The long-awaited Chevy Volt electric hybrid may be making its world debut at the Paris motor show in early October, reports say. Alongside the revolutionary vehicle, GM will also show off a replacement for the small sedan known as the Chevrolet Lacetti in Europe, Optra in Canada and Suzuki Forenza in the U.S. The yet unnamed car will also apparently replace the Chevrolet Cobalt in North America.

The Volt is said to launch in Paris in U.S.-spec, with left-hand drive and a powertrain that is close to the concept car’s. According to Channel 4, an Opel- or Vauxhall-badged version of the Volt would substitute the auxiliary gasoline engine with a diesel and be sold in Europe. The Volt is due to launch in 2010, although GM is struggling to meet the date.

In contrast to the low-volume, cutting-edge technology Volt, GM is set to launch a new Delta-platform car that will be sold in global markets. The current Delta platform underpins the Chevy Cobalt and HHR, Saturn Ion, Pontiac G5, Saturn/Vauxhall/Opel Astra, among others so the new will have vast effects, although it will be produced as a four-door sedan only. The next-generation Saab 9-3 will also be built on the new Delta architecture. The new world car will be close in size to the VW Jetta, with five-door hatchback models coming late in 2009, with more variations after that.

In related news, the Chevy Camaro is expected to be offered in right-hand drive versions as well, with the official announcement possibly coming in Paris as well, alongside the left-hand drive car shown there.