The release comes a week ahead of the automaker's 100th anniversary celebration, during which the Volt is expected to be unveiled officially. The blogger who found the photos Monday before they were taken down suspects the release was a publicity move by the automaker. 'I think they're getting very good at playing the game of public relations,' said Marty Padgett, editor of thecarconnection.com. 'Everyone is interested (in the Volt), so why not let some teases float out there?' Instead of bikini models, the photos featured GM engineers and officials, including Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, kneeling, leaning and posing on or near -- and partially hiding --the Volt. Internet reaction was mixed with one poster saying the production model is watered down from the concept version that was first unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. 'This car went from super cool...to super lame (Toyota) Prius wanna-be,' one poster wrote on Padgett's site. Another poster wrote: 'The original Volt concept looked futuristic for futuristic's sake. This one looks like an actual car that will get GM to the forefront of next-gen automotive innovation.' The automaker plans to begin production of the Volt in late 2010, with assembly set for its Hamtramck plant. The Volt will operate like a plug-in hybrid; it will be rechargeable via a standard 110-volt outlet and able to travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone. The car also will have a gas engine that powers a generator to recharge the battery and keep the vehicle running when its lithium-ion battery pack runs low on power. The vehicle could cost as much as $40,000 because of its expensive batteries, and Congress is considering tax breaks for plug-in vehicles that would defray the purchase cost of the Volt. You can reach Robert Snell at (313) 222-2028 or [email protected].