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Next-generation Chevrolet Colorado breaks cover in new spy photos

The next-generation Chevrolet Colorado broke cover in this fresh set of spy photos this week, giving us a glimpse of what to expect when GM's compact trucks are replaced in what is expected to be either 2023 or 2024.  Thanks to its still-extensive camouflage, this prototype doesn't give away a ton about the new Colorado's styling, but in profile, it appears as though the swoopy, upswept rear cab line might become a thing of the past. We wouldn't be surprised to see the new Colorado adopt a more angular, squared-off look more akin to that of its big brother, the half-ton Silverado. The Silverado is also expected to donate what may be the new Colorado's only powertrain. Taking a cue from Ford, Chevy is expected to offer the next-gen Colorado with just a turbocharged four-cylinder engine — the new corporate 2.7T in this instance. The large, 310-horsepower four-pot can easily take over for the 3.6L V6 currently available in the GM twins and one-up the 270-hp Ranger to boot. This would mark the end of both a V6 and diesel option being offered in GM's midsize trucks, and tracks with the company's slow, silent effort to eliminate lower-margin models. We say "trucks" because, well, whatever happens with Chevy is likely to translate to GMC. The Canyon will be due for replacement at the same time, and will likely carry on as a re-skin of Chevy's offering. We're not yet certain exactly when Chevrolet will start selling the next-gen Colorado, but given the reasonably complete state of this prototype, we expect it won't be long now. Rumors suggest it could hit the market in 2023 as a 2024 model.  Related Video: The Best Midsize Pickup: Ranger vs Gladiator vs Tacoma vs Colorado

2016 Chevy Volt rated at 106 MPGe, 53 miles of pure EV range

Following a string of rumors, Chevrolet and the Environmental Protection Agency have released official fuel economy numbers for the second-generation Volt. As was reported earlier today, the new and improved hybrid will cover 53 miles on pure electric power. As Chevy tells it, first-gen Volt owners cover about 80 percent of their mileage on EV power alone, so the 40-percent increase from the second-gen should lead to an even bigger reduction in gas-powered Volt mileage. Chevy expects some 90 percent of mileage to come from a plug with its new 2016 model. This newfound EV range comes thanks to the 2016 Volt's 18.4-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery. Rated at 106 MPGe by the feds – exactly what was promised by a June leak – the 2016 Volt improves nicely on the current model's 17.1-kWh, 98-MPGe battery back. There's also a marked improvement when relying on the gas-powered on-board generator. The 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine will happily run on regular fuel and return a still-impressive 42 miles per gallon combined rating once the battery's state of charge is depleted. Expect the freeway to cruise to be even better, although Chevy isn't ready to say by how much. Fully charged and with a full tank, drivers should expect to cover 420 miles, a 40-mile improvement over the current model. Scroll down for the official press release from Chevrolet Related Video: The Results Are In: More Range for the 2016 Volt EPA-estimated pure electric range is 53 miles DETROIT – The 2016 Volt is engineered to offer customers more of what they want: range, range and more range. The Volt's all-new second-generation Voltec extended range electric propulsion system delivers 53 miles of pure EV range, based on EPA testing. That is nearly a 40-percent improvement over the first generation Volt. Chevrolet expects many next-generation Volt owners will use power solely from their battery for more than 90 percent of trips. Today, Volt owners use battery power on 80 percent of their trips. This means that the average Volt owner may expect to travel well over 1,000 miles between gas fill ups, if they charge regularly. For the first 53 miles, the Volt can drive gas and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity stored in its new 18.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, which is rated at a combined 106 MPGe, or gasoline equivalent. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas-powered generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range for a total of 420 miles on a full tank.

GM recalling nearly 4,000 vehicles over airbag concerns

Four different General Motors vehicles from the 2012 model year are being recalled over a potential airbag issue. The driver's side airbag shorting bar in the 2012 Buick Verano and 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic might make contact with the airbag terminals, even during a crash. If so, the airbag won't deploy when it should, possibly increasing injury to the driver.
The recall is expected to begin on February 13 for the 3,896 units that might be affected. GM will notify owners who can then take their vehicles to dealers to have the airbag coil replaced. A bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration below has more info.