Next-Generation 2016 Chevy Volt To Resemble Corvette

Next-Gen 2016 Chevy Volt To Debut In Just A Few Weeks – Props To Our Anonymous Photoshopper

2016 Chevrolet Volt Rear Teaser

According to General Motors’ global head of design, the next-generation 2016 Chevrolet Volt will feature subtle design elements from today’s Corvette:

“As Malibu and Cruze and Volt come to market, you’ll be able to see a subtle link between some of the form vocabulary for all of them and Corvette.”

In speaking with Automotive News, Wellburn says that Chevrolet’s design team will incorporate elements from the Corvette into several next-generation Chevy models that will appear over the next couple of years.

Per Automotive News:

“Subtle design elements of the Corvette — from the hexagonal taillights to its taut hood — will be recognizable in many of Chevrolet’s upcoming cars, General Motors global design boss Ed Welburn says.”

Wellburn adds:

“I always look at the hood of the Corvette and the sectioning, the way it’s taut, very lean, very sporty.  That will be a part of really everything we do for Chevrolet.”

Out back, Wellburn says that the Corvette’s squared-off taillights will be hinted at “in all other Chevrolets…in a very positive way.”

Peruse these images of the Corvette for a sense of where the design might be headed for the 2016 Volt:

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Source: Automotive News

General Motors Now Claims the Volt and Cruze Engines Will Be Made In Flint, Michigan

Wouldn't you know it, one day after I lament that GM will be using foreign made engines, we get this press release.

General Motors has confirmed today that it will still invest approximately $250 million to bring the 1.4-liter 4-cylinder Family 0 engine production to Flint, Mich. The engine capacity for the Chevy Volt and Cruze will be allocated to existing and available floor space in the company’s Flint South engine plant located on Bristol Road.

Preparations to the Flint South plant for installation of new machinery and equipment will begin this Spring. Production of the 1.4-liter engines is targeted to begin in December 2010.

Production of Family 0 engines at Flint South will be GM’s most flexible and competitive engine manufacturing lines in the world, with approximately 150 highly flexible stations that will allow production of multiple 4-cylinder engine families without retooling.

This means that GM will not invest in new floor space at this time due to current capital expenditure constraints and available floor space in existing facilities.

There you have it. You can ignore my previous diatribe about the little four cylinder engine. It is worth noting that the first Volts are due in dealerships at the same time this plant will be ready, so there will be a need to use overseas engines in the beginning.