We don't know a whole lot about the next generation Chevy Volt, other than the fact that it's expected as a 2016 model. It's safe to assume Chevrolet will continue with its formula of two powertrains, one driving the wheels using electricity drawn from a lithium-ion battery pack and one powered by gasoline that exists almost solely to keep that aforementioned battery pack charged up.

Besides those basic bits and pieces, though, we have no idea what to expect when Chevy pulls the covers off its next-gen Volt. It's supposed to ride on a new platform, and it will almost assuredly have some improvements that will allow it to increase its electric-only range from its current 40-ish miles (which can vary greatly depending on driving styles and circumstances) to something between 50 and 60, and likely with greater efficiency.

As you can see from our gallery of spy shots above, the 2016 Chevy Volt is indeed being tested by the automaker, right out in the eye of the public. Comparing the new Volt with the old (below), we're pretty sure that the bodywork is completely new, and even if the overall shape is very familiar, it appears to be sleeker than before. If you look closely, you'll see the tell-tale plug-in port, the Volt badging and what appear to be safety shut-down switches on the bodyside and rear end of this test prototype. Oh, and don't miss the plug hanging limply from the front fascia.

Have a look at the 2016 Chevy Volt prototype above, and let us know what you think in Comments.

There's an all-new and more wedge-shaped Chevrolet Volt coming our way within the next 18 to 24 months and one of our awesome readers had the opportunity to stumble upon an entire group of camouflaged testers in Colorado, and of course, he quickly pulled out his camera to share the pictures with all of us.

"Here are the pics I took in Silverthorne Colorado of an upcoming Chevy Volt," Brett Borgard told us. "There were around 10 of them doing some high altitude testing in the mountains of Colorado."

The heavy camouflage leaves plenty to the imagination, but we can't help but think that the 2016 Volt has a more aggressive silhouette (no doubt formed by aerodynamics) than the current model, which to be frank, is neither a looker nor did it ever have the futuristic feel that most people expect from these type of vehicles.

Whereas the looks of the Volt will be freshened up, its electric heart will continue to beat the same drum using a gasoline engine as a range-extender, albeit in refined state and with the rumored addition of a more affordable base version with a smaller battery pack and shorter driving range to help boost sales.

Ever since we saw that spy shots of the 2016 Chevy Volt, we've been hungering for more information on the next-gen version of GM's green halo car. It appears we might not have long to wait, at least for an official tease.

An inside source that wishes to remain anonymous told AutoblogGreen that GM will make two announcements regarding the second-gen Volt at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI next week. The first, and most intriguing, is that that we will get our first glimpse of the new Volt at some point during the upcoming auto show season. That means either Los Angeles later this year or else Detroit, Chicago or New York in early 2015. The second bit of news is that GM will be moving production of the electric motors from Mexico to Michigan.

Details and official confirmation are, of course, missing and Chevrolet declined comment to AutoblogGreen. We should know more next week.

Chevrolet has issued the first teaser of its second-generation Volt, seen above, along with an announcement confirming rumors that it will make its global debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in January, as a 2016 model.

Our most recent look at the next-gen hybrid came in April, when our spy photographers captured it during testing. Unfortunately, info on the next-generation Volt is still remarkably limited, even though we are barely five months away from its debut.

The spy photos did reveal something of a new profile for the five-door, with a sleeker shape and a longer rear window. We're expecting the Volt to appear on a new platform, although even that information is under lock and key.

Click on the teaser image up top to get a closer look, and then be sure to check out the official press release and spy photos from April, which we've included below.

Press Release

Next Generation Volt to debut at 2015 NAIAS
Will continue to be manufactured at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant

2014-08-07

ACME, Mich. – The next generation Chevrolet Volt will debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Global Chevrolet Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney said today.

The 2016 Volt will build on the award-winning original's strong foundation of technology innovation. Volt sales were up 13 percent in July and more than 65,000 have been sold since it was introduced – making it the best-selling plug-in passenger car in the U.S. market.

"Volt is the perfect example of the ingenuity that drives everything we do at Chevrolet," Mahoney said at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefings. "Volt fully delivers on the promises of Find New Roads and will continue to provide consumers with the transportation solutions they need and deserve in the future."

Volt owners are driving more than 63 percent of their overall miles in electric vehicle mode, collectively logging more than 500 million gas-free miles since the Volt's retail debut in 2010. That has saved more than 25 million gallons of gasoline.

While the driving range in EV mode can be affected by temperature, driving technique and terrain, the ease with which Volt drivers are avoiding gasoline use demonstrates the Volt's suitability for almost any lifestyle.

Volt owners who charge regularly typically drive more than 970 miles between fill-ups and visit the gas station less than once a month.

The Volt has received multiple customer satisfaction awards from leading third-parties. According to a recent leading independent satisfaction survey, the Volt is the highest-rated compact car under $55,000. Owners are showing their satisfaction as well. For the past three years, a leading customer publication has reported survey results showing more than 90 percent of Volt owners said they would definitely buy a Volt again.

The Volt continues to draw buyers from non-General Motors' products. In the 2013 calendar year, nearly seven of 10 new Volt buyers traded in a non-GM vehicle, the majority of which were Toyota Priuses.

Among its accolades, the 2014 Volt has been recognized for its safety, most recently receiving the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2014 Top Safety Pick+ designation for vehicles equipped with an available Forward Collision Alert system.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Hyper-milers rejoice! Do you love coasting from stoplight to stoplight, driving sedately as possible and racking up vast mileages between refueling?

Well Chevrolet has some good news for you; the company’s extended-range electric car - the Volt, is soon to have an successor.

Spotted recently in the public wilderness, the next generation Volt has been out validation testing wearing camouflaged attire. So as always, I’ve decided to give the camo the digital finger and show you what Chevrolet could be really hiding underneath…

Sleek New Design:

Comparing old with new, an all-new wedge shape profile is vastly more aerodynamic than that of the stodgy outgoing Volt. There is less of a heavy-handed approach to elements such as the A-pillars, where previously they resembled thick columns plucked out of a Roman Colosseum.

Other visual points of interest include a front-end that exudes Chevrolet’s latest iteration of twin-opening front grille and vertical LED daylight running lamps flanking either side of the front bumper.

The greenhouse is more coupe-like with window glass that has a flow-effect into the front fenders. If you look below on the driver's side, you will also see a charging point for energizing the battery pack. Further back, a steeply raked C-pillar and hatch-like trunk emphasize that dynamic new look.

Human Cargo:

Passenger accommodation in the current Volt is hamstrung by an intrusive battery pack, average 2nd row head/leg room and seating that can only cater up to four people. Trunk space also lags compared to Toyota’s plug-in Prius.

Nevertheless, Chevrolet is working on fixing these issues so that the next generation car will have seating for five and improved passenger space. Also, expect improvements in materials and touch-screen interfaces.

What Will Power It:

Coal, Gas, Tabasco Sauce and endangered Penguins - all via the national power grid of-course. However, at the heart of the next Volt sits a new range-extender engine (E-REV), with a more efficient electric motor and next-generation lithium-ion batteries sending power to the front wheels.

The ranger-extender engine in particular is rumored to be a smaller, 1.0-liter Ecotec 3-cylinder - similar to what is used in the Opel Adam and new Opel Corsa hatchback. This unit, combined with an EV range of at least 60 miles will help the Volt travel those longer distances.

Market Positioning:

Reports that the Volt’s European sister, the Opel Ampera will not survive the leap into the second-generation model were recently rebuffed by Opel. Yet sales to date still have been poor - down 40% in 2013 and even worse this year - and staggering 67% drop for the first five months. Deliveries in America are fairly reasonable, however the Volt still trails Nissan’s Leaf.

With an increased focus on interior packaging, smarter styling and price reductions; Chevrolet’s next Volt could blow the Leaf into the gutter and provide stiff competition against Toyota’s plug-in Prius, Ford C-Max Energi, Ford Fusion Energi and even BMW’s i3.

If you want to see the real thing, better have those tickets to the 2015 Detroit Motor Show on standby. Sales will follow later in the year.

Tell us your first impressions in the discussion area below.