truth about domestics

The video above shows a test that is pretty standard for most cars on sale here in the United States.  Basically the car is heated to insane temperatures, like 200 degrees Fahrenheit, to make sure none of the parts show signs of heat aging.

When General Motors talked about the Volt’s initial sales locations, California was listed as the first state to receive the extended range plug in hybrid vehicle, but other states were not mentioned.  Well now GM has confirmed that Detroit will be one of the other lead markets after California.  This is great news for the state considering the car will be built there, the battery packs are made there, the car was designed, tested and both the concept and production vehicles were debuted in Michigan.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog Green.

(Image source: GM)

The video above brings some new, outside perspectives on the new battery plant that General Motors has just opened in Michigan.

General Motors has had pretty much all of the green car buzz over the past year and a half, since it announced it would build the Chevrolet Volt.  The Volt is nearing production at the end of 2010 as a 2011 model and the biggest question that remains is this: what will the Volt cost?  The current estimates put the cost of the vehicle around $40,000.  The federal government has announced a $7,500 tax credit for vehicles like the Volt, but that raises another question.  Is the $40k before or after the tax credit?

Well John Lauckner, GM’s head of global program management, has told The Wall Street Journal that the price of the car could be well under that $40,000 mark.  The price won’t be set until this summer, so for now, head on over to Autoblog to hear more.

(Image source: GM)

The video above shows the very first Chevrolet Volt battery pack rolling down the assembly line!  For all of the details on the pack, head on over to Autoblog.

Now I’m not totally sure, but I think the teaser above is a concept for GMC’s version of the Chevrolet Orlando.  The Orlando is a new crossover that will seat 7 and be built on the new Delta platform that underpins cars like the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Cruze.  For more details…well you’ll just have to wait until our coverage of the Detroit Auto Show!

(Image source: GM)

The video above shows the Autoblog team using the 2011 Chevrolet Volt mobile phone app in person!  It’s a pretty neat idea, just another way that the Volt will change the industry!  Fast Company has a slightly more in depth look at the app so feel free to check that out too!

The two videos above show some apps that GM and OnStar have planned for the new uber-high tech, 2011 Chevrolet Volt!  The first video shows how you will be able to use OnStar and your mobile phone to control things like the locks, remote starting, and even set charging times for your Volt!  The second video shows you just what the Volt driving experience will be from the driver’s seat.  It shows the information that will be displayed on not one, but two LCD video screens!  For the official press release, head on over to Autoblog.

Check out Jay Leno’s fairly in-depth review of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt on this week’s episode of Jay Leno’s Garage.

Wanna see video of the Chevy Volt hitting the track?  Well now you can!  Check out the video above and let us know what you think!