Cadillac’s ELR extended-range hybrid coupe will be assembly-plant buddies with the Chevrolet Volt and its international variations — the Opel Ampera and Holden Volt — when production starts in late 2013. GM will soon be preparing the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant to build the ELR; you may remember it as the Converj concept from 2009. If your memory is fuzzy, revisit the Converj here.
The four-seat ELR will borrow some powertrain components from the Volt and feature a T-shaped lithium-ion battery, electric power and four-cylinder engine generator. Like the Volt, the ELR’s engine will fire up to feed the battery when the car runs out of juice after driving on electric power only. Beyond those basics, Cadillac hasn’t divulged much regarding the ELR’s specs or price.
Managing Editor Joe Bruzek’s 22 years of automotive experience doesn’t count the lifelong obsession that started as a kid admiring his dad’s 1964 Chevrolet Corvette — and continues to this day. Joe’s been an automotive journalist with Cars.com for 16 years, writing shopper-focused car reviews, news and research content. As Managing Editor, one of his favorite areas of focus is helping shoppers understand electric cars and how to determine whether going electric is right for them. In his free time, Joe maintains a love-hate relationship with his 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am that he wishes would fix itself.
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