Of course, I've all sorts of feelings about China's big coming out party. The Olympics surely involve politics as do most all things in life even if we don't care to admit it. That being said, it is still a gift to see countries such as Iran and Iraq march one after another during the Opening Ceremonies. The same goes for the Czechs and Slovaks. It really is humbling to see representatives of most of humanity under one roof. Although competitive by nature, the scene looked like one gigantic, Cirque de Soleil-inspired love-in.
That's not what I wanted to discuss today, however. Perhaps I can expand on those themes later. I was just trying to give background of how I caught a glimpse of GM's television advertisements for the Chevy Volt. It's a last gasp attempt by the behemoth to remain relevant in today's automobile industry.
The Internet is such a bargain. In the old days I would've had to purchase Popular Mechanics to learn specific information about a concept car. Now, there's hardly a thing I can think of which isn't explained at Wikipedia.
I didn't know that GM's big push isn't really a hybrid, per se. It's electric only as far as the powertrain goes. The engine can be considered a plug-in which only runs a generator to charge the batteries. The initial, gasoline internal combustion engine in subsequent production runs could use bio-fuels, or diesel. The on-board charging may eventually occur by fuel cell.
It's all an interesting study in giving car buyers an option for the future. People can only purchase something on offer. Still, although I will need a replacement vehicle by 2011, it's really sad to consider I'll probably not be buying an E-flex vehicle. Not getting one has nothing to do with a lack of interest. It definitely would be cool, perhaps even geeky! I bet there will be one thing holding me back. I fear that the lowest price tag is going to be about $40K. To me, paying that kind of money for something to drive is ridiculous. From a financial and purely ecological perspective it'll be hard to beat a tiny, old-technology, sub-compact vehicle. I've seen dealers advertising new, fully-loaded Pontiac Vibes for under $13,000.
It is the American way to think big and spend even bigger, isn't it? As if I weren't already sure, here's more proof I'm definitely not average.