Chevrolet Volt
Saturday, April 16, 2011
It's just one of the many good things Motor Trend magazine had to say about the all-new Chevrolet Volt as it named the car the "2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year®." The annual award is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed in the auto industry and further proof that it's a new day for Chevrolet, not to mention the entire auto industry. Powered by electricity without being tethered to electrical outlets, the Volt does everything a great car does and, according to Motor Trend, better than any other. It's further proof that today, tomorrow and on into the future, Chevy Runs Deep.Say hello to the Volt, Chevrolet's new electric vehicle that can use gas (but only if you need to). The Volt will take you wherever you need to go whether it's to the corner store or a long-distance road trip. Check out the video to get an overview of the Volt from the minds behind its creation.
ExteriorThoughtful efficiency
By its very nature, the all-new Volt is engineered to change the face of transportation as we know it. Nearly every component of the Volt has been selected to get the most out of every charge, including:
* Aerodynamics that maximize the distance per charge and miles per gallon of fuel
* A closed grille and aerodynamic back edges contribute to its fuel efficiency(9)
* Energy-efficient Bose® Sound System
* Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires
InteriorThe dashboard re-imagined
Volt has two LCD screens that display speed, battery power, range to recharge or re-fill as well as an efficiency gauge that gives you real-time feedback. On the center console you'll find a seven-inch diagonal high-resolution screen with touch-sensitive control that helps you get the most out of your Volt.
PERFORMANCEMore power from a superior battery
The Volt battery has gone through numerous environment-specific tests, including corrosion and hot- and cold-weather testing and the results were so promising that the 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is backed by an 100,000 mile/8-year warranty(3).
Here are a few more notes on the battery:
* Just plug it in to charge the battery, and most people can commute gas-free and tailpipe emissions-free for about $1.50 of electricity per day.
* A small, quiet on-board gas generator creates electricity that powers your Volt as you drive for hundreds of miles on battery and gas power.
* Lithium-ion cells outperform nickel metal hydride cells (found in today's hybrids) in terms of life cycle
* A liquid thermal cooling and heating system keeps the battery at a comfortable temperature as it's being charged and discharged
Making the future saferVolt drivers and passengers will be wrapped in a cocoon of standard safety. With eight air bags(7) ready to deploy in an emergency, it's obvious safety is of the highest priority. Joining this built-in safety is an unprecedented five-year subscription to OnStar's®(12) Directions and Connections® Plan including Automatic Crash Response. In the event of a collision, built-in sensors can automatically alert an OnStar Advisor, who is immediately connected into your vehicle to see if you need help sent to your exact location — even if you can't respond.
TECHNOLOGYPick your mode
The Volt has been programmed with three unique driving modes to accommodate different driving styles. Normal mode is the most efficient setting that takes the electricity and focuses it on operating the electric drive. Sport mode sacrifices a small amount of efficiency for more responsive acceleration, and Mountain mode makes sure the battery has a bigger energy reserve for driving up long, steep inclines.
Volt Mobile AppAnywhere you get a signal on your smartphone, you can have total control of your Volt. Tap away and, with the OnStar mobile app(12), you'll be able to check the battery charge level, available range, tire pressure, remote lock and unlock and even activate the remote start to heat or cool the interior to your preferred temperature. Navigate the interactive screens of the app, and you can change how and when you want your Volt to charge. You can even set up Alerts via text or email to remind you to plug in your Volt, when charging is complete or if charging has been interrupted. The app also provides a single button to access a Volt Customer Advisor who can answer vehicle specific questions.
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