LG Chem has reportedly confirmed 2016 availability for its second-generation batteries for long-range electric vehicles.

The Korean supplier’s CFO, Cho Suk-jeh, suggests the batteries are being developed for models that require at least 200 miles of electric-only range, though he declined to disclose which automakers are lining up to secure supply contracts, according to Reuters.

The announcement hints at the launch timing for an expected wave of EVs that provide a much longer range than current mainstream offerings, such as the 75-mile Nissan Leaf. Range anxiety has been cited as a primary roadblock to wider adoption of electric vehicles.

Executives from several companies, notably Tesla Motors and Nissan, have opined that EVs must approach a 200-mile range before they will become viable competitors in the wider market. Reports suggest most large automakers are quietly developing long-range EVs, waiting for battery prices to drop low enough for the models to be considered for volume production.

Tesla may be among the first to launch a sub-$40,000 vehicle with a range around 200 miles, however the LG Chem announcement suggests the Model III may not have the segment to itself for very long.

Lexus’ new RC coupe range will soon be joined by another shapely two-door – the luxury brand has officially confirmed that the LF-LC concept will enter into production in 2016.

Intended to slot above the RC as a niche-selling flagship, the production LF-LC will retain at least 90 percent of the concept’s sleek styling, Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven revealed to Autocar.

“The production LF-LC will not be a huge volume [car] for Lexus, but it will bring huge emotion,” said Uyttenhoven.

Technical details for the range-topping 2+2 coupe aren’t available, but rumors have suggested it will ride on a shortened version of the LS sedan’s rear-wheel-drive architecture. Speculative reports have suggested that anything from the RC F’s naturally-aspirated V8 to hybridized V6 or V8 engines could make their way under the hood.

It’s unknown whether the LF-LC name will make to production, or whether a shortened LC moniker will be applied.

The LF-LC will be part of a Lexus growth plan that calls for a new model every year until 2020. After this year’s debut of the NX compact crossover, the RC will follow in 2015, with the LF-LC set to launch in 2016.

Following confirmation of power specs for the 2015 Mustang, Ford has highlighted the performance packages and three different brake systems for its redesigned muscle car.

The company promises the sixth-generation Mustang will bring significant improvements to both handling and ride comfort, taking advantage of a stiffer chassis and fully independent front and rear suspension.

Performance packs for the base coupe, convertible and GT trim bring additional enhancements, including a thicker rear sway bar, additional braces on the strut towers, retuned springs and dampers, additional cooling and unique tuning for the electric steering.

The upgrade kit for EcoBoost models steps up to four-piston calipers and 352mm rotors on the front, single-piston calipers and 330mm rotors on the back, a 3.55:1 final drive ratio and unique 19-inch black wheels.

For the ultimate in braking performance, the GT performance pack borrows components from the 2014 Shelby GT500. Six-piston Brembo calipers grab onto 380mm rotors in the front, while power is delivered via a Torsen differential with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio.

For claims its 2015 Mustang GT with performance package upgrades consistently beat lap times posted by the 2012-2013 Mustang Boss 302.

“We already set a very high standard for Mustang driving dynamics with the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, and our goal was to go above and beyond that with the performance pack on this new car,” said Mustang chief engineer Dave Pericak. “We added a lot of content to the new Mustang in order to hit our performance targets and meet today’s customer expectations.”

General Motors isn’t due to introduce a redesigned Chevrolet Volt until next year, but that hasn’t stopped the company from squeezing a bit of extra range out of the 2015 model.

The company has quietly increased the battery capacity from 16.5 kWh to 17.1 kWh, likely bumping the range to around 40 miles. The official specs still list a 38-mile range, however, pending recertification by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“We did make an engineering change to the cells for the 2015 Chevrolet Volt which resulted in an increase in energy capacity to 17.1 kilowatt-hours,” GM Electrification Technology Communications manager Kevin Kelly told HybridCars.

The latest spec marks the third slight increase in the Volt’s listed battery capacity, which started at 16 kWh in 2011 and jumped to 16.5 kWh for the 2013 model year. The increased range came with a drop in price, though sales numbers have still fallen short of initial targets.

The 2016 model is expected to maintain the same profile as the current edition, with modest exterior and interior style adjustments. Price is expected to drop again, potentially down to $30,000, while electric-only range will likely be extended.

General Motors has confirmed that its new eight-speed transmission will be standard equipment on a handful of 2015 pickup and SUV models.

The new gearbox will be mated to the company’s 6.2-liter EcoTec V8, which produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It can be found under the hood of the new Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali.

The 8L90 was first introduced for the 2015 Corvette Stingray, promising to improve performance and efficiency without adding weight. In the pickups and SUVs, it is approximately the same size and weight as the existing six-speed automatic.

Drivers will benefit from a wider overall gear-ratio spread, including a higher first gear ratio for easier takeoff with a heavy load or trailer. It also enables lower rear-axle ratios, reducing engine rpm at highway speeds.

GM promises to announce additional technical details, including official EPA efficiency estimates, closer to the start of production in the fourth quarter of the year.