Concept vs Production: Chevy Volt

For those of you interested here are some side-by-side shots of the concept Volt vs the production Volt.









The shape is different due to the fact that the production vehicle needed to be as aerodynamic as possible to ensure good mileage but the GM designers did a good job in keeping the overall "feel" the same, especially in the hind quarters. Perhaps when we see some modded versions with larger rims etc. and in different colours the production Volt might look sportier.

It'll be interesting to see what GM do with rebranding the Volt internationally with it being confirmed recently that it'll go on sale in Europe as an Opel or Vauxhall depending on where you live and may be branded as a Holden in Australia, of course after shifting the steering column to the right side of the car. At least there's no gear box to worry about getting in the way.

Production Chevy Volt Photos Leaked!

The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived. After months of spy shots and teaser photos we finally get to see shots of the production version of GM's wunderkind, the Chevy Volt.

Props to gm-volt.com for bringing us these leaked studio photos but I must say I am totally underwhelmed. I knew the Volt was going to look different to the out-there concept but they've managed to make it look boring. Then again, it could just be the weird angles most of the photos are taken from.

Understandably the production Volt is a lot more rounded than the concept which was just a tad un-aerodynamic and I have to admit it is a lot more attractive than the whale-like Prius. I don't mind the rear and the black (glass?) roof is a nice touch but the best thing about it is that this thing is real. Real full electric propulsion, real E-Flex system, real plug-in charging. W000T! I'd buy one.

By the way, if you're wondering who the guys in the suits are they're GM senior execs.

More photos and original story available here.

Edit: More (and higher res) photos available at Autoblog.