General Motors is trying to take the Chevrolet Volt's electric technology upscale with a new Cadillac.
The company on Tuesday introduced the ELR, which has the same battery and gas-powered generator as the Chevy version.
The new car has angular lights and fenders like other new Cadillacs, but it also has a more sloped, forward-leaning aerodynamic look. It also has a plush new interior that differentiates it from the Volt and sets the tone for future Cadillacs.
Don Butler, vice
president of marketing for Cadillac, said GM isn't expecting huge sales,
but that's not needed to make a luxury car a success.
"With
luxury it's not necessary to reach a lot of people. Luxury buyers want
something that's special, that's unique, that's different from
everything else on the road," he said.
Production starts late
this year, and the car will hit showrooms early in 2014 in North
America. GM promises to produce a limited number to make the car unique
on the roads. The car will be exported to China and Europe:
UNDER
THE HOOD: The ELR has a 5.5-foot-long, 435-pound T-shaped battery that
can take the car about 35 miles on electricity. A 1.4-Liter onboard
gasoline generator kicks in after the battery runs down, so owners don't
have to worry about getting stranded when the juice runs out. The
system has the equivalent of a gasoline engine's 207 horsepower. Just
like the Volt, GM is putting an 8-year warranty on the battery. The
generator runs on premium gas.
HOW IT ROLLS: The ELR will have
20-inch wheels pushed to the edge of the body, with tires designed For
performance and fuel-efficient low-rolling-resistance.
BRAKES: Like the Volt, designed to use braking energy to help recharge the battery, especially in city driving.
SEATS: Four.
WHERE IT'S MADE: Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant.
Courtesy of: The Associated Press
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