Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Honda Civic Hybrid takes on Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Volkswagen Jetta TDI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/honda-civic-hybrid-takes-on-chevrolet-cruze-eco-and-volkswagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/honda-civic-hybrid-takes-on-chevrolet-cruze-eco-and-volkswagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/honda-civic-hybrid-takes-on-chevrolet-cruze-eco-and-volkswagen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Battle Of The Eco Compact Cars

Battle of the Eco Compact Cars
Battle of the Eco Compact Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you wanted a highly efficient compact car five years ago, you bought a hybrid. Diesel was still a dirty word commonly reserved for heavy-duty pickups and the occasional Euro import, and 30 miles per gallon was just becoming the new industry benchmark. The Chevrolet Volt was still just a concept, all-electrics like the Nissan Leaf were barely a blip on our radar, and if a car was turbocharged, it was for go-fast reasons, not fuel-sipping ones.

Fast forward to 2011. Times have changed.

Now, 40 mpg is the new 30 mpg, and we're quickly approaching the days when 50 mpg won't be such a lofty number. After all, there are quite a few cars that already crest that mark without breaking a sweat (including one or two of the cars in this test...).

Enter the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI - a trio of cars that all boast fuel economy figures of 42 mpg or higher on the highway, and all have price points within the $18,000 to $24,000 range. All three fuel-sippers take a completely different path towards overall efficiency - traditional hybrid, turbocharged gasoline and clean diesel.

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid badge2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco badge2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI badge


We're here to put these three eco compacts through their paces - testing not only economy, but general drivability, quality, comfort and value. The winner won't be based simply on its miserly ways - all three cars are pretty darn close in that regard. Instead, we're looking to see which car represents the best overall package, regardless of powertrain. We're here to find out which eco-warrior is the one we'd open our wallets for.

Continue reading Honda Civic Hybrid takes on Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Honda Civic Hybrid takes on Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Volkswagen Jetta TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet cruze eco2011 volkswagen jetta tdi2012 honda civic hybridchevroletchevychevy+voltchevyvoltciviccivic hybridcomparisonscruzecruze ecofeaturedgeneral motorsgmhondahonda+civichondacivicjettajetta tdijetta+2011jetta2011volkswagenvwWed, 06 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19983825/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/06/honda-civic-hybrid-takes-on-chevrolet-cruze-eco-and-volkswagen/19983825/article-detail.xml 19983825 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-eco-comparo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-eco-comparo.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Translogic tests Chevy Volt, reveals Mountain Mode and 0-60 time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/video-translogic-tests-chevy-volt-reveals-mountain-mode-and-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/video-translogic-tests-chevy-volt-reveals-mountain-mode-and-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/video-translogic-tests-chevy-volt-reveals-mountain-mode-and-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011 volt2011ChevyVolt2011Voltchevroletchevychevy voltChevyVolttranslogicvoltvolt 0-60volt mountain modeTue, 24 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19606329/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/24/video-translogic-tests-chevy-volt-reveals-mountain-mode-and-0/19606329/article-detail.xml 19606329 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/screen-shot-2010-08-24-at-1.57.24-pmopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/screen-shot-2010-08-24-at-1.57.24-pmopt.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Chevrolet Volt has knock sensor, can run on regular gas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/03/2011-chevrolet-volt-has-knock-sensor-can-run-on-regular-gas/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/03/2011-chevrolet-volt-has-knock-sensor-can-run-on-regular-gas/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/03/2011-chevrolet-volt-has-knock-sensor-can-run-on-regular-gas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltknock sensorKnockSensorvolt knock sensorVoltKnockSensorTue, 03 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19579857/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/03/2011-chevrolet-volt-has-knock-sensor-can-run-on-regular-gas/19579857/article-detail.xml 19579857 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/2011chevyvolt1qd034-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/2011chevyvolt1qd034-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Chevrolet dealer ready to charge $20,000 over MSRP for Volt... will more follow?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/02/report-chevrolet-dealer-ready-to-charge-20-000-over-msrp-for-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/02/report-chevrolet-dealer-ready-to-charge-20-000-over-msrp-for-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/02/report-chevrolet-dealer-ready-to-charge-20-000-over-msrp-for-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltchevroletchevrolet dealerchevrolet voltChevroletDealerChevroletVoltchevychevy dealerchevy voltChevyDealerChevyVoltdealer markupdealer markupsDealerMarkupDealerMarkupse-revmarkupvoltvolt MRSPVoltMrspMon, 02 Aug 2010 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19577896/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/02/report-chevrolet-dealer-ready-to-charge-20-000-over-msrp-for-v/19577896/article-detail.xml 19577896 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/005chevyvolt2011-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/005chevyvolt2011-630op.jpg <![CDATA[GM will increase Volt production by 50% - to 45,000 units - in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/30/gm-will-increase-volt-production-by-50-to-45-000-units-in-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/30/gm-will-increase-volt-production-by-50-to-45-000-units-in-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/30/gm-will-increase-volt-production-by-50-to-45-000-units-in-2/#comments
President Obama toured the General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck facility where the automaker will build (can we say "is building" yet?) the Chevrolet Volt today, and as any good PR person will surely agree, you can't let an opportunity like that go by without making an announcement of some sort. So, GM has something to say and it's big news, too: GM will increase Volt production capacity by 50 percent in 2012.

Details are as follows: Instead of making 30,000 Volts in the U.S. in 2012, GM will now make 45,000. These numbers are lower than production numbers we heard rumors of in years past, but they're good news for fans of plug-in vehicles. Is the increase a response to positive reaction to the Volt's $33,500 after-tax-rebate price tag? Maybe, GM said in a statement that, "In the past few weeks, more than 25,000 people have joined the Chevrolet Volt enthusiast list."

The news is good for the President, too, since the White House is pushing The American Auto Industry: A Comeback Story message this week. Part of that is an interactive version of the White House map showing places where the government has supported automakers, which you can find here.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


[Sources: General Motors, WhiteHouse.gov]

Continue reading GM will increase Volt production by 50% - to 45,000 units - in 2012

GM will increase Volt production by 50% - to 45,000 units - in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto bailoutauto bailoutsAutoBailoutAutoBailoutsbreakingchevy voltchevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltProductionchrysler bailoutChryslerBailoute-reverevgmgm bailoutGmBailouthamtramckHamtramck detroit gmhamtramck voltHamtramckDetroitGmHamtramckVoltobamaObama AdministrationObamaAdministrationvoltvolt evvolt hybridvolt productionVoltEvVoltHybridVoltProductionFri, 30 Jul 2010 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19575378/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/30/gm-will-increase-volt-production-by-50-to-45-000-units-in-2/19575378/article-detail.xml 19575378 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/auto-industry-future-map-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/auto-industry-future-map-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Rush Limbaugh tears into Chevy Volt, <strike>fails to understand how it works</strike> <i>[*Updated]</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/report-rush-limbaugh-tears-into-chevy-volt-fails-to-understand/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/report-rush-limbaugh-tears-into-chevy-volt-fails-to-understand/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/report-rush-limbaugh-tears-into-chevy-volt-fails-to-understand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



It has long been apparent that the more successful a talk radio host is, the less relevant the facts become. Case in point is this week's apparent tirade by Rush Limbaugh against the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. No doubt the Volt's sticker price came in higher than most of us had hoped at $41,000, and Limbaugh may have had a slight point there. However, suggesting that the federal $7,500 tax credit for plug-in vehicles like the Volt and the Nissan Leaf was there as an admission that no one wants these vehicles strikes us as disingenuous at best, especially when you recall the tax write-offs that were available to people buying Hummers and other large SUVs just a few years ago. As far as we know, Limbaugh also made no mention of the more palatable $350-per-month lease deal available for the Volt.

The Detroit Free Press reported that Limbaugh also ripped into the Volt's 40 mile range, implying that the 40 miles of range from the battery is all that is available. He was either unaware of or chose to ignore the fact that in charge-sustaining mode, the car's onboard engine-generator can keep the battery going for another 300 miles on a tank of gas. If you don't have time to sit around while the battery charges, you can just take a couple of minutes to fill the tank and be on your way again, just as you would in a normal car.

Perhaps we should just give Limbaugh the benefit of the doubt and assume his cochlear implant was on the fritz.

*Update: When this story was originally posted, we were unable to find a transcript online. After reviewing the transcript post-publication, it's clear that the Detroit Free Press took Limbaugh's comments out of context just as much of the media did last week in the case of Shirley Sharrod. Limbaugh is clearly aware of the range-extending capabilities of the Volt powertrain, although he didn't make any mention of the lease deal.

Until a caller informed Limbaugh of the Department of Energy-funded Charge Point America program, he was apparently unaware that over 4,000 free home 240-volt chargers would be available. However, the reality is that the Volt can be charged from a standard 110 volt outlet in 8-10 hours because of its smaller capacity batteries. Speaking of its range, the continual harping on the 40 mile range neglects the fact that for the vast majority of trips that will be perfectly adequate and the car can continue on after that on gasoline essentially without driver input.

From where we sit, comparisons of the Volt (and other EVs) to the Apple iPhone are also flawed. At launch, the iPhone did not have a carrier subsidy from AT&T and while it did well, sales didn't really take off until a few months later when the service provider cut the cost. Those subsidies have been more than recovered by AT&T (and other cellular companies) through very expensive smartphone service plans. The groundbreaking aspect of the iPhone was its software, not its hardware which was not significantly more expensive than other phones. While it remains to be seen if battery-powered vehicles can change the game, there is no argument that they are currently substantially more expensive to manufacture. As long as the United States has significantly lower gasoline prices than other countries, EVs are unlikely to thrive at their true cost.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


[Sources: Detroit Free Press, RushLimbaugh.com]

Report: Rush Limbaugh tears into Chevy Volt, fails to understand how it works [*Updated] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volt2011Voltanti volt tiradeAntiVoltTiradechevroletChevrolet Voltchevrolet volt pricechevrolet volt pricingChevroletVoltChevroletVoltPriceChevroletVoltPricingchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltconservative radioConservativeRadiolimbaughradio hostRadioHostRushrush limbaughrush limbaugh volt tiradeRushLimbaughRushLimbaughVoltTiradetalk show hostTalkShowHostvoltvolt pricevolt pricingVoltPriceVoltPricingThu, 29 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19573313/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/29/report-rush-limbaugh-tears-into-chevy-volt-fails-to-understand/19573313/article-detail.xml 19573313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/page1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/page1.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Chevrolet Volt requires... premium gas?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/28/2011-chevrolet-volt-requires-premium-gas/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/28/2011-chevrolet-volt-requires-premium-gas/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/28/2011-chevrolet-volt-requires-premium-gas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011 volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVolt2011VoltchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt premiumchevy volt premium fuelChevyVoltChevyVoltPremiumChevyVoltPremiumFuelpremiumpremium fuelPremiumFuelvoltvolt premiumvolt premium fuelVoltPremiumVoltPremiumFuelWed, 28 Jul 2010 15:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19572122/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/28/2011-chevrolet-volt-requires-premium-gas/19572122/article-detail.xml 19572122 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/volt-premium_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/volt-premium.jpg <![CDATA[Poll: Chevrolet Volt takes on Nissan Leaf]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/poll-chevrolet-volt-takes-on-nissan-leaf/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/poll-chevrolet-volt-takes-on-nissan-leaf/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/poll-chevrolet-volt-takes-on-nissan-leaf/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltElectric carelectric carsElectricCarElectricCarsleafleaf versus voltLeafVersusVoltnissanNissan LeafNissanLeafvoltvolt versus leafVoltVersusLeafTue, 27 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19570803/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/27/poll-chevrolet-volt-takes-on-nissan-leaf/19570803/article-detail.xml 19570803 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/volt-vs-leaf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/volt-vs-leaf.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors' recently hired vice-president for sales and marketing Joel Ewanick took the stage at the Plug-In 2010 conference in San Jose, CA today and finally revealed that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will have a base price of $41,000 (including a $720 destination charge) before federal and state tax incentives. While GM hasn't gone as aggressive as most people had hoped on the sticker price, the real deal appears to be the $350 per month for 36 months lease. That matches the monthly payment that Nissan is charging for the Leaf EV.

The effective purchase price of the Volt will be cut to $33,500 with a $7,500 federal tax credit (hence the asterisk in the title), but buyers will have to finance the $41,000 and get the credit back on their next tax return. Lease customers will have the credit factored in to their payment. The Volt lease requires a $2,500 down payment (vs $2,000 for the Leaf), but GM is including a clause in the lease contract that allows leasers to buy the car at the end of their term so that the automaker don't have another standoff with customers like it did with the all-electric EV1. Follow the jump to learn more about the Volt's price and how the order process will go, but first take our informal poll below.

View Poll




Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease

2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volt2011Voltbreakingbreaking newsbreaking+newsBreakingNewschevroletChevrolet Voltchevrolet volt pricechevrolet volt pricingChevroletVoltChevroletVoltPriceChevroletVoltPricingchevychevy voltchevy volt priceChevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltPricejoel ewanickJoelEwanickplug-inpluginvoltvolt costvolt msrpvolt pricevolt pricingVoltCostVoltMsrpVoltPriceVoltPricingTue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19569413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/19569413/article-detail.xml 19569413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2011chevyvoltnew000opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2011chevyvoltnew000opt.jpg <![CDATA[BREAKING: General Motors to announce Chevy Volt pricing/ordering on Tuesday [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/breaking-general-motors-to-announce-chevy-volt-pricing-ordering/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/breaking-general-motors-to-announce-chevy-volt-pricing-ordering/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/breaking-general-motors-to-announce-chevy-volt-pricing-ordering/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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


The three-year-long wait for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt's official U.S. price tag will finally be over in less than 24 hours. At the Plug-In 2010 Conference in San Jose, California on Tuesday, GM VP of Marketing Joel Ewanick will announce pricing details and the ordering process for the Volt. Following the announcement, there will be a live online webchat with Volt Marketing Director Tony DiSalle.

While we're waiting for the official announcement, you can through to the jump for a brief press release and then take our poll below.


View Poll



Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading BREAKING: General Motors to announce Chevy Volt pricing/ordering on Tuesday [w/poll]

BREAKING: General Motors to announce Chevy Volt pricing/ordering on Tuesday [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011ChevroletVoltbreakingBreaking newsBreakingNewschevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt pricechevy volt pricingChevyVoltChevyVoltPriceChevyVoltPricingEVGMgreenjoel EwanickJoelEwanickplug-in 2010 conferencePlug-in conferencePlug-in2010ConferencePlug-inConferenceTony disalleTonyDisallevoltvolt EVVolt MSRPvolt pricingVoltEvVoltMsrpVoltPricingMon, 26 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19568932/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/26/breaking-general-motors-to-announce-chevy-volt-pricing-ordering/19568932/article-detail.xml 19568932 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/chevy-volt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/chevy-volt.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Leno a Chevy Volt intender? Umm... not so much]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/21/jay-leno-a-chevy-volt-intender-umm-not-so-much/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/21/jay-leno-a-chevy-volt-intender-umm-not-so-much/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/21/jay-leno-a-chevy-volt-intender-umm-not-so-much/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltjay lenojay leno chevy voltjay leno garagejay lenos garageJayLenoJayLenoChevyVoltJayLenoGarageJayLenosGaragelenoWed, 21 Jul 2010 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19560612/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/21/jay-leno-a-chevy-volt-intender-umm-not-so-much/19560612/article-detail.xml 19560612 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/chevy-volt-house_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/chevy-volt-house.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet Volt will not be rated at 230 mpg; Victory Red paint debuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/chevrolet-volt-loses-230-mpg-rating-victory-red-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/chevrolet-volt-loses-230-mpg-rating-victory-red-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/chevrolet-volt-loses-230-mpg-rating-victory-red-debuts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Chevrolet Volt in 'Victory Red' - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember how big a deal General Motors made about the upcoming 2011 Chevy Volt's supposed 230 mile per gallon EPA fuel mileage rating? Well, you can now forget about it. According to USA Today, the Feds have decided not to use the preliminary testing procedure that produced that mythical 230 mpg figure, and a new methodology for rating electric vehicles has yet to be finalized. Don't expect a revised mileage figure any time soon. In fact, an actual mpg equivalent rating may not come until the Volt is just about ready to hit the market at the end of the year.

This revelation was revealed this afternoon during an event at GM's Michigan battery plant in Brownstown Township, and we were in attendance. When we arrived, we were greeted by the sight of the first-ever red Chevrolet Volt. This "Victory Red" example is one of between 30 and 40 manufacturing validation vehicles built so far at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. Those cars were preceded by about three dozen production verification cars built since late March of this year. This particular example was built about one week ago.

In the next two to three weeks, General Motors will start building so-called "salable" Volts that will go into the captured test fleet for GM employees to accumulate miles and catch any last minute glitches before the cars enter full production in November.

What do you think - does Victory Red suit the Volt? Have your say in 'Comments.'


Gallery: Chevrolet Volt in 'Victory Red'


Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: USA Today]

Chevrolet Volt will not be rated at 230 mpg; Victory Red paint debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brownstown townshipBrownstownTownshipchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletCamaroChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVolteRevfeaturedred chevy voltRedChevyVoltVoltWed, 14 Jul 2010 18:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19554541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/14/chevrolet-volt-loses-230-mpg-rating-victory-red-debuts/19554541/article-detail.xml 19554541 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-630-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-630-lead.jpg <![CDATA[General Motors announces 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for Chevy Volt battery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/general-motors-announces-8-year-100-000-mile-warranty-for-volt-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/general-motors-announces-8-year-100-000-mile-warranty-for-volt-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/general-motors-announces-8-year-100-000-mile-warranty-for-volt-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt battery pack - Click above for high-res image gallery

During a media briefing at its Brownstown Township, MI battery plant this afternoon, General Motors Vice Chairman Tom Stephens announced that the lithium ion battery pack for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt would be warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles. Since the beginning of the program, it has been General Motors' intention to develop the battery pack to last for the life of the vehicle.

Despite the fact that the Volt is considered an electric car by GM, the presence of an on-board gas engine for range-extending means that the EPA and California Air Resources Board consider the battery to be part of the car's emissions control system. As a result, it is subject to the same regulations as parts like a catalytic converter, and therefore, it must have the eight-year warranty.

GM has released some additional specifications on the battery pack. In its final production form, 95 percent of the components were designed and developed in-house by GM, it weighs in at 400 pounds and has an output of 110 kilowatts. Internally, the water-cooled pack consists of 288 LG Chem lithium polymer cells. Over the next few months, GM will be ramping up the production rate at Brownstown in preparation for the start of Volt production this Fall.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt battery pack

General Motors announces 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for Chevy Volt battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery warrantyBatteryWarrantybreakingchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltLithium Ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batterylithium ion battery warrantyLithium-Ionlithium-ion-batteriesLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryLithiumIonBatteryWarrantyvoltvoltecWed, 14 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19554587/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/14/general-motors-announces-8-year-100-000-mile-warranty-for-volt-b/19554587/article-detail.xml 19554587 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2--chevrolet-volt-battery-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2--chevrolet-volt-battery-copy.jpg <![CDATA[BREAKING: 10,000 Chevrolet Volts in 2011, 30,000 in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/01/breaking-10-000-chevrolet-volts-in-2011-30-000-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/01/breaking-10-000-chevrolet-volts-in-2011-30-000-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/01/breaking-10-000-chevrolet-volts-in-2011-30-000-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltbreakingbreaking newsbreaking+newsBreakingNewschevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt marketingchevy volt productionChevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltMarketingChevyVoltProductiontony disalleTonyDisallevoltThu, 01 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19539110/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/01/breaking-10-000-chevrolet-volts-in-2011-30-000-in-2012/19539110/article-detail.xml 19539110 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/volt-new-official-pics02-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/volt-new-official-pics02-630.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet Volt to be powered by engine at high speeds? Seems unlikely.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/chevrolet-volt-to-be-powered-by-engine-at-high-speeds/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/chevrolet-volt-to-be-powered-by-engine-at-high-speeds/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/chevrolet-volt-to-be-powered-by-engine-at-high-speeds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011 volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVolt2011Voltamperachevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltgeneral motorsgeneral motors voltGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsVoltgmgm voltGmVoltopelopel amperaOpelAmperavoltMon, 28 Jun 2010 15:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19534122/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/28/chevrolet-volt-to-be-powered-by-engine-at-high-speeds/19534122/article-detail.xml 19534122 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/opel-ampera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/opel-ampera.jpg <![CDATA[First 4,400 Chevrolet Volt owners could get free home charging stations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/first-4-400-volt-owners-could-get-free-home-charging-stations/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/first-4-400-volt-owners-could-get-free-home-charging-stations/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/first-4-400-volt-owners-could-get-free-home-charging-stations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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

When the Chevrolet Volt finally hits the market late this year, the U.S. Department of Energy will help out by providing free 240-volt home chargers for 4,400 early buyers. The chargers are made either by ECOtality (which will install 2,600 Volt chargers) or Coulomb Technologies (1,800 chargers). In all, the DOE is helping to fit around 15,000 plug-in vehicle chargers across America. Of course, 'free' might be a relative term here. That's what the headline says, but Tony DiSalle, product and marketing director for the Chevrolet Volt, said in a statement that, "For Volt owners who want to install a faster 240-volt charge station, we expect the Department of Energy project to save $1,000 and $2,000." We have heard that these chargers will cost around $2,000.

What does the DOE get from this? Data. Part of the deal is that Volt drivers agree to let the government agency collect information to help "understand what is required for widespread electric vehicle use." Nissan also has a partnership with ECOtality to bring home chargers to Leaf buyers and Ford is also working with Coulomb.


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


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading First 4,400 Chevrolet Volt owners could get free home charging stations

First 4,400 Chevrolet Volt owners could get free home charging stations originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car chargerCarChargerchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltcoulombcoulomb technologiesCoulombTechnologiesecotalityelectric carsElectricCarshome chargershome chargingHomeChargersHomeChargingvoltThu, 17 Jun 2010 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19520542/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/17/first-4-400-volt-owners-could-get-free-home-charging-stations/19520542/article-detail.xml 19520542 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011chevyvolt_qd_000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011chevyvolt_qd_000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Chevy Volt to debut in China early next year as a Buick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/report-chevy-volt-to-debut-in-china-early-next-year-as-a-buick/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/report-chevy-volt-to-debut-in-china-early-next-year-as-a-buick/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/report-chevy-volt-to-debut-in-china-early-next-year-as-a-buick/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Opel Ampera - Click above for high-res image gallery

Due to an old-school system used in China that requires automakers to file patents or risk having vehicles copied by others, we've learned that the Chevrolet Volt may very well debut in the world's largest automotive market as a Buick model and not one bearing the Chevy or Opel badge. When General Motors filed its patent for China, it submitted the Voltec-powered Opel Ampera and not the Chevy Volt, indicating that the version coming to China will definitely not bear a Golden Bowtie. So why not an Opel then? Well, Opel has virtually no name recognition in China, leaving the obvious choice of branding the Voltec-powered vehicle as a Buick, GM's best performing brand over there.

Perhaps it only makes sense that the Ampera will be sold under the Buick name in China as various other Opel products have been rebranded as Buicks once they've reached the Chinese mainland. The Opel Astra transformed into the Buick Excelle and the Insignia switched over to the Buick Regal in China. So what will the Opel Ampera become once it reaches China early next year? Will it simply be the Buick Ampera, or something else altogether? Should we start a naming contest on this one?

For what it's worth, assuming that there will be a Chinese Buick Volt, it will become the fifth Voltec model, joining the 2011 Chevy Volt, Opel/Vauxhall Ampera and Holden Ampera, all of which will initially be produced at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant in Michigan. Now we're just waiting for the Voltec-powered Daewoo model for the Korean market so that GM can call it a done deal.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Opel Ampera reveal


Photos Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: The Tycho]

Report: Chevy Volt to debut in China early next year as a Buick originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buick amperabuick ampera chinabuick voltbuick volt chinaBuickAmperaBuickAmperaChinaBuickVoltBuickVoltChinachevy voltChevyVoltopel amperaOpelAmperaVauxhallvauxhall astraVauxhallAstravoltvolt buickvolt chinavolt china buickvolt erevVoltBuickVoltChinaVoltChinaBuickvoltecvoltec chinaVoltecChinaVoltErevTue, 01 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19498159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/01/report-chevy-volt-to-debut-in-china-early-next-year-as-a-buick/19498159/article-detail.xml 19498159 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/ampera-2-1280-03-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/ampera-2-1280-03-630.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Volt could use diesel, two-cylinder or rotary range extender]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/26/next-gen-chevrolet-could-use-diesel-two-cylinder-or-rotary-rang/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/26/next-gen-chevrolet-could-use-diesel-two-cylinder-or-rotary-rang/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/26/next-gen-chevrolet-could-use-diesel-two-cylinder-or-rotary-rang/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

Back in 2006 when the Chevrolet Volt was first conceived, its extended-range electric (ER-EV) powertrain was originally dubbed E-Flex as its configuration was designed to be flexible. The only part of the system that was constant was the electric drive and the presence of a battery. The architecture was designed so any type of powerplant could be used as a range extender, and over the last three years concepts have been shown with flex-fuel three-cylinder turbos, inline-four diesels and hydrogen fuel cells.

Ultimately, powertrain chief engineer Larry Nitz and his team opted for a normally aspirated 1.4-liter inline-four for the first generation Volt because it offered the best combination of cost and efficiency. However, while working on the first generation Volt, work on the second-gen. model has been happening in parallel. Way back in May 2007 we talked to then-VP for R&D Larry Burns about using an HCCI engine for the Volt since it could be optimized to operate at steady state speeds and he agreed that was certainly one possible direction.

Right now the top priority for the second-generation Volt is driving down the cost of the powertrain, including the battery. Although automakers are always reluctant to talk about parts pricing, GM's project management VP, Jon Laukner, has hinted on more than one occasion that the Volt pack costs somewhere in the $600 per kilowatt-hour range or under $10,000 for the 16 kWh unit. The goal is to get that cost down below $400 per kWh in the next few years and a combination of increased volumes and LG Chem launching cell production in western Michigan will certainly help to achieve that.

Reducing the cost of the range extender will also play a part. GM's VP of global vehicle engineering, Karl Stracke told Inside Line that smaller range extenders in the 15-18 kilowatt range are part of the strategy and either a two-cylinder piston engine or a single rotor Wankel are possibilities to replace the current inline-four. Volt communications manager Rob Peterson confirmed to Autoblog that a number of different variants are being evaluated, but he wouldn't say if any particular direction has been selected yet.

Powertrain engineering consultant FEV has recently been showing off an ER-EV Fiat 500 with a Wankel range extender. While Wankels are not known for fuel efficiency (quite the opposite actually), a modern direct injected unit for this type of application could be highly optimized to provide acceptable performance and consumption. A Wankel also has the advantage of being both very compact for its output and vibration-free, making it well suited for this type of application. With the first generation Volt only expected to have about a three-year life-span, a final decision will likely be made very soon.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


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

[Source: Inside Line, General Motors]

Next-gen Volt could use diesel, two-cylinder or rotary range extender originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVolterevextended range electric vehicleExtendedRangeElectricVehicleHCCIHCCI engineHcciEngineRange Extendedrange extenderRangeExtendedRangeExtenderrotaryvolt powertrainvoltecvoltec drivetrainvoltec powertrainVoltecDrivetrainVoltecPowertrainVoltPowertrainwankelWed, 26 May 2010 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19493079/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/26/next-gen-chevrolet-could-use-diesel-two-cylinder-or-rotary-rang/19493079/article-detail.xml 19493079 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/2011chevyvolt1qd034-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/2011chevyvolt1qd034-630.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar taps Google Maps for Chevy Volt navigation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/onstar-taps-google-maps-navigation-for-chevy-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/onstar-taps-google-maps-navigation-for-chevy-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/onstar-taps-google-maps-navigation-for-chevy-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevorlet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevorletVolt2011ChevyVoltandroidchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgooglegoogle mapsGoogleMapsonstarvoltTue, 18 May 2010 00:50:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19481172/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/18/onstar-taps-google-maps-navigation-for-chevy-volt/19481172/article-detail.xml 19481172 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/x10snsn001-1273699414_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/x10snsn001-1273699414.jpg <![CDATA[Google may be GM's mystery technology partner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/12/google-may-be-gms-mystery-technology-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/12/google-may-be-gms-mystery-technology-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/12/google-may-be-gms-mystery-technology-partner/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltAndroidChevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGM and GoogleGM AndroidGmAndGoogleGmAndroidGooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidVoltWed, 12 May 2010 15:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19474939/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/12/google-may-be-gms-mystery-technology-partner/19474939/article-detail.xml 19474939 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/chevrolet-volt-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/chevrolet-volt-630.jpg -1 2