Probably the most hyped new car in GM's history, the Volt is one of the few vehicle development programs at the company that's not been starved for cash. GM insiders see the Volt's series hybrid technology as crucial to the company's future, though President Obama's auto task force has concluded that "while the Chevy Volt holds promise, it will likely be too expensive to be commercially successful in the short-term."
The Volt features a 155-hp electric motor, a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack, and a 1.4L four-cylinder gasoline engine that provides power for the electric motor once the battery charge is depleted. Volt program director Frank Weber says the car is on target to deliver 40 miles on battery power alone, meaning many commuters may never use the gas engine if they plug-in to recharge the battery pack. Top speed will be 100 mph, with 0-60 mph acceleration taking about 9 sec.
As it's built using GM's Global Delta vehicle architecture, the Volt is roughly the size and proportion of a Saturn Astra or Ford Focus hatch. The interior is roomy, and features classy iPod-style white plastic accents. Much of the exterior design detail has been determined by the wind tunnel in a bid to reduce aerodynamic drag. We've driven an early Volt mule and can confirm than in full EV mode it delivers the instant off-the-line response typical of an electric vehicle, making it ideal for stop-start city traffic. The Volt also has one of the quietest electric drivetrains we've yet experienced.
Bottom Line: GM's moonshot might be the Model T of the 21st century
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