Unveiled: 2011 Chevrolet Volt[SIZE=-1]
General Motors centennial celebrations this week have included unveiling the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, as well as more detailed information on this extended-range electric vehicle. As usual, the production model is styled less aggressively than the 2007 Detroit auto show concept vehicle, reflecting a focus on aerodynamics and practicality. Some show-circuit design cues remain in this more road-ready version, with contrasting black trim and rear hatch with a vertical window. However, the basic shape has changed significantly from a muscular coupe-like appearance with a chopped top to a less extreme sedan. The front fascia looks more akin to a Malibu and the roof is raised, presumably in a concession to interior comfort.
Giving it a high-tech appearance, the dual-cockpit interior features a seven-inch LCD instrument display and a center touch-screen for climate and entertainment controls. A navigation system with a hard drive for multimedia storage will be offered.
Plug-in powertrainThink of the Volt as an electric vehicle with an onboard generator. The wheels are driven exclusively by electricity, with an E85-compatible engine available to replenish the lithium-ion batteries when needed. GM claims the Volt will travel up to 40 miles on power from its T-shaped* lithium-ion battery pack, which lies under the rear seat and center tunnel. The battery weighs 375 pounds and has a 16 kw/h capacity. The 1.0-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine can extend that range as needed. The electric drive unit produces 150 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Zero to 60 mph is expected to be around nine seconds.
A plug-in vehicle, the Volt can be recharged from both 120- and 240-volt electrical outlets, with an eight- and three-hour charge time, respectfully. Based on 10 cents per kWh, GM estimates that the Volt would cost about 80 cents a day to operate fewer than 40 miles. Or put another way, recharging once a day would cost less than operating the average household refrigerator. For contrast, a Toyota Prius Touring earning 42 mpg in our overall fuel economy test would cost almost $4 to go the same distance based on current gasoline prices.
Sizing it up
The four-seat Volt is similar in length and height as the Honda Civic sedan, though it does measure about two inches wider. While it stretches two inches longer than the current Prius, the manufacturer-claimed cargo volume is less at 10.4 cubic feet versus 14.4.
Production is expected to begin late 2010. You should know that there is no running Volt yet; GM has a few experimental mules under a previous-generation Malibu in testing.
See more Volt photos in our New Car Preview.
?Jeff Bartlett
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