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How real is the Chevy Bolt EV and will it really cost $30,000?

"This is us bragging that we can do this kind of car." That's how Michael Simcoe, GM's executive director for NA exteriors, described the Chevy Bolt EV concept, which made a surprise appearance at the Detroit Auto Show today. While there was talk of a 2017 production debut, this is for sure a concept vehicle. But that means the ideas behind the vehicle are perhaps more important than the details. For example, no one is talking about what size battery might appear in a production Bolt, but Simcoe would talk about how rapid progress in battery improvements made it possible for GM to make the bold Bolt declaration that promises 200 miles and a price tag of around $30,000 (after incentives). But if the Bolt makes it to market, it won't be until 2017 (as rumored) or later, is it really fair to promote the car as being available with a federal tax credit? For one thing, credits for plug-in vehicles may change in the next few years, but if the laws stay the same, each manufacturer is limited to 200,000 vehicles before the credits start to decline. GM is justifiably proud that it's sold over 70,000 Volts thus far, but with a new model coming out later this year and a few years to go until the Bolt potentially arrives, GM could be pushing right up against that 200,000 limit when the Bolt goes on sale. But Volt executive chief engineer Pam Fletcher told AutoblogGreen that, "We're just trying to take some of the confusion out." "Think about talking to the average consumer," she said. "First, going through the explanation of how the federal tax credit was set up, how it's being used and so on. [In the industry, we] have the luxury of understanding the nuances of that regulation, but right now people who aren't in the marketplace, they don't have the luxury of all that. It's already hard to communicate the details so we gave them data in a way that is what they're used to seeing." There was one question that drove the two-year Bolt gestation and design period, Simcoe said: What does a better battery offer a vehicle designer? "We've got a number of spaces we play in for powertrain technology and obviously electrification is one of them," he said. "With Volt 1 and then the Spark EV, with that development and batteries getting better for us, we started doing some practical packaging to deliver a vehicle which was not the traditional aero form which you see around electric vehicles.

2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport brings American fury to Geneva

Power isn't everything – even when it comes to Corvettes. Sure, the mighty, 650-horsepower Z06 is a real peach, but there's a lot to be said for the base Stingray with its naturally aspirated LT1 V8, putting out 460 hp in top spec. That's still plenty of grunt. Now, put that engine in a lightweight, aerodynamic-focused Corvette with super-sticky tires, and you get the new Grand Sport – a naturally aspirated Stingray that can pull up to 1.2 Gs. GM says the new Grand Sport is nearly as quick around its Milford Proving Ground track as the previous-generation ZR1. Specific updates include sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires – 285/30ZR19 up front and 335/25ZR20 at the rear. Huge Brembo brakes are fitted to slow things down with a quickness, new stabilizer bars and springs keep the car hunkered down, and a seven-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions are available. Want an even more hardcore package? Option the Z07 pack, which adds carbon ceramic brakes and Pilot Sport 2 Cup tires. Both coupe and convertible versions will be available, and a Collector Edition will come later in the year, painted in Watkins Glen Gray with Tension Blue hash marks, satin black stripes, black wheels, and a blue full leather and suede interior. The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport debuts at this week's Geneva Motor Show, and will go on sale in the US this summer. View 18 Photos View 6 Photos 2017 CORVETTE GRAND SPORT HAS RACING ROOTS A 'purist' model that leverages a half-century legacy of motorsports success - Lightweight architecture and track-honed aerodynamics - An engine offering an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability and up to 1.2g with the available Z07 package - Coupe and convertible available this summer in U.S. and fall in Europe - Grand Sport Collector Edition available later in model year GENEVA – With Corvette Racing in its DNA, the all-new 2017 Corvette Grand Sport is a pure expression of the car's motorsports-bred pedigree. It was introduced today at the Geneva International Motor Show. Like the 2015 Le Mans-winning Corvette C7.R GTE Pro race car, the new Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine. The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport offers an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability – and up to 1.2g with the available Z07 package.

2019 Chicago Auto Show photo gallery: All of the grilles

Do you like trucks? How about grilles? Like really big, shiny, chromey, in-your-face, could-be-made-by-Broil-King grilles? Well, the Chicago Auto Show is the place to be. Traditionally known as the truck show of the annual auto show circuit (at least those covered by national media), Chicago has what seems like a small national park's worth of acreage devoted to both consumer and commercial trucks. From humble extended cab Ford Rangers to a mammoth F-650 with cherry picker sprouting from its aft quarters, there's bound to be a truck for everything. And they all have grilles. So above is our gallery devoted to them, because hell, why not? Should you want to know about the trucks attached to those grilles, check out our coverage below. Heavy Duty Trucks 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD revealed, tows 35,500 pounds 2020 GMC Sierra HD revealed, has more subtle looks than Chevy sibling 2019 Ram Heavy Duty trucks get new face, 1,000 pound-feet of torque 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty revealed, adds massive gas engine Full-Size Trucks Read how all of the full-size trucks compare to each other 2019 Chevrolet Silverado First Drive 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2.7L Turbo First Drive 2019 GMC Sierra First Drive 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 First Drive 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Quick Spin Review 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque Drivers' Notes Review 2019 Ford F-150 2.7L EcoBoost Quick Spin Review 2018 Ford F-150 King Ranch Power Stroke Diesel Review Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Chicago Auto Show: All of the grilles View 40 Photos Chicago Auto Show Chevrolet Ford GMC RAM Truck chevrolet silverado