Cadillac has unveiled the Voltec powered extended range hybrid coupe called the ELR. The eye-catching car uses the same drivetrain as the Chevy Volt, but has more refined design, technology and performance to ensure it offers the additional quality of the Cadillac Brand.
Originally presented in 2009 as the Cadillac Converj, many were concerned Cadillac would water down the drastic stance and aggressive shoulder lines, but the Cadillac ELR looks pretty close to the original concept.
Some of the exterior features include large 20 inch wheels, satin black chrome grill inserts and LEW lights everywhere. The side mirrors have turn indicators and the driver’s side light doubles as a state-of-charge indicator when the ELR is plugged in.
The interior of the ELR has leather wrapper features everywhere – from the door panels to the horn pad and instrument panels, it’s all leather-bound (which makes us wonder about the price of the ELR). Sound is controlled by a 10 speaker Bose system and noise cancellation. The ELR even has a power assisted sliding cover on the cup holder! Cadillac did mention the interior was not 100% production approved, but was very close.
Performance of the Cadillac ELR should be quite enjoyable, with 207 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the slightly heavy (due to the batteries) 4,070 lb vehicle. By using steering wheel paddles, the driver can temporarily increase braking regeneration with a Regen on Demand feature to mimic the effect of downshifting.
The lithium-ion battery pack is a bit lighter than the Chevy Volt’s battery pack, but the ELR uses the same 1.4 liter gasoline range-extender.
Electric only range on the 2014 Cadillac ELR is estimated at 35 miles (compared to the Volt’s 37 miles) but that’s not an official number yet. Recharging it will take 12 hours on a 120 volt plug and around 4.5 hours using a 240V plug.
Cadillac is still saying ELR production begins in the United States in late 2013. Sales will start in early 2014 in North America and expand to global markets including Europe and China.
For a barrage of photos, visit the Cadillac ELR Forum’s gallery
Will the Cadillac ELR have adiquate cargo space?
Cadillac ELR back seats fold down, will the ELR have a 60/40 split?
Has any of the Cadillac ELR performance tests reveiled the 0-60 mph times?
Is the instrumental panel on the Cadillac ELR going to have an engine vs electric power management system that you can manage on the go?
You mean to help optimize efficiency while you’re driving? Likely it will.
Is the Cadillac ELR going to introduce an upgraded Nav system with bak up camera?