Next voltec, what do you think of the new rumors

Posted this in another thread: Exclusive: GM planning lower-priced version of 2016 Chevy Volt - sources| Reuters
"The standard Volt won't deviate dramatically from the current model, which is priced from just under $35,000 and has a driving range of up to 380 miles, according to Chevrolet.
GM also wants to offer a lower-cost edition, priced from just over $30,000 that would likely have a range of less than 300 miles, with less equipment, the supplier sources said."

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Interesting in that it increases the odds that there might actually be a second hybrid or PHV choice from GM. The range numbers are likely bogus for whatever reason. 380 miles is the stated range of the current Volt at combined EPA numbers. It not changing implies that the EV range or gasoline efficiency won't be improving. Not, unless the gas tank is cut by a couple of gallons.​

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The 300miles for the cheaper version seem even further off if it has a regularly sized gas tank. Even if the EV range is cut to 10miles, that number means lower fuel economy than the current Volt. Maybe even a Cruze. The numbers just don't add up.​

 

And we will continue fighting the battles from outside the forum.

The Prius Chat rules!

DBCassidy

 

I saw the fleet of 2016 Volt prototypes today at the Delaware, Ohio, Wal-Mart parking lot along with two partially camo GMC Crew Cab support vehicles an a black Opel mini-van (as if a black Opel mini-van wouldn't attract attention.) Got a good close look at them and the support vehicles before they got them covered up. Overall I wasn't impressed by the Volts. The support trucks, however were interesting, especially the coal-roller equipped exhaust pipes to keep photographers at bay.

BTW, the Volts were there because one of them needed something repaired that couldn't wait until the next scheduled stop.

Bill the Engineer

 

Thanks for the report. Too bad you didn't get any pix. Were the Volts themselves camo'd or just the support vehicles for some reason?

What would it have taken to impress you? If the Volts were camo'd then you presumably couldn't have formed much of an impression about their exterior design other than its approximate size.

How closely did you look around at the inside?

 

I promised them that I wouldn't publish the photos I took.

Bill

 

I can wait.

 

GM VP Mark Reuss (the guy driving in some of the recent Volt teaser videos) appears on the most recent Autoline TV episode.

He talks around the new Volt and about related surprises we might see at the Detroit Auto Show in a couple of weeks (perhaps news about a Voltec Caddy CT-6 powertrain option?).

He also talks the good talk about major changes in GM's internal attitudes and planning/engineering processes across all of their products.

A GM Legacy (Show #1901) on Autoline This Week

 

maybe he'll give a talk on the latest recall...

 

Well... that might explain the Opel mini-van in the pack of Volt prototypes that I saw in Ohio.

Bill the Engineer

 

Good video show!
Ok, commitment, how about real predictions here?
Glad you ask for my predictions!
1. Volt SUV Could Two Different Chevrolet Volts Debut At 2015 Detroit Auto Show?
2. BEV with 150-200 mile range, at least twice current EV range(74-80 miles)

 

2. I don't think a Sonic EV will be much of a surprise unveiling at this point.
1. Is what think a surprise one will be.

 

That would be a start. Addressing recalls to the motoring public would help being more transparent as a corp. Mary Barry has lead the parade with recalls so far. It is time for others on the corp ladder to step up to the plate about being open, on the level, no nonsense discussion on GM recalls.

DBCassidy

 

This is hardly a GM-only issue as I seem to recall many Toyota recalls during the last five years.

And this....

 

I'll publish my photos of the road test cars on 1/12 once Chevy does the public unveiling.

Bill the Engineer

 

GM has top honors with the ignition switch fiasco.

You can't deny that.

DBCassidy