OK, file this one in the Tempests & Teapots folder: A "visibly annoyed" Jay Leno has now defended Chevrolet's 2011 Volt electric car. He wants it known that he likes the car. Really, he does.

The comic claims he was quoted out of context by Detroit News reporter Robert Snell, who wrote that Leno compared the Chevy Volt to a the unimpressive Cobalt compact, and didn't think owning one of the first Volts would give a driver much "cachet."

2011 Chevrolet Volt pre-production prototype, January 2010

2011 Chevrolet Volt pre-production prototype, January 2010

2006 GM Jay Leno EcoJet Concept

2006 GM Jay Leno EcoJet Concept

On ABCNews.com, Leno said the Volt was indeed a breakthrough vehicle--hardly a radical assertion.

General Motors representatives joined in the counterattack, liberally tweeting reporters (including this one) the link to a video clip on the Jay Leno's Garage site from last December.

The segment shows Leno riding in a Volt, saying approving things about it, and encouraging viewers to give it a try.

OK, so now we know. Leno thinks the range-extended electric car will actually be important, he supports it, and green buyers should consider it. Along with the 2011 Nissan Leaf and other upcoming hybrid and electric vehicles.

Now can we get onto more important matters? Like, say, the number of cupholders in the 2011 Chevrolet Volt? Sheesh.

[ABCNews]