<electric vehicle> GM EV Preview Program

["EREC - Duncan, Cameron" <CDUNCAN@nciinc.com>]

Hi gang,

...Been working my *#@ off lately so I've been real quiet on the list. For 
those who abhor low-Audi entries, you can zap this now (small Audi content). 
For everyone else, I'll respectfully keep it short.

My wife qualified to preview the experimental electric vehicle GM is 
offering in many cities across the US. She's the primary driver, but I get 
to use it occasionally. The vehicle is the GM Impact. Its a sports car--two 
seater, automatic, ABS, traction control, CD/Tape/AM/FM, good cargo 
capacity, low profile tires, 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. It really scoots, without 
noise...only the sound of the tires.

The Audi connection is the feel, steering, and handling--
that "heavy low," taught, competent, quiet, quick character.

Neat car, but still a rich man's toy for local commutes (expect the 
production EV-1 around $30k not counting various incentives). Fuel 
consumption comparison? roughly 130 mpg ave. (an engineer here calculated 
this, don't ask me).

Negatives:
          Audi-like headroom (particularly tight near window)
          non-quattro
          automatic tranny (good, but not a manual)
          the nighttime power hook-up reminds me of either a Star Trek 
episode, a suckling baby, etc.

Positives:
          acceleration
          handling
          road feel
          responsiveness
          acoustics
          engine noise
          no 3rd passenger
          audio system

The EV-1 is supposed to be available for lease or purchase next year I 
think. If you ever get the chance to look at it, it may suprise you. For 
those in the DC area that know me, it's in the parking lot where I work 
today, lower level near the Intl. egress lane.
.......................................................
Cameron Duncan
cameron.duncan@nciinc.com
'91 200   '73 240Z  '91 Taurus SW
'79 Electra 'Duce 'n a Quarter'
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