In an update of its business plan, General Motors is asking the federal government for low interest loans totaling $2.6 billion to develop three new hybrid vehicles, .

The cars would be spin-offs from the much-anticipated Chevrolet Volt. If granted under a U.S. Energy Department program, the loans will increase the aid the company is seeking for fuel-efficient vehicle development to $10.3 billion over three loan requests.

The request is the first indication that GM will move forward with building Volt variations. The Volt, scheduled to go into production late in 2010, is a battery-powered sedan with a 1.4-liter engine that will activate after the car has exceeded its 40 mile all-electric range.

In January, a Cadillac concept called the Converj, based on the same electric-drive system was displayed and GM executives have indicated the Volt system will be paired with other models to raise production and lower the cost of the lithium-ion batteries used for power.

With a deadline of 60 days from the White House to develop a more aggressive restructuring plan that slashes costs and debt levels, GM also must impress the Obama administration with its ability to break with the past and build cars for the future.