Given the Volt sales to date, it is pretty clear that GM has not yet generated enough revenue to cover its original development costs. This is a financially painful move.
Most car models have a 4 to 5 year product cycle. The Volt was introduced mid-way through the 2011 model year. This is way too early in the product cycle for a major re-work of the power train. I'm left wondering about the motivation for this change.
Good post and all true.
This may be a last gasp effort to save the Volt. Just a guess.