A Recharged Chevy Volt Makes 2015 CES Appearance

Like it or hate it, no one can doubt that the first-generation Chevrolet Volt was an important car. A premise founded as a concept car, the first plug-in hybrid powerplant vehicle was believed to be the product that would shepherd a recently bankrupt automaker into the future. The technology potentially enabled several short distance commuters to travel on electricity along without relying on a range-extending gasoline powerplant. Close to its introduction, a hefty price tag and loss of some of its novelty value led to the downplaying for the importance of the vehicle. Despite some apprehension, the Volt sold reasonable well as an electrified niche vehicle. No longer the only plug-in hybrid available to North American motorists, Chevrolet realized that the 2016 model year could provide the Volt with an edge capitalizing on new advances in technology and design. On Sunday night, the face of the highly-anticipated 2016 model year Chevrolet Volt greeted an audience in Las Vegas at this year‘s Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

It is clear the new Volt is decked-out with a greater essence of sophistication. The 2016 Chevrolet Volt front end retains large chrome pieces within the grille area but the whole execution draws less attention to its alternative powertrain. The overall design of the 2016 Volt appears to bears a closer resemblance to other Chevrolet sedans such as the Cruze and even the Impala. The roofline of the new Volt is most striking as it appears to arc towards the rear past the B-pillar. This treatment is surely made to aerodynamics and is almost Toyota Prius-like

The new appearance the 2016 Chevy Volt will operate using an already-announced enhanced battery system. Weighing 30 pounds less than the current Volt’s battery, the storage capacity is 20 percent higher with the new lithium-ion pack. Energy from the battery will be fed into a more efficient yet also lighter weight electrical drive system using Voltec electric motors. With Volt’s new battery pack, estimates electric-only range will be listed at over 40 miles. Intelligent, GPS-based charging and a longer electrical cord will be present on the 2016 model year. So far, there’s no mention if a fast-charging method will become available on the new Volt.

When electric power is exhausted, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt will have a new range-extender gasoline engine. Featuring direct injection and a high compression ratio, the 1.5-liter powerplant should be more powerful than the 84-horsepower 1.4-liter engine it is replacing. Details of the performance and overall efficiency of the 2016 Volt has not been confirmed as of yet.

In August, General Motors announced plans debut the 2016 Volt at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Well, it appears the Motor City has taken a back seat to Sin City this year as the new-generation plug-in hybrid was shown ahead of the 2015 CES in Las Vegas. Since Chevrolet has teased us with powertrain details over two months ago, the exterior and interior appearance was the only items left of the 2016 Chevy Volt left to be premiered.

General Motors described the showing at the industry-only CES as a sneak peak. Unfortunately, for those who wanted to be kept in suspense ahead of the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the presentation performed by the auto company revealed more of the Full Monty ahead of Detroit (almost two before the public can see the car in person).

Information and photo source : General Motors

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