Saying that GM is working hard to prove that the Volt is "not a science project or a micro-volume technology learning exercise, but a production program—albeit a greatly accelerated one," Motor Trend confirmed that the latest on the Chevy Volt is that it will arrive for the 2011 model year. Plus, GM gave the magazine a tour of the Volt's battery lab, an aerodynamics lab, and interestingly, a virtual reality visualization center.

That visualization center involves a "huge wide glass screen with twin rear-projection images" that, when viewed wearing special electronic 3-D glasses, allow you to see all parts of a car as modeled in the computer, from any angle, the report said. GM engineers use it to ensure that they can actually build the car in volume without running into any unforeseen problems, and without having to build expensive physical prototypes of everything.

GM also insists on calling the Volt an "Extended-Range Electric Vehicle." (It's a plug-in hybrid.)

"The first two range-extenders will be gasoline PZEV and E85 compatible ULEV engines, with a production launch date of November 2010," the report said. "That's ambitious, and officials admit the launch will be gradual. Not all states and certainly not all dealers will get the Volt immediately, and the initial lot may well be for lease only." But as the article indicates, it will all be worth it if GM can deliver a good-driving family sedan that does 0-60 in 8.5 seconds.

(Image credit: Motor Trend)