2011 Chevrolet Volt Harrisburg

Check Out Our New Chevrolet Inventory!

The much anticipated 2011 Chevrolet Volt is finally starting to roll into dealerships nationwide. But be warned, the release is expected to be very limited and you may not get a chance to buy one for a few more years. In fact, according to Chevy, each dealer will be told exactly how many Volts they can expect. Why is this car so popular? For starters, its catch phrase explains a lot "powered by electricity without being tethered to electrical outlets." For most in-city commutes the 2011 Chevy Volt will drive gas and emission-free. But if you want to take a little road trip and aren't sure you'll be near power outlets, you can rely on the onboard generator and travel up to 375 miles. The traditional in-city commute will enable you to operate the car for about $1.50 per day, according to Chevy. And because it can be fully recharged in four to 10 hours (depending on whether you use a standard 120-volt line or a dedicated 240-volt line) it's convenient to many people's lifestyle.

Driving the 2011 Chevy Volt

The Volt demonstrates good acceleration, testing from zero to 60 miles per hour in just over 9 seconds - pretty quick for this class. The Volt also has a very responsive feel when driving and in the electric mode, is incredibly quiet and smooth. Stopping distances are good and the entire car feels more substantial and weighty than other hybrids. Although very quiet when running in electric mode, you can hear the engine revving when the generator kicks in. But it sounds natural and not forced. In fact, that's probably the only change you'll notice when the generator does take over. Chevy has done a great job of eliminating the vibration that usually occurs when the electric power crosses over into the generator. Overall the Volt handles like any regular car and could even be called rather sporty.

A 16 kilowatt lithium-ion battery and 111 kilowatt electric motor power the Volt for up to 50 miles. The 1.4 liter four cylinder engine functions as the generator for longer trips or when your charge is low. Additionally, when you go faster than 70 miles per hour, the engine adds power to the wheels. The Volt has three drive modes, Normal, Sport and Mountain, which will help you accelerate up steep or long hills.

Inside the 2011 Chevrolet Volt

The interior of the Chevy Volt is just what you'd expect in this size sedan, except for the center console separating the two sides of the backseat. The console hides the battery pack, which runs down the center of the vehicle. The standard seating for four comes in cloth or the optional leather material. Five years of OnStar service is a standard feature, as is a navigation system. With 10.6 feet of cubic space, it's not the largest sedan, but that's not why you're interested in it. In the front seat you'll find that the center stack features touch-sensitive buttons instead of knobs - very forward thinking. Other features include a color display, built in hard drive, and what it dubs "Infotainment" which includes XM NavTraffic, a Bose Sound System, Bluetooth, a USB port, remote keyless starter and even the Volt Mobile App for smartphones. The App allows you to check the battery charge, tire pressure, turn on the heat or air conditioner and can lock or unlock the vehicle.

'11 Volt Walk Around

More conventional looking than other hybrids, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt boasts the telltale Chevy grill and a sculpted design. Distinctive features include the rear hatch design, which no one will mistake for any other vehicle. As with most hybrids, designing with aerodynamics in mind was key. But from the smooth and rounded front grille to the rear hatch, the result is a fluid silhouette. Safety features include knee airbags for front occupants, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and side curtains for the front and rear seats, antilock brakes, and electronic stability with traction control.

2011 Chevrolet Volt Lineup

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt offers 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, a range extender engine, electric drive unit, front bucket seats and an audio system with navigation all standard. Additional packages include the Rear Camera and Park Assist Package or the Premium Trim Package. The Premium package includes leather seat trim, heated driver and passenger seats, premium door trim, and a leather wrapped steering wheel.

Conclusions

The Chevy Volt is a promising leap forward in the hybrid car market. With its long driving range, thanks to the gas-powered generator, the Volt is very versatile. Couple this with its modern interior styling and sculpted exterior good looks and you get a car that people just can't wait to get into. But wait they may have to because Chevrolet is planning on manufacturing only 10,000 in 2011 and another 30,000 in 2012. See the latest news on this vehicle by visiting the official Chevrolet Volt website.