2007 LA Auto Show: Chevrolet Volt To Get Major Design Changes
GM held a pre-L.A. auto show dinner last night hosted by Bob Lutz, vice chairman of product development. Among his many notable quotes were a few choice words he had to say about the upcoming Chevrolet Volt. Apparently, the
concept vehicle shown in Detroit isn't quite as aerodynamic as it looked, a factor that will result in significant changes to the production design...
According to Lutz, "The final version of the Volt won't look like the concept. In the wind tunnel it was a cruel disappointment. We probably would've gotten a better drag coefficient if we put it in the wind tunnel backwards."
The setback hasn't dulled Lutz's enthusiasm for the radical electric car. "It's still a game changer," he said. "We'll have four battery packs in test cars by the end of the year and they'll be running 40-45 miles on electric drive by the first quarter of '08."
And as far as GM's commitment to making the Volt happen, Lutz says there's no turning back now. "GM was 90 percent committed to the Volt concept, now we're 100 percent committed," Lutz said.
-- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor
That is just fine with me. I never liked the Volt's styling anyway. That might just be me though. Is anyone else happy the styling will change dramatically, or are you disappointed?
I guess Honda was shooting for sub 0.29 drag coefficient with its new Accord. That's why it is bland. It is a great car and a nice interior, but it still bland on the outside. It's tough to get good looks and a good drag coefficient for a production vehicle. Improving the drag coefficient impacts fuel efficiency significantly. The volt can't have the image of being fuel efficient or electric and at the same time have a drag coefficient greater than a honda Accord for instance. It's like pedaling against the current. As such, that tall grill might have to be shrunk or whatever engineers have to do to decrease drag. There is too much bumper space between the headlights and the fog lights. I'm just guessing.
I don't like the styling on the concept either, no big loss.
Plus, Lutz was refreshingly honest about it.
Bummer. I like the looks—a lot!
Lutz's one statement reminded me of a Pinewood Derby car I built once when I was a wee tyke back in Cub Scouts. It was faster backwards than it was forwards :-D
That's ok. The Volt looks like a sports car, which is quite contrary to what it's intended to do. It bothered me that I kept having images of a Chrysler Crossfire every time I looked at it.
Perhaps a more Malibu-esque styling approach is in order?
the car will be a lot rounder I think. chevy should just make it a 1/2 raindrop and call it a day (for anyone who wants to know, a rain drop is the most aerodynamic shape)
While I'm not a big fan of the Volt's styling, I just hope they don't turn it into a bland, cookie-cutter model. Like estreka said, a Malibu look might do it justice.