First 2011 Chevrolet Volt built on production tooling at Detroit Hamtramck plant, March 31, 2010

First 2011 Chevrolet Volt built on production tooling at Detroit Hamtramck plant, March 31, 2010

Sometimes the world of automotive journalism can be a tricky proposition, especially when you are testing preproduction cars like our recent stint in the modified Suzuki Kizashi Turbo. Something that the reviewer has to keep in mind is that there are things that may not be quite up to production specifications. This is a step that seems to have gotten Andrew English, reporter for the UK’s Telegraph, in a precarious situation with regards to the new 2011 Chevrolet Volt and his on-road test drive. 

2011 Chevrolet Volt

2011 Chevrolet Volt

The basic controversy is that English reported that General Motors is working on a solution to connect the gasoline motor directly through the existing twin-clutch planetary gearbox to the drive wheels. You can read more detailed coverage at our partner sites AllCarsElectric.com and TheCarConnection.com. The later coverage contains direct information from GM when TCC’s Nelson Ireson spoke to Rob Peterson from GM’s Volt Communications team.

The bottom line is that the GM claims that there are no changes in the pipeline for the Volt’s drivetrain. They do make mention of other surprises that will come with the unveiling of the production Volt this fall. However, the most important part of this story is to remember that things aren’t always what they seem. English may not be completely wrong, but our hunch is that he was told information that fits into the future in a way that may not be entirely clear at the present moment.

 

Be sure to check out the first drive review of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt here.[Source: Telegraph]