Chevrolet Volt 0-60 Times

About Chevrolet Volt

The Chevrolet Volt is a hybrid car manufactured by General Motors. Designed by Bob Boniface, it is called the Holden Volt in Australia, the Vauxhall Ampera in the United Kingdom, and the Opel Ampera in the rest of Europe.

The car is a relatively new model, having been rolled out in 2011. It operates as a pure electric vehicle until its battery runs out of power, or after covering about 30 to 40 miles. Once the battery gets depleted, there is an internal combustion engine that powers the electric generator to extend the range of the car.

The Volt is an attractive option for motorists who like the idea of driving an electric car but are wary that they may get stranded somewhere with a dead battery.

The Volt is primed to give the Prius a run for its money.

Specs

Here are the specs of the latest Chevrolet Volt:

• AC synchronous electric motor/generator
• Battery pack: 17.1 kWh lithium-ion
• Engine: 1.4 liter inline-4 (which drives only the generator)
• Power: 149 horsepower at 4,800 rpm
• Torque: 273 pound-feet at 4,800 rpm
• Fuel Economy ratings: 94 mpg (all electric), 35 mpg/40 mpg (on gasoline engine/generator)
• MSRP: $35,000

Performance

The AC synchronous electric motor/generator is the main engine of the Volt, capable of producing 149 horsepower and 273 pound feet of torque. Once the battery has been depleted, the 1.4 liter, inline-4 cylinder gasoline acts as the range extender. According to Chevrolet the gasoline engine can extend the range of the Volt up to 380 miles

You will have to wait around 16 hours to recharge the battery on a 110V house current or around four hours on a 240V dedicated unit. There are four operating modes to choose from—normal, sport for enhanced acceleration, mountain for steep grades and hold if you wish to use the gas engine only.

The Chevy Volt is a car that’s fun to drive, something that can’t be said for most hybrid cars. Ride is smooth and quiet especially if it is on an all-electric mode. There’s enough thrust to push you into your seats as the car silently moves to speeds of more than 50 miles per hour. There’s no engine noise, and power steering feels responsive.

It should be noted, however, that the claimed 38 mile range of the Volt when on all electric mode would depend on how much pressure you put on the pedal.

Exterior and Interior

It’s no secret that the Volt is ranged against the Toyota Prius which is universally acknowledged to be the best hybrid car in the world. Chevrolet’s design team had to come up with a design for the Volt that is aerodynamically efficient as the Prius, but without copying the design of the Toyota hybrid car.

The team did well as it was able to design the Volt in such a way that it won’t be mistaken for a Prius. There’s the signature grille design of Chevy up front, with creased fenders and a wide body. The rear fenders and rear hatch spoiler help the car slice through the wind, making the Volt perhaps the best aerodynamic car in GM history.

There are a lot more things to get excited about the Volt when you get inside the car. There are futuristic-looking controls which are arranged conventionally and a couple of seven-inch LCD screens. One of the screens replaces the instrument cluster while the other is for monitoring electric motor and battery. The layout of the buttons is conventional and easy to find. Plus, there’s enough space behind the rear seats which can only sit two adults.

Standard equipment includes touch-sensitive controls for climate and audio control, cruise control, keyless access, touch screen audio system with USB and Bluetooth integration and 17 inch wheels.

There are four option packages for the Volt. The Premium Trim includes heated leather seats while the two other packages are for safety adding a rear parking assist and rear view camera, as well as collision warning systems and front parking assist.

Safety

Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes, electronic traction and stability control, cruise control and eight airbags.

The Volt is a top safety pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and got a five star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Price

The MSRP of the Volt is around $35,000. As usual, adding packages would boost its price. For instance adding navigation, leather seats, rearview camera and Bose audio could increase your bill to $40,000. Of course, you can get back your money with the savings you’ll get from owning this hybrid car.

The Prius may still be considered as the king of hybrid cars but the Chevy Volt is closing the gap. Don’t be surprised if the Volt will become the prime choice of commuters in the coming years.

For more information about the Chevy Volt, visit the official Chevrolet website.