GM reveals Volt MPV concept

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General Motors has revealed this new Volt-based MPV concept at the Beijing show. The five-seat Volt MPV5 is designed to demonstrate the potential of the Volt sedan's self-charging electric drivetrain and platform for use under other types of vehicle.

Chevrolet says the MPV5 will carry five occupants up to 32 miles on pure electric propulsion, "double what the average urban commuter in China travels each day," the company says.

When the battery is de-charged, the 1.4-liter gasoline engine/generator sustains the battery and provides up to 300 miles of electric propulsion.

The Volt's wheelbase has been stretched by half an inch to 108.5in., and the MPV5's body is 7in. longer (180.5in.), 3in. wider and 7in. taller than the Volt. The exterior uses the same blanked-off, aero-friendly grille and full-length under tray as the Volt sedan. The MPV5's interior carries over the Volt's center stack and instruments.

Chevy says the MPV5 concept has 30.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats and 62 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.

Although Chevrolet sources are not commenting on whether the MPV5 will see production, there's no doubt that more body styles will be rolled on the Volt platform.

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