GM planning early reveal for Chevrolt Volt to save its image

eems like everyone at GM is running around to save the company’s image. According to Reuters, GM is rushing to unveil a production and showroom ready version of the much anticipated Chevrolet Volt by this September. According to sources familiar with the project, GM is counting on the Volt to as sales and speculations on whether GM can survive the economic downturn.

GM hopes an early unveiling of the Volt will help the company break loose of its gas-guzzler image. The automaker is hoping that it will bring back faith in investors and consumers to show that it now more focused on fuel-efficient vehicles. Sources said that GM will complete a production version of the Volt by early August and will show it off in September in time to mark the...
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Porschinator - 7/8/2008 7:15:55 PM

+4 Boost

I hope so....I WANT ONE!!

WorldofLuxury - 7/8/2008 8:22:49 PM

+3 Boost

What is amazing is that when this car first came out, we all thought it was only a concept that Gm made to shut up the EV1 protesters. Who, at that time, would have thought that this would be so important?

I have to admit that the idea of an engine giving power to a battery pack, which powers the electric engine, which moves the wheels, is the simplest yet also the smartest way to improve fuel efficiency. I must argue that I thought of it myself x]...seriously, man. The engine, as a result, has no need to rev to guzzling limits.

If this is too much for some companies, then they need to consider Porsche Cayenne Hybrid's concept, where the electric motor is used to help maintain the speed...very smart as well.

Damn...I really want to trust GM on this[its quality and fit-and-finish]...this is such an awesome car!

800over - 7/9/2008 2:14:53 PM

0 Boost

I love sunshine and rainbows and monkeys fly out of my butt.....and they're good looking monkeys too!

delan - 7/8/2008 10:15:25 PM

-2 Boost

yawn...They have been teasing for years. whomp whomp!

Bored - 7/8/2008 11:32:39 PM

0 Boost

I had some hope for this vehicle until I read this:

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/07/volt-gas-tank.html

GM is looking to sell this vehicle for around $30K w/ gov't tax breaks. If they are going to cut potential fuel mileage by about 40% (from 600 mi. to possibly as low as 360 miles), the price needs to be under $20K.

WHY? Two reasons:

1) The Prius starts @ $21,500, with the minimum potential to travel 571 miles on a full tank of gas.
2) The VW Jetta TDI Bluemotion will start @ $22,000, with the minimum potential to travel 638 miles on a full tank of diesel.

Obviously, there are more alternatives but I would gladly pocket the $8K.

Wouldn't you?

91z4me - 7/9/2008 12:44:03 AM

+4 Boost

Why do you need to travel so far on a single tank? Are constantly traveling across the country? Serious the daily commute is less than 40 miles/day in the US. The Volt goes 40 miles on pure EV power before the ICE kicks in. So theoretically you wouldn't even need the ICE unless you have extra errands OR are driving a long distance. So do you really NEED the extra 240 miles or do you just WANT the extra 240 miles because you THINK you need it?

BigShow50 - 7/9/2008 9:05:35 AM

-2 Boost

Great...more early debut of "RECALLS!!!" talking about desperate measures at desperate times...Poor GM.

800over - 7/9/2008 2:17:28 PM

-1 Boost

If I may guess at the ending credits of the new transformers movie "autobots Recall!"