General Motors has taken the wraps off the most radical car in its recent history, the Chevrolet Volt, as part of the firm’s centenary celebrations today in Detroit.The Volt is the first mass-produced car that isn’t driven by an internal combustion engine. The front wheels are driven by a 148bhp electric motor, with 273 lb ft, powered by lithium-ion battery pack.The battery gives a range of 40 miles on electric power only. Beyond that, a small petrol engine (that can also run on ethanol) charges the battery but is not directly connected to the wheels.
The Volt can also be charged by plugging in to the mains supply, a 240v supply will recharge the battery in three hours, increasing to eight hours for North America’s 110v supply.GM maintains that the average American commuters’ daily journey is under 40 miles, so the Volt’s range will be adequate fro most customers. Top speed is 100mph. Underneath the Volt is GM’s new Delta platform, just launched in the new Chevrolet Cruze, which will also underpin the next Astra. The Volt uses a torsion beam rear suspension.It goes on sale in the US in 2010, and should arrive in Europe in 2011.Vauxhall is lobbying GM to build a Vauxhall-badged version of the car for the UK market.
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Re: Unveiled: Chevrolet Volt
Crestas and Vivas? How long do you bear a grudge? By that reckoning you should also avoid Audi (NSU Prinz), Ford for the hideous E93 Prefect, Pubic/Corsair and Mk4 Zodiacs, Honda for the C50 Step-thru and, of course, BMW the well known bubble car manufacturer. Vauxhall/Opel are being repositioned above Chevrolet by all accounts as a premium brand; hence the new Insignia. It therefore makes sense to make it a Vauxhall product.
Re: Unveiled: Chevrolet Volt
I like the styling. It's attractive and holds together quite well, if not wholy original. It also deserves for its hi-tech drivetrain.
For GM's sake I hope its a success, but it'll be a tough sell.
Re: Unveiled: Chevrolet Volt
So, Vauxhall wants to market this car. Presumably the Chevrolet brand isn't strong enough for such a revolutionary concept. Sorry Chevrolet owners, but GM thinks you haven't got the cash or the cred. Lets face it, you were dumb enough to buy rebadged Daewoos, so you've got no chance here. But does Vauxhall have any cred? When I think of Vauxhalls, I think of poor handling repmobiles and max powered shopping trollies. Casting back further, rotten Crestas and rubbish Vivas spring to mind. Surely this is an opportunity to bring the Opel badge back to the UK and ditch Vauxhall. I have fond memories of Mantas, Commodores and even Kadetts. I'd willingly buy an Opel Volt, but a Vauxhall Volt? I never wore my cap backwards, and will never buy a Vauxhall.