Photo of 2016 Chevrolet Volt courtesy of GM.

Photo of 2016 Chevrolet Volt courtesy of GM.

General Motors has increased the range for its 2016 Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric hybrid to 50 miles from 38 for the existing model, revamped the styling, and added an fifth passenger seat, the automaker has announced.

The next-gen Volt debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit following several months of GM teasing the vehicle. The total range for the Volt increases to about 420 miles from 380 miles.

The 2016 Volt gets a new two-motor electric drivetrain that's 12 percent more efficient and 100 pounds lighter. Battery capacity has been increased to 18.4 kilowatts per hour using 96 less cells than the current generation. The reduction in cells to 192 reduces weight by 20 pounds.

GM has also added a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that should provide 41 mpg, according to GM. The engine has not yet received an EPA rating. The new engine replaces a 1.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 37 mpg.

The 2016 Volt goes on sale in the second half of 2015. Pricing has not been announced.

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