GM Announces Production Schedule for Cadillac ELR Hybrid

Cadillac has finally announced that the anticipated ELR gas-electric hybrid is in the initial stages of development in Detroit.

The luxurious 2-door is an extended-range electric vehicle based off the Converj concept first displayed at the North American International Auto Show in 2009. Host to an electric propulsion system consisting of a lithium-ion battery, a four-cylinder engine, and an electric drive unit, the ELR will inevitably be not only an environmentally friendly car, but a great ride as well.

Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America is confident that the ELR will be superior driving machine. “The ELR will be in a class by itself, further proof of our commitment to electric vehicles and advanced technology,” he said.

Cadillac has revealed impressive images of the ELR design. The interior looks like the cockpit of a spaceship from the year 2084 with bright colors and an awesome dashboard and display unit that resembles an Alienware computer. The exterior isn’t any less futuristic, with a sleek but sharp look, that appears advanced but stays true to the signature Cadillac style nonetheless. It will be interesting to see how the production version resembles the concept.

The ELR will primarily run on electricity, without using gasoline or emitting tailpipe exhaust. Once the battery is on its last strands, the ELR subtly alternates to the 4-cylinder gasoline engine, extending the driving range by hundreds of miles.

The $561 million investment is going to the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant, where it will begin production late in 2013. This is the first 2-door model scheduled to be built at the Hamtramck plant in over 13 years.  If this vehicle turns out as great as it sounds, it could take fuel-efficient luxury cars in a great new direction.

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