Bring on the future! :w00t:
http://hothardware.com/news/gm-takes-fight-to-tesla-with-30k-200-mile-bolt-ev-concept
QuoteGM Takes Fight To Tesla With $30k, 200-Mile Bolt EV Concept
It's on now! Companies like Ford, Chevrolet, and Nissan have been shoving electric vehicles down our throats for the past few years. However, the Focus Electric, Spark EV, and Nissan Leaf can only travel 80 to 90 miles on a charge before they run out of juice. While that may be enough for those that simply commute to work or putter around town, many people with "range anxiety" want a bit more reserve power for longer trips, and vehicles like the Tesla Model S are simply way out of the price range of average Americans.
That's where the Chevrolet Bolt comes in, which is the next logical step past the Chevrolet Volt (even the second generation model) and Spark EV. Shown today in concept form, the Bolt represents GM's best effort yet in making EVs appealing to a mass market. Unlike the Spark EV, which is only available in California and Oregon, the Bolt will be available for purchase in all 50 states. And whereas the Spark EV has a driving range of 82 miles, the Bolt will be able to travel 200 miles on a charge.
Although the Bolt is being shown only in concept form at this time, many of the features shown will likely make the transition to the production model (although some will likely be including in pricey option packages). The dashboard is dominated by a central, 10-inch touch screen display that manages MyLink infotainment duties, while energy efficient LEDs used for both the headlights and the taillights. Interestingly, drivers will be able to use their smartphones as the vehicle's key fob, and ride-sharing functionality will be built-in (including reservation management, vehicle location, digital key, and payment processing via a Bolt EV Connect smartphone app). GM is also working to deliver an automated "park-and-retrieval" system similar in concept to the i3 EV ActiveAssist technology we've seen from BMW.
"We have made tremendous strides in technologies that make it easier and more affordable for Chevrolet customers to integrate an all-electric vehicle in their daily lives," said Barra. "The Bolt EV concept demonstrates General Motors' commitment to electrification and the capabilities of our advanced EV technology."
I have to admit, the Bolt is extremely attractive to my eyes, if a bit on the cutesy side. It manages to avoid the oddball looks of the Spark EV and Leaf while still looking a bit futuristic. I could also easily see it replacing one of our two vehicles, as the 200-mile range is plenty for us for city travel and enough to make occasional longer trips within the state.
The Bolt is expected to launch — in production form — during 2017, at which time it will face stiff pressure from Tesla's upcoming Model III. However, the Bolt will be priced at around $37,500, dropping to an even $30,000 after a federal tax credit. The Model III, on the other hand, will be priced at between $35,000 to $40,000 after federal tax credit.
Except it's GM, so it'll probably be garbage, and dangerous to the driver.
Damn. That is an ugly car. Of course we're talking about the company that made that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...
Is US$30k cheaper or more expensive than a similar sized car that runs on petroleum? :unsure:
Quote from: Iormlund on January 13, 2015, 11:22:19 PM
Damn. That is an ugly car. Of course we're talking about the company that made that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...
Yeah that is terrible. I noticed that they tend to have an issue when the real car comes out. I remember liking the original Chevy Volt concept (but actual car looked like a sad version of modern Civics) and same with the PT Cruiser (which as the actual car makes my skin crawl whenever I see one -_-).
Quote from: Iormlund on January 13, 2015, 11:22:19 PM
that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...
Something needed to complete the holy lesbian trinity with Mazda Miatas and Chrysler Seabring convertibles.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 13, 2015, 11:28:29 PM
Is US$30k cheaper or more expensive than a similar sized car that runs on petroleum? :unsure:
Well, size isn't the only thing that determines price, even just sticking to conventionally powered cars.
That said, I'd call that a compact car, and yeah, $30,000 is a pretty high price for a compact.
GM has a great history of electric cars.
http://www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com/ (http://www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com/)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Killed_the_Electric_Car%3F (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Killed_the_Electric_Car%3F)
QuoteThe film deals with the history of the electric car, its modern development, and commercialization. The film focuses primarily on the General Motors EV1, which was made available for lease mainly in Southern California, after the California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed the Zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate in 1990 which required the seven major automobile suppliers in the United States to offer electric vehicles in order to continue sales of their gasoline powered vehicles in California. Nearly 5000 electric cars were designed and manufactured by GM, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, and Chrysler; and then later destroyed or donated to museums and educational institutions. Also discussed are the implications of the events depicted for air pollution, oil dependency, Middle East politics, and global warming.
The film details the California Air Resources Board's reversal of the mandate after relentless pressure and suits from automobile manufacturers, continual pressure from the oil industry, orchestrated hype over a future hydrogen car, and finally the George W. Bush administration.
A portion of the film details GM's efforts to demonstrate to California that there was no consumer demand for their product, and then to take back every EV1 and destroy them. A few were disabled and given to museums and universities, but almost all were found to have been crushed. GM never responded to the EV drivers' offer to pay the residual lease value ($1.9 million was offered for the remaining 78 cars in Burbank before they were crushed). Several activists, including actresses Alexandra Paul and Colette Divine, were arrested in the protest that attempted to block the GM car carriers taking the remaining EV1s off to be crushed.
Under some government policy, most public car parks have spaces put aside for electric vehicles to park and charge for free. I've only ever seen one used.
Quote from: Iormlund on January 13, 2015, 11:22:19 PM
Damn. That is an ugly car. Of course we're talking about the company that made that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...
I own a PT Cruiser which I adore and I bought because it looks so 50s American :lol:
Is it GM over there? It's branded Chrysler over here :unsure:
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 06:53:09 AM
Quote from: Iormlund on January 13, 2015, 11:22:19 PM
Damn. That is an ugly car. Of course we're talking about the company that made that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...
I own a PT Cruiser which I adore and I bought because it looks so 50s American :lol:
Is it GM over there? It's branded Chrysler over here :unsure:
It's a Chrysler.
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 06:53:09 AMI own a PT Cruiser which I adore and I bought because it looks so 50s American :lol:
I've heard a couple people say precisely the same thing about Minis, they look 50s British. :D
Unfortunately, most Mini drivers here are unconscionable assholes. Lots of Martinus types.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2015, 08:13:56 AM
I've heard a couple people say precisely the same thing about Minis, they look 50s British. :D
Unfortunately, most Mini drivers here are unconscionable assholes. Lots of Martinus types.
It's a full foot taller than British cars so I never lose it in car parks, plus it has American luxuries like more more cup holders than passengers, cruise control and heated seats. Unfortunately it also boasts the turning circle of an aircraft carrier rendering it entirely unsuitable to British multi-storey car parks :P
I was going to ask you how it parks over there in Oompa Loompa Land, but I thought better of it. :lol:
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 08:24:50 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2015, 08:13:56 AM
I've heard a couple people say precisely the same thing about Minis, they look 50s British. :D
Unfortunately, most Mini drivers here are unconscionable assholes. Lots of Martinus types.
It's a full foot taller than British cars so I never lose it in car parks, plus it has American luxuries like more more cup holders than passengers, cruise control and heated seats. Unfortunately it also boasts the turning circle of an aircraft carrier rendering it entirely unsuitable to British multi-storey car parks :P
My Jag has cruise control and heated seats. Only 4 cup holders tho.
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 06:53:09 AM
Quote from: Iormlund on January 13, 2015, 11:22:19 PM
Damn. That is an ugly car. Of course we're talking about the company that made that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...
I own a PT Cruiser which I adore and I bought because it looks so 50s American :lol:
Well that was supposed to be the appeal but then they failed in final execution. :(
Also :console:
I watched too many ZZ Top videos :cry:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcoolrain44.files.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fzztop-hot-rod.jpg%253Fw%253D468&hash=85e0416dc6178db7b3e6db5f15ef60e87f61f169)
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.honestjohn.co.uk%2Fimagecache%2Ffile%2Fwidth%2F640%2Fmedia%2F5098511%2FChrysler%2520PT%2520Cruiser%2520%285%29.jpg&hash=4493e6e398e14944a6b2d56367c99e45c461cfa3)
Indistinguishable, amiright?
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 09:26:21 AM
Indistinguishable, amiright?
Sadly no.
The different concepts looked kinda fun. Though in retrospect I like them less than I did as a young teen in '98/'99. :blush:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moparwiki.com%2Fimages%2Fb%2Fb1%2F1997pronto.jpg&hash=06a437fe70edfdfab1aaf852deeacc495b229508)
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moparwiki.com%2Fimages%2F6%2F65%2F1998ProntoCruiser.jpg&hash=762046ad39180cc25aeef8ce8fe00c7f385be955)
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 09:26:21 AM
I watched too many ZZ Top videos :cry:
Unscrew the hood (bonnet :secret:) and you can pretend you're in American Graffiti.
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 08:24:50 AM
It's a full foot taller than British cars so I never lose it in car parks, plus it has American luxuries like more more cup holders than passengers, cruise control and heated seats. Unfortunately it also boasts the turning circle of an aircraft carrier rendering it entirely unsuitable to British multi-storey car parks :P
Lol on the turning radius comment, but a pretty cool car and retro looks like you say. :)
Quote from: Neil on January 13, 2015, 11:12:06 PM
Except it's GM, so it'll probably be garbage, and dangerous to the driver.
they make better cars than the Germans and better trucks than Wannabe Germans of Daimler-Chrysler.
Next car will be a Cadillac. I'm done with outdated tech at inflated price.
Quote from: viper37 on January 14, 2015, 04:28:46 PM
Next car will be a Cadillac. I'm done with outdated tech at inflated price.
:unsure:
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2015, 08:13:56 AM
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 06:53:09 AMI own a PT Cruiser which I adore and I bought because it looks so 50s American :lol:
I've heard a couple people say precisely the same thing about Minis, they look 50s British. :D
Unfortunately, most Mini drivers here are unconscionable assholes. Lots of Martinus types.
Hey!
I have a Jaguar. :bowler:
Quote from: viper37 on January 14, 2015, 04:28:46 PM
Quote from: Neil on January 13, 2015, 11:12:06 PM
Except it's GM, so it'll probably be garbage, and dangerous to the driver.
they make better cars than the Germans and better trucks than Wannabe Germans of Daimler-Chrysler.
Next car will be a Cadillac. I'm done with outdated tech at inflated price.
There hasn't been a Daimler-Chrysler since 2007. Chrysler is owned by Fiat since 2009.
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 06:51:06 AM
Under some government policy, most public car parks have spaces put aside for electric vehicles to park and charge for free. I've only ever seen one used.
My company decided to do the same in the parking lot, with free electricity. The parking lot is now full of nissan leafs.
Quote from: alfred russel on January 14, 2015, 06:59:17 PM
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 06:51:06 AM
Under some government policy, most public car parks have spaces put aside for electric vehicles to park and charge for free. I've only ever seen one used.
My company decided to do the same in the parking lot, with free electricity. The parking lot is now full of nissan leafs.
:cool:
Progress.
edit:Both of those GMs are butt ugly cars.
Quote from: garbon on January 14, 2015, 09:10:04 AM
Quote from: Brazen on January 14, 2015, 06:53:09 AM
I own a PT Cruiser which I adore and I bought because it looks so 50s American :lol:
Well that was supposed to be the appeal but then they failed in final execution. :(
The Chevy HHR is actually a lot more 50s looking than the PT Cruiser, but not in a good way, unfortunately.
The last 35 or so years, whenever GM takes a risk styling-wise, it ends badly. OTOH, when they play it safe, the results end up "meh" at best. Nothing in their current lineup really appeals to me as far as styling goes.
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 07:11:12 PM
Nothing in their current lineup really appeals to me as far as styling goes.
They try, they really do.
I
wanted to like the Camaro redesign when it was reintroduced a couple years ago; it's mean, it's got heft. But yet, it can't help but scream woo-doggies white trash. Same goes for the Dodge Challenger. Yeah, I went there, Ed. It's a Cootermobile.
Only the Ford Mustang manages to avoid it, and even that depends on the package.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2015, 07:19:54 PM
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 07:11:12 PM
Nothing in their current lineup really appeals to me as far as styling goes.
They try, they really do.
I wanted to like the Camaro redesign when it was reintroduced a couple years ago; it's mean, it's got heft. But yet, it can't help but scream woo-doggies white trash. Same goes for the Dodge Challenger. Yeah, I went there, Ed. It's a Cootermobile.
Only the Ford Mustang manages to avoid it, and even that depends on the package.
Ford seems to dimly remember that pony cars are supposed to be relatively small but pack powerful engines. GM has completely forgotten that, and I'm not sure Chrysler ever understood the concept in the first place.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2015, 07:19:54 PM
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 07:11:12 PM
Nothing in their current lineup really appeals to me as far as styling goes.
They try, they really do.
I wanted to like the Camaro redesign when it was reintroduced a couple years ago; it's mean, it's got heft. But yet, it can't help but scream woo-doggies white trash. Same goes for the Dodge Challenger. Yeah, I went there, Ed. It's a Cootermobile.
Only the Ford Mustang manages to avoid it, and even that depends on the package.
HEY NOW
This thread reminds me of an experiment. Somebody borrowed a Lamborghini, and asked young women who were complete strangers and appeared to be single to get on the car in Hong Kong. 7 out of 8 attempts were successful, and some of the women even agreed to go to the male driver's home.
When he repeated the same experiment with a Toyota, the success rate became 0 out of 8.
That's why guys want good looking cars, I guess.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2015, 07:40:28 PM
That's why guys want good looking cars, I guess.
Yes, it's unfortunate that material shallowness is universal, and not limited to one gender.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2015, 07:42:39 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2015, 07:40:28 PM
That's why guys want good looking cars, I guess.
Yes, it's unfortunate that material shallowness is universal, and not limited to one gender.
:yes:
I consider owning a Prius to be a deal breaker.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2015, 07:40:28 PM
This thread reminds me of an experiment. Somebody borrowed a Lamborghini, and asked young women who were complete strangers and appeared to be single to get on the car in Hong Kong. 7 out of 8 attempts were successful, and some of the women even agreed to go to the male driver's home.
When he repeated the same experiment with a Toyota, the success rate became 0 out of 8.
That's why guys want good looking cars, I guess.
I'm guessing it has something to do with the prices of the two cars.
Last Saturday I went in to the office to work with the accountants on YE close. All of our cars were parked in a row and their were four Accords (including mine), two Maximas, a Camry, and a Volvo S60. :boring:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 14, 2015, 07:50:06 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2015, 07:40:28 PM
This thread reminds me of an experiment. Somebody borrowed a Lamborghini, and asked young women who were complete strangers and appeared to be single to get on the car in Hong Kong. 7 out of 8 attempts were successful, and some of the women even agreed to go to the male driver's home.
When he repeated the same experiment with a Toyota, the success rate became 0 out of 8.
That's why guys want good looking cars, I guess.
I'm guessing it has something to do with the prices of the two cars.
I kind of doubt that's the major difference. A Honda Accord is actually a more expensive car than a Ford Mustang, but I'd bet you could get a lot more chicks to get in the car with you driving the Mustang than driving the Accord.
Are we talking a Mustang or a Shelby Mustang GT here?
Quote from: Caliga on January 14, 2015, 08:32:11 PM
Are we talking a Mustang or a Shelby Mustang GT here?
Base Mustang. MSRP starts at $23,800. I was a bit wrong about the Accord being more expensive, though--the MSRP on the base Accord is $22,195, which still puts it at roughly the same price. I had looked at the MSRP on the Accord Hybrid before, which is $29,305. Still I think you'd get more women into the car with a base Mustang than with the Accord. And with the Accord, I don't think you'd get more chicks by paying extra to have the hybrid (different chicks, maybe, but not more in terms of numbers).
Incidentally, I do remember reading somewhere about a guy and his buddy who both had Mustangs. One had a V-6, the other had a V-8. They did some experiments to see who could pick up more chicks, and there was no difference, because there weren't really any easily noticed external differences in the appearance of the two cars.
Oh they finally brought the Accord Hybrid back? Did they straighten out the issues that made it no better than buying the standard Accord (and more expensive to boot)?
Quote from: garbon on January 14, 2015, 09:00:44 PM
Oh they finally brought the Accord Hybrid back? Did they straighten out the issues that made it no better than buying the standard Accord (and more expensive to boot)?
No idea. Well, as posted above, it's certainly still more expensive, but I don't know about the other issues.
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 09:10:36 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 14, 2015, 09:00:44 PM
Oh they finally brought the Accord Hybrid back? Did they straighten out the issues that made it no better than buying the standard Accord (and more expensive to boot)?
No idea. Well, as posted above, it's certainly still more expensive, but I don't know about the other issues.
Looks like it came back last year - was withdrawn from US after 2007 model.
Honda has been dinged a lot for having ridiculously exaggerated fuel economy. As I recall, 2007 Accord drivers were getting just as good (or very close to similar) gas mileage as those with non-hybrid.
Quote from: garbon on January 14, 2015, 09:20:36 PM
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 09:10:36 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 14, 2015, 09:00:44 PM
Oh they finally brought the Accord Hybrid back? Did they straighten out the issues that made it no better than buying the standard Accord (and more expensive to boot)?
No idea. Well, as posted above, it's certainly still more expensive, but I don't know about the other issues.
Looks like it came back last year - was withdrawn from US after 2007 model.
Honda has been dinged a lot for having ridiculously exaggerated fuel economy. As I recall, 2007 Accord drivers were getting just as good (or very close to similar) gas mileage as those with non-hybrid.
According to their website, the hybrid gets 50 mpg in city driving, while the standard Accord get 36 on the highway. Frankly, I'm skeptical about the 39 mpg highway figure in real-word driving, but have no idea about the hybrid.
Obviously, I've not been posting everything in this thread from memory; I've been looking at a lot of car company websites. And now I want a new car, but it's not in the budget this year.
I like our Altima, but I wish my mom had taken my advice and just bought an older used car for cash instead of taking on the payments for the Altima. She didn't even get that good of a deal on it. Normally, she's a tough negotiator with the dealerships, which is a big part of the reason I let her handle it herself--in the past she's gotten better deals than I've ever gotten, except the first Focus I bought for aa, and the only reason I got such a good deal then was because I really, really didn't want to take on any more debt at the time and started to walk out about 4 times. Frankly, I'm still amazed that they gave me credit in the first place, under the circumstances.
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 08:00:56 PM
I kind of doubt that's the major difference. A Honda Accord is actually a more expensive car than a Ford Mustang, but I'd bet you could get a lot more chicks to get in the car with you driving the Mustang than driving the Accord.
Of course they'd get in the Mustang, because the Mustang is a chick car. If you're a guy driving one, you're either driving your girl's car, or you're putting off a serious non-threatening homo vibe.
Quote from: Neil on January 14, 2015, 09:32:58 PM
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 08:00:56 PM
I kind of doubt that's the major difference. A Honda Accord is actually a more expensive car than a Ford Mustang, but I'd bet you could get a lot more chicks to get in the car with you driving the Mustang than driving the Accord.
Of course they'd get in the Mustang, because the Mustang is a chick car. If you're a guy driving one, you're either driving your girl's car, or you're putting off a serious non-threatening homo vibe.
No, you've got it backwards. They won't get into the Accord, because if a guy's driving one, it says, "Unhappily married, but too wimpy to actually ever leave his wife for you".
This is a good move by GM. Glad to see someone pulling off building an electric car like this. 30k is a bit pricey for a small car but it's not a bad price compared to some of the mid level type cars. Besides, with such battery mileage it'll pay for the price difference a lot sooner. I would think this car will sell well, especially if/when oil prices go up, but it still seems a decent deal with low gas prices, especially obviously for people wanting to lessen their use of fossil fuel.
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 09:40:03 PM
No, you've got it backwards. They won't get into the Accord, because if a guy's driving one, it says, "Unhappily married, but too wimpy to actually ever leave his wife for you".
Child seat and sippy cups in the back are a real downer, too.
*decides not to mention he has a used Accord*
Quote from: Martinus on January 14, 2015, 04:37:40 PM
Hey!
I have a Jaguar. :bowler:
Not all Martinus types make as much as you do.
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 09:40:03 PM
No, you've got it backwards. They won't get into the Accord, because if a guy's driving one, it says, "Unhappily married, but too wimpy to actually ever leave his wife for you".
I drive an Accord :bowler:
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 09:40:03 PM
No, you've got it backwards. They won't get into the Accord, because if a guy's driving one, it says, "Unhappily married, but too wimpy to actually ever leave his wife for you".
:Embarrass:
Quote from: Monoriu on January 14, 2015, 07:40:28 PM
This thread reminds me of an experiment. Somebody borrowed a Lamborghini, and asked young women who were complete strangers and appeared to be single to get on the car in Hong Kong. 7 out of 8 attempts were successful, and some of the women even agreed to go to the male driver's home.
When he repeated the same experiment with a Toyota, the success rate became 0 out of 8.
That's why guys want good looking cars, I guess.
I think this should be conducted with a larger sample size, and be part of the standard car ratings required by the government. It could go on the sticker with the MPG. "Success Rating" as a percent chance of picking up young women for an average looking guy.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2015, 09:52:35 PM
Quote from: dps on January 14, 2015, 09:40:03 PM
No, you've got it backwards. They won't get into the Accord, because if a guy's driving one, it says, "Unhappily married, but too wimpy to actually ever leave his wife for you".
Child seat and sippy cups in the back are a real downer, too.
Bullshit. Nothing says "I'm a real man" like driving a Rav4 around town with three child seats, complete with sippy cups and crushed crackers on the floor.
Quote from: Barrister on January 14, 2015, 05:23:21 PM
There hasn't been a Daimler-Chrysler since 2007. Chrysler is owned by Fiat since 2009.
Doesn't matter, the trucks are the same shit they were, can't pull anything more than a car trailer with that.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 14, 2015, 07:19:54 PM
They try, they really do.
I wanted to like the Camaro redesign when it was reintroduced a couple years ago; it's mean, it's got heft. But yet, it can't help but scream woo-doggies white trash. Same goes for the Dodge Challenger. Yeah, I went there, Ed. It's a Cootermobile.
Only the Ford Mustang manages to avoid it, and even that depends on the package.
I didn't like the new Camaro at first, but then I started watching Hawaii 5-0 and it hit me how great this car is ;)
Seriously, it just grew on me over time, but I think look-wise, the Mustang is better. Don't think I'll ever buy a Ford though. Anyway, it's not like there's a dealer near where I live anymore, so I'm not repeating the same mistake twice.