Cadillac has taken the wraps off the 2014 Cadillac ELR coupe that borrows its powertrain from the Chevy Volt and is also thefirst application of Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand.
The wait is over! Cadillac has taken the wraps off the 2014 Cadillac ELR coupe that borrows its powertrain from the Chevy Volt and is also thefirst application of Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand. “ELR is an unprecedented combination of luxury, advanced engineering and progressive design in a coupe that is both sporty and environmentally friendly,” said Bob Ferguson, Cadillac global vice president. “This is a pivotal moment in Cadillac’s history, as we continue our product-driven expansion.”
The ELR was previewed by the Converj concept and its styling remains pretty close. According to Cadillac, the ELR’s exterior establishes a new, progressive proportion for the brand while the interior introduces a new design theme that will define future Cadillac models, emphasizing modern elegance, technology and precisely crafted details.
The ELR is powered by GM EREV technology, combining pure electric drive and a range-extending 1.4L gasoline-powered electric generator capable 207 hp of total system power. The ELR’s battery is a T-shaped, 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, located along the centerline of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels for optimal weight distribution. The 5.5-foot-long, 435-pound pack supplies energy to an advanced electric drive unit capable of 295 lb.-ft. of instant torque to propel the vehicle. Using only the energy stored in the battery, the ELR will deliver a GM-estimated range of about 35 miles of pure electric driving. Charging the ELR’s battery can be done with a 120V electrical outlet or a dedicated 240V charging station. The vehicle can be completely recharged in about 4.5 hours using a 240V outlet.
The ELR’s EREV driving technology is enhanced with exclusive Regen on Demand and selectable drive modes that enhance driving and make the most of efficiency. Regen on Demand allows the driver to temporarily regenerate energy from the ELR’s momentum into electricity that can be stored in the battery pack for later use. It is engaged via steering-wheel paddles.
Inside, the ELR features a 2+2 layout. The leather-trimmed interior blends authentic chrome and wood accents – and available carbon fiber trim – as well as a sueded microfiber headliner and steering wheel covered in leather and sueded microfiber. It also gets an eight-inch configurable instrument and driver information displays, LED-powered accent lighting in the instrument panel and doors, an auto-glide/power-assisted covered storage/cup holder in the center console and available Opus semi-aniline leather seating.
“ELR marks a fresh, even surprising new dimension of Cadillac,” Ferguson said. “An additional aspect of ELR’s appeal to will be exclusivity. It will be a specialized offering produced in limited numbers.”
ELR production begins in the United States in late 2013 with sales starting in early 2014 in North America and expanding to global markets including China and Europe.
