Production Volt Images Released Ahead of Schedule

Volt Photos

GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz wants the Volt today, as do Chevy dealers and a lot of prospective buyers. (Photo: GM)

Was the early release of these photos with the Volt's engineers, designers and GM's executive team, really a mistake? (Photo: GM)

Attitudes toward the Volt's styling are mixed. (Photo: GM)

If the Prius can be a runaway success, the Volt should be even more popular if priced right. (Photo: GM)

Skeptical? Many are questioning General Motors’ stated mistake made Monday, when someone within the company released high resolution photos of the long anticipated Volt via the company’s press site. GM comments that it was “human error”, as reported in yesterday’s Detroit News, but nevertheless has somehow managed to not only scoop headlines with the release of the photos, but get the press talking even longer about the company’s misstep.

“I think they’re getting very good at playing the game of public relations,” said Marty Padgett, editor of thecarconnection.com which found the photos on the press site and was first to release them. “Everyone is interested (in the Volt), so why not let some teases float out there?”

The Volt, an extended-range electric vehicle that can use a conventional gasoline or diesel engine, or for that matter a fuel cell to power a generator that will recharge its batteries on the fly, works like a reverse plug-in hybrid. Unlike a regular hybrid, owners will be able to recharge the Volt’s lithium-ion battery pack via a 110-volt outlet at home or the office, and afterwards travel up to 40 miles solely on electric propulsion.

For obvious reasons the sporty little coupe caused quite a stir when first appearing at Detroit’s 2007 auto show, and by allowing images to surface prior to a major auto show is shaking things up again, whether staged or truly accidental.

“Those were put up in error and taken down quickly thereafter,” stated Chevrolet spokesman Terry Rhadigan. “It was not intentional.”

The photos were actually supposed to be released much before November’s Los Angeles auto show or Detroit’s January event, at GM’s 100th anniversary celebrations next week. Either way, the error sheds some positive press on an automaker mired in red ink, and creates a pleasant segue to next week’s party.

Interestingly, the photos showed GM engineers and executives responsible for the project, including VC Bob Lutz.

So what has the reaction to the car been? Initially the concept version of the Volt experienced close to unanimous support from auto journalists and enthusiasts for its engineering and styling, although the feelings expressed by thecarconnection.com readers were mixed about styling. Some felt the production version was “watered down” while others loved the look.

“This car went from super cool… to super lame Prius wanna-be,” one reader commented, while another opined, “The original Volt concept looked futuristic for futuristic’s sake. This one looks like an actual car that will get GM to the forefront of next-gen automotive innovation.”

Further down the stream of comments a reader writes, “When I first saw the teaser shots, I thought it was going to be a Cobalt with a little more style… now I see it looks way better. Nice character lines and although I’d have to see the black rear portion in person (that may be a questionable design choice), I think it looks great. If it can deliver on the stated MPG and performance, I say hats off to GM.”

A less positive comment reads, “Well it looks like another ugly GREEN car. I don’t understand why all car manufacturers make the good gas mileage cars so ugly and the Prius is the all time ugliest car ever. I will never drive one till they start making them look good.”

This reader is probably right on the mark, saying, “I don’t think the styling is really going to matter that much. As long as it pleases the ‘green is more important’ crowd, then it will do well. The vehicle itself offers a lot to a lot of people, so as long as the performance of fuel economy is there, fit and finish is import like, and driving it is easy and pleasurable enough… GM will do well.”

The following posts will make GM and its Chevy dealers happier still: “This is one of the most aerodynamic shapes there is while still offering decent interior room. It’s still more stylish than the Prius or new Honda Insight…”, and, “Well, it’s way better looking than the Prius. Whoever thought the Volt would look like the concept is out of their minds.” And most positive of all, “Me want. Me want NOW…” and “When can we buy it? Can’t wait!”

Whether these photos are of the final production car or not, GM will begin production at its Hamtramck assembly plant in late 2010 with deliveries to customers taking place shortly thereafter.