General Motors Steals the 2007 Detroit Auto Show
Susan Frissell
Detroit. January 2007. There is much that is new out of General Motors at this year's Detroit Auto Show-the 100th Anniversary of NAIAS.
Lest you thought GM was sinking further into the sunset, think again. They are still very much a presence in Motown and plan to keep it that way, or so it would seem at this year's 2007 show.
Although the mood could have been described as somewhat dour, what with the struggling auto industry and Michigan's economy, there was plenty of pizzazz at the show.
One of the highlights in Detroit was the introduction by Bob Lutz, General Motors Vice Chairman, of the Chevrolet Volt concept sedan; GM's commitment to tomorrow's more flexible automobile.
The automotive press enthusiastically showed their approval upon the Volt's introduction and hung around for the good part of an hour pumping Lutz with questions.
A straight shooter, Lutz opened his remarks with "Well, here it is-the Chevrolet Volt. An electrically driven car by General Motors. I am shocked, truly shocked."
"We knew this idea would be hot," remarked Karla Coleman, Manager of Communications for GM Design. "But not that hot!"
Powered by the E-flex concept, GM's next generation electric propulsion system, Chevrolet Volt is a battery powered four-passenger electric vehicle that uses a gas engine to create electricity to extend its range.
Starting with the EV-1 technology in 1996 (and then killing it), GM has brought to the Volt what was missing in the first generation of electric vehicles: wider range, more passenger and luggage room, more power, etc.
With the E-flex concept electricity can be produced from gasoline, ethanol, bio-diesel and hydrogen. The Volt can be fully charged by plugging it into a 110-volt outlet for about six hours a day. When fully charged the lithium-ion battery can deliver 40 mpg. When depleted, a 1-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine constantly spins to create electricity to replenish the battery that in turn, increases economy and range.
The beauty of the E-flex System is its variety, whether it is powering the Volt with a hydrogen-powered fuel cell, the use of a diesel engine to drive the generator to create electricity, using bio-diesel, or a 100 percent ethanol configuration.
According to Bob Lutz, "more than half of all Americans live within 20 miles of where they work. They might never burn a drop of gas," claims Lutz, "during the life of the car." Volt is the first variant of the E-flex System and uses a large battery and small 1-liter turbocharged gas engine to produce enough electricity to go up to 640 miles.
The design team that created the Volt was led by Anne Asensio, Executive Director of GM Design. Designs were contributed from all 11 GM design studios around the world. The team's job, said Asensio, was to "design a vehicle people could easily imagine: Realistic, executable and carry the essence of the Chevrolet brand."
Through participation in GM's diversity Behind the Wheel panel discussion we had the pleasure of talking with the five key interior and exterior designers of the Volt. A diverse group themselves, each brings a wealth of experience, vision and passion to this exciting project. The design team melds perfectly and all are car lovers/designers who represent such diverse parts of the world as Korea, France, Africa, Argentina and the U.S.
The Chevy Volt can also run on E85 fuel blend which is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Using E85 with fuel economy of 15 mpg. could translate into more than 525 miles per gallon.
What makes the Volt concept a reality is a large lithium-ion battery. It is the only development holding back this initiative, thus far. This type of vehicle referred to as an "EV range-extender" would require a battery pack weighing close to 400 pounds. Such a battery is not yet available but GM has made a commitment with two suppliers to design one they hope will be in production by 2010 or 2012.
Today, there are more than 800 million cars and trucks in the world. In 15 years, the number will be 1.1 billion. Right now we are 98 percent dependent on oil to meet our transportation needs.
A truly unique vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt concept sedan will meet the needs of tomorrow's vehicles that need to be developed with a new propulsion architecture-electricity-in mind.
| Chevrolet
Volt Concept Specs |
GM also introduced its new Equinox Sport compact, an additional edition with a sports package. Never tried before in an SUV, Equinox Sport gets a "SS" designation. "Stop-Go-and Turn" are the criteria a vehicle must meet to be bestowed with the "SS" logo. For the person who wants the utility of an SUV, but the spark to get up and go, the Equinox Sport has a 3.6-liter, 260 horsepower engine with 250 lbs. ft. torque, a 5-speed and sport-tuned suspension, tuned exhaust and 18-inch wheels and tires. Zero-to-60 mph in under 6 seconds makes for oe fast sport ute.
GM took off the roof rack on the base Equinox and lowered the car, added rocker mouldings and graced it with a speedo of 140 mph. Supportive leather seating fills out the interior and the second row of seating slides forward and back.
GM also picked up North American Truck of the Year and North American Car of the Year Awards for the re-done Chevrolet Silverado and new Saturn Aura. GM's effort in revitalizing their brands is particularly obvious when considering what Saturn has coming up the pipeline. Saturn reunions, of sorts are still held and in Columbus, Ohio one dealer recently hosted 7,000 Saturn owners. The spring will bring the hybrid version of the Aura, making it even more versatile.