This is it: the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended range has been unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. The second-generation Volt gets new exterior and interior designs, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration, while also offering 50 miles (81 km) of all-electric range.

GM estimates the 2016 Volt will offer a total driving range of more than 400 miles (644 km). With regular charging, owners are expected to travel more than 1,000 miles (1,609 km) on average between gas fill-ups.

The 2016 Volt is powered by a new two-motor drive unit that produces 111kW (149hp) and 294lb-ft (398Nm) of torque, with a 101hp 1.5-liter range extender engine offering a combined GM-estimated fuel efficiency of 41 mpg (5.73 l/100 km). The Voltec propulsion system is up to 12 percent more efficient and 100 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the first-generation drive unit.

The new Volt also goes from 0 to 30 mph (48 km/h) in 2.6 seconds (19 percent quicker than before) and from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 8.4 seconds (7 percent quicker). Battery capacity has increased to 18.4 kWh using 192 cells (96 fewer than current generation), with the battery weight reduced by more than 21 pounds (9.8 kg). Charging times are about 13 hours at a 120V outlet and 4.5 hours at a 240V outlet.

Going on sale in the second half of 2015, the second generation Chevrolet Volt also features a new exterior design which can be labeled as an evolution of the previous model. Chevrolet says the shape of the car is “inspired by the toned physiques of athletes and even the natural shapes of wind-swept sands,” with carved body sides and fenders that blend into the hood.

The front-end retains the Volt identity, with bright upper and lower grille pads, and introduces active grille shutters. Inside, the new Volt includes seating for five, fresh colors complemented by blue ambient lighting and controls that are more intuitively placed and simpler to operate.

The car retains the dual digital color displays with an eight-inch-diagonal reconfigurable screen in the instrument cluster to relay driver information. An additional eight-inch-diagonal touch screen in the center of the instrument panel controls the Chevrolet MyLink system.

Standard features include rear-vision camera, ten air bags (including driver and front-passenger knee air bags), while available active safety features include lane keep assist with lane departure warning, side blind zone alert with lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert with following distance indicator, front automatic braking, and advanced park assist with front and rear park assist (semi-automatic parallel parking).

Chevrolet Announces 2016 Volt Pricing
Next Gen delivers more technology at new price as low as $26,495

DETROIT – The Chevrolet Volt is poised to continue to bring new owners to the electric plug-in family. Pricing will be as low as $26,495 after the full federal tax credit of $7,500. (Federal tax credit can range from $0 up to $7,500.) In California, the vehicle's largest market, residents of the state will be able to purchase the all-new Volt for as low as $24,995 after state and Federal incentives.

The 2016 model will start at $33,995 MSRP, including an $825 destination fee (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees). This is almost $1,200 less than the current generation Volt.

"The next generation Chevrolet Volt delivers more technology, the ability to drive further between gas fill ups and now with even more value to our customers. It's what our loyal Volt owners told us they wanted," said Steve Majoros, Director, Chevrolet Marketing. "We are confident we will continue to attract new customers to Volt with the vehicle's product improvements and attractive price."

The Volt continues to be a success with the brand with nearly 70 percent of Volt owners trading in a non-GM product or adding to their household fleet in 2014, the highest of any Chevy nameplate. The number one trade-in for the Volt is the Toyota Prius. To date more than 75,000 first generation Volt owners have driven hundreds of millions of EV miles.

Volt owners who charge regularly can expect to drive an estimated 1,000 miles or more between fill-ups (based on GM testing). The 2016 Volt will provide owners with impressive fuel economy of a GM estimated 102 MPGe (electric) and 41 combined mpg on gasoline power.

The new Volt will offer a GM estimated 50 miles of all-electric driving range on a single charge, a 31-percent improvement over the first-generation Volt. This means that new Volt owners should anticipate that approximately 90 percent of trips in a new Volt will be driven all-electrically.