Test Drive: Everything you've ever wanted to know about the Chevy Volt (we think)

Test Drive is a new series that we’re starting at CrunchGear wherein we get a hands-on look at new or interesting modes of transportation. It’s not limited to just cars, either. We’ll take a look at just about anything from scooters to rockets and everything in between.

Last night in Manhattan at Terminal 5 we were privy to an intimate gathering to check out Chevy’s extended-range electric vehicle, the Volt. We’ve mentioned it here and there on the site, but this was the first opportunity for anyone on staff to get up close and personal. I came away impressed and I’m rarely wowed by anything domestic. It certainly helps that the Volt will be in the upcoming Transformers movie, too.

The Volt represents a shift in the automobile industry, but we won’t know for sure what sort of impact it will have because the Volt won’t hit full production until 2010. I won’t even begin to try and breakdown all the different facets of the Volt as if I’m an automotive pundit, so I thought I’d share the presentation that was given to me by Bob Boniface, lead designer for Volt, and Frank Weber (he sounds like the Governator), Vehicle Line Executive.

You will need to have Quicktime installed to stream the video and you might have to turn up the volume on your speakers or throw some ‘phones on. It’s about 45 minutes, but they explain quite a bit about the Volt and some heated debates ensue a few minutes in.