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Someone has already test driven the 2016 Chevy Volt

Due to some well-placed connections at General Motors Canada headquarters in Oshawa, a senior member of the gm-volt.com forum with the handle "kickincanada" got about 30 minutes behind the wheel of a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. Kickincanada owns a 2012 Volt, and other than personal reservations over the styling of the new car, he came way nothing but impressed by the second-generation hybrid. He drove the Premier trim, posted his observations on the site, then answered questions for other owners desperate to find out what's coming. He said the interior materials are "more upscale," there is less hard plastic and better leather, the seats are more comfortable, and ergonomically, "Everything is beautifully laid out." Although obviously not as luxurious, the interior reminded him of the Cadillac ELR. Tech touches like a better display, Apple integration, a wireless charging area for the phone, heated rear seats, and a better rear console were also worth noting. As for driving, Kickincanada called it "incredible." The "much more luxurious drive" comes courtesy of a "firm and sporty" suspension setup, less NVH thanks to more sound insulation, quieter Michelin Energy Saver tires, and quieter operation of the genset ICE. He said acceleration from a standstill felt quicker because there was no delay between applying the throttle and the car taking off. He estimates owners should be able to get about 100 kilometers (62 miles) out of the electric mode alone on a full charge, and that the new Volt is "clearly improved in almost every way" (the car's official range, as determined by the EPA, is 53 electric miles). We look forward to finding out ourselves. Click through to gm-volt to read all of his thoughts and responses if there's a hybrid purchase in your future. Related Video:

GM warning 800,000 owners that their cars may need oil changes more frequently than they say

The days of changing your engine oil every 3,000 miles are long gone thanks to most cars having automatic oil monitoring systems, but about 800,000 General Motors vehicles apparently have incorrect monitoring software that is leading to premature engine component wear. According to Autoweek, certain 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models equipped with 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines could be going too long in between oil changes resulting in a higher-than-normal number of warranty claims for the engine's balance chain. The balance chain links the balance shaft to the crankshaft, and a worn one can produce higher noise levels.
As a fix, GM dealers will be reprogramming the software for the monitors in an effort to reduce the interval between oil changes, which varies based on driving habits and conditions. Through February 2015, the software update will be done at no cost to vehicle owners, but since this is not a recall, after that point, it will be up to the discretion of dealers as to whether or not they will charge for the service. What isn't immediately clear is whether GM plans on giving assistance to out-of-warranty customers who are experiencing engine issues from the worn chain.

GM CEO to meet with U.S. lawmakers over job cuts

WASHINGTON — General Motors Co Chief Executive Mary Barra plans to visit Capitol Hill next week to discuss the company's plans to halt production at five plants in North America next year and cut up to 15,000 jobs, two congressional aides said on Friday. GM has come under harsh criticism from lawmakers from both major political parties, and from President Donald Trump, since Monday when it announced the biggest restructuring for the U.S. No. 1 carmaker since its bankruptcy a decade ago. Barra is expected to meet with lawmakers from Michigan and Ohio, where GM plans to shutter three plants, as well as senior leaders in Congress. GM did not immediately comment. Barra has been calling lawmakers this week to explain the decision to end production. Trump has threatened to revoke subsidies for GM. The Detroit automaker plans to halt production next year at three assembly plants: the Lordstown small-car factory near Youngstown, Ohio; the Detroit-Hamtramck complex in Detroit; and the Oshawa, Ontario, assembly complex near Toronto. It will also stop building several models now assembled at those plants, including the Chevrolet Cruze, the Chevrolet Volt hybrid, the Cadillac CT6 and the Buick LaCrosse. Additionally, GM plans to shutter the Warren transmission plant outside Detroit and a plant that makes electric motors and drivetrains outside Baltimore, Maryland. The Cruze compact car will be discontinued in the U.S. market in 2019, although GM may continue building it in Mexico for other markets, Barra said. Reporting by David Shepardson. Related Video: