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The Volt proves electric driving can be spirited. Not only does the Volt
reach a top speed of 100 mph, the electric drive unit's excellent low speed
torque of 273 lb-ft takes it from 0 to 60 mph in less than 9.0 seconds and the
quarter mile in less than 17.0 seconds.
Charging the Volt's battery is
simple and intuitive, and can be done through 120V conventional household
electrical outlets, or through a dedicated 240V charging station. The vehicle is
completely rechargeable in about four hours using a 240V outlet and 10 to 12
hours in a 120V outlet. Once the vehicle is plugged in, owners can schedule
either immediate or delayed charges, even coordinating charging according to
departure time or when electricity rates are lower. Owners also can manage and
monitor the Volt remotely via computer on MyVolt.com; or an exclusive smart
phone application, Chevrolet Mobile App powered by OnStar MyLink.
Aerodynamic Exterior Design
The Chevrolet Volt's bold, sleek,
performance-oriented stance conveys its electrically driven capabilities, and
looks like an upscale, midsize sport sedan. This is made possible by its wide
front and rear tracks (61.2 / 62.1 inches), 105.7-inch wheelbase, wheels-out
stance, sculpted belt line and premium execution.
Working closely with
aerodynamicists in GM's own wind tunnel to shape the Volt, design and
engineering teams developed the most aerodynamic vehicle in Chevrolet's history.
By reducing the energy needed to overcome air resistance, Volt aerodynamicists
contributed an estimated eight miles of electric range, and 50 miles of extended
range.
The Volt's rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and
grille enable air to move easily around the car to reduce drag. In the rear,
sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler control air flow. An aggressive
rake on the windshield and back glass also helps reduce turbulence and drag.
Inside and out, element-to-element gap and flush relationships are as good
or better than any in the segment. Even the underhood compartment is not
overlooked: All components are held to a high standard of appearance that
harmonizes with the rest of the car, using similarly grained surfaces and
colors.
The distinctive, gloss black rear liftgate appliqué carries the
Chevrolet bowtie and one of two Volt insignias; the other is found on the
forward quarter panel. Six exterior colors are offered on the Volt, including
Viridian Joule Tricoat, the winning name chosen in a national contest held last
year. The others are Silver Ice Metallic, Black and Cyber Gray Metallic, Crystal
Red Metallic Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.
The Interior
Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features
that customers expect in a premium five-door sedan - including storage
compartments and 40/40 rear-folding seats. It also delivers them in a variety of
interior color, lighting and trim options unlike any offered before on a
Chevrolet sedan, but with Chevrolet's signature dual cockpit design.
Two,
seven-inch, high-resolution full-color screens are featured: One is a
reconfigurable graphic cluster display and the other, in the center stack,
features a touch screen display, touch-control switches and integrated shifter.
The graphics in the instrument panel and door inserts are repeated in the
premium cloth or available leather-appointed seats. Bright silver appointments
appear around the door switches, center cup holders, door pulls, centerstack
switches and climate control outlets. Standard infotainment features include:
- Navigation radio with 60-GB (30 GB for music storage) hard disc drive,
AM/FM/DVD-Rom/MP3 playback capability, voice recognition, Radio Data System,
Bluetooth and pause-and-play radio functions.
- XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic/Weather, one of the industry's
most advanced, real-time information systems.
- Premium, energy-saving Bose audio system with six speakers and
subwoofer.
- Five years of OnStar Directions and Connections service.
In addition to enhancing safety and solidity, the Volt's stiff structure
accommodates features that help to isolate engine and wind noise for a
whisper-quiet cabin.
Driving Dynamics
Great driving
dynamics begin with a solid body-frame-integral structure that enables optimal
tuning and provides drivers with an enhanced sense of stability, solidity and
confident road manners.
The Volt's MacPherson strut-type suspension,
sophisticated compound crank rear axle and quick-reacting, rack-mounted electric
power steering system with ZF steering gear - a feature commonly found on
premium sport sedans - have been tuned to deliver a smooth, refined ride with
responsive handling and solid, on-center feel. A low center of gravity combines
with the wider track and long wheelbase for balanced performance, and front and
rear hydraulic ride bushings, another premium addition, help eliminate road
harshness.
The electro-hydraulic regenerative brake system captures
energy up to 0.2g for transfer back to the battery. The friction braking system
features large rotors with a special finishing process that protects against
corrosion and promotes longer life.
The Volt rides on lightweight
aluminum wheels that weigh only 17.8 pounds (8.1 kg) each, compared to 24.2
pounds (11 kg) for typical 17-inch wheels. They're wrapped in Goodyear Fuel Max
all-season, low-rolling resistance tires optimized for electric vehicle range,
noise, feel and performance.
Safety Features
Like all
Chevrolet vehicles, the Volt helps protect occupants before, during and - thanks
to OnStar - after a crash. Crash-avoidance features include standard anti-lock
brakes with traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and
advanced, LED daytime running lamps that make the Volt more visible to other
motorists and pedestrians.
Occupant protection continues with a strong
structure, and the Chevrolet Volt's body-frame-integral structure strategically
blends advanced steels to help ensure crashworthiness and stiffness. Nearly 80
percent of the Volt's overall structure consists either of high-strength,
advanced high-strength or ultra high-strength steel. Active occupant protection
features include eight standard air bags and safety belts with dual
pretensioners to help reduce the risk of injury.
After a crash, the
Chevrolet Volt offers the security of OnStar, which uses built-in vehicle
sensors to automatically alert an OnStar advisor in certain types of collisions.
The advisor is immediately connected to the vehicle and can request that
emergency help be sent to its location.
Because the Volt operates so
quietly in all-electric mode, a driver-activated feature sounds a noise to alert
pedestrians, particularly those with visual impairments, in an intersection. The
alert was developed in conjunction with the American Federation of the Blind.
The Volt Connects With Owners 24/7
There is much more
technology inside the Volt than its electric propulsion system. Intuitive
features such as high-resolution displays, connectivity and the ability to
monitor and control vehicle functions remotely redefine how owners interface
with their vehicles.
Key technologies include:
- Touch-control switch system on the center console.
- High-resolution, seven-inch, full-color LCD reconfigurable Driver
Information Center display. The display shows electric-only range, fuel
economy, , extended-range, trip information, tire pressure information and
other key vehicle messages.
- High-resolution, seven-inch, full-color, center stack-mounted touch
screen display that serves as the interface for infotainment and cabin
climate controls. An Efficiency (Leaf) switch accesses energy usage, power
flow and charging screens - all easy to use and understand.
- Charge modes are customizable according to need and electricity rates
for efficient programming and lower costs.
- A key fob that allows drivers to remotely start the vehicle and
precondition the cabin based on outside temperatures.
- An exclusive mobile app, powered by OnStar MyLink, that enables owners
to engage with the Volt functions using a smart phone.
Chevrolet Volt: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications