If successful, the launch of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid could mark a renaissance for the U.S. auto industry, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has said. For General Motors, it would appear the possible benefits of the project far outweigh the risk. If the car fails, “it’s not fatal,” Lutz said. But if it succeeds, “it will be sensational.”
It’s no secret GM has faced many major hurdles with the Volt, from battery technologies to aerodynamics. GM’s Jon Lauckner says the latest battery prototypes are “very encouraging,” and Lutz says the concept’s much-publicized aerodynamic problems have been resolved with a redesign of the car’s exterior.
In his interview with Wired Lutz was candid about pricing for the car. GM has long targeted a $30,000 price tag, but the first cars might come closer to $40,000, he noted. Lutz said his team of engineers have told him the necessary cost optimizations probably can’t be made in the short timeframe given to them.
Lutz said GM is holding strong to its November 2010 launch date. He said management is “holding the team’s feet to the fire” to meet this goal. When individuals on the Volt project get pessimistic, the ex-Marine said he asks a simple question — “What is there about November 2010 that you don’t understand?”
Lutz likened the project to American’s first manned mission to the moon. He said calling the Volt GM’s moon shot os a good analogy.”
01/27, 9:02 PM
posted by:
murphy1
2 years and 10 months to go……how long has it taken for the camaro to get to market, with a powerplant that is here today?? this should be interesting, i see the “tucker” all over again!
01/27, 10:18 PM
posted by:
psiclone
im a little more optimistic. i think this is sophisticated engineering with incredible potential. take your time GM and get it right. don’t rush subpar product to consumers just to score high on volume or image. i can think of a few import brands guilty of that short-sighted choice lately.
01/27, 10:27 PM
posted by:
F451
Gawd, Lutz is such a damn glory boy. Moon shot…how about someone give Lutz a taste of buckshot? I would like to hear from the actual team leader, and team of the Volt, versus Lutz who doesn’t know jack. Moon shot…Lutz has been sucking down the moonshine.
01/27, 10:40 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomr
Thus proving the moon is indeed made of cheese.
01/27, 10:42 PM
posted by:
Kaizen
GM and Lutz fail to mention what would happened if this car under-delivers on looks, performance, fuel economy or is equaled/surpassed by the Prius. The next gen Prius models are ready for early preview and they’re on course to get lithium before Chevy production vehicles.
01/28, 1:00 AM
posted by:
AxeHead
They should get The Flash to promote The Volt.
01/28, 2:06 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
They are betting on Lithium-ion to save the day, and they should just use NiMH batteries that are proven and availiable now without fire danger. I have always said on every forum concerning the Volt….won’t happen and the batteries are going to be the blame! Shame on GM for this farce. Just bring it out with a 20 mile range and NiMH, then we will only have to fill up once a month, instead of every other month. Start slow, build demand, and keep improving the battery.
01/28, 9:07 AM
posted by:
asdfghjkl
Some of these comments are outrageous. Most people reading them won’t place much value on them. It seems no matter what GM does, some people will cuss and swear at them. In a way I find that unpatriotic. Why don’t they picked on Toyota who deserves to be picked on for their quality going down the drain .
01/28, 11:38 AM
posted by:
corvette
i want to see what the volt looks like now.
01/28, 1:31 PM
posted by:
F451
“i want to see what the volt looks like now.”
.
Me too.
01/28, 2:31 PM
posted by:
Get Real
I like the buckshot idea for Lutz.
Aerodynamics is not a problem, making the thing run seems to be the REAL problem for a Moon Shot.
Why doesn’t the EPA put it’s full support behind this car instead of shoving more rules down our throat ???
Oh Yeah, the Ethanol Lobby, I forgot about their $$$$$.
01/28, 5:13 PM
posted by:
driver54
No, I just thought that someone reading the comments might.
01/28, 5:20 PM
posted by:
Kaizen
Someone like me.
01/28, 9:03 PM
posted by:
autonut
The problem Lutz has that he rhymes with Putz
01/29, 5:00 AM
posted by:
Kaizen
To make it clear, my opinions expressed on this message board don’t necessarily represent Toyota’s point of view. I actually do work for TMS headquarters in Torrance in the N.A. Planning group. Toyota Motor Sales is a SALES distributor, not an engineering company. On the other hand, Toyota Technical Center, the engineering arm of TMNA, has an office across Western Ave. in Gardena.
To the idea that executives aren’t concerned with what is posted on websites is far from the truth. They may not be going through the websites themselves, but they actively seek info/reports from people like myself.
02/09, 3:15 AM
posted by:
seyoda
Wow, totally dope, found a great site with some videos and new volt commercials at http://www.chevy-volt.net