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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 it’s 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 GM’s Hamtramck facility to produce the ELR alongside the Volt.
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. Unlike the Volt, however, the ELR is a two-door coupe, which may give engineers a little extra room that likely will 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. We expect that the ELR will receive increased performance from what the Volt gets from its naturally aspirated 1.4-liter four-cylinder. 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.
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