AllAboutPrius.com
GreenCarReports.com
AllCarsElectric.com
AllSmallCars.com
HondaInsightReviews.com
ChevyTruckReviews.com
PickupConnection.com
GMCReports.com
FordF150Reviews.com
MotorAuthority.com
LuxuryCarReport.com
AudiReports.com
BenzConnection.com
LexusReports.com
MINICooperReviews.com
BMWMonitor.com
PorscheReports.com
RangeRoverReviews.com
LotusConnection.com
FerrariReports.com
AllMinivans.com
FamilyCarGuide.com
VolvoReports.com
FordReports.com
ToyotaMonitor.com
HondaReports.com
ChevroletReports.com
VolkswagenReviews.com
AcuraRatings.com
NissanReports.com
KiaReports.com
CadillacReports.com
MustangBlog.com
CamaroBlog.com
ChallengerBlog.com
Forums
RSS
Dealers
Marty Padgett
Earlier this week, we showed you the first photos of the 2011 Volt and unleashed a whirlwind of coverage that--to our surprise--has led to a lot of speculation on the Volt's appearance. It's turned into a mini-consumer clinic on the new gas-electric hybrid, which GM says it will launch for sale with a 40-mile electric driving range that can be extended when its small gasoline engine is running.
The Detroit News' Manny Lopez connects with the issue: "It shouldn't come as a surprise that the production Volt isn't charged with the stylish sex appeal that many had hoped. But it shouldn't be devoid of it either. Unfortunately, it is. The Volt looks like a GM Prius, which followed the rollout last week of the Honda Prius, all paying design homage to the real deal, the Toyota Prius."
Whether the photo release was intentional or not, here's your chance to take a look at the concept version and decide for yourself if the Volt has met, exceeded, or fallen short of your expectations.
Here's a sample of the comments on its styling so far:
"WOW!! What was the point of showing the concept car to the public? To prove they’re just like the rest of Detroit and that they’ll never make a good looking, well styled, green car? They went from something up there with Tesla in terms of coolness and style, then re-designed the concept to be about the same as a Prius…"--Thom
"The styling changes are not only making the Volt more slippery and energy efficient, but also giving it more polish, sophistication, and presence than the Prius by a long shot. What’s most important, though, is what’s under the hood — world-class technology that you’re not going to find under the hood of a Toyota or Honda for years. The production Volt is going to be a home run. Go GM!"--Jay
"Well, it is not horrible. But, seriously, why can GM not make a car that makes me want to buy it! If GM is going to expect people to throw down even $30K for a car, they are going to have to come up with something beyond average. If not, I will just buy something else and pay $6 a gallon. I am not mad, just a little disappointed."--Ben Simon
"FOUL! We’ve been robbed! That looks like all the other econoboxes on the road. The technology in that ugly duckling had better be decades ahead of it’s time. Another car maker is gunna’ one-up you in curb appeal, just watch."--Rik
"To all of you negative responders out there GM got it right. The styling of an Acura and the smooth lines of a Civic. Now if they can get the fit, quality and finish correct it will be a winner. I see this car appealing to many markets. The ooops release photos (really now - oops) could have been with the the vehicle it a better color - looks like a ‘66 Bonneville. I’ll sign-up today for one!!"--Roger M.
2011 Chevrolet VoltEnlarge Photo The 2011 Chevrolet Volt doesn't look as much like the concept version, and that has potential customers complaining. Earlier this week, we showed you the first photos of the 2011 Volt and unleashed a whirlwind of coverage that--to our surprise--has led to a lot of speculation on the Volt's appearance. It's turned into a mini-consumer clinic on the new gas-electric hybrid, which GM says it will launch for sale with a 40-mile electric driving range that can be extended when its small gasoline engine is running. The Detroit News' Manny Lopez connects with the issue: "It shouldn't come as a surprise that the production Volt isn't charged with the stylish sex appeal that many had hoped. But it shouldn't be devoid of it either. Unfortunately, it is. The Volt looks like a GM Prius, which followed the rollout last week of the Honda Prius, all paying design homage to the real deal, the Toyota Prius." Whether the photo release was intentional or not, here's your chance to take a look at the concept version and decide for yourself if the Volt has met, exceeded, or fallen short of your expectations. Here's a sample of the comments on its styling so far: "WOW!! What was the point of showing the concept car to the public? To prove they’re just like the rest of Detroit and that they’ll never make a good looking, well styled, green car? They went from something up there with Tesla in terms of coolness and style, then re-designed the concept to be about the same as a Prius…"--Thom "The styling changes are not only making the Volt more slippery and energy efficient, but also giving it more polish, sophistication, and presence than the Prius by a long shot. What’s most important, though, is what’s under the hood — world-class technology that you’re not going to find under the hood of a Toyota or Honda for years. The production Volt is going to be a home run. Go GM!"--Jay "Well, it is not horrible. But, seriously, why can GM not make a car that makes me want to buy it! If GM is going to expect people to throw down even $30K for a car, they are going to have to come up with something beyond average. If not, I will just buy something else and pay $6 a gallon. I am not mad, just a little disappointed."--Ben Simon "FOUL! We’ve been robbed! That looks like all the other econoboxes on the road. The technology in that ugly duckling had better be decades ahead of it’s time. Another car maker is gunna’ one-up you in curb appeal, just watch."--Rik "To all of you negative responders out there GM got it right. The styling of an Acura and the smooth lines of a Civic. Now if they can get the fit, quality and finish correct it will be a winner. I see this car appealing to many markets. The ooops release photos (really now - oops) could have been with the the vehicle it a better color - looks like a ‘66 Bonneville. I’ll sign-up today for one!!"--Roger M. 2007 Chevrolet Volt ConceptEnlarge Photo
Responses (16 total)
By Rich #1, Posted: 9/10/2008
Even the front fog light is ugly. It's a previous-generation Chrysler Sebring from the side, a Prius from the rear, and a hodge-podge of ugly parts from the front. GM got it all wrong. Fire every one of the fools pictured in front of the leaked production-car photos.
By RVB #2, Posted: 9/10/2008
Can EVERYONE PLEASE get it right?!?!?!? It is the Toyota Prius that should be called Toyota Insight instead of the Honda Insight being called the Honda Prius!?!?!?!?! The Honda Insight is the pioneer of that shape and not Toyota... (Toyota merely capitalized on the idea of the 5-door) Take a look at the original 1999 Honda Insight!!! Honda is the orinator of the design! People, please, please, please, please don't call the Honda Insight a Prius because it is no Prius. Anyway enought of my venting.
People get used to it that is what most cars are going to look like from now on... CAFE standards want car manufacturers to have fleet average of 35MPG by 2011 or 2012 or something. Welcome to the real world as I like to say all the time!!!
By kerry bradshaw #3, Posted: 9/10/2008
Actually, the revised design got very high marks from a preview audience. Anyone who thought the design was not going to be different from the concept simply hasn't been paying attention. Everyone else has known for almost a year now that the original design sucked aerodynamically and that the car couldn't have achieved its promised 40 miles electric driving range if produced with that angular,
non-aerodynamic shape. Fear not, those who don't care for the new looks - GM has two more E-Flex vehicles in the design stages already for a 2011 launch, probably from Caddy and either Pontiac or Saturn.
By Kevin #4, Posted: 9/10/2008
Everyone regurgitates GM's marketing line about the concept car's poor aerodynamics. I for one would like to see the results of those tests compared to this fugly pre-production scam. I can't help wonder if it's only a question of Mexicans not being able to produce the concept car as cheaply as GM would like.
By loosely_coupled #5, Posted: 9/11/2008
1) Why in the hell would they complete a concept design for a next-generation ultra-efficient hybrid car without even getting an inkling of it's aerodynamic performance?
2) Aerodynamics really has nothing to do with it. They could easily have made the Volt more aerodynamic while keeping it's aggressive styling. Look at any decent sportscar --- there are plenty of aerodynamic frames that look aggressive and sporty. The designers that destroyed this project should all be FIRED!
By stan_standoffish #6, Posted: 9/11/2008
I personally don't feel that the revised design is ALL that bad, but I think the uproar is very interesting. Whether intentionally or unintentionally aping the Prius (or Insight, RVB, whatever) the changes have really affected the personality of the car. The concept was more masculine -- hard-edged like a strong jawline, with menacingly beady, boxy headlights. The new design is more curvy and bulbous -- in other words, feminine. Good or bad is a judgement call.
Re: aerodynamics...yeah, come on. Look at Mini Cooper, for god's sake. Those cars are smaller, but designed much more aggressively while remaining aerodynamic and fuel efficient. Of course, we can't blame GM for not ripping off someone like Mini, I guess that's a different market (ie, people who care more about what their cars actually look like). At least the Volt will get 100 mpg. Or is it only 48? ;)
By Mana #7, Posted: 9/11/2008
Such a disappointing change in looks. I'm all for eco-friendly cars, and have been keeping up with developments of the Prius and the Volt as a potential next buys. It was a case of the tried and test hybrid Prius, versus the primarily plug-in Volt. In my book the earlier concept Volt won out on with the impressive aggressive styling (plus the new technology). This new look has certain put dampers on my anticipation. Prius has now taken top spot (again). Yes I know the technologies are somewhat different, and not a simple direct comparison, but at the end of the day design appeal goes a long way in choosing a car. The Volt has certainly lost that with the new look. PS. Its pretty lame if GM thinks we'll believe their 'leaked pictures' storyline....really please! do they really think so low of us!!
By Joe_notgonnabuyvolt #8, Posted: 9/11/2008
LOST ITS SPARK
hey 100mpg sounds awesome, but then again if i wanted to look like an idiot driving i would buy the prius.
Thisis the last straw, GM has lost it, sucks how they tricked the old man into helping out one more car. He must be disapointed in the looks. It looks UGLIER then the prius. Dont be surprised if GM doesnt make a 4000lb 4cyl turbo camaro as well.
They are so out of base. I will be shopping for a Jeep in two years instead of the volt......
By Rob #9, Posted: 9/12/2008
Chevy sucks
By Disappointed #10, Posted: 9/12/2008
I'm very disappointed in GM, Finally there was going to be a better looking, more fuel efficient car on the market. And, what did GM do? Give into the norm of the market. They made a masculine vehicle feminine, I was looking forward to the release of the volt and probably going to buy one to reduce my dependence on gas, but now I'm not interested anymore. I'd rather buy a Camaro and look like a man driving around town than look like a F@G.
Post a comment