Barry sizes up new ride, may not be able to swing the financing...

[RACER X]

this is what i'm talkin about

[goof2]

Originally Posted by RACER X

this is what i'm talkin about

That was obvious, but the Volt has nothing to do with the original article that was posted.

While the Volt does cost almost $42k, from what I understand that drops to $33,500 once the available federal government "encouragement" is factored in. If I were shopping in that segment I'd still rather take the extra room, extra power, and around $15k in extra money that comes with a Honda Fit. Then again I'd be looking for a car, unlike most Volt buyers who will be looking for a "lifestyle accessory".

On a semi-related note, whoever the rocket scientist was over at GM that decided to spec an engine for the Volt that requires premium gas should get donkey punched every day he/she remains at GM. Their retirement benefits should be tied to continued donkey punching as well. It is a 1.4 liter engine making approximately 80hp. Why should a fairly anemic engine like that require premium?

[Sean]

Originally Posted by goof2

On a semi-related note, whoever the rocket scientist was over at GM that decided to spec an engine for the Volt that requires premium gas should get donkey punched every day he/she remains at GM. Their retirement benefits should be tied to continued donkey punching as well. It is a 1.4 liter engine making approximately 80hp. Why should a fairly anemic engine like that require premium?

It doesn't require premium, it requires 87 and is optimized for 91.

[goof2]

Originally Posted by Sean

It doesn't require premium, it requires 87 and is optimized for 91.

Not according to what I have read.

"we also discovered that the vehicle’s four-cylinder onboard generator — which maintains the Volt’s lithium-ion batteries – will require premium fuel, according to GM."

"In an emergency, regular gas can be used on the Volt, but fuel economy will be compromised, and the engine may become noisier. The Volt’s engine computer will detect the octane change and retard ignition timing. Still, Read highly recommends refilling the Volt with premium fuel as soon as possible to avoid damaging the engine."

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...es-and-no.html

Originally Posted by Avatard

Probably because it runs ridiculously high compression, in order to be more efficient.

That would explain it, but I'm not sure why this engine would be running such high compression. One of the side effects of high compression is usually power, something this engine is lacking. My bike makes more power, does so with less than half the displacement, runs a 12.4:1 compression ratio, and can run on regular unleaded. I'm sure the engine in the Volt is set up for lower RPMs and more torque, but I still can't think of a reason why a 1.4 liter engine would require high compression to make 75hp. I haven't seen anything from GM to explain it either.

[Avatard]

Originally Posted by goof2

Why should a fairly anemic engine like that require premium?

Probably because it runs ridiculously high compression, in order to be more efficient.