Chevy Volt goes upscale in new electric Cadillac
Jan 15, 2013, 3:07 PM
(AP) – General Motors is trying to find more buyers for the Chevrolet Volt’s electric technology. So it’s putting it inside a new Cadillac.
The company on Tuesday introduced the Cadillac ELR, which has the same battery and gas-powered generator as the Chevy version.
GM promises that the car will have an aerodynamic, forward-leaning design and an all-new interior that sets the tone for future Cadillacs.
Production starts late this year, and the car will hit showrooms early in 2014 in North America. GM promises to produce a limited number to make the car unique on the roads, although it wouldn’t say how many. The car also will be exported to China and Europe:
UNDER THE HOOD: The ELR has a 5.5-foot-long, 435-pound T-shaped battery that can take the car about 35 miles on electricity. A 1.4-Liter onboard gasoline generator kicks in after the battery runs down, so owners don’t have to worry about getting stranded when the juice runs out. The system has the equivalent of a gasoline engine’s 207 horsepower. Just like the Volt, GM is putting an 8-year warranty on the battery. The generator runs on premium gas.
HOW IT ROLLS: The ELR will have 20-inch wheels pushed to the edge of the body, with tires designed For performance and fuel-efficient low-rolling-resistance.
BRAKES: Like the Volt, designed to use braking energy to help recharge the battery, especially in city driving.
FUEL ECONOMY: Not released, but the Volt gets an estimated 98 miles per gallon if it ran on gasoline alone.
SEATS: Four.
PRICE: Not released. Volt starts at $31,645 including a $7,500 federal tax credit. It also can be leased for under $300 per month.
WHERE IT’S MADE: Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant.
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