Since we’re the glass-is-half-empty sort, we’ll give you the bad news up front: you won’t be able to buy a 2014 Cadillac ELR plug-in hybrid coupe until sometime next year, although we’re sure your local Cadillac dealer would be happy to take your deposit now.

We don’t know what it will cost yet, or even how many copies Cadillac will build since the ELR will be limited-production (and destined for markets in China and Europe, too). Still, we’ll admit to lusting after the ELR’s lines, since it's the edgiest design to come from Cadillac since the CTS-V Coupe.

The ELR won’t deliver that car’s thrust, but thanks to the Caddy’s additional horsepower and torque, Chevy Volt owners won’t be showing you their tail lamps off a stop light. Expect a battery range similar to the Volt’s 35 miles before the ELR’s range-extending generator kicks in.

While the Converj concept was stunning, we think the near-production ELR takes that to the next level, and serves up a design that blends function with form. Even the aero-enhancing grille shutters, crisp rear edges, integrated rear spoiler and turbine-blade wheels add to the ELR’s good looks.

Will that be enough to get customers to wait patiently for its market debut? Cadillac hopes the answer to that particular question is yes.

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