When I first saw images of the Chevy Volt at the Detroit auto show I thought: 'hey that's cool looking,' completely disregarding the technology behind it.
Last week I saw the car in the flesh at the Washington, DC auto show, and that confirmed my initial gut feelings. Not only is it cool looking, it's flat out stunning to look at as you walk around it--and I absolutely love the unique side window treatment and almost zero rear overhang! I really think GM has some of the best car designers on the planet...
Everything I've seen coming out of GM design studios recently have been--if not home runs, certainly extra base hits--and this new Volt is a genuine grand slam. Period.
...And, oh, the technology behind it is also pretty 'cool,' which was the whole point...
This plug-in Volt hybrid was not shown so much as to wow the auto press and the public with its styling, but rather to make a statement that GM can match (or beat) Toyota, Honda, or anyone else when it comes to advanced design and engineering.
The Detroit Free Press has a story on this very subject here.
...And, oh, the technology behind it is also pretty 'cool,' which was the whole point...
This plug-in Volt hybrid was not shown so much as to wow the auto press and the public with its styling, but rather to make a statement that GM can match (or beat) Toyota, Honda, or anyone else when it comes to advanced design and engineering.
The Detroit Free Press has a story on this very subject here.
estreka says:
05:30 PM, 01/31/07
I wouldn't say GM is in a position to surpass Toyota or Honda. Yes, they may be coming out with the first plug-in hybrid, but that doesn't make it a leading force in hybrid technology.
In practice, GM has practically no experience. Toyota and Honda have been building competitive hybrids for years and they, more than anyone, know what customers want and how to produce it. Yes, this is a giant leap for GM, but they're still several giant leaps behind the power curve.
carlisimo says:
11:44 PM, 01/31/07
This does seem much better than the Prius... but GM is always showing off its concepts several years early, as if the competition wasn't working on something of their own.
But better late than never!
ateixeira says:
08:42 AM, 02/ 1/07
GM is on a roll. Who would have thought, a year ago they were really struggling (now Ford is).
Any how, they swept the NACOTY awards and continue to draw interest with these cool concept.
The real susprise is the Volt overshadowed the Camaro convertible.
lwdupont says:
11:33 AM, 02/ 1/07
Bob, I agree that GM has been developing some really great looking cars recently.. I hope that the bean counters at GM allow the designers true visions to be built.
It'd be very sad to see the Volt as a watered down production car. GM can make as many great looking concept cars as it wants, but if they all get watered down, people will still buy something else.