Production Chevy Volt caught on set of Transformers 2
The Chevrolet Volt has been doing rounds of auto shows in concept form, and is set for release in 2010. As brash as the deadline is, the Volt will be a remarkable car, designed to run purely on electricity from on-board lithium-ion batteries for up to 40 miles, enough for a commute to work, while charging the batteries overnight every day. Also, with the use of a small gasoline engine driving a generator to resupply the batteries, the Volt’s range is potentially increased to 362 miles on the highway. GM has been promoting this car a lot, and it has become a byword for the future of cars. As America suffers from high oil prices and General Motors is under the threat of bankruptcy, the Volt is seen as a savior for both. It has finally been fully exposed on the sets of the upcoming Transformers 2 movie.
The actual Volt will be powered most of the time by a 160 hp electric motor, with a small 1.0L engine linked to a 71 hp generator. The purple car in the movie is most likely a prop with a conventional engine.
The Volt will be the first mass-produced car able to run completely on electricity as well as carry at least four adults in comfort, making it economical as well as practical.
The Volt is expected to get 50 mpg if the battery is discharged, or 150 mpg if fully charged every 60 miles. Along with such remarkable figures, GM has been releasing teasers of the production prototype at regular intervals.
The General is making sure people recognize the Volt as something unique, so that owners can brag about how they are saving the planet. The Volt will be the new celebrity-patriotic-treehugger favourite instead of the Prius.
Reporters in America who saw the interior remarked that it reminded them of iPods, and this is the only leaked photo of the dashboard, which seems to rely on touch-sensitive controls.
The General vaguely expects to price the Volt at US$ 40,000, and it still won’t make a profit. But there are other troubles ahead, especially since the price of lithium will be driven up if GM starts mass-producing lithium-ion batteries for the Volt, inadvertently making cellphone and laptop batteries more expensive. The Volt will therefore remain a niche product for a long while.
Tags: 2010 chevy volt, transformers 2