GM's Brilliant Response to "Can You Put a Gun Rack on a Chevy Volt?"
When political rhetoric clashed with automotive reality, General Motors delivered a response that was equal parts factual and hilarious. The controversy began when former Speaker Newt Gingrich criticized the Chevy Volt's inability to accommodate a gun rack during a Georgia campaign stop, sparking a national conversation about electric vehicles and their place in American culture.
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Featured Snippet: GM executive Selim Bingol responded to claims that "you can't put a gun rack on a Volt" by comparing it to putting training wheels on a Harley - technically possible but illogical, noting there are better vehicles for gun racks just as there are better bikes for training wheels.
The Political Spark That Ignited the Debate
During his 2012 presidential campaign, Gingrich made several pointed remarks about the Volt:
- Called it an "interesting experimental car" despite real-world success
- Criticized its price point ($41,000 MSRP at launch)
- Mocked its practicality by highlighting the gun rack issue
- Tied it to his opposition to increased electric vehicle subsidies
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GM's Witty and Factual Rebuttal
Selim Bingol, GM's VP of Communications, responded on the company's "BTW" blog with a three-point takedown:
GM's Key Counterpoints
- Aesthetics: "It looks weird" (gun rack on a Volt or training wheels on a Harley)
- Functionality: "It doesn't work very well" for either combination
- Proper Application: "There are better places for gun racks and training wheels"
Bingol's coup de grâce: "Seriously, when is the last time you saw a gun rack in ANY sedan?"
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The Reality of the Chevy Volt's Capabilities
Despite the political rhetoric, the Volt proved itself as a practical vehicle:
| Feature | Capability | Real-World Use |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Range | 35-40 miles | Covers most daily commutes |
| Total Range | 375 miles | Eliminates range anxiety |
| Cargo Space | 10.6 cu ft | Comparable to other compacts |
| Gun Rack Compatibility | Theoretically possible | But why would you? |
Owner Experience: MotorVero's long-term test Volt accumulated 16,000 real-world miles without issue, demonstrating the vehicle's reliability and practicality despite being labeled "experimental" by critics.
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Someone Actually Did It
In a twist that proves truth is stranger than fiction:
- USA Today documented a Volt owner who installed a gun rack
- The modification required custom fabrication
- It validated GM's point about being technically possible but impractical
- The story went viral, bringing more attention to the Volt
The Bigger Picture: Electric Vehicles in American Culture
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This controversy highlighted several cultural tensions:
- Urban vs. Rural: Different transportation needs and lifestyles
- Tradition vs. Innovation: Resistance to new technologies
- Political Symbolism: EVs becoming partisan symbols
- Practical Reality: Most buyers prioritize efficiency over gun racks
Where the Chevy Volt Stands Today
A decade after this controversy:
Volt's Legacy
- Paved the way for GM's current EV lineup
- Proved extended-range electric concept works
- Accumulated loyal fanbase despite early criticism
- Discontinued in 2019 as GM shifted to full EVs
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The gun rack debate now serves as an amusing footnote in automotive history, reminding us that cultural acceptance of new technologies often involves growing pains.
Lessons From the Volt Controversy
This episode offers important insights for automakers:
- Humor can be an effective response to criticism
- Cultural considerations matter in vehicle design
- Early adopters face unique scrutiny
- Real-world performance ultimately speaks loudest
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Final Thought: While you technically could put a gun rack on a Chevy Volt - just as you could put a snowplow on a Miata - the real question remains: Why would you want to? Some vehicles are designed for specific purposes, and that's okay.
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