Photo: Wolrdscoop Forum
It's not just the technology that needs to change in order for people to adopt electric cars. Models like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Nissan Leaf look awkward and to a lesser degree, so does the Chevy Volt. It's not a bad car, but it's somehow not… American enough.
It seems that's going to change with the second generation model, due out very soon. Ahead of the model's full reveal at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet invited current Volt owners to check out the Mk2 at a private event in Hollywood. There weren't allowed to photograph the car, but one black and white teaser pic was sent to Jalonik and has since spread across the web.
After that, we discovered a second photo in color and showing the 2016 Volt from a better angle on French forum Worldscoop. Both images suggest a great improvement in design, with inspiration clearly being taken from the latest Chevy models.
The sharp lines and pointy front spoiler have an uncanny resemblance to the Corvette Stingray. The new Volt has a lower hood line that makes it sportier and two grille that, like on the Tesla Model S, aren't actually grilles, but design elements.
Because both plastic inserts have a translucent design, many have said the Volt looks like it's smiling with a boxer's mouthpiece over its grille.
Chevrolet has also issued a new press statement today that claims the 2016 plug-in will make charging much more user-friendly by combining GPS to locate the nearest point for battery refills.
The GPS system will also learn where "home" is and can charge the battery at night when electricity is cheaper or set other charging preferences.
They've even changed the portable cord, making it longer at 25 feet and adding a small padlock to deter unauthorized removal during charging. Based on owner feedback, they've also installed a storage bin for the cable located on the left side of the Volt’s rear cargo area, above the load floor, so luggage won't get in the way.
“Chevrolet used the real-world experiences of today’s Volt owners to make the charging process simpler and more convenient in the next-generation Volt,” said Andrew Farah, chief engineer for the Volt. “The new Volt will give owners greater flexibility for charging it on their terms.”
When it hits the US market in the second half of 2015, the fresh Volt will be able to call upon its new 1.5-liter gasoline-fed mill with more efficient direct fuel injection. The range extender will also have a variable displacement oil pump and a high-compression ratio of 12.5:1.
After that, we discovered a second photo in color and showing the 2016 Volt from a better angle on French forum Worldscoop. Both images suggest a great improvement in design, with inspiration clearly being taken from the latest Chevy models.
The sharp lines and pointy front spoiler have an uncanny resemblance to the Corvette Stingray. The new Volt has a lower hood line that makes it sportier and two grille that, like on the Tesla Model S, aren't actually grilles, but design elements.
Because both plastic inserts have a translucent design, many have said the Volt looks like it's smiling with a boxer's mouthpiece over its grille.
Chevrolet has also issued a new press statement today that claims the 2016 plug-in will make charging much more user-friendly by combining GPS to locate the nearest point for battery refills.
The GPS system will also learn where "home" is and can charge the battery at night when electricity is cheaper or set other charging preferences.
They've even changed the portable cord, making it longer at 25 feet and adding a small padlock to deter unauthorized removal during charging. Based on owner feedback, they've also installed a storage bin for the cable located on the left side of the Volt’s rear cargo area, above the load floor, so luggage won't get in the way.
“Chevrolet used the real-world experiences of today’s Volt owners to make the charging process simpler and more convenient in the next-generation Volt,” said Andrew Farah, chief engineer for the Volt. “The new Volt will give owners greater flexibility for charging it on their terms.”
New 1.5L range extender
Just like the current model, the new Volt will keep using two electric motors. According to GM, They will be approximately 5 to 12 percent more efficient and weighs 100 pounds (45 kilograms) less than the current unit.When it hits the US market in the second half of 2015, the fresh Volt will be able to call upon its new 1.5-liter gasoline-fed mill with more efficient direct fuel injection. The range extender will also have a variable displacement oil pump and a high-compression ratio of 12.5:1.
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