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2016 Chevy Volt auctioned off to help the robots

One of the cool things about the 2016 Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in being auctioned off to raise money for kids' science and robotics program is that even the sedan's color sounds very scientific. Indeed, it's fitting that a "Kinetic Blue" Volt will be used to advance the scientific education of the country's students, according to Hybrid Cars. That is, if it fetches enough cash. Chevrolet parent General Motors was kind enough to donate a 2016 Volt to the so-called FIRST K-12 robotics program (FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). The program was founded in 1989. Last year, General Motors engineers worked with about 10,000 FIRST students in the US, but it looks like GM is now going the cold-hard-cash route to make its mark on future scientists. Bidding for the vehicle will take place until the morning of November 19, and, hopefully, it will generate enough interest to drive the bidding price up beyond its MSRP. As of Tuesday morning, nine bids had been taken, with the top one at $27,750. That's all fine and good except the car is pretty loaded with bells and whistles, and it's 53-mile electric-only range is a considerable jump from the first-generation Volt, so the car's "estimated value" is $40,245 (not factoring in the $7,500 federal tax incentive). That's a pretty good jump over the 2016 Volt's base price of $33,995, which marked a $175 price cut from the 2015 model. So pony up, folks. It's for the kids. Related Video:

GMC Canyon, Chevy Colorado diesels finally heading to dealers

Customers who have been waiting to receive their diesel-powered Chevrolet Colorados and GMC Canyons should be relived to hear that GM will finally start to ship them out of the Wentzville Assembly Plant. "The highly anticipated 2016 GMC Canyon diesel has begun shipping to dealers," a company spokesperson confirmed to The Detroit News. The trucks originally had a fall launch date, but a final review forced a delay in deliveries. The 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel in the midsize trucks produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, and the company touts the engine's low emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board even put the mill through extra scrutiny with a real world test in the wake of VW's diesel scandal, and the Duramax passed with no problems. At that time, a Chevy spokesperson told Autoblog that the models' launch was on track. The Duramax engine adds $3,730 to the price of a comparable V6 model, but they're the most fuel-efficient pickups on the market. The EPA estimates the twins at 31 miles per gallon highway, 22 mpg city, and 25 mpg combined in two-wheel drive form and 29/20/23 with four-wheel drive. Buyers likely can't wait to finally experience these pickups after reading a heap of positive reviews. The Colorado diesel recently earned Motor Trend's Truck of the Year award. We also came away impressed with it during our First Drive and liked the Canyon during our Quick Spin. Related Video:

GM Canada recalls 159,240 GMC and Chevy trucks for faulty defroster circuit

General Motors is recalling more than 159,000 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks in Canada due to a potential fire risk. GM says the rear defroster circuit could overheat on trucks optioned with the power-sliding rear window. Thus far, there is no word on the recall's relation to U.S. vehicles. The recall, found by Automotive News, was posted to Transport Canada on June 28, 2019 with manufacturer recall No. N192220470. Included in the 159,240 vehicles are the 2014-2018 Silverado 1500, the 2015-2019 Silverado HD, the 2014-2018 Silverado LD, the 2014-2018 Sierra 1500, the 2015-2019 Sierra HD, and the 2014-2018 Sierra LD. The notice says the rear defroster circuit, specifically on trucks with the power-sliding rear window, could overheat. Because of its placement, this excess heat could cause melting, smoking, or possibly fire, in the worst case scenario. As of now, there is no official word when GM will initiate the recall and there is no official fix detailed just yet. GM suggests that owners, who will be notified by mail if their vehicles are affected, take their trucks to a dealer to remove the rear window defroster fuse as a stop-gap.  Automotive News contacted GM to find out if the problem is also found in trucks sold in the United States, but no definitive statement was made, as the investigation is reportedly ongoing. We will update this space if American vehicles are found to be included in the problem.