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Will Chevy Bolt get Opel badge in Europe?

General Motors' European plug-in vehicle name may go from A to B. That's because the Chevrolet Bolt could be sold under GM's Opel brand across the Pond, Automotive News Europe says, citing people familiar with the process that it declined to identify. The Ampera, the European version of the Volt extended-range plug-in vehicle, is being phased out due to poor sales. While the Ampera won the European Car of the Year in 2012, its sales have trended well below expectations. That the Bolt would be sold as an Opel hints to us that GM expects to distribute the electric vehicle in far smaller numbers than in the US. The Bolt, which was introduced in January in its concept version at the North American Auto Show in Detroit, will have a single-charge range of about 200 miles. GM representatives didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from AutoblogGeen on Friday afternoon. The car will also have a price tag in the US of about $30,000, factoring in federal-government tax incentives. That's if those tax incentives are still around in 2017, when the Bolt is expected to debut stateside. Related Videos: Featured Gallery Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept News Source: Automotive News Europe-sub.req. Green Chevrolet GM Opel Electric Chevrolet Bolt bolt

Next-gen GMC Sierra spied with diesel power

The next generation of GM trucks is arriving soon, and we're expecting a huge leap forward over the current lineup. The Chevy Silverado and the GMC SIerra sell extremely well, but haven't done much to move the segment forward in a long time. The Ford F-150 has an all-aluminum body and turbocharged V6 power. The Ram 1500 gained a diesel and coil spring suspension. These spy shots show that diesel may be in the cards for GM. Some quick shots and copious use of flash show what is most likely a tank for diesel exhaust fluid and a diesel particulate filter, both necessary equipment for any modern diesel. It's unclear what form factor that engine will come in, though GM has a number of engines to choose from, including the 2.8-liter inline four that's found in the Colorado and Canyon, though that may be a little light duty for the Silverado and Sierra. Other rumors surrounding the trucks suggest a move to an aluminum cab while retaining a steel bed. That seems like a reasonable move for GM, even if the company was attempting to shame Ford for its move to aluminum a few years ago. Look for more news as early as the Detroit Auto Show in January. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 GMC Sierra spy shots View 21 Photos Image Credit: Spied Bilde Spy Photos Chevrolet GMC Truck

Why the Corvette's Performance Data Recorder can be illegal in some states

The Performance Data Recorder with Valet Mode available on the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray seems like a fantastic tool for many owners. Whether they are taking 720p video while lapping the track in their new 'Vette, or just want to protect their purchase from inconsiderate joyriders, the system offers a lot of functionality in one package. However, one of the PDR's features might get buyers in trouble with the law, and it has nothing to do with recording some illicit high-speed driving on a favorite back road. The problem hinges on the various state laws concerning a person's right to privacy.
According to a letter posted by Jalopnik, Chevy dealers are asking 2015 Corvette owners not to use the Valet Mode portion of the PDR because it records audio in the cabin, in addition to performance specs. That's a problem because privacy laws vary from state to state with some requiring just one side's consent to tape sound and others requiring all parties to agree. According Jalopnik, 15 states mandate everyone's permission beforehand, but it's not clear whether these numbers are up to date. (Actually, the report varies, saying 13 states in some places and 15 in a list.)
According to the letter, Chevy is already working on a software update for the near future to rectify the issue. It's possible that simply adding a warning to drivers and the ability to turn off the audio recording function in Valet Mode might solve the problem. Obviously, this doesn't preclude Corvette drivers from using the performance aspect of the PDR, and owners are free tape lap after lap at the track.