GM gave a sneak peek of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt to current owners tonight in Hollywood. Photos weren't allowed, but a reader sent us this teaser pic from the announcement. Here's what we know.
"It looks fantastic," says our anonymous source, and judging by the teaser image, this is a very different Volt. It's wider and more squat – almost Impala-like – and Chevy has doubled-down on the fake grille treatment, which isn't entirely surprising with the new elongated front venting.
Back in 2013, GM's then-CEO Dan Akerson said that the new Volt aimed to be at least $7,000 to $10,000 less expensive than the current model and that the all-electric range would be boosted. Our source says there was no mention of that at tonight's shindig, nor was there any word on price or availability.
Not coincidentally, GM put out a release tonight detailing the new Volt's "user-friendly" charging system, which includes a GPS-based system that allows drivers to set different charging settings based on locations. An owner could set specific charging times and amperages at home to take advantage of off-peak power rates, and other settings for quick charging at the office or at remote stations.
New charge status indicators are also part of the upgrade, with a new lighting array on the instrument panel and an indicator if the charge port is left open. And the portable cord has been lengthened to 25 feet and includes a padlock to deter tampering.
We'll know more about the next gen. Volt in the run-up to the Detroit Auto Show (sorry, North American International Auto Show) in January.