Rumors: Spy Shots—Cadillac ELR

If you still need proof that the electrification of automobiles is a viable movement, here it is. The spy shooters over at Autoblog snapped this, the Cadillac ELR, out in the desert during a testing run. For the uninitiated, the ELR is essentially Cadillac’s version of the Chevrolet Volt. Under it’s gloriously sculpted sheetmetal, the ELR will employ the same Voltec powertrain that sees duty in the Volt—a small four-cylinder gasoline engine that charges an onboard electric motor.

Speaking of sheetmetal, Cadillac’s stunning ‘Art and Science’ design of the ELR is based on the Converj concept vehicle that debuted back in 2009. To compliment the electrified powertrain, the Converj also made use of solar panels in its roof. We can’t tell if that feature has made it to the ELR thanks to the effectiveness of the prototype’s camouflage, but we can certainly hope.

We don’t know for certain, but it’s possible the ELR could be arriving in showrooms later next year as a 2014 model. In the meantime, learn more about the ELR by following the link to our initial write up on it from August of last year.