting it right the meaning is .
"I am prouder of this car than 'I was' the concept car."
The correct word should be "prouder" whereas "more proud" would have been a reference to a statement made before there was a production Volt.
Tim 3:49PM (10/20/2008)
"I am prouder of this car than 'I was' of the concept car."
mybora99 2:45PM (10/20/2008)
Whatever is said about the Volt doesn't really matter right now. How it actually sells is what matters. I'm certain that it just isn't going to sell due to brand image. People just aren't going to be impressed by it at all and I think their going to be more affraid to own an all electric car on top of it.
Can this thing be converted to a gasoline engine with a conventional transmission in case it flops??
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Pokey 12:58PM (10/21/2008)
It helps to actually know something about a car before you start making comments about it.
SCBG 2:47PM (10/20/2008)
I certainly don't see myself purchasing a Volt but with that said I really like the production version.
Multiple "show cars" are just that. Real production requirements and costs dictate that you can't produce some of the designs and features. And more importantly the manufacturer has to produce something that will sell to the masses to justify the R&D that is done (i know, i'm preaching to the choir). Sure the Camaro would be an example of something that looks very much like the show car (and VERY much like the '69 version) but the Camaro will NOT save GM/Chevrolet from the abyss. The Volt probably won't either but if successful it will appeal to the masses. GM doesn't have a Prius to hang there hat on that virtually is it's own brand and has the cache to design it edgy. Frankly I can't stand the Prius look and I'm very disappointed Honda went down an identical road (shocker!!). I think the Volt is something that has a different enough look without being strange. There are details that make it different enough to give it a second look.
But GM may never get to produce this thing...
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spencermfi 2:49PM (10/20/2008)
The production version looks great, like a more handsome and purposeful Prius. The concept always looked cartoonish and ill-proportioned.
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Christian de Saint Preux 3:05PM (10/20/2008)
I fear the most important thing is not the design but the fact that just before the VOLT comes out there will be a 150mile range EV on the road... This is a 40 mile one...
I don't remember which but it was posted here on autoblog.
DasBoese 3:22PM (10/20/2008)
@Christian:
There's an important difference:
After 150 miles with the other car, you sit around for a few hours waiting for the battery to recharge.
After 40 miles with the Volt, you just continue driving in RE mode.
Tim 3:47PM (10/20/2008)
DasBoese you speak with such certainty...
How do you know the capabilities of this car since no one outside of GM's inner circle has driven one? It may be able to go 5 miles or 100 miles before using gas no one knows.
tankd0g 3:47PM (10/20/2008)
The only thing great about it is that it looks like a normal car. If it was a normal car price that would be even more great.
Jason 4:01PM (10/20/2008)
@Tim: 40 miles has been the stated/claimed EV range by GM for the VOLT for... ever it seems like.
The actual range, just like the mileage/range of any other vehicle, will of course depend on traffic, topography (hill country vs flat), amount of passengers/cargo in the vehicle, etc.
But yeah, I think DasBoese can speak with as much certainty as possible since 40 miles is what GM is telling us it'll do.
mbs 3:03PM (10/20/2008)
They could have at least retained the front-end styling cues, even if they had to scrap the overall tiny-greenhouse slab-o-terror angry-cat look. There's even less excuse for having changed the rear end so much.
Aerodynamics isn't everything... some of us like to look at cars as well.
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Corey W. 3:07PM (10/20/2008)
Ok, who really thinks this looks like a Prius?!? I don't think so!!
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