by Gabrielle DeSantis

While General Motors is generally mum about this, it is purchasing back some Chevy Bolt EVs that have burned up. And there are a number of them doing that. Whether you can arm wrestle GM into buying your toasted Bolt back depends on a number of things. This all seems a bit sketch, but we’ll try and lay it out Bolt fires situation as best as we can.

Though GM has bought back some Bolts, it is refusing to buy back others

First off, not everyone can get GM to fork over the funds for your fried Bolt. It handles them on what it calls “an individual basis.”. What guides their decision centers around each state’s lemon laws. Numerous posts on Reddit break down some of what is going on.

If the state the owner lives in had tough lemon laws then typically GM will buy your burnt Bolt back. But in states with weaker lemon laws or lack of enforcement GM tends to refuse to buy it. An anonymous Bolt owner told insideevs, “I initiated my buyback request in March and it took 67 days to complete the process. It entailed turning the car into a local dealer and receiving a check from GM.” 

Getting a Bolt buyback is usually not the first thing GM offers

There is a recall of 50,932 Chevy Bolts made between July 2016, and September 2019. There are certain proposals put forth by GM within the recall. Bolt owners have found that insisting on a buyback is usually not offered. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen. 

One part of the recall suggests taking your Bolt to dealers for them to run certain diagnostic tests. If they detect problems a service rep would replace “battery module assemblies.” There is also “advanced onboard diagnostic software” GM can install. It can detect fire risks in battery module performance. 

Earlier, GM was suggesting limiting the charging capacity to 90 percent would correct the problem. Unfortunately, it did not stop the incident of burned-up Bolts. Hyundai had similar issues with its Kona. The solution was to replace the entire battery pack. 

California and Massachusetts owners are having the best buyback luck

According to posters on the Chevy Bolt forum, some owners relate GM swapping 2022 Bolts for earlier models “for no money out of pocket.” Some have argued that the recall notice has tanked resale values of earlier Bolts through no fault of the owner. Generally, the Bolt forums indicate that owners in California and Massachusetts have had the best luck getting buybacks. 

Those living in Illinois seem to have the most denials. It is also suggested that owners not dump their Bolts before pursuing a buyback. Some have done this only to find out later that the new owners turned around and received a buyback from GM. 

So, thoroughly exhaust your grievance with GM before attempting to sell it off cheaply. The more of you that come at GM, the more will see GM quietly purchase your Bolt back.  

RELATED: Right After GM Issues Fire Fix For Bolt Another Burns Down

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

Imagine for a moment, being so wealthy that you don’t call Aston Martin; the company calls you. Not only does Aston call you, but they also call you and tell you they want to build the supercar of your dreams. Rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, and more power than anyone knows what to do with. Must be nice. For one lucky customer, that is exactly what Aston did. There is no other Aston Martin Victor, this is it. A one-of-one truly bespoke car built for one person.

From Aston Martin, with love

As the story goes, one day some lucky factory worker at the British marque’s plant in Warwickshire, England found what was left of the One-77 prototype. Nothing but the V12 engine and the bare carbon fiber body. The head of Aston’s Q branch, named for the famous Bond character, decided something had to be done with it. After finding a customer with more money than sense, the result was the Victor.

The gorgeous yet burly Aston Martin V8 Vantage of the late 70s inspired much of the Victor’s looks. From the front, the similarities are obvious. For example, the spaced headlights and wide grille are obvious callbacks to the old Vantage. The wheels are modern interpretations of the basket-weave wheels that shod the 70s model. Moving down the body, massively flared arches continue the trend. What’s more, that’s not even the most old-school thing about the Victor.

Saviours of the stick-shift

RELATED: The Aston Martin V12 Speedster Prototype is Very Beautiful but Doesn’t Have a Windshield

It is extremely rare to see a manual transmission in a modern car. Perhaps this is the best part of the Victor. The burly Brit comes equipped with a 6 speed, and a beautiful one at that. The gearshift rises out of the carbon-bathed center console, resembling a Terminator’s arm capped in solid walnut. It would be a crying shame to go and build something so special and not have it be a manual. Additionally, it was an easier solution than fitting the One-77’s paddle shifter, though Aston Martin is tight-lipped when it comes to why.

What’s more, the Victor’s six-speed manual transmission is mated to a modified version of the One-77’s massive 7.3-liter V12. This V12 powerplant produces a shocking 847 hp. With such immense power going to the rear wheels, inboard suspension was necessary to control the massive motor. All that motor makes a huge racket, and happily, it’s right next to the driver. The exhaust pours out of the side skirts of the Victor, just behind the seats.

Truly one of a kind

There is literally nothing else like the Aston Martin Victor on the road. Hopefully, that is not because no one is driving it, but because there truly is just one of them out there. While this technically makes the Victor priceless, it certainly did cost a whole lot of money. Statistically, you’re more likely to see a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport than the Victor. It’s a good thing but also a bad thing. Aston had the gall to go and make something truly special, but it’s a shame there aren’t more of them. However, if there were, would it really be all that special?

The post The Aston Martin Victor Is a One-off Stick-Shift Monster appeared first on MotorBiscuit.