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September 18, 2008 8:28 AM PDT

Video: Chevy Volt from all angles.

by Brian Cooley

GM has rolled out the "production" version of the Chevy Volt this week (a cheeky move since it won't go into production for another two years) and it was received more warmly for proving the Volt is real than wowing us with styling.

But looks aren't the point of the Volt: lofty and sustainable miles per gallon is. Here's a look at the car in motion with some thoughts on its challenges as it begins the longish road to showrooms.

See all coverage of the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Brian Cooley is an editor at large who keeps his fingers on the pulse of consumers' attitudes toward tech. His specialty is CNET Car Tech videos, but, frankly, most people have seen him on the TVs at Costco (or in one of his '60s Fords or Fiats).
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by michal2000 September 18, 2008 10:09 AM PDT
The change from Concept to Production.
The Volt was Gorgeous, now it is the fugliest looking thing to be put on the road...
Why can't American car makers take chances on style instead of putting the same ol' cookie cutter crap on the streets?
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by band444 September 19, 2008 8:37 AM PDT
Indeed. I'm in my mid forties and have the money to purchase a car like the Volt, but since they have changed it to look like a car for grandma's, I will spend my money elsewhere. I had such excitement, much like I had when I was a kid seeing a new car that I wanted, when I seen the original Volt on tv that I decided that is what I was going to buy when it came out. Sorry, not now. Doesn't make any difference what technology is under the skin or what the car represents now to me. It is so boring and common looking that I wouldn't spend $30k on it much less $40k. They still have about a couple of years to correct their mistake. Everyone that I have shown the Volt to has expressed such dismay on the styling changes that they wouldn't be interested in it either no matter that it is electric and represents the future. They still wouldn't buy it. "Oh it's good that there is such a car coming out, but I'll wait and see what comes out next" is what everyone I know is saying. With that kind of overall approach from people then the sales never will take off. I hope they realize it and bring the original one back or at least change the styling from what it is now.
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by Fredrick_NP September 19, 2008 12:07 PM PDT
It's stupid to compare the production Volt to the concept. The concept was extremely rushed and extremely optimistic. The super long wheel base, the low roof, the far forward front wheels, and the long hood would have been nearly impossible to produce. Compare the Volt to other cars of a similar size.... Cobalt, Civic, Corolla, Prius, Focus, ect. I think it will easily be the best looking compact on the market.

And I don't understand why looking like the Malibu is a bad thing. The Malibu looks like a freakin luxury car... http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/12422/16362.02.jpg
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by ricciwilson October 3, 2008 12:39 AM PDT
I was going to buy the concept car, But now the family looking car at 40 grand, not so much!
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