Cadillac is certainly up to something with this little red ELR. As is often the case, it’s the car’s enhanced brakes that give it away. Bigger binders are a telltale sign of sportier aspirations, and it’s safe to say that rule applies with the ELR. The larger rotors and four-piston Brembo calipers are sourced from the Buick Regal GS, which we imagine would be plenty to bring the high-priced hybrid to a halt.
Obscuring those rotors and calipers are larger, double-armed five-spoke wheels. And, according to our spies, hiding behind that camouflage is a new grille. Outside of those two items, though, there’s not much aesthetic change.
Perhaps the biggest hint that Cadillac is looking at a more potent ELR is the vehicle this car was being tested with – a Tesla Model S. The poster-child for the EV movement is a known performer, so it’d make sense that Cadillac is benchmarking this car against it.
Despite these bits of evidence, though, we’re still far from convinced. Building an ELR-V seems to go against everything Cadillac is trying to do with both the ELR and the V range. Instead, we’re betting this will become a VSport, following in the footsteps of the new CTS VSport.
That could explain the new brakes as well as the aesthetic changes, but not necessarily the Model S being tested alongside it – we suppose it’s possible that GM could add a bit of grunt to the ELR’s powertrain. What do you think is going on here? Take a look up top at the photos and then scroll down to see Reuss’ reaction to the ELR-V question and to and have your say in Comments.
