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2011 Chevrolet Volt

Chevrolet has certainly generated a lot of buzz around the Volt, having produced a vehicle that could go 40 miles without burning a single drop of gasoline. Though GM was able to achieve this feat, it came at a price. Though GM wasn’t so quick to announce it; their just-released standard equipment sheet shows that the gasoline powered range extender on the Volt, requires premium fuel.

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This seems extremely off, for lack of a better term, considering the modest size and power of the range extender; 1.4L and 74hp respectively. When one considers the fact that Chevy already had to play come-from-behind with the Prius, requiring premium fuel seems little more than thoughtless.

GM also announced pricing for the premium-sipping Volt yesterday. With a full federal tax credit (which can be anywhere from $0 to $7,500), the $41,000 Volt could wind up costing the consumer as little as $33,500. GM will also offer a lease program on the Volt with a monthly payment of $350 for 36 months with $2,500 due at lease signing.

Click here to read our first drive impressions of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is powered by 16-kWh, “T”-shaped lithium-ion battery that powers the electric drive unit, which allows it to drive 40 miles on battery power alone. According to GM’s preliminary specs, the system puts out 150-hp and a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft, allowing the Volt to go from 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 100 mph. The battery can be re-charged by plugging into a household outlet and takes less than 3 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 8 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries a 1.4 4-clyinder engine that allows the five-door, FWD sedan to travel additional miles while averaging a fuel-economy of 50 mpg. A fully charged battery and full tank of gas will allow the Volt to travel 300 miles.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: The Truth About Cars