2011 Chevrolet Volt awarded 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year

November 16, 2010 Omar Rana 2011, Chevrolet Volt, Compact Cars, electric-cars, electric-vehicles, plug-in hybrids

2011 Chevrolet Volt named Motor Trend's 2011 Car of the Year

Motor Trend magazine today announced that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt is its 2011 Motor Trend Car of Year. Surprised? We are a little to but check hear out what Motor Trend has to say…

“We expected a science experiment, but this is a moon shot,” Motor Trend editors wrote for the January 2011 issue. “The Volt delivers on the promise of the vehicle concept as originally outlined by GM, combining the smooth, silent, efficient, low-emissions capability of an electric motor with the range and flexibility of an internal combustion engine. It is a fully functional, no-compromise compact automobile that offers consumers real benefits in terms of lower running costs.”

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

The Motor Trend Car of the Year award was presented to Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman for Global Product Operations, at the General Motors wind tunnel in Warren, Mich.

“Chevrolet is truly honored to receive one of the world”s most coveted automotive awards,” said Stephens. “The Volt team has worked under extraordinary circumstances to produce this breakthrough vehicle.”

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. The system puts out 149-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 4 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 10-12 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries an 84-hp 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 310 miles. Prices for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt start at $41,000 but with a full federal income tax credit (which range from $0 to $7,500), the Volt can cost a total of $33,500.