Hmm, didn't see anyone commenting on the production shape of the Chevy Volt we got to see today. Someone else will have to post a link, I'm lazy. But WTF?

Here I was thinking GM was going to be daring in their styling and what I see today is awfully stodgy compared to earlier teasers. There are some nice styling cues and possibly (gasp!) an interesting interior. But my overall impression was Prius-collides-with-Civic. Eh.

Is my first impression too unkind?

 

I think theory met realistic. They needed a shape like that to work well with today's technology. I'm talking about heavy metal frames, panels, interior bits, as well as batteries and motors.

 

I don't expect to see any positive responses here about the Volt. This forum is full of people who hate everything American.

I like the interior a lot, it looks every well made and has an exciting design. The exterior is whatever but that doesn't seem to matter nowadays, look at how many people have bought the Prius.

 

I just don't get the reasoning. If you want to sell an electric car, it should look exciting, not bland. They should follow the Tesla route and base the frame off an existing, aesthetically attractive vehicle.

 

Boring look, range of UP TO 40 miles on electricity only, (who knows what gas generator adds but then you are just buring gas in a no fun car) and $30-$40k.

I smell flop sweat.

I still would consider one in the fleet if and when they get the price down into the mid twenties. I could live with 40 mile range but not worth the price premium.

The annual operating electrical cost of "less than a home refrigerator" is quite encouraging though.

I applaud them for making a bold step away from their current culture, even if it is long after the stock declined +80%.

I like the Vette but don't think I will ever buy one because I like other cars more, but of all the stuff GM has put on the drawing board, THIS has some appeal as long as its price is that of an average car.

 

I wonder how much $ electric people have to spend for a mile of driving.

 

CNN reported the cost was $.02 per mile. Thats cheap.

 

From what I read, the exterior design was goverened in large part by physics: The car had to be aerodynamic enough to meet GM's fuel economy standards.

The most aerodynamic shape can only be interpreted in so many ways stylistically. So it's not surprising to me to see a Volt design whose silhouette is so similar to the Prius and the Clarity/Insight.

Andrew

 

If the car cost $25k i'd buy it.

I liked the interior.

For the exterior styling, I could care less. It matters more to me if this thing can perform than if Joe Bimmer thinks it's cool.

Overall I like it except for the price...

 

40K? I think GM is pushing it.