2011 Chevy Volt at 2009 L.A. Auto Show

• Competes with: Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid
• Looks like: We're finally getting the car futuristic movies have long promised
• Drivetrain: Plug-in gas-electric hybrid powertrain
• Hits dealerships: California customers get first shot late in 2010

We've been covering the Chevy Volt for more than three years now, but the big news from the L.A. auto show is that California customers will get first dibs on the plug-in hybrid late in 2010, when the production version is finally ready to go on sale ... four years after it was announced. The initial run will be small: GM says only 8,000-10,000 will be produced globally in 2011. That's a small number, so it's likely that if you don't live in California, you might not get one for a long time.

The car on display in L.A. is as close to the final product as we've seen, but is still a non-operational prototype. Last year, the company showed a version that many took to be production-ready, but we interviewed people in the program who let us know this newer version would be coming. There are many photos below showing cargo volume, a new blacked-out lower window and other interior changes, including a better-integrated center information screen.

We'll have an up-close look at the Volt and more news from the floor soon.

Comments

Can you clarify the production numbers. I have read elsewhere that production is 8,000-10,000 for 2011 model year and up to 50,000 for 2012 model year. To me this signifies that production could exceed 8,000-10,000 for 2011 calendar year.

It does not matter as GM rarely tells the truth. I'm sure they'll ramp up production if the car is a hit however I'm sure GM will find a way to screw things up. Fritz was smart to jump off the sinking ship.

This would look / be rather neat as a regular gas car too.

the lower rear looks straight off the Saturn Sky, especially with the back-up lamp. it looks great though. hopefully it will be a great start to the electric vehicle.

Wow thats a sharp car!

FYI
GM is NOT showing this more finalized version of the car here in L.A. You're getting the well worn version from last year with the old nav screen etc.

Will the Volt be a 4 seater vehicle only??? See pic. 10.