SHOCKER + PHOTOS: 001 Weighs In On The 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Without question, the biggest automobile debut in 2010 will be the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Why? Well, plenty of reasons. But we are not here to get into all of them now. Just recognize its importance.

So when Agent001 boarded his plane, he must have known he was onto something big. Whether it would be positive or negative it would be BIG. 001's been testing the 2011 Volt this week and he's got some major things to say. Things that 00R wasn't expecting.

In fact, this could be one of the greatest shocks of the year.

001 has told me that he thinks the Volt is a good car. On top of it he has also informed me that it drives better than all other mainstream hybrids, including the 51 mpg Toyota Prius. That's because the Volt feels tight to the road and nimble, unlike hybrid cars we have come to know over the past several years.

And unlike hybrids, which are known for their "kickback" when the motor switches over, 001 reports to me that this is non existent in the Chevrolet Volt.

Something tells me though that if you're seriously considering a Volt, you probably care more about this nitty grity. Drivers have the ability to choose driving full electric or using the gas generator depending on your preference; the car adapts to you, not the reverse.

With that said, what do you make of this new information? How does this affect your perception of what could be a home run for General Motors?

2011 Chevrolet Volt Photo Gallery












































 

2011 Chevrolet Volt Photo Gallery

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lock - 10/20/2010 10:27:38 PM

+1 Boost

"Good car"?!?! My 84 Volvo 240 was a "good car". I need a little more substance to get excited about the Volt. So it drives better than other mainstream hybrids. That's not saying much considering they are all boring. I guess I'll have to wait to drive one myself.

MorePower - 10/20/2010 10:34:03 PM

0 Boost

The handling advantage could be down to the tires selected, though I believe GM did a fair share of engineering in this department to differentiate the Volt from its competitors.

The Prius seems to have more interior volume than the Volt. Two things worry me:

-Volt looks to have a high, lift over distance to load baggage & things
-From the 2nd picture & 3rd from the bottom, the driver's foot-well seems to be cramped.

LuvMyLexus - 10/20/2010 11:31:47 PM

-3 Boost

Damn, the Volt has an ugly cold plastic looking interior.

$40 grand for that, lol.

uaw_lax - 10/20/2010 11:48:32 PM

-3 Boost

What camera did you use to take these pictures?

deepwater - 10/21/2010 2:34:01 AM

-3 Boost

The interior finish looks poor.
The rear legroom is short, the space seems narrow.
Finally GM admitted the direct drive of petrol engine as well (similar system with Prius). The Volt is not electric, not range extender but plug in hybrid.
Wait for purchase half a year and you will get big discounts.

91z4me - 10/21/2010 6:29:16 AM

+3 Boost

Since GM is losing money on each one they sell at the current MSRP, I wouldn't county on those 'big discounts'.

internationalmanofmystery - 10/21/2010 8:51:55 AM

0 Boost

Finally, a car only grampa will love!

LuvMyLexus - 10/21/2010 10:06:39 AM

-7 Boost

The only wat grampa will like the Volt is if he is an environmentalist that supports gays in the military.

The Volt is a Liberal car.

LACMAN - 10/21/2010 4:13:36 PM

+2 Boost

What does "gays in the military" have to do with anything (if I may ask)???

pennfootball - 10/21/2010 10:57:33 AM

+2 Boost

back seat looks disappointingly tight

800over - 10/21/2010 7:04:51 PM

+1 Boost

Exactly who is going to sit in the back seat....except maybe the legless? I have to admit not paying attention. I can't believe I didn't know this only seats 4.
I do like the display though, it looks pretty intuitive.

tango - 10/21/2010 11:43:43 AM

+1 Boost

So far so good. The interior doesn't look bad at all. There will be gripes about the (small) size of the buttons on the centre console, and there will be gripes about the hazard light and the parking brake (the second switch below the red hazard light switch) being on the right hand side of the centre console. Of course this bodes well for right hand drive models so I'm not gonna complain. The volt seems to be doing a lot that is different if not entirely new. The material that the centre console is made of looks like it's been taken from an Apple product. If it works for Apple, right? I see a gripe about the door panels not matching. While every Volt we have been exposed to is a pre-production model (the production models aren't due until November) the styling theme seems to not call for a gold panel in the rear. That gold panel up front continues up and across the dash and behind the centre console. The same panel in the rear would free-stand and break the theme. There seems to be a lot that people will have to get used to with this car.

Joe_Limon - 10/21/2010 11:53:40 AM

+2 Boost

Does the center console change colour?

clsboy - 10/21/2010 2:24:16 PM

-4 Boost

Gay.. but looks better than a Prius...

LACMAN - 10/21/2010 4:17:54 PM

+1 Boost

@clsboy: Im assuming you are using the word "Gay" to express your "dis-like" for the Volt.

With that said... (I think you know where Im going)

LACMAN - 10/21/2010 4:24:10 PM

+1 Boost

Okay, as far as interior room is concerned, this vehicle is based on the compact Chevrolet Cruze's platform, right? So why are the compact interior dimensions a suprise (especially when you factor in the battery)?

Also, I know this question may be ignorant but I honestly dont know: If I live in a condo in Chicago, could I purchase a Volt and drive it using the gas method alone everyday or do I have to have some means of charging it every so often? I plan on purchasing a town home or maybe a house in a couple years but Im not ready right now. I AM ready to trade in my 300C because its paid off...

AgentOrange - 10/21/2010 4:33:01 PM

+1 Boost

I'm betting the Volt replaces the Cadillac Escalade as the gansta's ride in the hood..

800over - 10/21/2010 7:12:09 PM

+1 Boost

Been spending most our lives driving in this Hybrid Paradise.