The prototype looked like somebody made a prototype and then sat on it. I want a 50+ mpg car that is reliable... and does 0-60 in under 6 seconds.... and costs less than $40,000.... Is this too much to ask?!
Automobile Magazine named it their Automobile of the Year, too : http://www.automobilemag.com/featur...omobile_of_the_year_chevrolet_volt/index.html
I teach a class about the Volt so I have been lucky to learn quite a bit about it. Will be curious to see how it does. Has the potential to fail miserably, especially competing with the Nissan Leaf. The cost of the lithium-ion battery on the Volt is more than a few Hyundai's and Kia's that are on the market. One of the big reasons the Volt's price tag is so high.
Turbo diesels are getting close to those marks. Oh wait, we're in America where American car companies make those cars but don't ship them here.
I'm starting to need a new car, and I'm seriously considering buying one of the new 5.0 Mustang GT's next year. Someone buy one of these to offset my carbon emissions.
tesla's sedan is getting close to that price. it's just under 50k after tax credit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Model_S
Not sure why, but it is the biggest reason why the Volt is $40K. Combine that with the fact that it takes 4 hours to recharge using a "quick charger" (vs. only 30 miles for the Nissan Leaf) and the 40 mile range on electric power (vs. 100 miles for the Leaf) , and most would see that it has potential to fail miserably. Of course, the Volt is much "cooler" looking than the Leaf, so that will help. The Leaf has a few features the Volt won't, such as a system to locate charging stations (not that there are any currently) and a feature where you can call the car to ventilate a hot interior before you get to the car. Given the range alone, I would doubt you would see many Volts in the Houston area.
