New Chevrolet Volt makes a shy debut ahead of Detroit

The new Chevrolet Volt – GM’s petrol electric hybrid – is due to debut at the Detroit Auto Show, but it’s poked its nose in to the CES in Las Vegas.

The Chevrolet Volt has not been an overwhelming success for GM, and a new Volt is due to try and address the failings GM hope are responsible for low sales.

Ahead of a debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week, GM has taken the new Volt to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and posted a photo on Twitter that shows the new Volt’s front end, but not a lot more.

We can’t say the new Volt looks markedly different to the current Volt, but we do expect significant changes under the skin to make it more appealing.

We’re expecting better steering on the new Volt and improvements to NVH too – common criticisms from owners – but it’s the drivetrain that is coming in for most attention.

A new battery pack for the Volt has been developed with LG which is said to store 20 per cent more charge from a pack that is 13kg lighter – promising an improved EV range – with the electric motor drive weighing less and offering more power as well as a new 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine to improve things further.

Whether all the changes will be enough to encourage car buyers to buy the new Volt remains to be seen, but unless GM cut the price a chunk – and can do something about falling oil prices – it’s going to be an uphill struggle.

But whatever the sales outcome is, with Chevrolet departing the UK it’s highly unlikely the new Volt will be for sale this side of the Pond. And, as far as we are aware, Vauxhall won’t base any new Ampera on the new Volt either.