Sneak Peek Up Date: 2014 Cadillac ELR

The Cadillac ELR isn’t much of a secret at this point: we know that it’s the wreath-and-crest’s version of the Chevrolet Volt; we know that it’ll look like the 2009 Converj concept; and we know that it’ll use the same CUE infotainment system as other Caddies. But with one week to go until its Detroit auto show release, Cadillac decided to tease us with one last “spy” shot of the car.

The ELR, as you can see above, is just wearing vinyl camouflage and doesn’t have any extraneous quilted camo blankets, pads, or fake body panels — a good sign that we’re looking at a car that’s nearly production-ready. It should be, as Cadillac is unveiling the Chevrolet Volt-based 2014 ELR on stage at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.

  The ELR is Cadillac’s first major attempt at electrified vehicles since the frugal-ish Escalade Hybrid; thankfully, the ELR and its Voltec powertrain (I-4 engine mated to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack) will go many, many more miles on a gallon of gas (or a single kilowatt-hour) than the brutish Escalade. We’re just not clear how many more miles: early rumors told us that the ELR could swap out the Volt’s 1.4-liter I-4 engine, its 74-hp electric motor, or both, in the hopes of pumping up fuel efficiency or all-out speed. At this point, however, it’s anyone’s guess.

What we do know now, however, is that the ELR’s interior is going to look familiar: it’ll offer the same Cadillac User Experience infotainment system as the ATS, XTS, and SRX, feature some similar interior trimmings like steering wheels and gearshifters, and make use of a circular-dial speedometer reminiscent of the Lexus LFA. The exterior, as you can see, will draw heavily from the 2009 Converj concept.

 

Thanks to: Motor Trend