Thursday, June 16, 2016

The 2017 Volt Pushes the Limits

Chevrolet met with Executive Chief Engineer Pamela Fletcher and Executive Director of Global Design John Cafaro to discuss the innovative engineering and design of the all-new 2017 Volt. Fletcher explains some of the break-throughs of the new model, saying that they’ve increased the vehicle’s range to 53 miles of pure electric range and added a Voltec propulsion system which optimizes each motors’ power and efficiency. The Volt, an electric vehicle with a gas generator, now has a range of 420 miles without having to stop and to plug it in. The new model weighs 230 pounds less than the original, and it is equipped with a new battery cell that delivers 20 percent more energy by volume.

In terms of exterior design, Cafaro says that they went with an exciting, sleek look for this four-door sedan. After 340 hours of testing and refining the new dynamic design in a wind tunnel, he calls the result “eco with attitude.” The interior has been updated with richer materials, and is equipped with Apple CarPlay TM3 capability, which allows access to select iPhone® apps on the Volt’s Chevrolet MyLink touch-screen. Additionally, only the 2017 model features Android Auto TM3 technology, allowing even more access to select phone apps.

Jim Butler Chevrolet expects the new model to push the limits even further than its predecessor. The 2017 Volt will be available at dealerships later this year.