GM will build luxury electric Cadillac
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 06:41PM 
New Cadillac ELR will be based on the Cadillac Converj concept unveiled in 2009
General Motors plans to build a luxury electric Cadillac, based on its Volt hybrid technology. GM is also studying plans for an all-electric small car for its mainstream Chevrolet brand. The battery-powered Cadillac, dubbed the ELR, is said to be scheduled for production in 2013 for release as a 2014 model.
The two-door ELR coupe revives plans for GM's Cadillac Converj concept car that won acclaim for its bold design when shown at the Detroit auto show in 2009. It was approved for production but the decision was reversed.
"The concept generated instant enthusiasm," Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing, said in a statement. "The ELR will offer something not otherwise present: the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupe driving."
A plug-in Cadillac would rival the $97,000 Karma hybrid sedan that Fisker Automotive is rolling out as a 2012 model.
GM said the ELR would be powered by a lithium-ion battery like the Volt but provided no detail on its range. GM officials made clear that the ELR will be built to appeal to buyers of a luxury brand closely associated with horsepower and performance.
With the ELR announcement, GM continues its push to seize the mantle of "greenest automaker in the world" from Toyota. It also needs more fuel-efficient cars as the industry pushes toward the more stringent U.S. requirements that will be in place by 2025.
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The two-door ELR coupe revives plans for GM's Cadillac Converj concept car that won acclaim for its bold design when shown at the Detroit auto show in 2009.-guess watches uk