First 2014 Cadillac ELR rolls off the line

IndyCar driver Simona De Silvestro christened the first 2014 Cadillac ELR to roll off the line at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant in Michigan on Wednesday. The Volt-based electric-gas hybrid will go on sale next year. We assume De Silvestro is in town for the Chevrolet Indy Duel in Detroit, two races at Belle Isle scheduled for this weekend.

The ELR uses a 16.5-kilowatt-hour battery that offers electric travel for up to 35 miles. The 1.4-liter gasoline generator can power the battery to extend the range to 300 miles. Cadillac says total system output is 207 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The battery pack in the ELR weighs about 435 pounds, and charges in 4.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet, or 12 hours on a standard plug.

It has four modes: sport, touring, mountain and hold. Hold allows drivers to use the generator to save power for driving more conducive to electric power.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but the ELR is rumored to fall into the $60,000-$70,000 range.

Jeffrey Sauger

Jeffery Sauger

By Jake Lingeman