GM Introduces $40,000 Prius

[Mark Tomlinson]

The Volt was introduced today.

http://jalopnik.com/5050600/video-2011-chevy-volt-cruises-down-the-runway

I think my opinion is obvious. What's yours?

[Miracleman89]

Ok this is just MHO but I have seen better curves on a fat chick! LOL I think it looks ugly and it wouldn't surprise me if that was as fast as it would go!!! lol

[westonlgray]

I kind of like the way it looks. It looks much more defined than the Prius. Maybe there will be better batteries out in a couple of years that will lower the price too. I know the electronic control systems will be cheaper.

I am curious what kind of system they have to warm up the gasoline engine when it is needed or if they just crank it up to full load right away to charge the batteries. Does anyone know?

[RAN]

I think the Volt looks better than the Prius, but I wouldn't want either of them in my driveway based on their looks. I much prefer the serial hybrid in the Volt to what you get in the Prius, but it's also quite a hefty price difference, although, if you can drive within the Volt's 40 mile EV range, you can make a lot of that back in fuel savings.


I am curious what kind of system they have to warm up the gasoline engine when it is needed or if they just crank it up to full load right away to charge the batteries. Does anyone know?

I've always wondered about that too... there must be a warm-up cycle for the ICE.

[Jack Willard]

I kind of like the way it looks. It looks much more defined than the Prius.

Anything would look better than the Prius. That is the UUGGLLYY...est car!

I swear, Prius, Insight, Volt and so many others all pretty much look the same. But Prius is definately the worst looking.

One of the main reasons that I am holding on strong for the VentureOne is the LOOKS! It has that DART shape that I find very drawn to. I think we all like the shape of the cockpit.

[RAN]

I swear, Prius, Insight, Volt and so many others all pretty much look the same. But Prius is definately the worst looking.

Yes, it's amazing that, as aerodynamic as these cars are supposed to be, they managed to get them as ugly as possible.

[rosesj]

Damn... I thought the Volt was going to be a 2 seater sports car. I swear that the concepts I had in mind were more like a Saturn Sky than a Toyota Prius.

While, I guess it makes MORE sense given that people are looking for room, I must agree, they look like they are just slapping a bit of Bondo on a Prius.

I think that they are going to be different however. I agree that the serial Hybrid will be recieved MUCH better IMO. When people understand that the engine will get you the extra places you need.

[ziggy951]

Well, I guess we now have confirmation that even with a ridiculous bail out package, GM is still going to go under. If this is the best they can offer then what the hell could save them besides $1/gallon gas?




Z

[ppi]

the car does not look that bad? i am sure an aftermarket company will come alone and mfg some better looking add on's they always do, there have been many ugly as sin cars made the aftermarket seems to work out the looks, seems the oem guys could do better though? the problem is people to smart for there own good.

[Miracleman89]

You know, to me it says something when a car is still 2 years out and peoples first thoughts go to after market parts to make it look better! I think GM is just grasping at straws in hopes to stay afloat! They have offered nothing but pathetic, uninspiring vehicles year after year! The bail out was a waste! If I worked for GM I would begin looking for a more secure job!

[waboom]

I saw the concept car at this year's Atlanta Auto Show, and I wasn't impressed by the looks. The picture of the "production" car looks better, but still falls short. I know you can't make a full opinion of the looks until you see the final product in person, but it isn't looking good.

[AZEqualizer]

Here is link to an article and some pics that Green Car Advisor (http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2008/09/gm-formally-unveils-2011-chevy-volt-gas-electric-hybrid-at-centennial-celebration.html) posted:

http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/Volt11Final620.jpg

http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/Volt3Final750.jpg

http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/assets_c/2008/09/Volt4Final750-thumb-300x200.jpg

It's also interesting to note that the 2010 model has turned to a 2011 model - In theory to be delivered to dealerships in Nov of 2010. (looks similar to a Chevy Malibu to me)

[rosesj]

I don't think it looks that BAD... just not that GOOD.

Considering who they are selling it to, the masses will most likely enjoy it overall. I agree that it looks ALOT like the Malibu, which is a GREAT selling car for GM. The hardest thing for people to go for will be the price. That will be the kicker. If GM pulls another "EV's won't sell" type thing because they outprice it, then I will just give up on them entirely.

I had really expected a 2 seat "Tesla" type car though. Did anyone else have/see that concept? I certainly haven't been keeping up on it, but when did it turn into a 4 door?

I just found a picture of what I 'remembered' and I guess it was a 4 door to begin with, just a much BETTER looking 4 door. Current version might make it better for masses, or might push down the product, making it seem like you are buying a $40K Malibu. I might have paid $40K for THIS car...

http://www.gm-volt.com/galleries/album/72157603653293621/photo/2173004906/Chevy-Volt-2007-Chevrolet-Volt-Concept.html

[AZEqualizer]

The concept car was / is based upon the e-flex platform and though it looked like a two seater it was really a four (I belive with the smallish back seat). But according to GM the concept needed better aerodynamics .....so they came up with the Malibu kind of looking one.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/09/concept-production-volt.jpg

This 2007 Opel Concept is also on the E-flex platform.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/08/flextreme-450--1.jpg

[Mark Tomlinson]

Roses kind of hit on my complaint. The car isn't that bad looking, really. But it looks like just another GM. For $40,000, I want some styling. I want some luxury. I know they had aerodynamics and weight to worry about, but it doesn't do them any good if no one wants to pay luxury car prices for a Chevy Malibu. Right now the only reason to buy the car, IMHO, is if you think you can recover the $15,000 or so "premium" at the gas pump.

[Miracleman89]

Pathetic and and disappointing! Another true failure from the GM corp! They wonder why they are getting beat by toyota! It is simple their car line up looks like stuff my great great grandmother would like to purchase! I am not inspired, not intriqued, not interested! The only way I would take one is if they gave it to me! and then I would just sell it and buy something else!