by Casey Williams – MyCarData.com -
When the Chevy Volt-based Cadillac Converj concept hit the show circuit a couple of years ago, it knocked attendees on their butts. It was futuristic, ran on the world’s most advanced powertrain, and was instantly recognizable as a Cadillac. Then, GM’s little financial crisis hit, and the coupe was put on the back burner. GM is finally ready to light it back up. To be known as the ELR, the dream car will become a production reality.
“The concept generated instant enthusiasm,” said Don Butler, vice president – Cadillac Marketing. “Like other milestone Cadillac models of the past, the ELR will offer something not otherwise present – the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupe driving.”
GM vice president of Global Design, Ed Welburn, continued, “The Converj Concept sparked the idea of combining the desirability of a grand touring coupe with electrification. There’s no mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-learning profile and proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2.” Stacked narrow headlamps, eggcrate grille, and beautiful fins could come from nowhere else.
Like the Volt, ELR will feature an electric powertrain comprised of lithium ion batteries, electric motors, and a four-cylinder gas engine generator. By the time the ELR debuts, GM should be ready to launch its next-generation electric powertrain, which will surely extend all-electric range beyond the Volt’s 40 miles. No matter, when electricity is depleted, the generator will start up and keep the car going for hundreds of additional miles, after which drivers pull into a gas station and fill up as in any other gas-powered car.
General Motors fully intends to make the Chevy Volt the beginning of a collection of electrically-powered cars. Besides the ELR, a Volt crossover and European-market Opel Ampera are in the works. None, however, will have the ELR’s movie star looks. Power on!
