Chevrolet Volt Chief Engineer Andrew Farah and team have are driving camouflaged 2016 Volts to test ride, handling and powertrain performance.Some of the tricks used are:

– Black and white patterns – The color scheme creates a shadow that hides vehicle design elements.
– 3D–Layered camouflage throws off onlookers, but has to be applied without interrupting airflow around the car.
– Swirls – In the old days of car camouflage, the design relied mainly on a grid pattern,
but over the years engineers discovered that grids are difficult to realign if a piece is removed to make a change to the car. Swirl patterns are better at hiding changes.
Bubble wrap – Camouflage can be made from many different materials including plastics, vinyl and foam. Good, old bubble wrap is a lightweight, easily attachable three-dimensional material used to confuse prying eyes.

The camouflage package on the next-generation Volt was started six months in advance of early development. The tricks are constantly updated to keep spy photographers – Jim Dunne, who graciously contributes to AutoInformed – and the curious guessing.