General Motors expects the Chevrolet Hybrid Volt to be in production by late 2010, assuming the final kinks are worked out of the car’s lithium ion batteries, the automaker reports. The shape of the production Volt is very different than the concept version shown in January at the 2007 Detroit show. GM engineers and designers were forced to revisit the car’s styling in order to improve aerodynamics. The more slippery the shape, the further it can travel on electric power before the engine starts and recharges the batteries. “I’m proud to say that after extensive aero development of the Volt, and more to come, we have achieved a vehicle that has a coefficient of drag that is more 30 percent lower in drag than the original concept. It’s not easy, but it is a necessity,” says Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design.
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