Detroit Auto Show 2013: The Followup To the Chevy Volt Is A Cadillac

The 2014 Cadillac ELR isn't your typical Caddy--it's an all-electric, supersleek coupe.

By Chelsea Sexton Posted 01.15.2013 at 12:30 pm 2 Comments

Cadillac ELR Chelsea Sexton

At long, long last, General Motors has revealed the follow-up vehicle to the plug-in Chevrolet Volt. Based on the original Converj concept, the Cadillac ELR had been an on-and-off again project for the automaker. Now it's not only a reality, it’s frickin’ gorgeous. A sleek two-door coupe, the ELR shares the Voltec powertrain technology employed on the Volt, delivering roughly 35 miles of all-electric range before a supplemental 1.4L gasoline engine kicks in for a total driving range of approximately 300 miles, all of which can be done in the carpool lane in certain states that provide the coveted incentive to plug-in cars.

Unfortunately, a lingering concern remains about Cadillac’s commitment to this little car. Group Vice President Bob Ferguson noted after the reveal that “we’re only going to make so many, and only for so long.” Hopefully that position will soften with market demand, assuming they don’t price the car so high as to intentionally relegate it to collector’s item status. We’ll see...

And those enamored with the ELR will still have to hold their breath a bit longer; the car goes into production late this year, with deliveries beginning early in 2014. If it drives anything like it looks, though, it’ll be worth the wait.

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2 Comments

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c_l_i_n_t

01/17/13 at 12:15 pm

Ms. Sexton,

You should fix the sub title "...it's an all-electric, supersleek coupe."

It is not "all-electric" !

If it's going to be like the Volt, not only will it not be all-electric, it won't even be that good of a hybrid.

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ferrariguy97

01/18/13 at 10:59 am

We own three cars;

A Chevy Volt which is our daily driver, A Mercedes S430 which is our "road" car, and for fun, we have a 97 Ferrari f355 spider,

The Volt exceeds our expectations by far. Handling and performance often rival the Ferrari in sheer exuberance. We have only one disappointment, and that is distance. GM has the technology to give a 100 or 300 mile range, but is limiting the ELR severely by it's short 35 mile "TownCar" electric range.

In the year of Volt ownership we have traveled nearly 10,000 miles, of electric power performance. At night it is plugged into the same garage electric outlet as the food freezer. Every morning she is ready to go with gusto. In the year of driving we seldom exceed the range, and have filled the gas tank twice. 8 gal. in January 2012, and 9 gal in July 2012. Meanwhile my electric bill has increased by $12.00 to $16,00 per month to fuel my voracious Volt. If I would get off my butt and install a wind turbine the Volt would be free.

I would sell the Mercedes and buy the ELR in a heartbeat provided that it would give a 300 mile range. So I guess my Mercedes is going to turn into a Tesla "S" sedan. Wake up GM! the future is at hand.

Anyone else see this?