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A small refresh coming to gen2 Volt?
http://www.carscoops.com/2016/11/chevy-spied-altitude-testing-2018.html?m=1
http://www.carscoops.com/2016/11/chevy-spied-altitude-testing-2018.html?m=1
Spied 2018 Volt?
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The 2016 Equinox was built on the Theta platform, which is being replaced by the D2XX platform, the same platform as the Gen 2 Volt. It could be a hybrid version of the new Equinox on the new platform. I don't see any charge port on the Equinox, so it may be configured like the Malibu hybrid, not a plug-in like the Volt. Or it could be that the GM engineers just like to keep shared-platform vehicles together when they do road testing.
http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-platforms/d2xx/
http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-platforms/d2xx/
This is the one thing people have been repeatedly asking for over the years (voltec CUV), so hopefully they finally listened.
Lack of a charge port could mean just hybrid like the malibu, but still a significant improvement over conventional ICE drive.
Plus, plugs can be added to make an actual EREV model if they so wish. The biggest leap is getting voltec in there.
But why would they camouflage the Volt?
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Exactly, my thoughts exactly.
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Hard to say what might lurk under that skin. There could be a charge port but maybe they simply didn't have a cut out for it yet. Maybe they just run the charge cable under the hood?
Just as a note there is an all new Traverse coming out as well for the 2018 MY. There is also a new CUV that will slot between the Equinox and Traverse that has yet to be named.
They only camo'd the front cooling area, the Volt insignia near the side mirror, and the back.
Could a BEV Volt be in the works? Or a sport edition? Or just new bling outside?
Test mules often test powertrains for other model cars. So it could be that simple. That Volt has the powertrain in it for another project.
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Good question - regardless of testing objective. Any standard gen2 color would have made it blend in better...
As we say (TIC) in the motorcycle world: BNG (bold new graphics); a less than enthusiastic way of saying minor design changes in front/rear end styling for the next model year.
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I tend to think it's just a Buick velite unless the fascia is different
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Volt SS !!!
Perhaps to disguise some new ACC, vehicle-to-vehicle communication or other driver assist system.
KNS
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That Volt grill area IS different.... And it Does look more like that Buick Velite.
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The comments on that site suggest it's because this is the Buick Velite. Wouldn't be too surprising given the look of the camouflage around the grill.
I wouldn't trade my '16 Volt for one (due to 95+% of my driving being solo commuting), but I would do everything in my power to ditch my Wife's V8 Grand Cherokee for a Voltec powered Equinox. I had a 2016 Equinox as a loaner for a few days when my Volt was in the shop. I loved the size and interior room, the only downside was the drivetrain. I couldn't get past the buzzy 4-cylinder and 6-speed transmission. I felt like it either reved and buzzed like crazy, or short shifted......no happy medium. Highway travel was ok, but traveling backroads was maddening. Put a Voltec in there with 300ft-lbs of torque plus a CVT and life would be good.
Certainly looks like the Buick and could possibly the same car: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/11/chinese-buick-velite-spotted-testing-in-chicago/
Yet the front "braces" have been a source of criticism, I could see them making a new fascia and could also see some more MY18 improvements...Extremely unlikely but what I think would be a great move, axe the "Chevy" Volt and make the "Buick" Volt, add a touch of more luxury, exclusively and you'd imagine a better dealer network...
No charging port on the Equinox; Chevy likes them on the front driver side fender...
Yet the front "braces" have been a source of criticism, I could see them making a new fascia and could also see some more MY18 improvements...Extremely unlikely but what I think would be a great move, axe the "Chevy" Volt and make the "Buick" Volt, add a touch of more luxury, exclusively and you'd imagine a better dealer network...
No charging port on the Equinox; Chevy likes them on the front driver side fender...
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