Automotive
The 2013 Cadillac ELR was developed as a luxury coupe sharing the platform with the Chevrolet Volt, aiming to attract customers seeking a sporty-looking vehicle with exceptional fuel efficiency.
Leveraging the existing hybrid platform from the first-generation Chevrolet Volt, General Motors created the 2013 Cadillac ELR with a new body design. The production model closely resembled the Converj concept unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, continuing GM’s Art and Science design philosophy. The interior offered a luxurious cabin and an impressive technology package for its time. The electrified powertrain delivered remarkably low fuel consumption, with a range of 37 miles (60 km) on electric power alone, and the vehicle could be recharged at home using a standard electrical outlet.
The front end of the 2013 Cadillac ELR drew inspiration from the Converj concept, featuring vertical headlights with stacked LED lamps and swept-back upper corners that elevated its visual appeal. The broad grille with active shutters showcased the iconic encircled Cadillac crest at its center. Below, a sculpted wrap-around plastic bumper incorporated a wide air intake flanked by LED daytime running lights.
The ELR’s impressive fuel efficiency was partly due to its exceptional aerodynamic performance, with a drag coefficient of just 0.30. This was achieved through carefully crafted sweeping lines along the body and a low-slung greenhouse. The rear featured a sloping window that transitioned into a small flat deck. Despite the Volt being a hatchback, the ELR maintained a coupe configuration. Aerodynamic efficiency was further enhanced by sculpted doors with hidden handles, reminiscent of those found on supercars. At the rear, Cadillac’s signature vertical taillights, enhanced with LED elements, flanked the trunk lid, which also featured a horizontal third brake light serving as a spoiler lip.
Inside, the 2013 Cadillac ELR showcased its technological prowess with a digital instrument cluster that displayed essential information such as speed and battery status. An eight-inch touchscreen for the CUE infotainment system was mounted on the center stack, with touch-sensitive controls for the audio system and climate controls below. The front seats were sport-tuned bucket seats with high bolsters, providing excellent lateral support during dynamic driving, aligning with the brand’s vision of a performance-oriented eco-friendly luxury coupe. The rear seats, however, were quite cramped, reflecting the 2+2 seating configuration that essentially accommodated two adults comfortably, with limited space for additional passengers or luggage. The small trunk offered just 9 cubic feet (255 liters) of cargo space, less than that of a typical compact hatchback.
Despite carrying a higher price tag than its CTS-V sibling, the ELR’s performance capabilities were somewhat underwhelming, with an extended-range motor producing 181 horsepower (184 PS) and an additional 157 horsepower (159 PS) from the electric motor. Nevertheless, the front-wheel-drive ELR appealed to those seeking a fuel-efficient vehicle capable of daily commuting on electric power alone. Unfortunately, sales failed to meet expectations, and production ceased in February 2016 after fewer than 3,000 units were produced.
