Bob Lutz throws out the idea of a Volt SS…we’re listening…
Apparently in this video there is a statement from Bob Lutz that basically implies that we could see a Volt SS somewhere down the road. As Autoblog puts it, we could also see a Converj V in the future, now that production has been confirmed.
GM to build the Cadillac Converj!!! Start saving your pennies!
Word from The Detroit News is that GM has plans to build the Cadillac Converj concept. The Converj concept rolled out at the Detroit Auto Show in 2009 and features the same Voltec powertrain as the Chevy Volt. This means the Converj is an extended-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The Volt is estimated by GM to get 230 mpg! Lets hope this baby makes it to market before we run out of oil…
During this week’s “The Business of Plugging In” conference in Detroit, Michigan, Jonathan Lauckner, the GM VP of Global Program Management, told the audience that the government needs to increase incentives for plug-in hybrids in order to generate more consumer interest. According to Lauckner, the costs for these vehicles are high, and volumes are low. Lauckner also talked about GM’s upcoming Chevy Volt plug-in vehicle.
While I agree that the government needs to take a more pro-active approach in stimulating alternate fuels/technologies in transportation (in general), I do not agree that the government needs to do this by dishing out cash. Instead, I think the US needs to follow what many European governments have been doing; they need to increase the tax on gasoline. This will ultimately generate interest in vehicles that are more fuel efficient, such as hybrids, plug-ins, electric vehicles, and even small and efficient diesels.
I’m sure nobody will be ecstatic about an increase in taxes; therefore, the government could compensate by reducing income taxes, for example, or fixing roads, building mass transit systems, etc. In the long run, this will not only help US’s economy, but also the environment.
Let us know what you think in the comments.
Read the full article at The Detroit News.
OnStar can provide directions, a vehicle checkup and much more. Well, when the 2011 Chevrolet Volt rolls into showrooms, it will be able to do much, much more than that! OnStar data is currently being used to help determine the best locations for charging stations. It will also be used to help the Volt figure out when best to run on battery only power or to bring the gas range extender online. For more details into this fascinating story, head on over to Autoblog Green.
(Image source: GM)
Chevrolet Volt prototype spotted in a neighborhood near you!
An Autoblog reader spotted a Chevy Volt prototype sitting in a driveway and decided to snap a picture. This appears to show a resonable amount of confidence in the program from GM’s point of view. Usually prototypes aren’t driven home on the weekends by employees until closer to production. For more, head on over to Autoblog.
(Image source: Autoblog)
I have seen several commercials for “230″ and have, up to this point, had no idea what in the heck they were for. Now I know…more, but still not what the commercials are about. Apparently GM has a news conference planned for August 11th (the “8 11″ you see in the ads.) As far as what will be unveiled then? Nobody knows. I guess we will just have to wait and see! Head on over to Ad Age to read more or head on over to the Official 230 site.
Would you like it in grey or white? Volt center stack available in two colors!
The keen eyes at Autoblog have noticed that in the Volt video posted the other day, there is something different about the interior of the car. That’s it! The center stack is a dark grey metallic (GM spokesman Dave Darovitz says it’s black) instead of the iPod like white that has been seen in the past. I think it looks pretty sharp, how about you?
Bob Lutz was on David Letterman’s show last week and he told it like it is in regards to the Chevy Volt. And he did it all without slandering Tesla Motors (the same cannot be said for Elon Musk at what he said about GM; see original post). Take a look at the video of Lutz on Letterman.
Chevy Orlando concept (GM)
GM chief executive Fritz Henderson says that Chevrolet will be fully competitive, and a leader in fuel economy within two years. This transformation will be lead by new products like the new 2010 Camaro, Cruze, Spark and seven-seat Orlando, all due out for the 2011 model year. The new Equinox, launching in June, is expected to get 32 mpg on the highway, and the Chevy Volt range-extended-plug-in is on track to arrive in late 2010. For more, head on over to AutoWeek.
