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[C7 Corvette makes inaugural ad appearance in Chevy's first spot with new slogan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/c7-corvette-makes-inaugural-ad-appearance-in-chevys-first-spot/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/c7-corvette-makes-inaugural-ad-appearance-in-chevys-first-spot/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/c7-corvette-makes-inaugural-ad-appearance-in-chevys-first-spot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray as featured in new Chevy full-line ad - screencap

Chevrolet's "Runs Deep" tagline has finally been run into the ground, replaced with the Bowtie brand's "Find New Roads" slogan that's part of parent General Motors' plan to unify its everyday brand's marketing efforts worldwide. The new Chevrolet campaign was ushered in on prime time last night during the Grammy Awards on CBS, and the first spot, a 90-second full-line ad, also marks the first appearance of the 2014 Corvette Stingray in a commercial.

Being a full-line ad, the commercial is composed of vignettes centered on different vehicles in the brand's lineup. The all-new 2014 Impala also makes its first commercial appearance in dapper fashion, and time is spent on a skateboarding Sonic and a bouquet of brightly colored Spark hatchbacks driven by fashionable women. The ad starts and ends with Chevy's green halo car, the Volt, along with a young girl with her robotic dog (yes, really).

Chevrolet's "Runs Deep" campaign got off to a rocky start in the fall of 2010, but it did last for a couple of years with some tweaks. This new one, "Find New Roads" seems more intent on drawing new customers into the fold than the outgoing tagline, which seemed to play more toward the brand faithful. It admittedly reminds us more than a little the short-lived "Find Your Own Road" Saab motto (which, we note, was conceived while the Swedish brand was under GM's control), but no matter, we still think it's got more long-term potential than "Runs Deep."

Scroll down to watch the video.

Continue reading C7 Corvette makes inaugural ad appearance in Chevy's first spot with new slogan

C7 Corvette makes inaugural ad appearance in Chevy's first spot with new slogan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet corvette2014 chevrolet impalac7chevroletchevycorvette stingrayfind new roadsgrammy awardsimpalasonicsparkvideovoltMon, 11 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/c7-corvette-makes-inaugural-ad-appearance-in-chevys-first-spot/20456871/article-detail.xml 20456871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/c7-corvette-stingray-in-new-chevy-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/c7-corvette-stingray-in-new-chevy-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Can inductive charging save the EV?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/can-inductive-charging-save-the-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/can-inductive-charging-save-the-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/can-inductive-charging-save-the-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Let's Face It, We're Just Plain Lazy



Recent news about the price cuts on the Ford Focus EV and Nissan Leaf are proof positive that despite all their eco-goodness, pure electrics as well as plug-in hybrids remain a tough sell to the American mass market.

There's no doubt automakers are committed to electrifying an increasing portion of their product offerings. The problem is that no one needs to buy an EV or plug-in hybrid. But with CAFE standards doubling to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 and California's mandate that major manufacturers sell zero-emission vehicles as a percentage of their overall fleets (a measure also adopted by 13 other states), carmakers have to sell EVs and plug-in hybrids to avoid costly penalties or face caps on the number of vehicles they are allowed to sell.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Can inductive charging save the EV?

Can inductive charging save the EV? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargingchevroletelectric carsevev chargingevatranevsfeaturedfocus electricfordinductive chargingleafnissanvoltWed, 06 Feb 2013 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444586/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/can-inductive-charging-save-the-ev/20444586/article-detail.xml 20444586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/evatran-plugless-power-1348203514_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/evatran-plugless-power-1348203514.jpg <![CDATA[GM claims it's first to sell million 30+ mpg vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/gm-claims-its-first-to-sell-million-30-mpg-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/gm-claims-its-first-to-sell-million-30-mpg-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/gm-claims-its-first-to-sell-million-30-mpg-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As we continue to put together all the data for the year-end edition of By The Numbers, General Motors has announced that it sold more than a million vehicles in the US last year that achieved at least 30 miles per gallon on the highway. More impressively, GM managed this feat using multiple strategies including small vehicle size, turbocharged engines and hybrid or plug-in technologies across four brands (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC) accounting for 13 separate models. This number will grow even more in 2013 thanks to cars like the all-electric Spark, the diesel Cruze, the range-extended Cadillac ELR and the Buick Encore compact CUV.

GM's small car sales were up 39 percent last year helping to attain this million-sales mark for 30-mpg models, and almost 40 percent of all GM sales consisted of cars with fuel-efficient I4 engines. In regards to more advanced means of improving fuel economy, GM says that it plans on having 500,000 vehicles with "some form of electrification" on the road by 2017.

Scroll down for the full list of GM's million 30+ mpg cars as well as an informative press release.

Continue reading GM claims it's first to sell million 30+ mpg vehicles

GM claims it's first to sell million 30+ mpg vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30 mpg carsatscbuickcadillacCamarochevroletcruzeequinoxfuel economyfuel effiicent carsgeneral motorsgmcimplantLaCrossemaliburegalsparkterrainveranovoltFri, 04 Jan 2013 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20415896/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/gm-claims-its-first-to-sell-million-30-mpg-vehicles/20415896/article-detail.xml 20415896 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-chevrolet-volt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-chevrolet-volt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Some Chevy dealers ceasing Volt sales due to costly tools]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/some-chevy-dealers-ceasing-volt-sales-due-to-costly-tools/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/some-chevy-dealers-ceasing-volt-sales-due-to-costly-tools/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/some-chevy-dealers-ceasing-volt-sales-due-to-costly-tools/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Automotive dealerships are accustomed to training sales and service professionals when new models arrive, but the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt - and its pricey additional tool and equipment costs - is frustrating some low-volume retailers to the point of dropping the model from the showroom. A recent report says that a few discontented dealers have stopped carrying the innovative sedan because General Motors is requiring a more significant investment in the near future, and the specialized costs (in excess of $5,000) aren't offset by the model's slow sales at those establishments.

This time last year, Chevrolet had 2,614 stores certified to sell its Volt (out of 3,079 dealerships). A full 70 percent of the sales were generated by the 300 highest-volume dealers - leaving 2,314 dealerships to fight for the remaining 30 percent. Some of those non-metro stores, like Jim Barnard Chevrolet in Churchville, NY, have sold just five units in the past two years (they are understandably opting out).

Yet some dealerships, like John Holt Chevrolet-Cadillac in Chickasha, OK, are soldiering forward. Even though they have sold only five Volts since its introduction, the owners have chosen to make the investment as sales are on the upswing (Volt sales have more than tripled this year) and GM is introducing other plug-in hybrids with similar technology (Cadillac ELR) in the near future. "I figured I'd be foolish not to buy the damn $5,100 tool," said owner Holt.

Some Chevy dealers ceasing Volt sales due to costly tools originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet volt salesretailerstool investmentvoltWed, 02 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20414135/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/some-chevy-dealers-ceasing-volt-sales-due-to-costly-tools/20414135/article-detail.xml 20414135 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/voltlead328_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/voltlead328.jpg <![CDATA[Residual prices of used electric cars lag behind their gas counterparts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/residual-prices-of-used-electric-cars-lag-behind-their-gas-count/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/residual-prices-of-used-electric-cars-lag-behind-their-gas-count/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/residual-prices-of-used-electric-cars-lag-behind-their-gas-count/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Nissan Leaf

The Detroit Free Press reports electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt aren't maintaining the same residual values as their internal combustion counterparts.

Kelly Blue Book says the 2012 Nissan Leaf will hold around 20 percent of its value after five years while the Nissan Sentra will retain around 30 percent of its value. KBB predicts the Volt, meanwhile, will be worth 30 percent of its MSRP after the same amount of time, which is a full eight percent less than the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. On average, a used car is expected to hold 36.6 percent of its value after five years, according to ALG.

Of course, those figures shift a bit when the $7,500 federal tax credit on EVs is taken into account. Since the cash lowers the new-car price for the Leaf and the Volt, the credit can actually make the vehicles worth less as a used car on a percentage of original value basis.

Residual prices of used electric cars lag behind their gas counterparts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletelectric carsev valuekelley blue bookleafnissanresidualresidual valueused electric carvoltWed, 19 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20404942/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/19/residual-prices-of-used-electric-cars-lag-behind-their-gas-count/20404942/article-detail.xml 20404942 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/nissan-leaf-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/nissan-leaf-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM says Chevy Volt owners have logged over 100-million electric miles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/gm-says-chevy-volt-owners-have-logged-over-100-million-electric/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/gm-says-chevy-volt-owners-have-logged-over-100-million-electric/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/gm-says-chevy-volt-owners-have-logged-over-100-million-electric/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's only been two years since the Chevrolet Volt first when on sale, but Chevrolet is saying that owners of the car have driven a collective 100 million all-electric miles in this short period of time. Like any other alternatively powered car, owners are finding ways to maximize efficiency, and Chevrolet states that Volt owners are traveling under electric power more than 65 percent of the time leading to a savings in gasoline expenses to the tune of $1,370 per year.

In terms of gasoline, Volt owners are spending $1,370 less per year, but on the bigger scale, this represents a total savings of five million gallons of gas. With regular charges, Chevy says that the Volt can drive almost 900 miles on average before needing more gasoline, and one driver, Andrew Byrne of Los Angeles, said that he was able to drive 1,900 miles between fill-ups.

Scroll down for Chevy's press release.

Continue reading GM says Chevy Volt owners have logged over 100-million electric miles

GM says Chevy Volt owners have logged over 100-million electric miles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevyfuel economyvoltThu, 06 Dec 2012 18:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20395290/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/06/gm-says-chevy-volt-owners-have-logged-over-100-million-electric/20395290/article-detail.xml 20395290 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/chevrolet-volt-infographic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/chevrolet-volt-infographic.jpg <![CDATA[Are battery-powered cars losing their charge?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/are-battery-powered-cars-losing-their-charge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/are-battery-powered-cars-losing-their-charge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/are-battery-powered-cars-losing-their-charge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EV charging port with plug about to be inserted

Sales of plug-in hybrids tumbled to nearly half their level from September and October.


The optimist would be likely to note that sales of the Chevrolet Volt were up 30 percent in November, at least when compared with year-ago numbers. But pessimists, of which there are many, would be more likely to point out that sales of the plug-in hybrid tumbled to nearly half their level from September and October.

The Volt was toppled from its throne as the nation's top-selling electric car by both the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius Plug-In. But even those vehicles slipped a bit during what was otherwise the best month the US auto industry has had, overall, since March of 2008.

There's no question that demand for battery-based vehicles has increased this year, but here again it's a case of half-empty or half-full. Most products have fallen well short of expectations. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has already acknowledged Leaf will miss its 2012 target and Volt will be lucky to get halfway to its original US goal of 45,000. For its part, Mitsubishi had hoped to nail down 20,000 units of its tiny i electric car this year, but it has only sold in the hundreds, not thousands.

Paul EisensteinPaul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading Are battery-powered cars losing their charge?

Are battery-powered cars losing their charge? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eisenstein on autoblogelectric carsevev salesfeaturedleafphevplug-in hybridvoltThu, 06 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20394957/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/06/are-battery-powered-cars-losing-their-charge/20394957/article-detail.xml 20394957 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ev-charging-port-with-plug_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ev-charging-port-with-plug.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt again tops <em>Consumer Reports</em> Owner-Satisfaction Survey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/chevy-volt-again-tops-consumer-reports-owner-satisfacti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/chevy-volt-again-tops-consumer-reports-owner-satisfacti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/chevy-volt-again-tops-consumer-reports-owner-satisfacti/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Chevrolet Volt has done the double, nearly replicating its triumph from last year: For its annual Owner Satisfaction Survey, the Consumer Reports National Research Center asked Consumer Reports readers, "Considering all factors (price, performance, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.), would you get this car if you had it to do all over again?" Ninety-two percent of Volt owners answered "Definitely yes," topping nearly 250 other models for which responses were received. The only difference between this year and last is that in 2011, the Volt won the title thanks to 93 percent of its owners.

Other fuel sippers earning garlands were the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Prius C, and the Nissan Leaf. The sports category also had some repeat play in the top spots, last year's twosome of the Porsche 911 and V8 Dodge Challenger were second and third, joined by the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang. The luxury segment was led by the Audi A7, Lexus GS and Audi A6.

Conversely, those stuck in the dog shed out back were fronted by the Nissan Versa, the only car to register a score lower than 50 percent. It didn't lack for company, sharing its plot of dirt with the V6-powered twins the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, the Nissan Armada, Suzuki SX4 and Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs.

There's a press release below with more information. Condensed results are available to anyone on the Consumer Reports site, the complete results viewable online for subscribers and in the January issue.

Continue reading Chevy Volt again tops Consumer Reports Owner-Satisfaction Survey

Chevy Volt again tops Consumer Reports Owner-Satisfaction Survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet has taken an aggressive tack to move units of its revolutionary Volt, selling a fair number to government agencies, offering really fantastic lease deals and marketing the hell out of the car. After a week of driving (and generally enjoying) the 2013 iteration of the extended-range hatchback, I tend to think that customers should just take advantage of the current confluence of market forces rather than bemoaning the larger state of affairs with General Motors as a whole.

After all, one of the biggest knocks on the Volt has always been that its MSRP is too high, a fact that largely negates the very low running costs once the car is in your garage. Well, a $260/month lease eases that pain a lot (even if that rate is for the 2012 car, and not the 2013 model that I tested). And what you're left with is a very nice-to-drive, forward-looking if fractionally flawed car.

Driving Notes
  • The slightly revised 2013 Volt offers a "Hold" driving mode that allows one to conserve the battery power for optimal efficiency. For those that have long commutes - and might want to let the gasoline-powered generator do its thing on the highway while saving the EV juice for around town - this new software makes a lot of sense. I didn't find much chance to make use of it in my city-centric daily errands.
  • I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is, I will admit, fairly progressive as far as Middle America goes. That said, our city has recently been fitted with a large number of 240-volt stations in parking lots and parking structures. Driving the Volt primarily around town (I live about a mile from the city center) for the week, I was able to keep my charge going using these sometimes-free chargers to great effect. In fact, I got more juice from Republic Parking than I did from my own house. Cheers!
  • When the Volt's batteries were topped-up, I usually saw about 32-miles worth of all-battery driving before the charge neared empty on the car's central display. Over eight days of driving - no single trip was farther than 15 miles, one of the benefits of working from home - I used 0.1 gallons of gas for around 120-miles traveled.
  • So, I'll admit, the usage-case for me is a little bit different than normal. But general observation, logic and some quick statistics hunting tells me that more and more people will work out of home offices as time passes. Long story short: I could almost certainly use a car like the Volt without having to use the gas-powered generator/engine for two-thirds of my driving year. And that's being conservative. Better still, if I'm charger surfing, using public power or parking structure power to fill up, the individual cost to me is reduced even further.
  • The Volt is an exceptional vehicle for music lovers, even without some ultra-high-end 38-speaker English sound system. Why? Number one: The audio system is pretty respectable. Number two: The car is simply so quiet, even at speed, that you have a better soundstage in the Volt than you do in pretty much any other car on the market. You don't truly realize how much even very good audio setups are fighting car-based noise pollution until you jam out in a Volt for the first time.
  • The front lip, completely designed for maximum aero aid, makes the Chevy almost unusable in certain situations. The approach from the street to my driveway is not particularly steep, but it's a sharp enough angle that there is no way to get the car up and down without rubbing the bottom of the lip on the concrete. I know that in my neighborhood - with houses from the 1940s and 1950s - most driveways are more aggressively raked than mine, too. Anyone living in an older part of a town or city may have to consider if they can drive the Volt close enough to their garage or house to charge it without damaging the car each time. Aero be damned, it's silly for the Volt to sit lower than most supercars.
  • A quick followup to the point above: Get used to hand-washing your Volt if you take the plunge. I don't know of any automatic conveyor-type car washes with tire guide rails low enough to accommodate the front lip of this car.

2013 Chevrolet Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet voltchevroletchevyfeaturedquick spinquickspinvoltvoltecTue, 25 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20332760/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/25/2013-chevrolet-volt/20332760/article-detail.xml 20332760 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-chevrolet-volt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-chevrolet-volt-628.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar bug forces GM to halt deliveries on 60,000 vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/onstar-bug-forces-gm-to-halt-deliveries-on-60-000-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/onstar-bug-forces-gm-to-halt-deliveries-on-60-000-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/onstar-bug-forces-gm-to-halt-deliveries-on-60-000-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GM OnStar

General Motors stopped the sale of certain 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox and Volt models as well as 2013 Buick Verano units, GMC Terrain crossovers and 2012 Cadillac SRX, XTS and ATS vehicles due to a problem with the onboard OnStar crash notification system. According to Automtotive News, the affected units would not notify emergency responders of an accident in any collision that did not actuate the vehicle's airbags. That could include rear-end impacts. GM says the software glitch won't take long to address and doesn't impact the crash notification system in accidents that involve deployed airbags. The trouble doesn't prevent the airbags from deploying, either.

All told, the stop-sale covers around 60,000 vehicles already on dealer lots. GM has already cleared some of those for sale thanks to a remote reflash sent through the OnStar system. Automotive News reports that unfortunately, the fix hasn't worked on every vehicle, and dealers are having to manually install the fix on the remainder of the impacted units. GM expects the repair to be completed by the end of September.

OnStar bug forces GM to halt deliveries on 60,000 vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atsbuickcadillacchevroletcruzeequinoxgmgm stop salegmconstarstop saleveranovoltxtsMon, 10 Sep 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319315/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/10/onstar-bug-forces-gm-to-halt-deliveries-on-60-000-vehicles/20319315/article-detail.xml 20319315 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/gm-onstar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/gm-onstar.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac ELR caught testing in production form]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/cadillac-elr-caught-testing-in-production-form/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/cadillac-elr-caught-testing-in-production-form/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/cadillac-elr-caught-testing-in-production-form/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



After announcing its intent to go forward with a production version of the fetching Converj concept more than a year ago, all has been pretty quiet on the Cadillac ELR front - until now. We burn for this kind of drama.

The long lenses have reported in from the field with the first-ever spy shots of the ELR in prototype form. That's right, under a wrapper of black and white triangles and mystery, is the real-deal Voltified version of a new Cadillac coupe.

To recap what we know: the ELR will make use of the same basic Voltec powertrain as the Chevrolet Volt, with a four-cylinder gas engine used as an onboard generator to power the electric motor. In concept form, this Caddy boasted a solar panel bedecked glass room, though the tester here has had its roof obscured, frustrating any further intel about the production worthiness of that solar setup.

From a styling and design standpoint, fans of the Converj should feel encouraged by this prototype. The same basic fastback silhouette has made the jump from concept to reality, and the proportions seem mostly intact, too (slightly smaller wheels and longer front overhang are in evidence, but subtle). The prototype seems to have held on to the very striking beltline of the concept car, running in a sharp crease along the side bodywork from the tip of the taillight to the top of front wheel well. Of course, the exotically small side view mirrors from Converj have been axed in favor of a set that are actually, you know, functional, but that won't ruin our day.

With this prototype being so fully formed we'd expect to see the ELR hit the market in the fall of 2013 or so as a 2014 model.

Cadillac ELR caught testing in production form originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 cadillac elrcadillaccadillac hybridcadillac voltelrevprototypesolar panelsspy photosspy shotsvoltvoltec powertrainThu, 06 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20317562/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/06/cadillac-elr-caught-testing-in-production-form/20317562/article-detail.xml 20317562 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/cadillac.elr.d01.kgp.ed-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/cadillac.elr.d01.kgp.ed-opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM will sell 2,500 Chevy Volts in August, the most ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/gm-sold-2500-chevy-volts-august/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/gm-sold-2500-chevy-volts-august/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/gm-sold-2500-chevy-volts-august/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt

We should be getting August's official sales numbers early next week, but the Detroit Free Press is already reporting that General Motors will have something to be proud of in the announcement: 2,500 Chevrolet Volt sales, the car's best month ever. Previously, the best month of sales was March 2012, when GM sold 2,289 Volts.

GM spokeswoman Michelle Malcho told the Freep that, "We're really seeing momentum continuing to build. As people see their neighbors have one and as they start to understand the technology and are able to drive it, they put it into their consideration." Malcho said California residents buy a third of all Volts, and Michigan is also a strong sales market.

We heard recently that the GM plant that builds the Volt in Hamtramck, Michigan will be idled for a month starting in the middle of September, either to retool the machines or balance out supply and demand or a little bit of both. Currently, GM is building both 2012 and 2013 model year Volts "to accelerate the transition to the new model."

GM will sell 2,500 Chevy Volts in August, the most ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltchevroletelectric vehicleplug-in hybridvoltvolt salesThu, 30 Aug 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20313119/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/30/gm-sold-2500-chevy-volts-august/20313119/article-detail.xml 20313119 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-2011-chevrolet-volt-review-1302065043_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-2011-chevrolet-volt-review-1302065043.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen 2015 Chevrolet Cruze staying in Ohio with GM's $220M investment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/next-gen-2015-chevrolet-cruze-staying-in-ohio-with-gms-220m-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/next-gen-2015-chevrolet-cruze-staying-in-ohio-with-gms-220m-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/next-gen-2015-chevrolet-cruze-staying-in-ohio-with-gms-220m-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - front three-quarter view

The Chevrolet Cruze is, hands-down, the greatest success in recent history for General Motors. Now entering its third model year, the Cruze has been one of the company's top sellers in the United States, and GM has now committed to keeping production here through a second generation. According to MSN Money, the new 2015 Chevrolet Cruze will launch in the fall of 2014.

While relatively new to the U.S. market, the Cruze has been on sale globally since 2008. Our domestic Cruze is assembled at GM's Lordstown, Ohio, plant, which will be receiving a $220 million investment to ready it for the new model, according to GM. Upgrades to the nearby Parma stamping plant are included in that figure.

In its press release announcing the investment, GM indicated that this next-generation Cruze will be restyled and have improved fuel economy. The report speculates that this model will ride on a platform shared between compact cars and crossovers, one which will also underpin other Chevrolet vehicles including a new version of the Volt and Equinox.

Scroll down to read the full release.

Continue reading Next-gen 2015 Chevrolet Cruze staying in Ohio with GM's $220M investment

Next-gen 2015 Chevrolet Cruze staying in Ohio with GM's $220M investment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 chevrolet cruzechevroletchevycruzecruze ecogmgm investmentlordstownparmavoltFri, 24 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307836/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/next-gen-2015-chevrolet-cruze-staying-in-ohio-with-gms-220m-in/20307836/article-detail.xml 20307836 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Two-thirds of Chevy Volt's 100-million miles have been battery-powered]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/two-thirds-of-chevy-volts-100-million-miles-have-been-battery-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/two-thirds-of-chevy-volts-100-million-miles-have-been-battery-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/two-thirds-of-chevy-volts-100-million-miles-have-been-battery-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Volt - maroon - dead-on shot

According to those old Trident commercials, four out of five dentists recommended sugarless gum for patients who chewed gum. Well, here's something a bit greener to chew on, General Motors says this: almost two out of every three miles driven in a Chevrolet Volt are battery-powered.

That's what the official Chevrolet website dedicated to the extended-range plug-in is calculating. The spinning meter (you can kill some valuable time watching it) says Volt drivers have cumulatively tallied just over 100-million miles (the data is constantly updated, live, from the cars out there). Out of those, over 63 million were powered from electricity, as opposed to the gas that's used to power the car's on-board generator once the juice runs out.

The upshot, according to Chevy, is that Volt drivers have saved 3.32 million gallons of fuel compared to all-gas driving. At today's fuel prices, that adds up to about $10 million, according to AAA's latest gas-price survey. GM is looking to further generate sales momentum for the Volt. Model sales through the first half of the year totaled 8,817 units, or about 1,100 more than Chevy sold all of last year.

Two-thirds of Chevy Volt's 100-million miles have been battery-powered originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltchevroletchevychevy voltelectric vehiclemiles drivenplug-in hybridvehicle miles drivenvoltvolt milesTue, 17 Jul 2012 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20279883/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/17/two-thirds-of-chevy-volts-100-million-miles-have-been-battery-p/20279883/article-detail.xml 20279883 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/volt0716_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/volt0716.jpg <![CDATA[Holden to maintain its identity within GM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/holden-to-maintain-its-identity-within-gm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/holden-to-maintain-its-identity-within-gm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/holden-to-maintain-its-identity-within-gm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Unbeknownst to us, observers of Holden, General Motors' Australian subsidiary that has helped The General make some of its finest product, have wondered if the austral brand's identity would get swallowed up in the push to create a cohesive, global Chevrolet. Three products headed to the antipodes have aroused the question: although the Colorado pickup (pictured in Holden concept form) and SUV wear Holden badges, both have the Chevrolet twin-bar grille, and the Holden Volt has the twin-bar grille and a mashup of the Holden and Chevy logos.

The brand's CEO, Mike Devereaux, gave quizzical explanations for the styling choices, saying of the Colorado that "having one huge front grille on a truck this big, I am not sure it works," and that a new Volt grille wouldn't be cost effective. However, the Colorado certainly wouldn't be the first truck to feature a huge, unbroken grille, and the addition of the Chevrolet Bowtie surround to the Holden badge on the Volt cannot be a matter of cost.

Nevertheless, Devereaux did assure anyone concerned that Holden will remain proudly Holden. He wouldn't specify how, but alluded to "smart ways" of figuring out, from a design standpoint, how "to have an efficient way of giving us what we need from a Holden." That could mean new front and rear clips for Holden vehicles, or something else entirely. Even now, it's not all Chevy: the Holden Trax and Malibu will have bespoke Holden faces.

Holden to maintain its identity within GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowtiechevroletcoloradoholdenholden coloradoholden volttraxvoltThu, 21 Jun 2012 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20260448/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/holden-to-maintain-its-identity-within-gm/20260448/article-detail.xml 20260448 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/holdenchevydesign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/holdenchevydesign.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Chevy Volt to ditch 1.4-liter engine in favor of 2.0 turbo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/next-gen-chevy-volt-to-ditch-1-4-liter-engine-in-favor-of-2-0-tu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/next-gen-chevy-volt-to-ditch-1-4-liter-engine-in-favor-of-2-0-tu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/next-gen-chevy-volt-to-ditch-1-4-liter-engine-in-favor-of-2-0-tu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

chevy volt engine

No one at General Motors is talking publicly about a rumor post over at InsideEVs that claims the 83-horsepower, 1.4-liter range-extending gas engine currently used in the Chevrolet Volt will "definitely not" be the engine that is used in the 2014 model-year Volt. And, by no one talking publicly, we mean that our emails have gone unanswered. InsideEVs just got an "Unfortunately, we do not comment on future product details, so I cannot provide any information related to your inquiry," from GM spokesperson Kevin Kelly.

So, that means it's speculation time. InsideEVs claims to have spoken to an unnamed source who says that the replacement engine will be the new 2.0-liter turbo. This source says this engine has been tested on the Volt's Delta II compact vehicle platform, which is also used in the Buick Verano and many others. A larger engine does not necessarily imply worse fuel economy - see, for example, the jump from the 1.5-liter engine in the second-generation Toyota Prius that got 46 combined miles per gallon to the 1.8-liter in the third-gen that gets 50 - so we're not discounting the rumor outright. InsideEVs goes on to suggest that the 2.0T will also find its way into the Cadillac ELR (the production version of the Converj concept from 2009) that uses Volt technology, whenever that car arrives. To feed the speculators, here are some other stories about Volt engine possibilities from the archives.

Our former colleague Sam Abuelsamid is skeptical of the 2.0 turbo story, though, writing that whatever engine replaces the 1.4, it will "almost certainly will not be a 2.0-liter turbocharged four as used in numerous GM vehicles including the Buick Regal GS and Verano T." He continues:

A 200+ hp turbo 2.0-liter makes absolutely no sense when you only have 161 hp of electrical power. The 2.0-liter is larger, heavier and thirstier than the 1.4 and makes way more power than can be used by the electric drive system.

The 2.0T would only make sense as part of a parallel plug-in hybrid drivetrain in some other vehicle. My guess (and I have no inside information on this, pure educated speculation) would be that they would opt for the new small engine family being co-developed with SAIC which starts at 1.0-liter. Those engines could be in production by next year and would be a much better fit.

Next-gen Chevy Volt to ditch 1.4-liter engine in favor of 2.0 turbo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4-liter2.0-liter turbo2014 chevrolet voltchevroletchevrolet voltchevy voltplug-in hybridvoltvolt enginevoltecFri, 15 Jun 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258837/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/15/next-gen-chevy-volt-to-ditch-1-4-liter-engine-in-favor-of-2-0-tu/20258837/article-detail.xml 20258837 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2011-chevrolet-volt-engine-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2011-chevrolet-volt-engine-628.jpg <![CDATA[How GM got 3 more miles out of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/how-gm-got-3-more-miles-out-of-the-2013-chevrolet-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/how-gm-got-3-more-miles-out-of-the-2013-chevrolet-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/how-gm-got-3-more-miles-out-of-the-2013-chevrolet-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Chevy Volt red

As we learned earlier today, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt has beefed up. The new model year vehicle has a "bigger" battery and can go three extra miles when driven solely on the battery. We spoke with GM representatives to get more information on the model year updates as well as answers to some of your questions (e.g., don't expect E85 capability, once promised for the first-gen Volt, any time soon).

Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah said there is a reason that the focus today was on the car's improved all-electric range: It was the number one request from customers. Three miles is incremental, but "it will enable more people to go gasoline-free in their daily driving," said Farah, and those miles "add up over a week." Farah wouldn't talk about how many more miles we can expect in the 2014 Volt, just that, "my expectations are that we would see larger improvements with model changes." Importantly, Farah said that the EPA made no major changes to the test procedures, so it is legit to compare the 2013 MPGe number to earlier ratings.

The new battery is not any heavier or larger, just "electrically bigger."

The extra range comes from a different battery chemistry as well as a slightly bigger battery, 16.5 kWh instead of 16. Farah said the battery is not literally any bigger (i.e., it's not any heavier or larger), just "electrically bigger." The .5-kWh growth seems small, but from a "battery guy's standpoint," nothing is small and no one should expect any dramatic changes from future versions of the Volt's current-generation battery, just continued incremental changes, said GM's director of global battery systems engineering, Bill Wallace. He added that GM is always looking into how much more energy they can wring out of the battery, but are not yet wiling to talk about how much more could be pulled out in the future. He did hint there is more to be had, though, saying that, "battery life is not as sensitive as we previously thought."

Other changes in the new Volt are more minor. There is now an optional arm rest between the two back seats. A new power gauge in the dash shows more information about where the energy used to move the car is coming from, how much is from the battery and how much is from the gas tank. We already talked about the collision alert and lane departure warnings as well as the new standard "hold mode." The 2013 model also has new interior and exterior colors (pebble beige and silver topaz metallic, respectively) and new sport alloy wheels, which were actually available late in the 2012 MY.

2013 Chevy Volt Detail photoshopFor some reason, GM has not yet released photos of the 2013 Volt, even though they will be instantly noticeable from the rear and above since the roof and liftgate on the new Volt will now match the body color (they used to be black). All GM has released is a small Photoshopped crop, seen right, of the new backside (click image to see the unmodified version below).

The 2013 Volt goes on sale in August. GM said there has been no change in pricing or destination fees compared to 2012 model. You can see pricing details below as well as in the gallery.

Continue reading How GM got 3 more miles out of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt

How GM got 3 more miles out of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet volt2013 chevy voltbatterychevroletchevylonger rangevoltvolt changesvolt updatesvolt upgradesFri, 08 Jun 2012 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20254464/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/08/how-gm-got-3-more-miles-out-of-the-2013-chevrolet-volt/20254464/article-detail.xml 20254464 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2011-chevrolet-volt-review-front-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2011-chevrolet-volt-review-front-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Chevy Volt increases range to 38 electric miles, 98 MPGe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/2013-chevy-volt-increases-range-to-38-electric-miles-98-mpge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/2013-chevy-volt-increases-range-to-38-electric-miles-98-mpge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/2013-chevy-volt-increases-range-to-38-electric-miles-98-mpge/#comments

And thus the mid-cycle product refresh - so common to computers and cellphones - comes around again to GM's plug-in hybrid.

The new EPA sticker for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt has been released, and with it comes a fresh set of numbers. The highlights are an improved all-electric range and miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating: 38 miles and 98 MPGe - that's three miles of additional electric range and five more MPGe than last year. GM said in a statement today that "minor changes to the material composition of the battery cell chemistry" and a boost in overall battery capacity from 16 kWh to 16.5 are responsible for the increase. Allowing the car to use more of that capacity - 10.8 kWh now, up from 10.3 before - also helps. Unsurprisingly, the bigger battery also gives the Volt a slightly longer recharge time.

As previously reported, the 2013 Volt also gets a new "EV Hold Mode" that forces the car to burn gas and "hold" the energy in the battery for later use. "EV Hold Mode" is available on the Volt's European sister vehicle, the Opel Ampera, and early Volt buyers could sort of force their cars into this operation by engaging "Mountain Mode." Visually, the 2013 Volt will also lose the black roof and trunk backing, using the main body color for those parts (GM has yet to release new images showing this development) and gain an available lane-departure warning system.

You can compare the 2013 Volt sticker above to the 2011 model here. The important numbers from the first Volt are: 93 MPGe, 36 kWh per 100 miles, 37 mpg in gas-only mode and a 35 mile all-electric range. For 2012, the Volt improved in one category: 94 MPGe. All others remain the same.

As expected, the Volt will also be available with a special low-emissions package for California and New York giving drivers access to the states' HOV lanes with solo occupancy. For details on all 2013 Volt developments, check out the official press verbiage by scrolling below.

Continue reading 2013 Chevy Volt increases range to 38 electric miles, 98 MPGe

2013 Chevy Volt increases range to 38 electric miles, 98 MPGe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet volt2013 chevy voltchevroletchevrolet voltchevychevy voltmpgmpgevoltvolt fuel economyvolt mpgvolt mpgevolt stickerThu, 07 Jun 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20253673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/07/2013-chevy-volt-increases-range-to-38-electric-miles-98-mpge/20253673/article-detail.xml 20253673 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2012-chevy-volt-epa-sticker-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2012-chevy-volt-epa-sticker-628.jpg <![CDATA[Engine packaging to blame for Fisker Karma garage fire? [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/engine-packaging-to-blame-for-fisker-karma-garage-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/engine-packaging-to-blame-for-fisker-karma-garage-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/engine-packaging-to-blame-for-fisker-karma-garage-fire/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Fisker Karma

While the investigation of the Fisker Karma that toasted a Texas garage is not over, pundits have begun to weigh in. Automotive News has found a particularly credible one in Jon Bereisa, CEO of Auto Lectrification and the chief engineer of the General Motors EV1 and systems architect for the Chevrolet Volt. And according to Bereisa, the poor packaging of the Karma's internal combustion engine is what likely caused the fire.

"The engine is shoehorned into that bay, because they had to use a larger engine, because it was too heavy a car," Bereisa told AN. "As a result, there's no room for exhaust routing and heat shielding to route the heat away."

The Karma uses a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sourced from GM. In the Karma, however, the Ecotec does not drive the wheels, but acts as a generator to supplement and recharge the batteries. The report says that a fluid leak, combined with tight engine compartment confines and the resultant high heat from the gasoline engine's exhaust and the would have been enough to cause the fire.

Fisker is maintaining that it is not the car's battery pack that is at fault, and has pointed to other potential sources of the blaze, according to the report, telling AN that, "There are myriad combustible materials that could be in the garage, in the wheel arch, or picked up on the roadside."

UPDATE: Fisker has released an official statement regarding this story. Scroll down to read it.

Continue reading Engine packaging to blame for Fisker Karma garage fire? [UPDATE]

Engine packaging to blame for Fisker Karma garage fire? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmachevroletecotecfiskerfisker firegmJon BereisakarmavoltFri, 11 May 2012 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236324/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/engine-packaging-to-blame-for-fisker-karma-garage-fire/20236324/article-detail.xml 20236324 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/26-2012-fisker-karma-sd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/26-2012-fisker-karma-sd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Chevy Volt getting battery-conservation mode, lane-departure warning]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/2013-chevy-volt-battery-conservation-mode-lane-departure/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/2013-chevy-volt-battery-conservation-mode-lane-departure/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/2013-chevy-volt-battery-conservation-mode-lane-departure/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

chevy volt

One more driving mode, one less color.

That's the crux of the changes in store for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in electric vehicle. Changes for the 2013 model year will include a driving mode that lets drivers force the car into gas-powered, extended-range mode in situations where it's most advantageous to switch out of EV-only mode, GM Inside News reports.

Drivers can choose the Volt's "EV Hold Mode" in certain cases, such as when the route consists of a bunch of highway driving prior to city driving, according to the publication. Switching over to extended-range mode, in which the gas-powered on-board generator is used, would be better in that situation because high speeds drain a plug-in's battery charge a lot more rapidly than city driving. "EV Hold Mode" is standard on the Volt's European sister vehicle, the Opel Ampera. The closest that U.S. drivers can do with today's Volt is engage "Mountain Mode."

Additionally, the Volt will eschew its black roof and trunk backing and will go to body colors for those parts of the car for 2013. Other improvements include a lane-departure warning system that's becoming commonplace on many U.S. vehicles.

GM released details of the 2013 Volt following the model's most successful sales month since its late-2010 debut. The automaker sold 2,289 Volts in March, a monthly record that is more than three times higher than figures from a year earlier. The Volt missed the 10,000-unit target set by GM for 2011, moving just 7,671 units last year.

2013 Chevy Volt getting battery-conservation mode, lane-departure warning originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20132013 chevrolet voltamperachevroletEV holdev hold modegeneral motorsmodeopelplug-in hybridvoltWed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217615/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/2013-chevy-volt-battery-conservation-mode-lane-departure/20217615/article-detail.xml 20217615 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2011-chevrolet-volt-628j_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2011-chevrolet-volt-628j.jpg -1 2