2012 Chevrolet Aveo sedan shows its face

After seeing the Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, we pretty excited to see the new GM compact enter production next year. Here are the first official photos of the production 2012 Aveo sedan leaked during a presentation earlier this morning.

Like the concept, we expect the 1.4L I-4-cylinder Ecotec turbocharged making 138-hp to enter production in the top-of-the-line trim. A naturally aspirated 1.4L 4-cylinder version is also expected.

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

With the recent unveiling of the Aveo RS concept at the Detroit Auto Show and spy shots of Chevrolet's diminutive hatch testing in Michigan, Chevy is obviously prepping all-new Aveo for prime time. And judging by these pics procured by KickingTires after a presentation by Bob Lutz, the Aveo is getting a much-needed makeover both inside and out.

Chevy Volt to hit the roads (quietly) soon

Enthusiasts will find plenty to like about the Volt, our reviewer says

Since its announcement three years ago, the Chevrolet Volt has seemed like one of those perpetually out-of-reach technologies, like fusion power or flying cars.

No longer.

General Motors is gearing up now to manufacture the Volt beginning this spring, reported Tony Posawatz, Chevrolet Volt and global electric vehicle line director.

GM's Chevrolet Volt

Meet the 2011 Chevy Volt, General Motors answer to hybrid cars like Toyota's Prius.

You won't get the chance to buy it until the end of the year, but ABCNews.com was invited to preview the Volt on a closed course outside RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.

If you haven't driven an electric or hybrid car before, the first thing you notice after stepping on the gas-peddle is how quiet it is. An electric engine powered by a 400 pound lithium-ion battery allows the car to whisper along while barely making a sound.

You also notice how quick the Volt is. Because of the way electric motors are designed, power and torque are available from the starting line.

2011 Chevrolet Volt to cold-weather testing in Canada

2011 Chevy Volt

The Olympics aren't the only interesting and noteworthy event currently taking place in Canada. General Motors says it has shipped its fleet of 2011 Chevrolet Volt test vehicles to the cold and snowy climes of Kapuskasing, about 500 miles northwest of Toronto. Current temperature? A frigid 23-degrees Fahrenheit, or -5 Celsius.

This latest test session comes just months after The General ran its fleet of Volts through Death Valley (about 100 degrees F) and the mountains of Tennessee. Not surprising, really. After all, every new vehicle goes through a rigorous set of test cycles, and, as the first mass-production, mass-market extended-range electric vehicle ever attempted, it's of the utmost importance that GM gets this vehicle right the first time.