Chevrolet Volt Hits Another Milestone

2011 Chevrolet Volt Picture

First pre-production Chevrolet Volt rolls off the assembly line in Michigan.

2011 Chevrolet Volt Picture

GM is looking to ensure the hotly anticipated Chevrolet Volt will meet "quality targets" before it goes into regular production.

2011 Chevrolet Volt Picture

Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant will make more pre-production Volts in the runup to the EV's on-sale date.

GM's Chevrolet Volt

Meet the 2011 Chevy Volt, General Motors answer to hybrid cars like Toyota's Prius.

You won't get the chance to buy it until the end of the year, but ABCNews.com was invited to preview the Volt on a closed course outside RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.

If you haven't driven an electric or hybrid car before, the first thing you notice after stepping on the gas-peddle is how quiet it is. An electric engine powered by a 400 pound lithium-ion battery allows the car to whisper along while barely making a sound.

You also notice how quick the Volt is. Because of the way electric motors are designed, power and torque are available from the starting line.