Could the EPA cripple the Chevy Volt?
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Word around Detroit is GM and the EPA are apparently duking it out over the Chevy Volt. The problem is this: Is the Volt an electric car or a hybrid? How you define the Volt is important, because it dictates how the official EPA fuel-economy numbers will be calculated.
Strictly speaking, the Volt is a hybrid in that it is an electric vehicle with an on-board internal-combustion engine (likely a version of GM's 1.4L Family Zero four). The internal-combustion engine, which is connected to a generator, acts as a range extender when the Volt's lithium-ion battery pack runs low on power.
The Volt's electric drive unit is designed to run 40 miles purely on the power from the battery pack. After that, then the internal-combustion engine kicks in, generating enough electricity to power the electric drive for what GM says is hundreds of miles more.
Unlike a hybrid like the Prius, which uses its electric motor, gas engine, or a combination of both to turn the wheels, the Volt's wheels are turned only by its electric drive unit.
Now, here's the rub: Reports suggest the Volt can make it through the EPA test cycle -- which from 2008 includes high-speed running, air-conditioning load, and cold-start tests in addition to the city and highway cycles -- with the internal-combustion engine running about 15% of the time.
The straightforward calculation gives the Volt an EPA fuel-consumption rating somewhere north of 100 mpg. But the EPA apparently wants to certify the Volt differently, insisting it finishes the test with the batteries close to full charge. That drops the calculated fuel consumption to just under 48 mpg, because the internal-combustion engine would have to be run essentially all the time to keep the batteries near full charge.
GM argues, with some justification, the EPA's methodology does not reflect the duty cycle for which the Volt was designed. Many consumers, insiders insist, may never have the internal-combustion engine come on at all if their total daily commute is 40 miles or less, or if they recharge the car at their workplace.
The problem is if the Volt goes to market with an EPA rating that is not substantially better than can be achieved by hybrids, diesels, or other small cars, GM insiders worry consumers may not see the value in the car's near-$40,000 price tag.
Your Chance to Own the Deadhead Chevy
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Every car has stories to tell, if people will only make the effort to listen. But I'll bet this shopworn '56 Chevy has more to say than most, as it for many years served as a road trip taxi for a guy named Garcia, and his band, The Grateful Dead.
You'll have the chance to own it, as it is soon to cross an auction block in -- appropriately enough -- San Francisco. Bonhams is selling it, along with 172 other lots of GD memorabilia, at its second Grateful Dead sale, entitled "More Skeletons from the Closet." There's a plethora of posters, ticket stubs, gold records, bits of clothing, and musical instruments for Deadheads to bid on, but this is the only automobile on offer. The sale takes place October 5; see below for a direct link to the car on Bonhams' Web site.
It wasn't actually owned by one of the band members, but by one of GD's long-time roadies. "This 1956 Chevy Bel Air was given to me by a long-time crew member for The Grateful Dead (who owned the car for a number of years)..." says the consignor. "The crew member who gave this car to me said that he drove Jerry Garcia and other band members around in it for decades and that they all had some great adventures in her." I'll bet. It seems appropriate that they'd have a ride like this; The Dead don't seem like the cush, million-dollar tour bus types.
The car itself is utterly unremarkable. The four-door post body style is among the least collectible of all Tri-Chevies. It's riddled with rust and probably needs some work. It does have a V-8 engine and appears to be a real Bel Air, so that's something. It was reportedly painted this white/purple combo at a well-known custom shop in San Rafael, and wears a Steal Your Face logo (look it up) on the inside rear deck. But all of this matters little. Its value -- intrinsic and otherwise -- rests in the life it has led, the miles it has covered.
How many concerts has this old Chevy attended? How many gigs did it chauffeur Garcia and the guys to and from? How many parties was it parked outside of (or took place in the back seat)? How many groupie girls rode in this thing? Who slept in it? Did it witness any arrests or busts? Were any of the band's songs written or thought of while riding in it? What kind of stuff might have been hidden in the door panels or under the rugs?
Bonhams has posted a pre-sale price estimate of $8000-$10,000. Given the heightened interest in rock-n-roll memorabilia, this could be a bargain, or all the money in the world. But there's one thing for certain: there's only one like it. Although the Dead tune 100,000 Tons of Steel was referring to a train, a few lines from the song might apply to the '56 as well:
The brakes don't work and this grade's too steep, her engine's sure to blow...
I can only hope my luck is ridin' in the back.
Interested? Contact Margaret Barrett at margaret.barrett@bonhams.com, or 323/436-5467. "More Skeletons from the Closet," Bonhams sale number 16607, Lot Number 173, October 5, 2008. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco. Bonhams.com
2009 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year Contender: Chevrolet Traverse
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Chevy's new three-row crossover proves among the more pleasant surprises in this year's sport/utility contest. The Traverse is the fourth General Motors' model built on its Lambda chassis architecture, others being the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook, and GMC Acadia. The Traverse is functionally much the same as its cross-brand siblings and gives Chevy a much-needed entry in this segment, replacing the ages old, truck-based TrailBlazer. It also gives us our first taste of GM's direct fuel-injection V-6 in this platform, although the other variants also are so equipped for 2009.
"Times have changed," says senior editor Ron Kiino. "We're criticizing a Honda instrument panel and center stack and praising a Chevy's." It's true: The Traverse's IP and controls are clean and workable. The interior plastics and materials are attractive and appear durable. Third-row access is straightforward, although the second row's high floor and short seat bottom compromises its comfort a bit.
The Traverse is a nice-looking piece on the outside, too, although the rear window line is shaped the way it is in the name of style, not visibility. Fold the second- and third-row seats flat, and the Traverse will swallow 116.4 cu ft of stuff. Need to bring more junk along? No problem, given its 5200-lb towing capacity.
Everyone has been pleased with the powertrain. With optional dual exhausts, the newest version of GM's 3.6L DOHC V-6 spools out 288 hp, more than competitive power, although it's necessary to move the Traverse's 5111 lb, plus cargo. The engine is quiet and smooth, with a wide powerband. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, replete with a handy toggle switch on the end of the shifter to allow manual scrolling up and down all six gears.
Do you think the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse has what it takes to take home the title of 2009 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year? Find out who the winner is at midnight eastern time on Oct. 16.
