It's like a Volt, but with two fewer doors.
What it is: A fully camouflaged and
fully functional Cadillac ELR plug-in hybrid undergoing hot-weather
testing in the desert. Cadillac’s plug-in hybrid has been a hot topic
ever since the Converj concept debuted in Detroit nearly three years ago. Although GM confirmed the ELR for production—wisely
ditching the cringe-worthy Converj moniker—more than a year ago, these
are the first shots of a mule wearing model-specific body panels we’ve
seen.
Why It Matters: A plug-in
hybrid Caddy sends not only a message of green-motivated thrift, but
also one of innovation and forward thinking. And with the crested-wreath
badging comes a wealthier demographic, and GM may be able to recoup
some of the Volt’s research and development costs on the back of the
luxury-priced plug-in. According to sources inside GM, there is plenty
of excess capacity inside the company's Hamtramck, Michigan, facility to
produce the ELR alongside the Volt.
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Platform: The ELR rides on a version
of the Volt’s bones, naturally. Despite being clad in a camouflage wrap
composed of geometrically incongruent triangles, a few key design cues
from the Converj concept look to have made the cut: The bridge-span A-
to B-pillar profile view and steeply-raked front and rear glass; a
distinctive body crease running from the front wheel arch to the rear
deck, terminating above the taillight; a mini air dam on the lower front
fascia and small spoiler on the deck lid. The seven-blade
wheels—themselves a refined version of the Volt’s five-spoke rollers—sit
at each corner. As a Cadillac, the ELR will need to maintain the
brand’s reputation, and adding luxury items could mean a higher curb
weight than the Volt's. Unlike the Volt, however, the ELR is a two-door
coupe, which may give engineers a little extra packaging space to
accommodate a larger, more powerful battery pack to offset the added
weight.
Powertrain: The Converj concept used the same powertrain as is in the Volt. Expect the ELR to have increased performance levels over the Volt;
we understand that the ELR’s engine bay is designed to accept
powerplants up to 2.0 liters in displacement, but a 1.8-liter version of
the Opel-developed Ecotec MGE would be a logical source of propulsion.
Competition: Chevrolet Volt, Tesla Model S
Estimated arrival time and price: The
ELR should debut in late 2013 as a 2014 model. Expect pricing to start
near the $50,000 mark, roughly a $10K premium over the Volt. View Photo Gallery