General Motors may be in the midst of some pretty dire straits, but the Detroit automaker is committed to spreading its Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid technology to other models. The Volt and other plug-in hybrid vehicles are seen as crucial to GM’s survival as they will give the automaker a truly green vehicle line.
According to a GM spokesperson, the Volt’s E-flex architecture is highly flexible and can be used more widely than just niche market vehicles. Cadillac is reportedly next in line to receive an E-flex vehicle – although it remains unclear if that model would be based directly on the Volt – with a Volt-based Opel slated to hit the European market early next decade.
In addition to those models, GM is also considering an SUV with the Volt’s plug-in capabilities. The E-flex SUV model would wear the Chevrolet Bowtie, but production wouldn’t likely begin until at least 2012.
Although GM has delayed the launches of several new vehicles, the Volt’s 2010 launch date is still on, indicating just how important the program is to GM.
11/07, 3:37 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
I knew this was coming.
The Volt drivetrain shouldn’t be limited to the Volt. I really think it should be an option in as many cars as possible.
11/07, 4:09 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Are you kidding, Beatus? This is GM we’re talking about. Not only will they have several different types of vehicles but they’ll badge engineer all of those as well. Maybe they could just add a whole new division? I’m gonna go with Voltsmobile.
11/07, 4:31 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
After decades of social irresponsibility, it’s nice to see GM doing something positive for society, even if their motives are financial.
11/07, 4:41 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Considering the circumstances, and assuming GM will still be around, I feel the government should allow the Volt to be labeled a 100MPG car, if it can indeed go 40 miles without gas, and it’s cruising range and economy allow such a designation.
The government is considering labeling it an electric car instead
DrFill
11/07, 5:06 PM
posted by:
golf4me
If GM is around long enough for this to happen, good for them. It’s a good plan.
11/07, 5:06 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
important program: like fair share of 50 billion important
11/07, 5:35 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
Step by Step we’re gettin there.
11/07, 7:02 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Cadillvolt FTW!
11/07, 7:56 PM
posted by:
andy
this is old news thats just been re-worded… only new news is about the suv… either way its good news
11/07, 11:17 PM
posted by:
simonc
After GM gets to 2010, the sky will be the limit. I think they’re going to kick ass.
11/07, 11:53 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
Gm must have some kind of a recovery plan in place.
At any rate. If GM does make a Caddy-VOLT, they need to move than motor to rear axle. NO CADILLAC SHOULD BE FWD!!!
11/08, 1:53 PM
posted by:
cereal
Building on your idea, johnny, maybe GM could bring Olds back with the Voltsmobile.
But all humor aside,
Let’s see this work. Maybe.
11/08, 2:18 PM
posted by:
oldraven
Wow, what a surprise. Hopefully most people reading these blogs had enough common sense to see this ahead of time.
11/09, 9:49 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
Blakkarr.. more Caddys have been FWD than RWD since 1980! Seville, Eldorado, Cimarron, DeVille, DTS, BLS.. and the new SRX will apparently be FWD-based as well.
11/10, 8:03 AM
posted by:
carstuff
Hopefully the SRX will be AWD only. But then again they can just let the customer decide and make it optional. No matter what “experts” think Caddy should be the customer will decide in the end.
11/10, 11:22 AM
posted by:
Blakkarr
zoomzoomer,
I’m quite aware of that unfortunate fact. I should have been clearer for some, “NO NEW CADILLACS SHOULD BE FWD!”
Also the SRX was built on the SIGMA platform, which was designed specifically for RWD. It would have been prohibitively expensive to build it in FWD on that platform and go against the current push for the division. You really need to stop reading Wikipedia for your only source of information.
The SRX replacement which is said to be made on a version of the Theta platform is FWD with and WAD option however. But the current SRX is Sigma and RWD/AWD.