2014 Cadillac ELR Coupe

The 2014 Cadillac ELR luxury coupe marries dramatic design to the first application of industry-leading extended range electric vehicles (EREV) technology by a full-line luxury brand. Its striking exterior is derived from Cadillac's (Chevrolet Volt-based) 2009 Converj EREV concept car, while its interior introduces a new design theme that will define future Cadillacs.

Like the Volt, the ELR ('Extended Luxury Range') will provide about 35 miles of electric-only range before its four-cylinder gas engine will start to generate electricity for its drive motor. Most daily commutes will consume no gas and generate no exhaust emissions, yet longer trips will be free from battery-electric vehicle (BEV) range anxiety because its EREV powertrain will enable the same long-distance freedom as a conventional car.

Unlike the Volt, it will have Regen on Demand (controlled by steering wheel paddles) that will vary the amount of regenerative braking - which returns energy to its battery while slowing the car during coast - and selectable drive modes to optimize efficiency. There will also be differences in calibration and tuning to achieve somewhat better more performance than Volt's by dipping a little deeper into the battery pack's capacity. And with later (20-inch) wheels and tires, a wider track and a Watts link rear suspension, it will offer crisper handling.