Before the first 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan has hit the streets (KARL Chevrolet expects our first new Cruze to arrive around Sept 10th), sketches have leaked out of a Cruze Hatchback variant that GM will display the the upcoming Paris Auto Show.

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.

OK, you've been hearing about the all-new 2011 Chevrolet VOLT..... reading some great reviews..... keeping up with all the great VOLT information on the KARLdirect website, and now its time to think about ordering one for yourself!

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

NEW CANAAN, CT – Starting today, KARL Chevrolet will begin taking customer orders for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the industry’s first electric vehicle with extended-range capability.

Chevrolet is so confident in the overall value of the Volt that the brand will offer a lease program on the Volt with a monthly payment as low as $350 for 36 months at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price with $2,500 due at lease signing, including security deposit based on current conditions, which could vary at time of delivery. The benefit of the $7,500 tax credit is included in the reduced lease payment, with the tax credit going to the lessor. The Volt’s MSRP will start at $41,000 ($33,500 net of the full federal tax credit, which ranges from $0-$7,500) including a destination freight charge of $720. Customer deliveries of the Chevrolet Volt are scheduled to begin in launch markets late this year with initial production extremely limited.

(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.