Cadillac ELR – a posh Chevy Volt: 2013 Detroit Auto Show

The Cadillac ELR – a range extender Cadillac with the running gear from the Chevrolet Volt – has been revealed at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

[nggallery id=1365 template=customlinks]

It’s four years since the Cadillac Converj Concept was shown at Detroit as a posh version of the Chevrolet Volt, and it’s finally come to life – a year after it was confirmed as the new Cadillac ELR – and revealed at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

Joining the Chevrolet Volt and Vauxhall Ampera as the third version of GM’s range-extender pitch at the EV market, the two-door Cadillac ELR is a convincing looking offering with swoopy looks, wheels at the corners, a great big nose (that can close for better aerodynamics), dramatic LED headlights, steeply raked screen and lots of sharp creases.

The interior of the ELR looks as appealing as the exterior, with lashings of decent leather, digital instruments, Bose sound with noise cancellation, carbon inserts and even powered cupholders.

The powertrain for the Cadillac ELR is more or less the same as the Volt, although the battery pack is lighter and there’s and extra torque (a total of 295lb/ft) to go with the full Monty power output of 207bhp. That’s enough for decent (if not neck breaking) acceleration and a top speed of 100mph, with an electric only range of around 35 miles and a recharge time of 4.5 hours.

It’s a convincing effort from Cadillac, although whether an even more expensive Volt/Ampera will sell any better remains to be seen. But we will get the chance to find out as GM are planning to offer the ELR in the UK from late 2014.