2011 Volt
From: thecarconnection.com

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is an electric car, but drive as far as you want without worry - you won't have to make concessions for the technology onboard.

About exactly four years after GM first showed the Volt as a tech-exotic concept, it's going on sale as a real production car. We've driven the 2011 Chevrolet Volt in a variety of conditions, and can report back that the Volt is indeed a real car.

GM admits the Volt has evolved from the evocative concept shown at the 2007 Detroit auto show, but it says many cues have come over from the striking concept version. The closed front grille is one hallmark that's carried over visibly into the production version, while the tapered corners up front and clean lines at the back (including a small spoiler) are styled to manage the Volt's aerodynamics.

The fact that it also has a revolutionary powertrain that operates as an electric car or a plug-in hybrid - and is the first Chevrolet you can plug into a wall to recharge - could almost be an afterthought. It's that well executed. The Volt may be propelled by electricity. It may plug into a wall socket or a special garage recharger to "refuel." But the new and remarkable compact hatchback also rides and drives quietly, seats four comfortably, and performs briskly.

Simply put, the Volt charges up for a range of about 40 miles on battery power only; then the gasoline engine allows another 300 miles or so on top of that.

Consumer Reports: Volt is drivers' favorite, topping even Porsche
By Dan Carney (edited as shown)

The Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car is the most popular among owners, topping a perennial favorite that costs twice as much, the Porsche 911, and a recent addition, the Dodge Challenger, according to an annual survey published by Consumer Reports.

The magazine was careful to specify that only the Challenger equipped with the "That thang got a Hemi innit?" V8 engine was named to the list, and not the girly-man fuel-sipping V6 version. But I digress. Ninety-three percent of owners surveyed said they would buy the Volt again, compared with 91 percent of 911 and Challenger buyers.

The Volt has a starting list price of $41,000, compared with $82,100 for the Porsche and about $30,000 for the Challenger.

The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera is due out in February. The current edition of the car, which came in second in Consumer Reports' annual owner satisfaction survey, sells for $82,000 and up.

"These models reflect a larger trend we've seen in recent years: sporty cars and fuel-efficient cars with alternative drivetrains tend to generate more enthusiasm and loyalty than most other types of vehicles," said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports automotive editor.

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