GM unviels Volt based SUV concept in China with an all electric range of 32 miles

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GM is calling this newest hybrid concept the Chevy MPV5, but you might think of it as a very tall and roomy Volt.

Unlike the Volt the MPV5 concept, which GM unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show, seats five and has more passenger and luggage room (30.5 cubic feet vs. the Volts 11 cubic feet).

Check out how the the Volt works HERE.

And unlike the Volt the MPV5 concept is bigger and certainly heavier so GM says it will only go 32 miles on all electric mode. The Volt has a claimed 40 mile all electric range.

Stylistically the Chevy MPV5 concept is very similar to the Volt with a lot of features that look like they came straight out of the Volt including the MPV5 concept's dashboard.

The Volt is scheduled to go on sale toward the end of this year, and according to GM it will go about 40 miles on electricity only using a large lithium-ion battery before the car's small gas engine kicks in to charge the battery and extend the car's range.

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GM's press release is below:


Beijing – Chevrolet has made a major commitment to providing
world-class, fuel-efficient vehicles to its customers around the world.
In recent months, through GM's Shanghai GM joint venture, Chevrolet has
introduced the fuel-efficient Cruze and New Sail in China. It will
introduce the Volt electric vehicle with extended range capability in
2011.

In preparation for the Volt's arrival, Chevrolet is leveraging Auto
China 2010, which starts today in Beijing, to introduce the Volt MPV5
electric concept. The five-passenger multi-purpose crossover concept
demonstrates the potential of the Voltec propulsion system by utilizing
the same foundation as the Volt, for gas- and tailpipe emissions-free
electric driving.

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Maximizing Efficiency and Style

The styling of the Volt MPV5 concept borrows design and aerodynamic cues
from the Chevrolet Volt. The front fascia is among the most aerodynamic
of any crossover thanks to its closed grille and aero-optimized lower
air dam, both of which help improve fuel efficiency. A full-underbody
belly pan, along with rocker claddings, creased tail lamps and specially
designed blades on the rear quarter, also help the Volt MPV5 concept
cut through the wind with ease. The intense focus on improved
aerodynamics enables greater all-electric range.

The exterior of the Volt MPV5 concept isn't solely about efficiency. Its
Sonic Blue Metallic paint provides a contemporary appeal, while the
dual skylight panels and 19-inch Volt-inspired wheels build the Volt
MPV5 concept's sporty credentials.

"The Volt MPV5 concept takes the efficient design of the Chevrolet Volt
and adapts it to the family vehicle crossover segment. It's immediately
recognizable as a true member of the Chevrolet family," said Bob
Boniface, Director of GM North America Crossover Exterior Design, whose
team worked in conjunction with members of GM's design studio in
Australia on the Volt MPV5 concept.

The Volt MPV5 concept's dimensions provide added passenger comfort.
While the 2,760-mm wheelbase of the Volt MPV5 concept is a mere 15 mm
longer than the wheelbase of the Chevrolet Volt, its body is 181 mm
longer (4,585 mm), 73 mm wider (1,871 mm) and 182 mm taller (1,612 mm)
than the Volt.

Inside, the Volt MPV5 concept adopts the Volt's center stack and gauge
cluster along with its striking two-tone leather seats. Thanks to the
Volt MPV5 concept's size, passenger comfort doesn't take a backseat.
Typical for Chevrolet crossovers, the Volt MPV5 concept's seating
position allows for maximum comfort and flexibility, including improved
entry and egress.

When it comes to cargo, the Volt MPV5 concept carries on the crossover
tradition thanks to its flip-and-fold second row seating, which provides
up to 1,764.1 liters of cargo space with the seats folded and 863.7
liters of space behind the second row.

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Voltec Power Boosts Green Credentials

The Volt MPV5 concept utilizes the same Voltec propulsion system found
in the Chevrolet Volt, including the added capability of an engine
generator to extend the driving range and eliminate "range anxiety." A
16-kWh T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack powers the electric drive unit.

The flexibility of the Voltec system enables the Volt MPV5 concept to
meet full vehicle speed and acceleration requirements while driving the
vehicle and its five occupants up to 51.5 km on pure electric
propulsion. This is double what the average urban commuter in China
travels each day. When the battery is depleted, a 1.4-liter engine
generator sustains the battery charge and provides up to 482 km of
electric propulsion.

"The Volt MPV5 concept demonstrates the flexibility of the Voltec
propulsion system, which can produce enough electric power to propel a
range of vehicles. from a compact sedan like the Volt to a crossover
like the Volt MPV5 concept," said Doug Parks, Global Vehicle Line
Executive and Global Vehicle Chief Engineer for Electric Vehicles at GM.

"Rapidly growing demand for personal transportation across China is
creating new environmental and energy security challenges," said Kevin
Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. "GM is
committed to finding and adopting solutions, which include the
electrification of the automobile. The world premiere of the Volt MPV5
concept in Beijing demonstrates GM's desire to make China a global focus
of its advanced technology strategy."

GM continues to advance electrification in China through research and
development. It has launched the China Automotive Energy Research Center
(CAERC) in Beijing. The venture with SAIC and Tsinghua University is
developing a comprehensive automotive energy strategy for China. The GM
China Science Lab, which opened last November, is carrying out advanced
automotive-related research, including battery development. In March, GM
introduced the EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) concepts in Shanghai. A
centerpiece of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, EN-V
embodies GM's vision for personal urban mobility in 2030. In addition,
GM is supporting its Shanghai GM joint venture's "Drive to Green"
strategy, which is focused on developing green products, supporting
green manufacturing and undertaking a green responsibility.

General Motors, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots
back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs
204,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in
some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and
trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the
following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden,
Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM is the joint global automobile
partner of World Expo 2010 Shanghai along with Shanghai Automotive
Industry Corporation Group (SAIC). More information on the new General
Motors can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.gm.com" t
"_blank"www.gm.com.


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Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept


Specifications

Model: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept
Body style / driveline: five-door, front-wheel-drive crossover
Description: electric vehicle with extended-range capability

Performance
Top speed (kph): 160 (100 mph)
EV range (city in km): up to 51.5 (32 mi) based on EPA city cycle
actual mileage may vary depending on driving habits/conditions, weather
and battery age
Extended range: 482 km (300 mi) on a full tank of gasoline

Battery system

Type: lithium-ion
Energy: 16 kWh

Electric drive unit
Power (kW / hp): 111 / 150
Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 273 / 370

Charging times
120 V: over 8 hours (actual charge times may vary)
240 V: about 4 hours (actual charge times may vary)

Brakes

Type: four-wheel disc, fully regenerative to maximize energy capture

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type: 17-inch forged aluminum
Tires: specially developed low rolling-resistance

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm): 108.7 / 2,760
Length (in / mm): 180.5 / 4,585
Width (in / mm): 73.7/ 1,871
Height (in / mm): 63.5 / 1,612

Interior
Seating capacity (front / rear): 5