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The Chevy Cruze Hatchback arrives in the US this fall

We knew this was coming, but now it's official. Chevrolet will sell a five-door Cruze in the US beginning in late 2016, and here it is, ahead of its debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. Previously, the Cruze Hatchback was available in other markets, and the decision to not offer it Stateside was apparently "a pre-bankruptcy planning mistake," according to GM's Mark Reuss in earlier reports. The 2017 Cruze Hatchback builds on the second-generation Cruze we saw last summer, adding a wealth of functionality – there's 42 cubic feet of cargo space available with the rear seats folded. Plus, the Cruze sedan is lighter and stiffer than its predecessor – more than 200 pounds have been shaved off the compact car's curb weight. While the Cruze sedan is available in four trims – L, LS, LT, and Premier – the five-door will only be available in LT and Premier guise, but can be had with the optional RS appearance package. All Cruze models are powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, with 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Standard amenities include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via Chevy's MyLink infotainment system, as well as a raft of high-tech safety features. Pricing information isn't available as of this writing, though we expect the Cruze Hatchback to command a slightly higher premium than the sedan. For comparison, a new Cruze LT sedan starts at $21,995, with the Premier coming in at $23,995. We'll have official numbers closer to the Hatchback's on-sale date this fall. Chevrolet Introduces 2017 Cruze Hatch HERE'S THE STORY Ahead of its debut at the North American International Auto Show, Chevrolet today introduced the 2017 Cruze Hatchback. Developed with all the technologies and dynamic driving attributes of the all-new 2016 Cruze sedan, the new hatch adds a functional and sporty choice for customers. It joins Colorado and Trax as the latest Chevrolets to push into new segments. PRODUCT DETAILS The Cruze Hatch has the same, class-leading 106.3-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase as sedan models, but features a unique roof and rear-end structure – including wraparound taillamps and an integrated spoiler at the top of the liftgate. It opens to offer 18.5 cubic feet (524 liters) of cargo space behind the rear seat. With the rear seat folded, cargo space expands to 42 cubic feet (1,189 liters).

Recharge Wrap-up: Tata unveils tiny H2 vehicle,Volt's new drivetrain explained

A new video explains the second-generation Voltec drivetrain in the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The new Volt uses two planetary gear sets, a big difference from the first-gen Volt, which used just one. This opens up a multitude of various drive modes, and allows the engine to drive the wheels as well as the motor-generators. See the video above for the full, in-depth explanation, and read more at GM Authority. Coal power plants need to be retired to achieve air quality benefits from EVs. According to a study, EVs charged in coal-heavy regions produce more lifecycle emissions than gasoline vehicles. Depending on when they're charged, EVs with high-capacity batteries can be responsible for two to three times the amount of emissions as a hybrid car. In the near future, though, as coal plants are retired, this is expected to change. "When EV charging load is added to a power system, wind and solar plant output can't be turned up to respond because they are typically already fully utilized," says Jeremy Michalek, Professor of Engineering and Public Policy and Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. "Fossil fuel plants are the ones dispatched in response to new charging load. That's why the shift away from coal is so important for EVs." Read more at Green Car Congress. Tata has debuted the Magic Iris Ziva fuel-cell microvan at AutoExpo India. Replacing the Magic Iris' single-cylinder engine with a hydrogen-powered unit gives the Ziva 5 kW (6.7 hp) of power for normal driving, with a maximum output of 9 kW (12 hp) and 31 lb-ft of torque. It has room for five passengers, and features an eight-inch touchscreen display. Learn more at Green Car Reports. Related Gallery Tata Magic Iris News Source: GM Authority, YouTube: Alex on Autos, Green Car Congress, Green Car Reports Green Chevrolet Tata Motors Alternative Fuels Emissions Electric Hydrogen Cars Videos recharge wrapup

Chevy to resume engine-building program for 2015 Corvette Z06

One of Chevrolet's most popular and unique customer features is set to return for 2015, as the company has announced that the Engine Build Experience is back. Interested owners will be able to screw together their engines beginning in March. The $5,000 option (which does not include the cost of travel) will give future owners of the 2015 Corvette Z06 the chance to screw together their car's actual 6.2-liter, supercharged V8. Available on each of the Z06's three trims, the Engine Build Experience includes a day at the Performance Build Center, instruction from an engine assembly tech, photographs of the experience and a personalized engine plaque. Once the build process is completed, the engine will (eventually) be fitted under the hood of the customer's personal Z06. "Chevrolet recognizes the passion customers have for Corvette and the Engine Build Experience offers them a truly unique opportunity for hands-on involvement in the creation of the heart of their new car," Corvette product manager Harlan Charles. "It's important for customers to understand their engine won't be installed the day after they built it. It will flow into the scheduling process for vehicle assembly, which depends on a number of logistical variables." Scroll down for the official announcement of the Z06's Engine Build Experience, available below. Exclusive Corvette Engine Build Experience Returns Program renewed for supercharged LT4 engine at new Bowling Green build center 2015-01-07 BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Chevrolet announced today it is resuming the exclusive Engine Build Experience for Corvette Z06 customers – the only program of its kind for supercar customers. Starting in March 2015, Corvette Z06 customers will be able to assemble the 650-hp supercharged LT4 engine for their cars at the new Performance Build Center inside the Bowling Green Assembly Plant. "Chevrolet recognizes the passion customers have for Corvette and the Engine Build Experience offers them a truly unique opportunity for hands-on involvement in the creation of the heart of their new car," said Harlan Charles, Corvette product manager. "It's a chance to bond with their new car." The Engine Build Experience is selected with order code PBC and is offered on all Z06 trim levels.