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Rumor: 2016 Chevy Volt gets 53 miles EV range, 40% increase

While we're still waiting for the official word from GM, news is creeping around the Internet that the 2016 Chevy Volt will get a big boost in all-electric range and gas-burning efficiency. According to new rumors out today, the second-gen Volt will be able to go 53 miles on a full charge, have 106 MPGe and be able to get 42 miles per gallon on the official EPA numbers. Compared to the outgoing first-gen Volt (38 miles EV range, 98 MPGe, and 37 mpg) these are all impressive increases. The all-electric range boost of almost 40 percent is the biggest surprise, though. We knew the new Volt would get better numbers than the first-gen model, but when GM debuted the car in Detroit earlier this year, it said it suspected the Volt would get a 50-mile range, 41 mpg and 102 MPGe. We'll be keeping an eye out for official confirmation of all these new numbers. Volt drivers are already making most of their driving miles electric. The number sits at about 80 percent currently, and GM has said it expects this to climb to 90 percent in the new model. GM said in May that the 2016 Volt will start at $33,995, a bit lower than the current Volt's MSRP of $34,170 before any tax breaks. So, for less money you'll be getting much better fuel economy. What's not to like about that? Preorders are already open for interested buyers in some parts of the country. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2016 Chevy Volt View 16 Photos News Source: GM Authority, Autoguide Green Chevrolet Fuel Efficiency mpg ev range

First privately owned Corvette Stingray blitzes 1/4 mile in 12.23 at 114.88 mph

Chevrolet's latest road rocket, the Corvette Stingray, is a very quick car. If one needs further proof of that, we recommend they take a look at this video from Hennessey of what is claimed to be the first privately owned C7 Corvette to make a pass down the quarter mile. Not just any quarter mile, mind, this black C7 blitzed its way down the tuner's primary testing dragstrip. The Chevrolet ran the quarter in just 12.23 seconds at 114.88 miles per hour. That is a very quick time for a stock car.
Equipped with the Z51 package and a six-speed automatic transmission, not only does the C7 run a solid time, but it does so with little to no drama. That won't last though, as Hennessey will likely return it to its owner with far more power - we just hope they show a drag run of the completed product. Take a look below to watch the C7's 12.23-second run on video.

Chevy Malibu will become 45-mpg strong hybrid with next update

Come next year there'll be no more mild hybrid pretensions for the Chevrolet Malibu - the next-generation sedan will borrow technology from the 2016 Volt and get a proper hybrid powertrain. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine gets help from a two-motor drive unit adapted from the Volt for 182 system horsepower, the motor drive powered by an 80-cell, 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. Chevrolet says that when combined with features like grille shutters and a lower ride height, it expects the Malibu Hybrid will post a combined fuel economy rating of more than 45 miles per gallon, which would best the hybrid trims of the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata. Electric power alone can power the car up to 55 miles per hour, and The Bowtie's first use of exhaust gas heat recovery will help maintain high hybrid performance in cold weather and be used to heat the engine and cabin. The Malibu Hybrid should go on sale in the Spring of next year, for now there's a press release below. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Derives Technology from Volt GM estimates combined fuel economy ratings to exceed 45 mpg DETROIT, 2015-03-25 – Chevrolet's recent production announcement of its all-electric vehicle based on the Bolt EV concept, as well as the introduction of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, will be joined by a strong hybrid version of the next-generation Malibu. Using technology from the 2016 Chevrolet Volt propulsion system, Malibu Hybrid will offer an estimated combined fuel economy rating exceeding 45 mpg, higher than the combined mileage ratings of the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata hybrid variants. "The 2016 Malibu Hybrid will offer impressive fuel economy, exceptional driving characteristics and gorgeous styling," said Jesse Ortega, Chevrolet Malibu chief engineer. "Besides leveraging innovation from the Chevrolet Volt, the Malibu Hybrid also has unique features that help improve aerodynamics, like upper and lower grille air shutters to improve airflow and a reduced ride height, all of which help reduce fuel consumption," Ortega said. An all-new direct-injection 1.8L 4-cylinder engine mated to a two-motor drive unit slightly modified from the 2016 Chevrolet Volt drive unit powers the Malibu Hybrid. The drive unit provides additional power to assist the engine during acceleration, for 182 horsepower (136 kW) of total system power.