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Brief website update hints 2016 Chevy Volt will get 43 mpg, 106 MPGe

Customers in California can already order the 2016 Chevrolet Volt and be the first to own the new, range-extended EV in August. It appears there's now a possibility that buyers of the updated model might get slightly better economy than Chevy's initial announcement from the 2015 Detroit Auto Show in January, too. According to the eagle-eyed folks at GM-Volt.com, Chevy has been subtly tweaking the spec page for the 2016 Volt. It briefly showed the model getting 43 miles per gallon combined fuel economy and 106 mpge, rather than the originally released figures of 41 mpg and 102 mpge. Shortly afterward, the internal-combustion mileage returned to 41 mpg, but 106 mpge remained. A GM spokesperson told Hybrid Cars the changes happened by mistake. "We have not finalized numbers yet. We expect to announce in July." The economy isn't the only statistic to see an adjustment, though. The total range was reportedly briefly shown as 420 miles, and then returned to a 430-mile rating, according to Hybrid Cars. The Volt's output has also been slightly tweaked from the original figures. It's now displayed as 150 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque, versus the preliminary numbers of 149 hp and 294 lb-ft. These tiny changes likely have a negligible impact on real-world driving, but they suggest that Chevy's team is still working to squeeze as much as possible from the latest Volt's powertrain. If the final figures are coming in July, then the engineers still have just a few weeks to improve the ratings even more.

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.

Recharge Wrap-up: Range-extended EV taxis in London, 2016 Chevy Volt interior two years old

The first Metrocab range-extended EV taxis are operating on the streets of London. The cabs use a 12.2-kWh battery and two 50-kW motors, as well as a 1.0-liter gasoline range extender. Fuel economy is 98 MPGe on the ECE101 cycle, and total driving range is over 348 miles before needing to charge or refuel. Cabbies can expect to save GBP20 to GBP40 (about $30 to $60) per day on average. "The cash savings on fuel are significant, the ride and comfort outstanding, and my first customers are thrilled with the new cab," says the first operator of the new EV taxi, Preston Morris. "With its air suspension providing unrivaled comfort, panoramic glass roof for views of the city and silent powertrain, what's not to like?" Read more in the press release below. Chevrolet has had the interior design of the 2016 Volt finished for two years already, according to GM interior designer John McDougall. Beginning around 2010, GM received sketches from designers worldwide before narrowing it down to a handful of designs. Then the top three choices were molded from clay. The chosen theme was then refined for up to 18 months. "Every little thing you can imagine goes into that," says McDougall. "The glare angle from the windows, the placement of the controls, the placement of the seat. You have to create something that's beautiful and functional." Read more at GM Authority and at Inside EVs. More details have emerged about the Second Life Batteries Alliance. Vattenfall has announced a research project in partnership with BMW and Bosch to use retired EV batteries for stationary, grid-connected energy storage in Hamburg, Germany. Over 100 lithium-ion batteries from BMW i3 and ActiveE vehicles will make up a two-mWh storage unit for grid balancing, enough to power 30 four-person households for a week. The system is "compact enough to fit in a small building," says Bosch. Such storage systems are especially fit for storing and moving alternative forms of energy, which often fluctuate in supply more than electricity from a traditional power plant. Vattenhall will operate the storage unit for 10 years, with Bosch managing the batteries, during which time the three partners hope to learn more about battery applications and their performance over time. Read more at Green Car Congress, or in the press release below.