The scene at the Detroit Auto Show this year has been all about the revival of a struggling industry so when the Chevy Volt took Car of the Year, it’s further evidence that the tide has changed.

Detroit and the Big 3 have been hitting on all cylinders as they clean up this year with awards across the board, and the Volt is one that signifies the capability of a remerging GM.

GM, no doubt, took a huge risk with the new Volt as other manufacturers chose too take a slower and safer approach to this shift in demand. Pioneers in this industry can find that one small step towards having faith in the consumer interests can lead to great success.

The Volt represents much more than a new direction for the automobile, it marks a point in history where the corporate executives are finally forced to listen to the market as opposed to listening to their egos. It was do or die and in this case, GM chose to do what many wouldn’t, and now they are being rewarded for this leadership.

The Volt is an electric vehicle that can operate under a range of weather climates and driving conditions with little concern of being stranded by a depleted battery. The Volt has a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.

The Volt still has many hurdles before if finds itself as a common vehicle parked in many of the average American garages, paired with high voltage charging stations and surrounded by green walls, floors and lives.

The 2011 Chevy Volt suggested starting MSRP is $40,280

Powered by Chevy’s new eco-tech 1.4 L turbocharged engine, the cruise gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway all for less than $20,000.

Cruze has been a hit in Europe and Asia so Chevrolet saw an opportunity to bring something to the market in the US that could follow similar success.

The difference that the Cruze brings to the table is the overall roominess of its interior whereas many compact cars feel tight and cramped.

In addition to price and fuel economy, the Cruze has also earned five-star ratings for safety everywhere it’s been tested. This fact reveals that small cars do not have to sacrifice safety in order to bring a game changer in the market.

Cruze LT, starting at $18,895, includes:

Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
16-inch wheels
Cruze 2LT, starting at $21,395, includes:

Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
Standard six-way power driver seat, leather seating surfaces, heated seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, steering-wheel mounted audio controls and remote vehicle start
Standard 16-inch alloy wheels
Cruze Eco, starting at $18,895, includes:

Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed manual transmission
Segment-leading expected 40 miles per gallon highway
Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with ultra low-rolling resistance tires, and enhanced aerodynamic performance package
Cruze LTZ, starting at $22,695, includes:

Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
Standard six-way power driver seat, leather seating surfaces, heated seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Standard cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, steering-wheel mounted audio controls and remote vehicle start
Standard automatic climate control, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, and ultrasonic rear-parking assist
18-inch alloy wheels with four-wheel disc brakes
RS appearance package, available on LT and LTZ models for $695, includes:

Unique front and rear fascias
Rocker moldings
Front fog lamps
Rear spoiler
Major available option features on Cruze include:

In-dash navigation system with 40-gigabyte hard drive, enabling pause-and-play radio, downloading of audio CDs or transferring MP3 files from a USB memory device
Pioneer Audio system, with nine speakers and 250-watt amplifier
Ultrasonic rear park assist

The Chevy Volt isn’t being produced yet, but GM can certainly see the demand over  the web and in showrooms.  The car is much more likely be a popular model if there is competition and anticipation over its arrival.  The Volt hasn’t been built, however there are dealers who are taking deposits and trying to offer a vehicle that has an unclear launch date.   It is very encouraging to see GM coming out with a vehicle to rival the competition which is mostly the Toyota Prius.  

The Volt is different in the way that it generates it’s electric power through the engine.  The engine, which is a E-85 powered generator that provides the Volt’s electricity to an electric drive unit.

The batteries are sustained through the vehicles ability to recharge them through it’s electric drivetrain.  The car has been designed to minimize the use it’s battery pack, which involves an electric motor that is running to keep the charge.Unlike most hybrids, the Volt isn’t one becuase it has only one drivetrain, which is an electric one.  The use of this type of system is great for small trips.