Chevrolet Volt: Second-generation plug-in hybrid revealed at CES

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has just kicked off in Las Vegas, and this year more automakers than ever before have scheduled concept car launches and cutting edge technology demonstrations than ever before.

Perhaps to cut its competitors off at the pass, Chevrolet has taken the unusual step of unveiling the look of its second-generation Volt plug-in a week ahead of its full debut at the Detroit motor show.

The company did not disclose any further information about the car, showing the car to CarAdvice and the assembled members of the press for around a minute before drawing the curtains closed again.

It appears to look very different to the first-generation car, which melded together styling cues from the dazzling 2007 concept car with a far more pragmatic and aerodynamic production body shell.

At first glance, the new Volt, probably freed some of its historical constraints, sports a much more aesthetically pleasing body that's less slab-sided than the first model. Detailing is thinner and less chunky, especially around the grille and headlights; the side window detailing no longer pays homage the stepped-glass look of the original concept.

As we've detailed already, the second-generation Volt will feature a regenerative braking on-demand button on the steering wheel. Other inclusions with the new model include an illuminated charging port and a longer charging cable.