Tag Archives: Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept
Among the biggest automakers, the daddy brand General Motors, revealed another of its take on the hybrid MPV Concept when it presented to the world, the Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept in the Beijing Auto Show, 2010. The five seater vehicle is an MPV featuring Volt’s platform along with an enhanced powertrain. This is an addition to a lot of different versions of Volt that have been put forward by the General Motors. One version of the Volt, custom made for Europe called the Opel Ampera has already hit production. Another version was presented as a concept from the baby brand Cadillac, called the Converj. Then the theme behind the Chevrolet Volt was sprinkled over with some sportiness and the outcome was the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept. Now that brand has come up with a version of the Volt that is more of a family vehicle.
Just like all the other hybrid vehicles that are on a rage these days, the Chevrolet Volt MPV5’s engine is also a combination of an electric motor backed by a battery. Under the hood, the MPV5 houses an electric motor that is good for producing 150 ponies and impressive 370 pound feet of torque. The numbers are on par with a vehicle in this niche. The motor is backed up by a lithium ion battery. The T-shaped battery supplies 16 kWh to the motor. All of the thrust provided to the vehicle is the sole input from the electric motor. The gasoline engine of capacity 1.4 liter exists onboard. However, the purpose of this engine is restricted only to generate electricity after the batteries retire. The brand claims that the Chevrolet Volt MPV5 possesses an all electric range of about 32 miles while sporting and all gasoline engine range of 300 miles. Plugging in an MPV5 to a regular household supply of 120 volts, fully charges up the Volt MPV5 in more or less eight hours. However, a 240 volt outlet reduces the time by four hours. This minivan, after taking a stroll of about five minutes, reaches a top speed of 100 mph.
There is a clear glimpse of Volt Sedan when you check out the interiors and exteriors of the Chevrolet Volt MPV5. The understate grille and the bumper are so Volt that it is next to impossible to miss the resemblance. Even the wheels of the minivan take notes from the Chevrolet Volt. The Chevrolet Volt PV5 has been designed to amplify aero-dynamicity as much as possible. The blades and spoiler on the back along with the specially designed taillamps serve the same purpose.
On the inside, the Chevrolet Volt MPV5 is roomy for its niche and is equally comfortable. The interiors get beautified with the leathers seats that are bi-hued and, gauges in a tint of sapphire.
The Chevrolet Volt MPV5 is not as breath taking as other concepts from the brand. But it surely is a simple, more family-oriented vehicle that could attract a fair share of customers. The concept is very likely to hit production after the Chevrolet Volt sedan does.
The Cadillac Provoq Concept
A midsized crossover with two rows of seating, driven by a fuel cell, the Cadillac Provoq concept was an important vehicle to note at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit for two reasons – The Cadillac Provoq takes General Motor’s E-Flex powertrain technology to the next level and it was the first glimpse of a new small SUV for Cadillac, known to date as the BRX.
This five passenger concept which initially made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas uses GM’s E-Flex architecture that came into limelight at the 2007 North American International Auto Show with the Chevrolet Volt.
Showcased as a front wheel drive electric vehicle, this concept car has an all wheel drive capability. The Cadillac concept take the E-Flex technology propulsion system to the nest step and to a much larger vehicle that the compact little Volt. This concept also introduced the architecture to Cadillac, which was then determined to brand itself as the technology leader. The Provoq has 70 kW front drive electric motor and two rear motor of 30 kW each. Vehicle chief engineer of advanced system integration, Nick Zeielinski claims that the Cadillac Provoq can cruise from 0 to 60 mph in a sprint time of 8.3 seconds with a top speed of 100 mph. The fuel cell stack in the Cadillac Provoq is fifth generation technology. Reduced in size by a factor of one-third than the previous generation stack, it puts out 88 kW. This vehicle features a lithium ion battery pack which is good for 60 kW, and there is a plug for overnight charging.
190 inches long with a 110 inch wheelbase and 65 inches tall and 75 inches wide, the Cadillac Provoq shows an evolving face of Cadillac with a new grille and headlamps. Also, in a nod to technology, it has active front grille louvers that only open when the fuel stack needs to be cooled, otherwise, the grille remains closed in order to increase fuel efficiency. Along with the mobile grille, the Cadillac Provoq features so flush and smoothly constructed wheel spokes and polycarbonate filters that dramatically improves the vehicle aerodynamics. To that same end, the mirrors are as small as possible and the door handle pops out with a touch. On the inside, the Provoq lightens up its passengers’ mood with ambient lighting and GM’s commitment to quality materials is most evident.
The vehicle platform underpinning the Provoq was not such a great topic to discuss when the concept made its debut, however, Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager, confirmed the Provoq to be a foretaste of the BRX crossover. The BRX hails from a new front wheel drive and all wheel drive platform dubbed TE that combines elements of the old Theta global compact crossover architecture and the Epsilon global mid-size platform. Presumably misspelled to be provocative, the Cadillac Provoq concept shows a little restraint in its vision of green car technology and will be one stylish plug-in hydrogen electric fuel-cell luxury SUV if transformed into reality.