GM Continues to Tweak Volt Design

We heard not too long ago that GM had to rethink the design of its Chevy Volt concept car for production because it wasn’t nearly aerodynamic enough to get the mileage it was aiming at. Further evidence that GM is actually going to make the Volt comes to us in the form of the sketch above. It’s a sketch of one of the models being tested in a company lab. It doesn’t look radically different than the concept, but the headlights, grille and lower bumper all look more refined than before. It also looks a bit more “Chevy” to us.

Comments

[David in Houston]

Headlights look like they were taken directly off an Acura TL - but truly, the TL, being as old as it is, still has a fresh look and I feel it's one of the best exterior designs of this decade.

I like it.

[Adam]

I agree. The sketch screams Acura TL. Not a bad design to copy though

[JM]

looks like a Tahoe that they put in the dryer to long.

[Steve]

Let me see if I understand this...GM had to rethink the design because the Volt wasn’t nearly aerodynamic!? I can't imagine what else GM didn't think of.

[kent beuchert]

The VOLT was originally introduced as a
concept design that would not be exactly what was presented in terms of the front wheels pushed forward - they would have to be moved to the rear to avoid suspension damage during fender benders. The change in the front I think is an improvement over the straight-up
grill design. The best parts of the design have always been the top and rear, and those don't need to change to obtain better aerodynamics. If anyone thinks they need to see cjanges to be convinced that GM will build this car, they simply haven't been paying attention. The VOLT E-Flex program is THE Numero Uno development going on at GM - it has the highest priority and its very own design center, and is headed by Bob Lutz, Number Two at GM, with weekly reports directly to Wagoner. I don't know. Perhaps some of those gullible skeptics who bought into the pathetically inane logic of "Who Killed the Electric Car?" still have doubts. But then, they're total morons anyway, believing that the EV-1 (recently named one of the worst cars ever built by auto analysts) was some wonder car.

[Spanky]

I hope they keep it sexy though...AKA not Prius like. I think it's funny that Bob Lutz said that at it's current design it was more aerodynamic in reverse:) If they could somehow wedge the technology into a Saturn Sky type body that would be awesome (sexy & low coef of drag).