You may recall an ad campaign on the internet that used the number 230mpg in several creative executions a couple of summers ago.  That campaign sparked much criticism and debate.  A common theme of those conversations was the need to adapt the way vehicle efficiency is communicated to the public as a wave of alternative propulsion systems hit the market.  How should the EPA display efficiency of Electric Vehicles?  Is it fair that a Gasoline/Electric Hybrid be classified the same as a Gasoline Only or an Electric Only Vehicle?  On an Electric Vehicle, does total range matter to a consumer and should it be displayed on a label?  Also on Electric Vehicles, does the time it takes to recharge the batteries matter to consumers and should it be displayed on a label?  Do consumers really understand 'Greenhouse Gas' emissions, what they do, and how they are measured?   Ultimately, what are the most important facts that are relevant to the average consumer in helping to make a purchase or lease decision?

Just like the late summer breezes signal the coming of autum, we can feel the excitement in the air as the ground-breaking new 2011 Chevrolet VOLT is set to enter production around mid-October.  Each week some new details emerge about the VOLT, and as Chevrolet allows select automotive journalists to experience the VOLT first-hand, we continue to learn more.

NEW CANAAN, CT - Saturday, August 21, 2010

At this year's Woodward Dream Cruise, amoung thousands of classic cars from the past was one on the most anticipated cars from the future.... the upcoming 2011 Chevy VOLT turned heads and electrified the crowd as people went from asking "What kind of car is that?" to saying "WOW!  That's the new Chevy VOLT!  I've been waiting to see one in person!"  Check out this video courtesy of WABC TV Affiliate WXYZ from Detroit, MI:

The following video segment is from AOL Autos.... one of their Auto Writers, Bradley Hasemeyer, visited GM's Milford, MI, Proving Grounds to check out the all-new Chevy VOLT in person.  In the video, Bradley talks with Chevrolet VOLT Communications Manager, Nick Richards, about what makes the VOLT different.  This is a great segment - about 5 minutes long - that really captures the essense of what makes the VOLT work.  Take a look and let us know what you think!  Could a Chevy VOLT be in your future?

Watch more AOL Autos videos on AOL Video

It was not long ago that General Motors showed a wild new concept car at  a limited number of auto shows... it was January 2007 to be exact when the Chevy VOLT Concept vehicle was first shown.  A bold idea with the wild, at the time, claim of 40 miles all electric, gas-free driving PLUS an extended range mode that would provide up to 300 more miles.  At the time this seemed like crazy talk.

With the recent announcement of introductory pricing for the Chevy VOLT, area consumers from all over Fairfield and Westchester county have been calling and emailing to get more information.  Yes, KARL Chevrolet is an official VOLT Launch market dealer.  We are excited and already getting prepared to receive our first VOLT models late t

(2011 Chevrolet VOLT shown in Crystal Red Metallic Tricoat finish)

Having watched the Chevrolet VOLT go from an Auto Show proto-type dream vehicle to a production ready technological wonder in a little more than three years, the time for speculation as to its cost may be nearing an end.  Rumors have circulated over the weekend that General Motors' new Marketing Chief, Joel Ewanick, is scheduled to announce the introductory Chevrolet VOLT pricing at the Plug-In 2010 expo in San Jose, CA, as early as 12 noon on Tuesday, July 27th.  The story has been circulated on several automotive sites today, including GM-VOLT.com and EV World.

I've been in the car business a long time.... and I've been asked hundreds of questions over that time, like:

When Maria R from Stamford asked "why can't I get a small car that rides as good as my husband's luxury car?", we'd have to answer that most smaller cars are lighter, have shorter wheelbases, and provide a solid ride for what they are.... until now.

General Motors has announced that the Battery Pack and Electric Drive components of the 2011 Chevy VOLT will carry an impressive 8 year or 100,000 mile warranty.  Production of the 16kw VOLT Battery Pack will commence at GM's Brownstown, MI assembly plant in early August 2010.  As we anxiously await the first production VOLT's to begin rolling off the assembly line later this year, we are learning more about the technology that will allow the typical New York or Connecticut driver to cover their daily commute using little to no gasoline.  Here is a detailed look ins

The above ad appeared in the New York Times on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 as a means of introducing metro NY consumers to the Chevy VOLT.  As we've written about previously on this site, the VOLT will shatter consumers' expectations on what their car can do.