If successful, the launch of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid could mark a renaissance for the U.S. auto industry, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has said. For General Motors, it would appear the possible benefits of the project far outweigh the risk. If the car fails, "it's not fatal," Lutz said. But if it succeeds,

Posted on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:56:08 +0000 at http://www.leftlanenews.com/lutz-chevy-volt-is-gms-moon-shot.html
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The Chevrolet Volt could prove to be one of the most important automotive launches of all time and, as such, General Motors has released an update on the development of the electric-powered car. The Volt is also so important to GM that the auto giant has told its managers that the project is the

Posted on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:01:12 +0000 at http://www.leftlanenews.com/gm-releases-chevrolet-volt-update.html
Comments: http://www.leftlanenews.com/gm-releases-chevrolet-volt-update.html#comments

Chevrolet Volt Concept Aerodynamic Evolution

Chevy first showed its Volt Concept at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Then, at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, it showed a diesel variant in a different body called the Opel Flextreme. Now, GM is showing its progress on original Volt's body with a teaser shot of the revised front end.

The image shows a nose that is much less blunt than the original, with rounded corners. These changes weren't made for purely aesthetic reasons though; GM has been developing the Volt's shape with the help of wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics work. The changes have been made to reduce aerodynamic forces on the vehicle, thereby improving the vehicle's range.

According to Frank Weber, global chief engineer for the Volt's E-Flex propulsion...

Chevrolet Volt Concept Aerodynamic Evolution

Chevy first showed its Volt Concept at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Then, at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, it showed a diesel variant in a different body called the Opel Flextreme. Now, GM is showing its progress on original Volt's body with a teaser shot of the revised front end.

The image shows a nose that is much less blunt than the original, with rounded corners. These changes weren't made for purely aesthetic reasons though; GM has been developing the Volt's shape with the help of wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics work. The changes have been made to reduce aerodynamic forces on the vehicle, thereby improving the vehicle's range.

According to Frank Weber, global chief engineer for the Volt's E-Flex propulsion...

It might not look like much, but this is the first ever test mule for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. General Motors will be testing several of these Malibu-based vehicles throughout the summer months. Eventually — possibly as late as next year — GM will begin testing prototypes with the Volt's actual finished body.

Posted on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:24:23 +0000 at http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-volt.html
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Following on the heels of an official image released by General Motors of the Chevrolet Volt, a camera crew has revealed a sneak peak at the production version. A Detroit-area news crew was allowed access to the Volt's design studio and managed to get a shot of a portion of the Volt's front fascia.


Posted on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:50:47 +0000 at http://www.leftlanenews.com/production-chevrolet-volt-wont-look-like-concept.html
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Late last week, comments made by GM CEO Rick Wagoner spurred speculation that the automaker might miss its much-touted 2010 production target for the 100 mpg plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt. But a new blog posting by Vice Chairman Bob Lutz confirms the 2010 timeframe is still very much alive.

"This program remains a top commitment to

Posted on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:45:38 +0000 at http://www.leftlanenews.com/lutz-gm-holding-tight-to-2010-deadline-for-volt.html
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Despite several claims by General Motors and some top-ranking officials, the Chevrolet Volt might not make it to market by 2010. GM CEO Rick Wagoner revealed in a question and answer session yesterday that the Volt launch date remains "fluid."

"We continue to put massive resources into production as soon as possible," Wagoner said.

Posted on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:08:26 +0000 at http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-volt-launch-date-still-fluid.html
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Spy photographers recently spotted a mule for the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, but it was later revealed that it was actually just a ride and handling mule and had the drivetrain from the donor Chevrolet Malibu. Another round of shots emerged showing a Volt mule with an electric drivetrain, but it was revealed that it

Posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:33:52 +0000 at http://www.leftlanenews.com/lutz-confirms-lithium-ion-powered-volt-mule-has-begun-testing.html
Comments: http://www.leftlanenews.com/lutz-confirms-lithium-ion-powered-volt-mule-has-begun-testing.html#comme nts

While in town for the Detroit Auto Show, Leftlane was given an exclusive opportunity to tour the Chevrolet Volt design studio just outside of the Motor City in Warren, Michigan. While we were unable to snap any photos, we were brought up-to-date on the Volt's progress by Bob Boniface — Director of General Motors

Posted on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:20:27 +0000 at http://www.leftlanenews.com/leftlane-tours-gms-volt-design-studio.html
Comments: http://www.leftlanenews.com/leftlane-tours-gms-volt-design-studio.html#comments