2016 Chevrolet Volt Design Teased Ahead of 2015 Detroit Auto Show

DETROIT — The look of the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Volt is being teased ahead of the plug-in hybrid's unveiling at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

Chevrolet used Twitter to provide consumers with an early look at a portion of the 2016 Volt's front end.

The tweet read: "We just want to be up front with you. Here's a new look at the #NextGenVolt at @LAAutoShow! Who's ready for #NAIAS?"

The photo shows part of the front of the Volt, along with the grille and a headlight.

General Motors is promising that the next-generation Volt will have a longer electric range, a powertrain that is 130 pounds lighter and a new cabin. The changes are designed to make the Volt more competitive against such rivals as the Ford C-Max Energi, Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius Plug-in.

The Volt will be built at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant.

Last week, Chevrolet announced that a simplified charging system is on tap for the 2016 Volt.

The new system will make recharging the car's battery and checking the charge status easier for owners.

GM says the 2016 Volt features a 20-percent increase in battery storage capacity, which means that the "typical" Volt driver will be able to travel as many as 1,000 miles between gasoline fill-ups.

Edmunds says: The excitement builds for one of the most important vehicle debuts at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.