General Motors first unveiled its Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid concept way back during the 2007 North American International Auto Show. A real game changer for the company, GM quickly unveiled its edgy Cadillac Converj concept in 2009, months ahead of the Volt's official production release.
Buzz around the Converj concept has quiet down a bit since its unveiling but automotive industry observers continue to speculate whether the Converj will come to be no more than a reskinned Volt or if it would establish itself as a legitimate product by Cadillac.
Finally, some light is shed on the matter. According to Car and Driver, the since renamed Cadillac ELR should make its production debut next year as a 2014 model. Addressing the lack of Cadillac sophistication in the otherwise technically advanced Volt, the ELR will come out strong with an Opel-developed Ecotec MGE powerplant. An all-new powerplant due to serve as the foundation for a future family of GM cars, details around the engine are limited but we expect a heady boost in power and delivery.
A suitable engine is perhaps the most important factor for the ELR's success. To accomodate the obligatory standards of a premium luxury vehicle, the ELR is sure to gain a significant amount of weight.
After power and luxury are cared for, the third issue to negotiate is that of range despite the added weight. For 2013, Chevrolet has already provided a refresh for the Volt with a 16 kWh battery and a 16.5 kWh pack, effectively extending the electric range by another 40 miles or so. The upcoming ELR could stand to gain even greater energy storage capacity still.
Going along with the premium, power, luxury, and all-electric range, comes the premium price. A figure hasn't been confirmed yet but a new 2012 Volt starts at $39,995, no small sum for a Chevy. Be prepared to pay even more for the ELR.
