Cadillac Debuts Volt-Derived ELR Coupe with 207 HP
General Motors has unveiled the production version of the Cadillac ELR, which is based on the platform of the Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Volt, but comes in a more luxurious, sexier and presumably much more expensive package.
The ELR is a 2-door coupe that continues the current design language with elements of the recently released ATS sport sedan as well as the XTS limousine. The vehicle updates the extended range technology that first debuted in the Volt, but employs a 207 hp electric motor instead of a 150 hp version in the Volt. A 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is good for a an estimated 35 mile driving range, after which a gasoline-powered combustion engine will kick in an charge the battery pack for "extended" driving range that is estimated at a total of about 300 miles, according to GM. The manufacturer claims that the ELR can be completely recharged in about 4.5 hours using a 240 V outlet.
Compared to the Volt, which broke with many of the traditions that we typically expect from an "affordable" Chevrolet, the ELR appears to fit seamlessly into the Cadillac product line with a design that emphasizes luxury over its electric power plant. While the Volt is a standout and always communicates to its driver that it is an electric vehicle, the ELR has a more conventional dashboard design. Of course, Cadillac pushes once more its touchscreen-based CUE entertainment system, which may make more sense in the ELR than in any other Cadillac vehicle to date.
GM said that the ELR will go into production in late 2013 and on sale in early 2014. There was no information on pricing, but given the fact that the Volt starts at about $40,000 and can reach about $45,000 with options, it is unlikely than GM would price the ELR in the same price range. We are told to expect a base price of just below $50,000 with fully equipped models reaching toward the $60,000 mark.

Honda Troll. This is way better looking than anything I seen from Honda. From all the good things I hear from Volt drivers this car should be very good. Selling allot, unlikely but this is a much better alternative to all electric and its range anxiety. Cant wait for battery tech to reach its next step to make all electric cars much more viable single car option.
http://www.freep.com/article/20111111/BUSINESS0101/111111039/Chevrolet-Volt-catches-fire-weeks-after-crash-prompting-closer-look-safety?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
Lol, caught fire 3 weeks after crash test. Did you read article? Volt has 5 star safety rating and article states gov't requires batteries to be drained after accident to prevent potential fire hazard.
The Volt is an ugly uncomfortable car. I looked at one a year or so ago, too cramped, can't see anything, and not a whole lot of trunk space.
Jeremy Clarkson might like it, but he will certainly criticize it for using sub-par materials on the dash that feel more like plastic. he says the same thing about every car from the US.
Luckily that is your own opinion. However, I will tastefully disagree with you, after using this car for a week, I completely embraced it. This is not the haul everything and everyone car, it is a car designed for four people, two large suitcases.
Since the model I had was equipped with the technology package, cameras were mounted in the rear and I also did not have an issue with seeing out of the car.
Also driving it back and forth from NY to DC was a dream, a very good car that should have began life as a Cadillac.
I cannot wait to get behind the wheels of this one!
If your an American you have a choice, go north or go south, but as an American, I do not want you living in my country!
GM has done wonderful things with their second breath of life, their cars are fun to drive and are very good quality now.
Finally, as an extra precaution, they actually have installed reinforcements to the steel structure that protects the battery. They did this a while ago, actually, and installed them on existing models, for free.
So, this means that it is very unlikely that the ELR has an Atkinson cycle engine range extender just like the Volt doesn't have one. Regular OTTO, boring. Atkinson or better yet lean-burn is the future.
I fully support electric vehicles, though I question the tax incentives