Chevrolet

CAR REVIEW | Chevrolet | The Chevrolet, or Chevy, is one of automobile brands produced by General Motors Company (GM). Chevrolet was founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted William C. Durant, the founder of General Motors on 11/3/1911. General Motors (GM) acquired Chevrolet in 1918. The Chevy was positioned by Alfred Sloan to sell a lineup of mainstream vehicles to directly compete against Henry Ford's Model T in the 1920s, with "Chevrolet" or "Chevy" being at times synonymous with GM. Chevrolet sells and produces a wide variety of automobiles in North America, from subcompact vehicles to medium-duty commercial trucks.

Chevrolet Camaro Z28, 1998

In 1912, when Durant sold the Chevy shares to McLaughlin, Durant had an idea that McLaughlin was in full production building McLaughlin Cars with Buick power trains (15 year contract Durant had with McLaughlin). Durant felt he could have McLaughlin do with Chevrolet what he did with Buick, and had McLaughlin build his Chevys as well.

Chevrolet Caprice Coupe, 1979

Starting in 1915 in 1916, Durant and the McLaughlin Brothers had traded Chevrolet stock at 5 to 1 and 7 to 1 and took over General Motors holding Company. McLaughlin had no worry about his Buick contract when Billy was back at the helm. General Motors started in Canada in November 20, 1907, McLaughlin and Durant started their company General Motors Holding Company in the USA September 16, 1908. McLaughlin is never addressed by the Ken Kaufmann papers or build documents but takes credit for the Bow Tie information published years before.

Chevrolet Camaro, 1967

McLaughlin started the truck the 1919 Chevrolet and General Motors in 1916 became a public company. McLaughlin traded at $ 500,000.00 Buick that had shares traded during the McLaughlin stock on November 20, 1907. This investment by McLaughlin McLaughlin and Durant gave greater ownership of General Motors and Chevrolet in Canada is building the Chevrolet. The truck plant was closed after the construction trucks from 1919. - CAR REVIEW

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevy Camaro 2000

Chevrolet Camaro | Car Review | Chevrolet Camaro is a car manufactureD by General Motors (GM) with the Chevrolet brand, classified as a pony car, and some versions as muscle cars. It 'went on sale September 29, 1966 for 1967 model year and was designed as rival model to Ford Mustang. Car shared the platform and major components with the Pontiac Firebird, also introduced in 1967.

Chevy Camaro 2000

Four distinct generations of the Camaro were developed before production ended in 2002. The nameplate was revived again on a concept car that evolved into the fifth-generation Camaro; production started on March 16, 2009. The car was also featured in Transformers, as a main character named Bumblebee.

Chevy Camaro 1990

Before any official announcement, reports began running during April 1965 within the automotive press that Chevrolet was preparing a competitor to the Ford Mustang, code-named Panther. On June 21, 1966, around 200 automotive journalists received a telegram from General Motors stating, "...Please save noon of June 28 for important SEPAW meeting. Hope you can be on hand to help scratch a cat. Details will follow...(signed) John L. Cutter – Chevrolet Public Relations – SEPAW Secretary." The following day, the same journalists received another General Motors telegram stating, "Society for the Eradication of Panthers from the Automotive World will hold first and last meeting on June 28...(signed) John L. Cutter – Chevrolet Public Relations SEPAW Secretary." These telegrams puzzled the automotive journalists.

Chevy Camaro 1980

On June 28, 1966, General Motors (GM) held a live press conference in Detroit’s Statler-Hilton Hotel. It would be the first time in history that 14 cities were hooked up in real time for a press conference via telephone lines. Chevrolet General Manager Pete Estes started the news conference stating that all attendees of the conference were charter members of the Society for the Elimination of Panthers from the Automotive World and that this would be the first and last meeting of SEPAW. Estes then announced a new car line, project designation XP-836, with a name that Chevrolet chose in keeping with other car names beginning with the letter C such as the Corvair, Chevelle, Chevy II, and Corvette. He claimed the name, "suggests the comradeship of good friends as a personal car should be to its owner" and that "to us, the name means just what we think the car will do... Go!" The new Camaro name was then unveiled. Automotive press asked Chevrolet product managers, "What is a Camaro?" and were told it was "a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs."

Chevy Camaro 1967

Camaro was introduced for the first time in a press preview in Detroit, Michigan, September 12, 1966, and later in Los Angeles, California, September 19, 1966. Camaro officially goes on sale in dealerships in September 29, 1966 FOR 1967 model year. - CAR REVIEW

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Corvette

Chevrolet Corvette | Car Review | The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors (GM) that has been produced in six generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after the type of small, maneuverable warship called corvette. Originally built in Flint, Michigan and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette is currently built in Bowling Green, Kentucky and is the official sports car of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The National Corvette Museum documents the car's worldwide history and hosts the annual event.

After six long and beautiful generations, the Chevrolet Corvette is just as much a hot commodity as it was in 1953 when the first concept was rolled out for all to see. This American-made sports car comes in four different trims: Standard, Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1.

The standard Corvette and the Grand Sport are both powered by a 6.2L V8 engine that pumps out 430hp and 424 lb-ft of torque. Add the upgraded exhaust system and the models get 436hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Sport differentiates itself from the standard model with a few upgrades, Z06 styling cues, and its won gear and rear-axle ratios. The Corvette Z06 is powered by a 7.0L V8 engine producing 505hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and the newer ZR1 boasts a 6.2L supercharged V8 delivering 638hp and 604 lb-ft of torque to the table. - CAR REVIEW

Chevrolet Corvette

Indian Chevrolet Cars 2011 - Upcoming Chevy: Models and Prices

Car Review, Car Sales | Indian Chevrolet Cars 2011 - Upcoming Chevy: Models and Prices | Chevrolet (Chevy) is the car brand owned by GM (General motors). General Motors (GM) is one of the oldest and big car manufacturer in the world. GM is having its presence through out then world. The range of Chevrolet cars includes hatchbacks, sedans, SUV (Sports Utility Vehicles), Luxury sedans. Chevrolet cars use petrol, diesel and LPG gas as fuel.

The prices of Indian Chevrolet/ Chevy/ GM Cars :

Chevrolet car model	Price ( Rs. Lakhs)
Spark	3.23 to 3.90
Beat lpg	3.55 to 4.59
Aveo UVA	4.08 to 4.89
Aveo	5.90 to 6.70
Optra	7.36 to 9.36
Cruze	12.04 to 14.45
Captiva	18.17 to 19.94
Tavera	6.74 to 10.14

Chevrolet Spark, Beat and Aveo are the hatchback models and are available at a price below Rs.5 lakhs in India. Chevrolet Aveo UVA and Optra are the sedans whereas Chevrolet Cruze is the luxury sedan. Chevrolet Tavera and Captive is the SUV model from General Motors in India. Spark is the cheapest car from Chevrolet. Beat is available with LPG as fuel.

The Chevrolet is having its dealers/ showrooms and service centers at all the major cities across India. GM/ Chevrolet are organizing awards like GIMA (Global Indian Musical Awards) and Apsara awards and are honoring the artists in musical, cinema and film industries.

Awards won by Chevrolet cars in India: Chevrolet captiva has won several awards from Indian magazines and media. Business standard motoring has awarded captiva as the best import car for the year 2009. UTV Auto car has awarded Optiva s the best SUV for the year 2009. - Car Review, Car Sales

Top 2 Car Sales in the US 2011: Ford F-series, Chevrolet Silverado pickups

Chevrolet Silverado pickup

Top 2 Car Sales in the US 2011: Ford F-series, Chevrolet Silverado pickups | Car Sales | Japan earthquake in March left many car dealers in the United States hassling for cars, but the Honda Accord and Toyota  Camry continue to top the chart of auto sales in six months.

In the first half of 2011, keep the Chevrolet Silverado pickups and Ford F-Series the No. 2 and No. 1  in car sales. But Japanese manufacturers have positions 3 to 6.

Ford F150 MI Truck

In June, with the edge of a Camry 10,300 units ahead of the Accord, and Toyota Corolla / Matrix line of less than 1,000 units behind the Accord.

Nissan Altima at the No. 6 spot, but it is almost a dead heat with Ford Fusion - the two are separated by 156 cars. And, Chevrolet continues to grow with the Cruze, which is ranked No. 9 in sales after six months.

Overall, the sales of U.S. light vehicle totaled 6,300,000 units in the first half of 2011, up 12.8 percent from the same period in the last year.

in the pony-horse car war , the Chevrolet Camaro has about 10,000 cars ahead of Ford Mustang in the first half 2011 (48,761 Camaros against 39 041 Mustangs). In June, however, the Mustang has an advantage in 8835 sales of the Camaro with 8486.

Over the garage of the exotic, the combined sales of Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus and Maserati are up 8.7 percent in the first half of the year. Only Aston Martin sales trail last year's numbers. [ Car Sales ]

Car Review: 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche

Car Review: 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche - 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche adds a standard transfer case for 2-speed 4WD LTZ, body-color mirrors LS, which is available 20-inch chrome wheels and three new exterior colors: Steel Blue Metallic, Mocha and Steel Metallic Blaze Orange Metallic. -car review

ConsumerReports.org: 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is a full-size truck equipment cabin with a cabin bed and unified. This allows an innovative partition can be folded to expand the landfill at the rear of the cabin. The ride is comfortable and quiet. The 5.3-liter V8 provides decent acceleration but is thirsty. There is a large blind zone defense. -car review

Professional: 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche moves and handles very well. It is comfortable and both my wife and I really like. There. In fact, this is our third avalanche.-car review

Consumer: There are two things about 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche: access to the truck bed is difficult for my wife because she is only 5 feet tall. Our Avalanche was the first step in a footprint in the bumper that you could use to help acessing back. The last two avalanches. Chevrolet needs to solve the problem. Ford, for example, has solved this problem with a folding ladder arrangement, which helps when the tailgate is down. Fuel consumption can be improved. -car review

2013 Chevrolet Corvette?

Before the test, said that the C7 Corvette 2013 model approach readers have not yet reached the production stage. In fact, the model 2012 has not yet reached showrooms. So why the debate on the 2013 model? That’s because GM plans to start production in April 2012. And the buyers who want to buy a Corvette C7 this year can expect to see bits and address of the current model. Here are some details on the C7 Corvette 2013.

Athletes Corvette is very old and traditional there all the time. And why is that GM has announced that new models will Stingray concept. It would be completely wrong statement that the car’s performance will be bad. Amendments added that GM is in the eye, 2013 Corvette C6 C7 comparable model. What can you expect from C7 Corvette 2013? First, they are independent suspension, similar to C6. Then there’s a gun in every street corner. The cons of GM decided to withdraw the traditional driving the car with an electric motor that is able to provide the rest. In addition, a machine for four-wheel ABS brakes again, with several previous models. Other features of the car, Active Handling System, Magnetic Selective Ride Control and Launch Control.

In addition, GM has decided to correct mistakes and improve the interior of the C6. This is due to reveal our sources, the car, I decided to update the entry of the cabin. They should also be significant changes in door panels of banks’ and trim. However, there are things that are equipped with comfort and convenience in the Corvette C6 C7 which took place in 2013.

Source (with more news);
http://2013corvette.info/

Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf: Obama wants one million electric cars on the US road in 2015

Chevrolet  Volt and Nissan Leaf: Obama wants one million electric cars on the US road in 2015; A Million Electric Vehicles: Back in January, during his State of the Union speech, President Obama said that he wanted the U.S. to “become the first country to have one million electric cars on the US road,” and he wanted it to happen by 2015. Given current sales of the Chevrolet  Volt and Nissan Leaf, the president may hit his target . . . sometime in 2064.

In May, U.S. car sales for the much-hyped Chevrolet Volt totaled 481. Nissan Leaf did better, with 1,142 units sold. That’s a grand total of 1,623 electric cars sold for the month. At that torrid rate, it will take about 639 months, or a bit more than 53 years, for domestic sales of electric cars to reach 1 million.

Obama wants electric cars by 2015, but 2064 is a more realistic estimate.

Raed the rest of the article >>

Chevrolet Sonic 2012 progressive styling, good performance and value small car

“The all-new Chevrolet Sonic 2012 blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit.”

 

Chevrolet Sonic 2012 new car

 

Chevrolet Sonic 2012 new cars

 

Chevrolet Sonic 2012 new auto

“Chevrolet is the only company building a small car in the United States,” said Perry. “We believe the Sonic will bring substance to the segment, with progressive styling, performance and value that will change perceptions of what a small car can be in America.”

Canadian Driver: First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

I am very curious to see how the Volt will perform in a winter, this is a great read....
Review and photos by Grant Yoxon

Detroit, Michigan – While driving silently through Detroit on a cold day in January, I am reminded of a comic book quote from my childhood, “It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Superman!”
In this case, the Chevrolet Volt is neither a bird nor a plane. It is not a hybrid, although it does have both an electric drive unit and a gasoline engine. But it is not a battery electric vehicle either because it does have that gasoline engine on board.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended range, meaning it is propelled by an all-electric drive unit, but with the assistance of a gasoline engine that generates electricity for the electric drive system, can be driven without a recharge or fill up for up to 610 kilometres. Amongst electric vehicles, it truly is Superman.

The Chevrolet Volt is powered by GM’s unique Voltec propulsion system which, in simple terms (for a more detailed explanation, see the accompanying feature, “Deeper into the technology: the Voltec electric drive system”) consists of a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 149-hp electric drive unit that propels the car exclusively on electricity for up to 80 kilometres, depending on terrain, driving style and climate. When the car’s battery reaches a minimum charge, a 1.4-litre gasoline engine starts up to maintain the minimum charge of the battery enabling the Volt to continue on its way for an additional 530 kilometres, give or take.

On this blustery winter day, we drove approximately 40 kilometres before the driving mode graphic in the driver’s display indicated we had switched from pure electric to extended driving range mode. Not until we came to a stop light, however, did we hear the engine.

Once tuned into the sound of the engine, you realize that it seems to operate with a life of its own. Unlike a gasoline powered car or a hybrid, the rise and fall of the engine speed is not related to the action of your right foot. RPMs increase or decrease according to the needs of the battery pack. It is an unusual feeling to be sitting at the same stop light and hear the engine accelerate while the car is sitting still!

While driving exclusively in electric mode, the driver’s display indicates that we are achieving 250+ miles per gallon (the display can be easily switched to metric) or infinity in other words, but once the car switches to extended driving mode, the fuel consumption figure begins to drop. Over a full 610 kilometre drive, it is expected that the Volt will achieve, according to the US EPA, 37 mpg (6.3 L/100 km) in extended range mode and 60 mpg (3.9 L/100 km) in combined electric and extended range modes. However, if used locally and charged regularly, the Volt will use little to no fuel at all.

The Volt can be charged using either a household 120-volt plug in or a dedicated 240-volt charging station. The Volt comes equipped for the former with a 20-foot charging cord stowed in the back. Charging time takes 10-12 hours on 120V, but only four hours on 240V. Owners can schedule immediate charging or coordinate the charging for their departure time or to take advantage of lower-cost off-peak electric rates. If the vehicle is plugged in, recharging can be controlled remotely using an OnStar mobile app for iPhones and Android smart phones or by accessing an application at MyVolt.com.

While the Volt may not be range limited, our time in the Volt was, with about an hour and a half inside the car, so naturally our driving impressions are somewhat limited. Our drive took us on Detroit’s freeways and suburban streets on our way to GM’s Hamtramck Assembly Plant where the Volt is built along side the Cadillac STS and the Buick Lucerne (although it shares nothing in common with these two).

The Volt has three drive modes – ‘normal’, ‘sport’ and ‘mountain’. The latter, which limits electric range and maximum drive output – the Volt has a maximum speed of about 160 km/h – ensures the Volt has the power to drive up sustained grades. ‘Sport’ mode reconfigures the accelerator settings to provide quicker accelerator response, with zero to 60 mph (96.5 km/h) estimated to be less than nine seconds. Although maximum output is unaffected, the Volt feels more powerful and accelerates quicker. Call this the ‘fun’ mode.

The transmission has a ‘low’ setting, which is not low in the conventional sense of selecting a lower gear for descending steep grades. It is no different than the normal ‘drive’ setting with one exception – regenerative braking, where electrical power is captured and stored in the battery, is dramatically increased. The car decelerates rapidly when the accelerator is released. When combined with ‘sport’ mode, it is the perfect combination for stop-and-go driving.

On the freeways and streets we drove on, the Volt performed no differently, although much more quietly, than any other mid-sized sedan. Power is excellent, although, the more rapidly you accelerate, the more quickly the battery will deplete. Driving style is one factor that affects electric range. (kinda figured that)

The driver is presented with a full range of information and functionality displayed on two seven-inch screens, one behind the steering wheel, the other mounted on the centre stack. A full-colour, high resolution display replaces the speedometer and other gauges found in conventional vehicles and provides information on the battery state of charge and electric range, speedometer, fuel level and extended mode range, driving efficiency, trip information, tire pressure, oil life, and vehicle system messages. The second screen is the primary interface for infotainment, climate controls and efficiency. This latter function is multi-faceted including information on energy usage and energy efficiency, power flow and charging routines. Through this screen the owner can select a charging mode – immediate, delayed departure time and delayed rate and departure time mode, in which the Volt calculates the charging start time based on utility rates, rate preference and the programmed departure time. In this mode, the Volt will charge during the least expensive rate periods.

Surrounding the centre stack screen is a variety of touch-sensitive redundant controls for infotainment and climate, selecting drive modes, programmable charge modes, power door lock and unlock and the electric parking brake actuation and release.

The Volt’s advanced technology is not simply under the hood, but evident throughout the vehicle. Touch-sensitive controls, full-colour graphic displays, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation radio with 60-GB hard drive (30 GB for music storage), AM/FM/DVD-ROM/MP3 playback capability, voice recognition, XM satellite radio with XM NavTraffic/Weather, premium energy saving Bose sound system with six speakers and sub-woofer is the kind of technology one would expect in a premium, near luxury sedan.

The Volt is equipped with standard Jet Black premium cloth seats with Ceramic White accents, but can be ordered with leather seating and heated front seats. Only two option packages are available – a rear camera and park assist package and a premium trim package consisting of leather seating, premium door trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats.

In the US, the Volt starts at $41,695, not unexpected for a premium sedan. The rear camera option is priced at $695 while the premium trim package can be added for $1,395. While the Volt is available now in select U.S. markets, it will not be released in Canada until mid-summer 2011. Canadian pricing will be announced closer to its release, but expect a base MSRP in the mid-forties.

Some may balk at that kind of pricing, but the Volt is not a compact battery electric commuter or just a well-equipped hybrid. It is an extended range electric vehicle that is also a premium sedan, one that you will use 365 days of the year, a vehicle that you will drive to work or to a city 400 miles away, that is equipped with luxury appointments and the latest information and entertainment technology as well as the only range extending electric powertrain available on the planet.

If the battery electric vehicle is the bird and the hybrid is the plane, the Volt really is Superman.

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2011/01/17/first-drive-2011-chevrolet-volt.htm?page=all

Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Not Due Until 2012

Nice....As it turned out you are going to have to wait another year for the Camaro Z28, but at least it’s confirmed now! Camaro5 has apparently got the hold of some documents from a National Chevrolet Dealer’s meeting, where among many things, they’ve confirmed January 1, 2012 as the day for Z28′s production to begin.

The baddest Camaro of them all will come as both coupe and convertible variants and will have huge power output in the neighborhood of 550 hp thanks to its 6.2 liter supercharged V8. Other things regarding Camaro Z28 confirmed at the meeting include (direct quote from Camaro5):
Production begins January 1, 2012

Internally referred to as the “HP Edition” model (it was not actually referred to as “Z28? during the meeting)

-6.2L supercharged engine
-Magnetic Ride suspension
-285F / 330R tires
-Hood design to have louvre/slat design seen in spy photos (dealers in attendance were shown a gray Z28 model)
-Slight (not major) updates to the interior, with some brighter trimwork

Source;
http://www.motorward.com/2011/01/chevrolet-camaro-z28-not-due-until-2012/

RBM Camaro to muscle into SEMA 2010

I think I just drooled all over my keyboard.... this looks so hot....
Graphic artist Jon Sibal designed this Camaro for RBM - one of 5 of his designs which will make it to the SEMA 2010

Thanks to graphic artist Jon Sibal for his BMW M3 DTM rendering yesterday which gave us an idea of what BMW's return to that racing series may look like.

Now, this 2010 Chevy Camaro for Raging Bull Marketing is a model that Sibal has designed himself. It is one of 5 from the automotive designer that will be making it to the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas next month.

Martinez, California-based Raging Bull Marketing (RBM) was so impressed with Sibal's rendering of a Camaro XS that they commissioned him to design this special RBM 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.

The new look features a two-tone paint finish, new front bumper with widebody fenders, widebody quarter panels, original side skirts, vented bonnet, a rear spoiler, 3-piece wheels with a large brake kit and a lowered suspension.

GM is running a poll on its Facebook page for visitors to vote on their favorite custom Chevy Camaro or Silverado HD model that will be displayed at the SEMA show.
Our vote is with Jon Sibal. You too can place your vote here!

Source;

http://www.worldcarfans.com/110101529021/rbm-camaro-to-muscle-into-sema-2010

Det News: Groundbreaking Chevy Volt is buzzworthy

Here's a really good article on the Chevy Volt....
By Scott Burgess

No one can screw up a good thing like General Motors Co., the U.S. carmaker with the innate ability to magically unravel silk purses into a sow's ear faster than a website can post an outlandish headline.

Sadly, as editors and reporters around the world attempt to understand planetary gear sets (hint, the sun gear is in the middle), half shafts and high-speed generator motors, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will get parked in a confused haze of what percentage of torque from the gas engine turns the wheels.

Here's my take: I don't care.

Instead of trapping GM in a lie or defending a company that should have seen these storm clouds three years ago, I'll simply add my 2 cents: The Volt is a great car.

Label mongers who demand the Volt is a hybrid (it's not) can slap a hybrid refrigerator magnet on the fender if they want. They should also admit, according to their own standards, that the Volt is the best hybrid on the face of the Earth. Then, go out and buy two.

Electric purists who say the Volt is an electric car (it's not) must also admit that all electric cars are currently coal-fired, steam-powered vehicles, which is where most of our juice comes from nowadays. Then, go out and buy two.

It's important that anyone vocal enough to e-mail me their insightful and uninformed thoughts buy at least two Chevy Volts to help lower its price. With a starting sticker of $41,000, the Volt might as well run on diamonds, which used to be coal before succumbing to untold tons of (media) pressure.

No matter how you view this gem of GM, the Volt delivers electric car performance and unlimited gas mileage if you drive like 80 percent of America, less than 40 miles a day.

The problem with the Volt is the technology under the hood is more complicated than a five-word headline.

We live in a world that requires definitive labels. Something this new represents change, and lots of people find change scary.

Powered upThe Volt will leave you screaming, but from its performance and great acceleration.
The electric motors produce 149 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Those are torque numbers you see in V-6s. There are three driver settings: normal, sport and mountain, which adjust a number of electric inputs. My favorite is sport.

The electric power steering is clean, well-weighted and provides a nice return to center. The suspension, which includes an independent front and semi-independent torsion beam rear, is soft for this heavy car. GM has not released its weight, though with more than 400 pounds of batteries, two electric motors and a small four-cylinder gas engine, this car won't be light. Its body rolling through hard corners and tight maneuvering was kind of expected.

The brakes, which include regenerative braking to help push more electricity into the battery pack, take a little getting used to.

The Volt provides a drive setting that will force harder regen braking, similar to some hybrids, and it feels like the car has downshifted when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator. While eco-fficient, it's also eco-nnoying.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the Volt ride is how quiet it is. When the gas engine kicks on, it purrs. The start/stop system on the gas engine is flawless, making it difficult to tell when exactly the engine has turned over. There were more than a couple of times while driving it that I had to roll down the window to confirm whether the engine was on or off.

Chevrolet accomplished this with a number of lightweight sound-dampening materials, some of which were sprayed onto body panels, and a laminated windshield. Add to that a car with a drag coefficient of 0.28 and you understand why it's so quiet.

Inside beauty
The cabin is simply the best Chevy interior available. The two-tone dash clearly marks the traditional dual cockpit design that moves from the dash through the doors in a nearly seamless look. This helps the cabin feel even bigger. The grains and materials are all top notch throughout.
The optional heated leather seats are a must order — though interestingly, they are not electric powered. The leather just looks and feels nicer than cloth seats. While there are only two seats in the second row (instead of the bench seat) because of the battery package, I prefer this approach. Most compacts technically can sit five people, but rarely five adults.

The 7-inch LCD digital instrument panel adds to the car's high-tech feel, as does the 7-inch touch screen at the top of the dash. Both are programmable and can be adjusted to show a multitude of settings. Throughout the cabin, the driver is always reminded of the car's eco sensibilities.

The white center stack in my test vehicle added a clean and Apple-esque feel to the interior and the buttonless center stack, which uses touch sensitive spots, are easy to use and add to the clean feel. This is the most thoughtful design and best executed interior Chevy has ever created.

Worth the money?
All of this technology comes with a price: $41,000 or $33,500 after the government rebate. Is it worth it?

If you're looking for some sort of pay back, such as the money saved driving electric, then the answer is no. It may offer every bell and whistle from push button start to a smart phone app that can monitor the car, but it will never save you the difference.

But electric cars are more than an economical purchase. For people who want to drive an electric car without the hassle of range limits and for people who want to buy a car with cutting-edge technology, the answer is a resounding yes.

For the money, here's what you get: An electric car for the first 40-something miles — Chevy states the range as 25 miles to 50 miles, depending upon the weight of the driver's foot.

During two days of testing, I managed 32 miles on electric only at better-than-highway speeds.

The following day, with more typical driving, I managed 46 battery miles.

That means I could drive to work and back and never use a drop of gasoline. The next day, I could do the same thing. No gasoline car or traditional hybrid can make the same claim.

Then over the weekend, I could drive to Knoxville, Tenn., and back with never a worry and never a recharge. No electric car in the world can make that claim.

Introducing an all-new vehicle, something that has never been tried or sold before, takes money and gumption. Chevrolet has shown both.

The Volt is world-beater. Mother Nature might be the first to buy two.

Source;
http://detnews.com/article/20101014/OPINION03/10140368/1148/auto01/Groundbreaking-Chevy-Volt-is-buzzworthy