Currently reading: Cadillac confirms luxury electric coupé
Electric Cadillac ELR gets green light for production

Cadillac's long-planned electric luxury coupe will reach production as the Cadillac ELR.

The new model will be based on the Cadillac Converj Concept, which GM chiefs promised to turn into a production vehicle when it was first displayed two years ago. The change of name to ELR brings the car in line with Cadillac's traditional naming system for its production models.

The Cadillac ELR, based around the Chevrolet Volt, will feature an electric-propulsion system made up of a T-shaped lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine generator. It uses electricity as its primary source, and switches to extended-range mode when the battery is low. The ELR is expected to deliver 273lb ft of torque and a 100mph top speed.

Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing, said: “Like other milestone Cadillac models of the past, the ELR will offer something not otherwise present – the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupé driving.”

Details of performance, price and when the car will go on sale are not known at this early stage of development, but at last year's Detroit show GM top brass predicted a production date in 2013 or 2014.

The manufacturer is due to reveal a new concept car at the Pebble Beach show in California later today.

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