The defunct Honda Accord Hybrid proved that the world wasn’t ready for a “performance” hybrid in 2005, but General Motors could be planning to test the waters again next decade with performance versions of its Chevrolet Volt architecture.
The Honda Accord Hybrid offered a rare combination good fuel economy and better performance than its gas-only counterpart, but buyers proved unwilling to pay for a hybrid premium with only marginal fuel economy benefits. However, GM’s Volt architecture could be the perfect solution to the performance/fuel economy dilemma, thanks to the Volt’s already astronomical – if not theoretical – 230mpg rating.
Speaking with Fox News last month, GM marketing head Bob Lutz said he “would not discount the possibility” of a high-performance version of the Chevrolet Volt or Cadillac Converj. Lutz said the Volt’s powertrain could easily be tweaked for more power with relatively little impact on overall fuel economy. Lutz indicated that even a performance version of the Volt would still return the equivalent of 200mpg. GM has already stated that the Volt will be sportier than its rivals.
Although far from a production confirmation, the idea of a performance hybrid is quite intriguing, especially when it comes to the Cadillac Converj. Fisker is slated to launch its Karma plug-in sports sedan next year, with a performance version of the Converj (Converj V?) seeming like the perfect counterpunch. The V treatment would also increase the hybrid’s profit potential. However, weather that concept will come to fruition remains to be seen.
