Autoblog

Official: Chevrolet Volt production begins November 11

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, Electric

General Motors confirmed this morning that November 11, 2010 has been set as the official Job 1 date for the Chevrolet Volt. The news initially reported by Translogic was verified to AutoblogGreen by GM spokesman Rob Peterson. November 2010 has always been the targeted production launch timing for the Volt, but a specific day couldn't be set until other development milestones were met.

Now that development and testing is virtually complete and certification testing is underway, production and customer deliveries will soon start unless there are any showstopping issues. Generally, dealer deliveries start about three to four weeks after Job 1, so those early models should be rolling off trucks and onto dealer lots in early December.

However, with California being one of the launch markets for the Volt, we would be surprised if GM doesn't hold some kind of event to deliver the first customer car in conjunction with the press days for the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17-18. Between now and November, the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant will continue building the pre-production units that are going into GM's captured test fleet for use by employees for real-world evaluation.

[Sources: Translogic, General Motors]

Official: Chevrolet Volt production begins November 11 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Translogic tests Chevy Volt, reveals Mountain Mode and 0-60 time

John Neff — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Videos, Chevrolet, Electric

Translogic Episode 5.4 - Click above to watch video after the jump

Our brothers from another mother over at Translogic just released their latest episode yesterday, episode 5.4 for whoever's counting. Host Bradley Hasemeyer spent a day with General Motors at the automaker's Milford Proving Ground driving the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and came away with some heretofore unknown tidbits of information about the series hybrid.

For one, in addition to Eco, Normal and Sport modes, the Volt will have what's called Mountain Mode that allows it to climb any grade in the country. A GM engineer says they checked to be sure its Mountain Mode was adequate for any grade in the States and we have proof of at least one major mountain the Volt can climb. When Mountain Mode is selected, ideally about ten miles out from any big hills you want to climb, the Volt will kick on its on-board generator and create extra energy for the batteries. This allows the Volt's drive system to draw more power than normal from the battery packs while climbing a grade. If the battery packs are drained and the generator's already on, Mountain Mode will then increase the engine's RPM to make up the difference.

Bradley also performed an impromptu 0-60 miles per hour test in the Volt, completing the run to highway speeds in 8.53 seconds while the car was in Sport mode. Not earth shatteringly quick, but plenty spry to feel normal in everyday driving conditions. Over the course of the day, Bradley drove the Volt a total of 59.7 miles, 16.1 of which occurred with the gas-powered range-extending on. During that time, 0.59 gallons of gas were consumed, which means the Volt achieved about 100 mpg for the day and 27.3 mpg while the engine was operating.

The rest of the video is full of Volt information of which we're already aware, including how it interacts with mobile devices, charging options and the like, though we can't say we've seen anybody throw around the Volt yet like Bradley did. Follow the jump to view episode 5.4 for yourself and visit the Translogic blog here.

[Source: Translogic]

Continue reading Video: Translogic tests Chevy Volt, reveals Mountain Mode and 0-60 time

Video: Translogic tests Chevy Volt, reveals Mountain Mode and 0-60 time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chevrolet Volt has knock sensor, can run on regular gas

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

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

When General Motors announced pricing for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt last week, one new technical detail grabbed some attention. Vehicle line director Tony Posawatz was apparently the first exec to mention to the press that the range-extending engine in the Volt had been calibrated to run on premium gasoline.

There have been some question about what happens if you put regular gas in the tank and whether that would damage the engine. GM powertrain spokesman Tom Read confirmed to Autoblog that the Volt's 1.4-liter inline-four is equipped with a block-mounted knock sensor like virtually every other modern engine. The engine is calibrated for premium with extra spark advance to optimize the efficiency and output of the engine. If regular gas is used, the knock sensor will adjust the spark advance to prevent engine damage. Premium gas also reportedly has a longer shelf life than regular, which could be an issue for Volt drivers who maximize their plug-in's electric capability by using as little gasoline as possible.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Facebook, General Motors]

2011 Chevrolet Volt has knock sensor, can run on regular gas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chevrolet dealer ready to charge $20,000 over MSRP for Volt... will more follow?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

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

Researchers from Edmunds decided to drop their local Chevrolet dealer a line to inquire about staking a claim for one of the first available Volts, and the response was shocking at best and galling at worst. Here's the email, sans names:

Hello *****

Thank you for your online request, as you know the Volt is going to be a very limited production vehicle for the first 2-3 years. Demand is going to far exceed supply for this vehicle, initially our asking price for the Volt is going to be MSRP plus $20,000, we are expecting only receive 9 Volts all of next year.

I will keep you in my customer base for when the Volt comes out and I will contact you with any information as I receive it. We are taking orders right now for the Volt, if you would like more information, please let me know and I will be more than happy to help you. Thank you.

***** *****, Internet Specialist
******* Chevrolet
********, CA

You read that right. A $20k markup over MSRP for a 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

As Edmunds' AutoObserver points out, this email exchange took place before General Motors announced its plans to increase Volt production by 50% for 2011, churning out approximately 45,000 units in its first year. But even with that knowledge, would the unnamed dealer still avoid bilking early adopters? We doubt it.

While it's not clear if any other Chevy dealers plan to follow suit, history would suggest that big markups are likely - the Corvette ZR1 initiated this sort of fervor when it was announced, too. On the flip side of the coin, AO sites a report from GM-Volt.com this past June, in which a GM spokesperson is quoted as saying: "We also aren't expecting our dealers to overcharge anyone for this vehicle, either, and will monitor the situation closely when we launch," adding, "we'll be paying close attention when the vehicle launches and do our best to strongly discourage this kind of behavior, as we always do with any GM-branded vehicle."

GM is allowing Volt buyers to lease the plug-in hybrid for $350 a month (with a $2,500 down payment) when sales begin later this year, so it strikes us as odd that someone would choose to purchase a Volt outright if the dealer would tack on such an astronomical amount to the MSRP. Then again, there's the possibility that dealers might only allow purchases, negating the option to lease.

With so much riding on the Volt's success - from GM's long-term environmental program to the political pressures over the federal bailout - the General better get its dealers in line post-haste. If not, the fallout has the potential to stymie the Volt's success before the first owner takes delivery.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: AutoObserver]

Report: Chevrolet dealer ready to charge $20,000 over MSRP for Volt... will more follow? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chevrolet Volt requires... premium gas?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

As we're sure you've noticed by now, General Motors has been making lots of waves over the past few days with the pricing announcement (finally!) of its 2011 Chevrolet Volt. And, as you're surely aware, GM's plug-in hybrid is capable of traveling at least 40 miles per charge without using a single drop of gasoline. But what happens when the time comes to pump some good ol' crude into the tank? You'll be using premium.

Yes, you read that right. Premium gasoline only in GM's mostly gasoline-free automobile. It seems a bit odd that The General would force its customers into using higher-priced gasoline if there wasn't a good reason for it, but it certainly wouldn't seem that the engine is highly stressed - 80 horsepower from 1.4 liters isn't exactly bleeding edge.

There is a possibility, however, that the car's engineers were able to wrestle a bit more efficiency from its constant-load engine/generator setup by using higher octane fuel. In any case, the automaker has not offered up any specific explanations on why premium is required or, for that matter, what kind of fuel mileage the Volt will attain when the gasoline-powered engine is in operation.

We feel compelled to point out that it probably doesn't matter much that the Volt requires premium fuel considering how little gasoline the average user is likely to go through any given month. But naturally, your mileage will vary.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

2011 Chevrolet Volt requires... premium gas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Chevrolet Volt takes on Nissan Leaf

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Electric

Proving once again the old adage that there's more than one way to skin a ~~cat~~ battery, Chevrolet and Nissan have each designed new eco-friendly vehicles that are set to go head-to-head for sales supremacy starting at the end of this year. Though both automakers arrive at the same basic anti-gasoline (at least to a large extent) result, the Volt and the Leaf differ in more ways than they are alike.

We'll start with the drivetrain. While the Volt and Leaf are both technically electric cars, Chevrolet's solution to the range problem includes the addition of a small gasoline-fueled engine capable of recharging the Volt's onboard battery pack. There's enough battery capacity to travel at least 40 miles before the generator kicks in, but there's no limit to the range after the engine takes over.

Nissan's Leaf, on the other hand, has a somewhat larger battery that the automaker claims will allow for 100 miles of range per charge. After that, there is simply no more forward progress to be had until the Leaf is plugged into an outlet for a few hours - at least. But if going 100-percent gasoline free is your goal, this is your ride.

And then we have the body styles and shapes. Both cars spent plenty of time in the wind tunnel, with extremely different results. The Volt sports a more traditional sedan-like shape and offers seating for four. The Leaf, on the other hand, has a bit of an out-there look to its basic hatchback design and boasts seating for five.

Pricing too is a bit divergent. Nissan has affixed a $32,780 sticker to its electric car, before federal or state incentives. That price will drop to the mid-$20s when a $7,500 tax credit is applied. The General is making its Volt a bit more dear with a $41,000 asking price that drops to $33,500 after the credit. Interestingly, both automakers will offer leases for $350 per month for 36 months.

So, the big question is: Which electric car do you think is the better buy? Make yourself heard in our (totally unscientific) poll below.

View Poll

Poll: Chevrolet Volt takes on Nissan Leaf originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jay Leno a Chevy Volt intender? Umm... not so much

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Chevrolet, GM, Celebrities, Electric

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

As America's most recognizable celebrity car guy, you might expect that Jay Leno is anxious to put what might be America's most recognizable and highly anticipated game-changing new car in decades in his Big Dog Garage. Apparently, you'd be wrong. The late night comedian spoke with The Detroit News about the upcoming extended-range electric car and, surprisingly enough, said he doesn't plan to be one of the first in line to drive away in a 2011 Chevrolet Volt:

"If you didn't know, you might think it's a Cobalt or a Camry... I don't think there's a lot of cachet in having the first one. It's meant to be a people mover, not a people impresser."

If we're all being honest with ourselves, Leno makes a fine point. For the generation of Americans who grew up on hot rods and muscle cars, the Chevrolet Volt is something of an appliance meant to be safe, efficient and environmentally friendly. Those aren't exactly the kind of attributed that stir up the emotions of petrolheads. But that's kinda the point.

As Leno himself points out of the Chevy Volt, "I think it's great technology." And it clearly is. In fact, it's the likely future of automotive transportation. "There is a particular audience that is all about advanced technology and green transportation," responded GM spokesperson Rob Peterson. "For people like that, the Volt has that cachet. It's kind of like an iPhone. An iPhone is still a cell phone with a lot of capability in it."

Perhaps that's an apt comparison. Telephones and even mobile phones started out as appliances meant only to perform a basic function. Just as the iPhone revolutionized what the general public thought could be done with a phone, the Volt has the potential to revolutionize the kind of efficiency Americans have come to expect from their daily drivers... and it will certainly attract plenty of attention. With or without a glowing recommendation from Jay Leno.

Oh, and for what it's worth, Leno says he's excited about the Volt's launch later this year and may in fact buy one. Just maybe not from the first batch, we surmise.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: The Detroit News]

Jay Leno a Chevy Volt intender? Umm... not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: 10,000 Chevrolet Volts in 2011, 30,000 in 2012

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Electric

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

During a live video webchat this afternoon, Tony DiSalle, marketing director for the Chevrolet Volt, announced the production volumes for the first two years. General Motors plans to build 10,000 Volts by the end of the 2011 calendar year, with another 30,000 units coming in 2012. There will be a relatively slow production ramp up during the first year as the automaker learns to build the Volt as well as well as picking up lessons from cars in the field.

Chevrolet dealers will have to meet some minimum qualifications in order to sell the Volt. For instance, every dealer authorized to sell the Volt will have to maintain at least one demonstrator vehicle in stock so that potential customers can test drive it. Those same dealers will also have to install a 240 volt home charging station so that the cars have a full battery and customers can try it out. Beyond the dealers that sell Volts in the initial retail markets, GM will also assign dealers in other parts of the country to service the Volt if needed.

Unlike the Nissan Leaf, customers will not have to get pre-qualified to buy a Volt by having access to 240 volt home charging. Anyone can walk into a Volt authorized dealer and buy one (assuming they have the money!) even if they live in an apartment. Of course, getting the most out of a Volt will require access to a plug, but that is the customers' choice.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: General Motors]

BREAKING: 10,000 Chevrolet Volts in 2011, 30,000 in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Volt to be powered by engine at high speeds? Seems unlikely.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Chevrolet, GM, Opel, Vauxhall, UK, Rumormill, Electric

Opel Ampera - Click above for high-res image gallery

Whoa. Color us shocked and awed if this rumor from The Telegraph is accurate. According to the UK paper, General Motors is set to make some drastic changes to the Chevrolet Volt's European Opel Ampera twin. Specifically, the report suggests that the extended-range-electric-vehicle's powertrain is being redesigned so that the gasoline-fueled engine can and will power the wheels under certain high-speed conditions.

If true - and we're filing this firmly in the rumormill folder for now - this change would completely alter the entire ethos of the Volt idea. GM has gone to great pains to ensure that its green halo vehicle can be called an electric vehicle with a range extender, not a hybrid.

Semantics perhaps, but the distinction has been made clear and driven home by The General. Further, we know that the machine is well into its final development phases, and any changes of this magnitude this late in the game would be darn near impossible to implement in time.

The reason cited by The Telegraph for the recalibration is that Europeans require more power during high speed use. We find that explanation highly suspect as well, unless GM of Europe actually believes the Ampera will spend more time than normal on Autobahns in the far-left lane... which we doubt. Consider too that Europeans are known to embrace vehicles with much smaller and less powerful engines than Americans and the report continues failing to add up.

In any case, the report cites Andreas Voight, an Opel project engineer, who is quoted as saying that we can expect an announcement on the matter this autumn. We'll see, and we'll be pestering GM for a comment in the meantime.

Gallery: Opel Ampera

[Source: The Telegraph]

Chevrolet Volt to be powered by engine at high speeds? Seems unlikely. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnStar taps Google Maps for Chevy Volt navigation

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:50:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Chevrolet, GM

Back in January, General Motors announced that OnStar would release a smartphone app to be used in conjunction with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The app allows owners to keep track of charge status, remotely lock and unlock the vehicle, along with providing diagnostic reports and a host of other features.

Last week, reports surfaced that Google and GM were in talks about implementing the search giant's Android mobile operating system into its vehicles, and while that may still come to fruition, GM's announcement tonight is far less dramatic.

The app that GM demonstrated on Android-powered headsets earlier this year will now be available with a "navigation" tab that ingrates with OnStar to provide turn-by-turn, voice-guided directions, along with vehicle location (think: finding your Volt in a parking lot) and allowing users to perform voice searches through their Droid, Incredible or other Android smartphone.

While tapping Google's massive location-aware search is an important inclusion, it's less than revolutionary, particularly when Audi is already beginning to include Google Earth navigation in the 2011 A8. Furthermore, GM says that the new functionality won't be available on the Volt app at launch, but will be rolled out in the 2.0 version of the software. So if you're keeping track, we're talking about a yet-to-be-released feature for a yet-to-be-released car. Make the jump for the full details.

Continue reading OnStar taps Google Maps for Chevy Volt navigation

OnStar taps Google Maps for Chevy Volt navigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google may be GM's mystery technology partner

Zach Bowman — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Chevrolet, GM

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

The interwebs are rife with rumor that the mysterious General Motors technology partner is none other than Google itself. Motor Trend is reporting that GM is currently courting the search guru in order to use the Big G's Android operating system in its vehicles. If successful, the company should have a telematics system that's more than capable of taking it to Sync - the excellent Ford/Microsoft mashup currently available in most Blue Oval products.

While MT claims that GM wants to out and out buy Android, we doubt that's the case. Google hasn't exactly made a habit of selling anything it produces - opting instead for an advertising-based revenue stream. What's more, Google is making major inroads into the consumer electronics marketplace with Android. Still, that doesn't mean the open-source Android couldn't find its way into the next generation of smart-phone capable vehicles from Detroit.

If the rumors prove true, we should first expect to see some iteration of the system on the upcoming Chevrolet Volt. GM has already said that owners will be able to monitor things like battery life and charging from their smart phones. They'll also be able to start and unlock the vehicle via a Volt app. Similar usability will likely trickle down into the rest of the GM ranks.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: Motor Trend via Engadget]

Google may be GM's mystery technology partner originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlos Ghosn on the Leaf and EVs: "There is no competition."

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Diesel

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Will Nissan's upcoming Leaf electric car compete directly with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt? Well, that depends on who you ask. Apparently, Nissan head Carlos Ghosn doesn't believe the two eco-friendly automobiles will be competing on a large scale. Says Ghosn:

"Frankly, I mean so far there is no competition. Let's be serious. It's not because someone is coming with a prototype and one car that this is competition. The question is how much capacity are you building... What I am sure is that in 2011, I am going to be the only one on the market."

Ghosn wasn't necessarily referring directly to the Chevy Volt when he made those comments at the Geneva Motor Show, but the sentiment would surely include General Motors' extended-range electric vehicle by proxy. We'd imagine that a good deal of Leaf or Volt buyers would consider the other car a competitor for their hard-earned dollars.

If the issue between the two electric cars is production numbers, Nissan certainly takes the (currently theoretical) win as it plans to build 500,000 Leaf EVs by 2012. By way of contrast, GM has been mum on actual production goals for its Volt program, but we know the initial launch at the end of 2010 will be a comparatively small one.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Carlos Ghosn on the Leaf and EVs: "There is no competition." originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Panamera V6 and AWD Panamera 4 will bow in Beijing

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche, Beijing Motor Show

2011 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

Starting in May, fans of the big four-door gran turismo from Porsche will be able to opt for a more affordable and fuel efficient variant. The V6-powered Panamera and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 will debut on April 23 at the Beijing Motor Show before going on sale worldwide a few weeks later. The new non-S and non-turbo variants are propelled by an updated 3.6-liter V6 engine that is also shared with the Cayenne and various other vehicles within the sprawling Volkswagen Group.

For the Panamera, and presumably the new Cayenne that debuts at the Geneva Motor Show in a couple of weeks, the V6 now produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. That's a bump of 10 hp and 22 lb-ft versus the V6 in the current Cayenne, though the new motor is in fact an all-new Porsche-designed 90-degree V6 built in Zuffenhausen, not the SUV's VW-derived mill. All V6-powered Panameras get Porsche's seven-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox with drive torque going to the rear axle or both axles in the case of the Panamera 4. Like V8-powered Panameras that have been on sale since last fall, the V6 versions also get automatic start-stop. EPA fuel economy numbers won't be available until closer to the on-sale date in the U.S., but the German press release quotes a combined rating of 25.3 mile per gallon (U.S.) for the rear-drive model and 24.5 mpg for the all-wheel-drive model. U.S. numbers will probably be about 3-4 mpg lower thanks to the more conservative test procedure used by the EPA.

In addition to lower operating costs, the V6 Panamera will also be less expensive to buy. The rear-drive model starts at $74,400 with the Panamera 4 carrying a base sticker of $78,900.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche Panamera V6

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche Panamera V6 and AWD Panamera 4 will bow in Beijing

Porsche Panamera V6 and AWD Panamera 4 will bow in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chevy Volt appears in order schedule, Job 1 set for November 1

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

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

Up until now, General Motors has remained deliberately vague in public about the scheduled Job 1 date for Chevrolet Volt production. Given the complexity and new technology involved in the program, the automaker's reluctance is understandable. After all when you don't know what the future holds or what problems will crop up, you don't want to put a misleading date out there, years in advance.

Internal schedules, on the other hand, are something else altogether. Every program needs to have deadlines so that people know how much time and resources to allot for a given task. Those internal gantt charts have undoubtedly had the magic Volt Job 1 date on them for several years. Among the stakeholders that need to when a vehicle will launch are the dealers that have to schedule orders for inventory. Around about this time of year, automakers usually brief dealers on when the current model year vehicles will end production and new ones will start.

With less than ten months to go, GM has set November 1, 2010 as the Chevrolet Volt Job 1 date on the production start list for dealers. By September, dealerships will need to start giving GM an indication of how many Volts they want to order so that the head office can determine allocations. Interestingly, the GM chart indicates that dealers won't know their allocations until two weeks after production starts, and won't be able to start placing orders until then. Typically, those last two items happen about two months before production starts. The timing for the Volt production kickoff is still far enough out that those dates may yet change in the months to come.

A final item of interest is that the Cruze, which was originally slated to launch in April and subsequently pushed back to September, is listed as TBD.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: GM-Volt.com]

2011 Chevy Volt appears in order schedule, Job 1 set for November 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: GM shows us how the 2011 Chevrolet Volt works

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

How the Chevy Volt works - Click above to watch the video after the break

Modern cars and trucks are nothing if not complicated pieces of machinery, and that's doubly true of hybrid vehicles. You can bet that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will set a new standard in high-tech gadgetry and computing tech on four wheels, so it's not terribly surprising that General Motors has seen fit to release a video explaining it all using easy-to-understand graphics and animation.

There isn't anything contained herein that our regular readers don't already know, but for the average person sifting through millions of YouTube videos looking for something interesting to gaze at, this clip could be very helpful. Plus, the next time somebody asks you what the deal is with the Chevy Volt, you can simply direct them to the video after the break. Easy as pie!

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: General Motors via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: GM shows us how the 2011 Chevrolet Volt works

Video: GM shows us how the 2011 Chevrolet Volt works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Marketing manager responsible for Chevy Volt Dance reassigned

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

Chevrolet Volt Dance - Click above to watch the video after the break

Recall that Susan Docherty, the recently appointed VP of marketing, responded shortly after seeing the so-called Chevy Volt Dance for the first time, "Our Chevrolet Volt advertising, marketing and go to market strategy will be as innovative as the car. We may have missed on this one, but we won't going forward." Apparently, she was serious.

We can't say for certain just how much Maria Rohrer's reassignment from serving as the marketing manager for the hotly anticipated Chevrolet Volt had to do with the ill-conceived Chevy Volt Dance, but we hear through the grapevine (actually from our friend @johnvoelcker via Twitter) that Rohrer will now serve as director of Chevy truck advertising instead.

We did note that there was no song and dance routine to go along with the 2011 Chevy Volt's appearance at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month, which was certainly fine by us. After all, once that song gets in your head, it's pretty tough to get out... But if you're truly a glutton for punishment, feel free to watch the video after the break.

[Source: Green Car Reports via @johnvoelcker]

Continue reading Report: Marketing manager responsible for Chevy Volt Dance reassigned

Report: Marketing manager responsible for Chevy Volt Dance reassigned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chevrolet Volt baked at over 200 degrees in durability test

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

2011 Chevy Volt solar heat test - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Having just returned from the frigid Motor City for our ongoing coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the idea of hot-weather testing the 2011 Chevrolet Volt seems like an oddly foreign concept. But there are quite a few areas in the United States where the sun beats down with a vengeance year round - like, for instance, in Phoenix, where this particular writer happens to live.

This being the case, General Motors needs to make sure that the Volt doesn't melt when left out in the hot sun. No, really - every automaker tests its products to make sure that no individual parts show any signs of warping or sagging when subjected to high temperatures. How high? According to GM, up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, while it may not be the most interesting minute-and-a-half of footage you've ever laid eyes on, this video still represents an important test of one of the most important cars scheduled to debut in November of this year. Click past the jump to see for yourself.

[Source: Chevrolet VoltAge]

Continue reading Video: Chevrolet Volt baked at over 200 degrees in durability test

Video: Chevrolet Volt baked at over 200 degrees in durability test originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM's Lauckner says Volt could cost under $40,000

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials, Electric

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

We seem to know nearly everything there is to know about the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Well, everything but one of the most important pieces of its environmentally friendly puzzle, that is: How much will it cost? Predictions vary widely, with the $40,000 mark widely bandied about as a likely target - though whether or not that figure arrives before or after a federal $7,500 tax credit is complete speculation. For its part, General Motors has said it won't set final pricing until late 2010.

Throwing a wrench into the Volt-price-guessing works is none other than GM's own head of global program management, Jon Lauckner, who has reportedly told The Wall Street Journal that the extended-range electric vehicle could hit the market for well under that preconceived $40K level. Fortunately, "We have until this summer to figure that out," he said. Perhaps we can create ourselves a Price is Right-style contest?

The notion that GM may launch the Volt earlier than initially planned - possibly as early as this upcoming summer or fall, well before the expected launch in November - is also reportedly being discussed by GM's top brass. Regardless of when the first few units hit the market, don't expect to see a national launch outside of a few carefully selected regions until well into 2011. Thanks for the tip, Berto!

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Report: GM's Lauckner says Volt could cost under $40,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM and OnStar launch sophisticated mobile app for Volt [w/videos]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, CES, Technology, Chevrolet, Electric

Chevrolet Volt Mobile Smartphone App - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the Chevy Volt goes on sale late this year, General Motors intends to leverage its popular OnStar technology to help drivers maximize their electric driving time and minimize their use of liquid fuel. To do that, GM created an OnStar/EV lab last year at its Detroit headquarters. Engineers there have been working on how they can utilize available communications technology to save fuel, and the first public result is a new mobile phone application that is being announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.

When the production version of the Volt was unveiled in 2008, many called the interior very Apple-like because of its smooth white plastic center stack with capacitive touch controls. Thankfully, for those of us who have not fallen prey to the allure of the iPhone, the new mobile phone app is being developed to work on other touch screen phones including the Motorola Droid and Blackberry Storm. Read on after the jump to learn more about what OnStar has created.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt Mobile Smartphone App

Continue reading GM and OnStar launch sophisticated mobile app for Volt [w/videos]

GM and OnStar launch sophisticated mobile app for Volt [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Jay Leno parks a Chevy Volt in his Big Dog Garage

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Celebrities, Electric

Jay Leno drives the 2011 Chevy Volt - Click above to watch the video after the break

Jay Leno - in his traditional jeans and jean shirt, of course - had the opportunity to park a preproduction Chevy Volt in his Big Dog Garage, and he's kindly shared the experience with his fans. Right off the bat, Jay likens the future-tech Volt to a 1916 Owens Magnetic that operates on the exact same principle, proving that all good ideas eventually have their day ~~in the sun~~ on the road.

Leno has some interesting questions for Volt Chief Engineer Andrew Farah that are surely on the minds of regular shoppers who may consider the Volt for their next new car at the end of 2010. He also like the car's high-tech, lightweight stick... watch the video to see what we mean.

Naturally, Jay eventually takes the Volt out for a spin, and from what we can tell he came away impressed. And somehow, Leno ends up talking about the Mazda Miata and wristwatches and why men should buy the Volt... or something like that. Anyway, hit the jump to watch the video and see Jay's reaction to the 2011 Chevy Volt. Thanks for the tip, MIikael W!

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno parks a Chevy Volt in his Big Dog Garage

VIDEO: Jay Leno parks a Chevy Volt in his Big Dog Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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