Apparently, many folks are disappointed because it doesn't look like the concept. Since when did a GM concept go nearly unchanged to production?
No, really - that's a question.
I was never a fan of the concept's appearance anyways - especially as an "electric" car. It was a brutal attempt at a segment that generally implements aerodynamic qualities giving the final product a certain look and feel, and more importantly - function.
I'm actually pleasantly surprised with the overall design of the production version.
Here are the main reasons:
1. They obviously worked on the aerodynamics:
The Concept had practically no consideration to airflow. The wheels were too large and too close to the the front and rear of the vehicle. The rear deck was too short which would likely hinder any aerodynamic benefits. The only attempt at aero seems to have been the narrow tires. This may be why the production version disappoints - because it may actually work.
2. They kept some of the details that make it modern:
These include the front and rear lights. Finally, OEMs are getting away from the aftermarket plasti-chrome light housings - YUK! The Volt has "Tron" details - those neon-esque light graphics that VW/Audi and others often use on concept cars - and we often draw as an easy indicator of moderness. The difference is GM has actually put them on a production car where I can't think of a VW/Audi in the market that has them. We'll see how they do in production.
3. The tired Chevy face is mildly updated:
It's still not up to other company's standards but it is a much needed refresher. It's much more streamlined than the Concept's face. Most likely this was done for aero reasons as well - you'll notice the Concept's grille was much more recessed which makes for bad airflow. The graphic shapes themselves are also much improved from the "Underfaced" graphics of the Concept. They're more dynamic with a more wraparound profile with complementing driving light/signal clusters. Also helping the face is a more substantial intake "mouth" as opposed to the small slit the Concept had.
3. The silhouette says "Hybrid":
As my previous post notes, the Prius shape is being borrowed for many other Hybrids maybe for function but I think also because it's well known and accepted. Chevy has also taken this shape and made it their own. Just like the EV1 and Insight had a similar aerodynamic aesthetic, the Volt and Prius are also similar. I think this will make consumers otherwise not interested in the Chevy brand to feel comfortable with the Volt and give it a try.
The question remains, would I buy it as a viable eco-friendly option?
The answer to that is a strong NO.
1. Mainly, the Volt is a step back in terms of electric cars even if it may have better technology. The range is 40 miles - 40 MILES with a charge time of 8 hours! The minimum that recent consumers have generally asked for is somehwhere between 100 and 120 miles per charge. The later EV1 could get to around 150 miles. The Tesla will do 250 miles, the Aptera will do 120 miles or 600-1000 miles on 5 gallons of gas with its Hybrid option.
2. It's basically just a Hybrid car that also plugs in - probably made simply because GM needed to up its higher mileage quota or keep up with government regulation. GM is touting it as the "next big thing" or the "1984 Apple Macintosh of cars". GM, when you hit 500 miles on a 4 hour charge - let me know. The Prius is no saint either and they likely have similar reasons for making the Prius - the difference being Toyota is light years ahead of GM in terms of market analysis and product placement. The Prius, regardless of how eco-friendly it actually isn't, is probably singlehandedly responsible for the mainstream acceptance and excitement for fuel efficient Hybrid cars.
3. Until electricity is produced exclusively using wind, solar or other natural, sustainable energy - an electric car is still burning coal.
So would I pay 40 grand for 40 miles AND a gas engine in a plug-in car that has nothing on a next-gen Prius - no way. I'm going to make a prediction that GM will sell all of the first production run just like they planned. But, they will not reach a large audience like the Prius has - until the government enacts laws to make GM comply to make more. In addition, other companies like Toyota, Honda and others will surpass GM's technology and demand for these types of vehicles as the Green Revolution continues. GM will start to put other segments onto this platform or use this technology in those other segments only as it relates to their quota. They will never lead the way with vehicles that are truly sustainable - heck, they're already going in the wrong direction with the FlexFuel Ethanol cars.
2 comments:
The production Volt is growing on me. At first I was shocked at the lack of hotrod proportion that made the concept so American cool in character. I thought it would be cool to have car that looks bad ass with a bad ass proportion and was still eco friendly. Like a Tesla, for example. No compromise with the looks and its eco friendly. But I still can`t get out of my head the `BUCK ROGERS` type of detailing around the car.
Hmmm? By "Buck Rogers" are you referring to my "Tron" details? I see your point for sure. I'm wondering though if they put the same ole detailing as on most Chevy vehicles, would it just look old already ala Chrysler Pacifica? Even with "Buck Rogers" detailing, at least we get something out there a little whether cheesy or not.
I also agree that it is a shame that they teased everyone with a much more dynamic car than what the production version would be. I don't want to say it's irresponsible, but in a way it is. I already mentioned why the Concept was not at all aerodynamic. So if GM was going to make the production version more air friendly, why would they make a concept that ignores it completely? Why not make a Bad Ass aerodynamic Concept that gets the press and consumers excited. Then when it comes time to refine the production version, at least they'd maintain some of the basic proportion.
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