Automotive

The Chevy Volt goes premium with the 2014 Cadillac ELR

The Chevy Volt goes premium with the 2014 Cadillac ELR
Cadillac's Volt-based 2014 ELR plug-in hybrid at NAIAS in Detroit
Cadillac's Volt-based 2014 ELR plug-in hybrid at NAIAS in Detroit
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Cadillac unveiled the ELR at this week's North American International Auto Show. Essentially a Chevy Volt in upscale Cadillac dress, the ELR brings plug-in hybrid technology to the consumer that simply isn't willing to give up luxurious appointments for fuel economy gains.

While cars like the Tesla Model S and Fisker Karma have been offering a combination of electric technology and upscale design for a while, Cadillac says the ELR represents the first application of extended range electric vehicle technology by a full-line luxury brand.

The ELR uses a 180-hp drive electric motor, an upgrade over the Volt's 149-hp motor. Torque is also up – 295 lb-ft (400 nm) versus the Volt's 273 lb-ft (370 Nm). The 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is the same size as the one in the Volt. When that battery is depleted, power comes from an 84-hp 1.4-liter engine generator.

Cadillac hasn't released an estimated fuel economy yet, but does say that the ELR will be able to travel about 35 miles (56 km) on electricity alone and 300 miles (483 km) with gas and electric combined. That's slightly lower than the Volt's 38 all-electric miles (61 km) and well under its 380-mile (612-km) gas + electric driving range. Still, drivers that commute short distances will be able to go days, weeks or months using little or no gas. The battery can be recharged from a 240-volt source in about 4.5 hours and 12 hours from a 120-volt source.

2014 Cadillac ELR © General Motors
2014 Cadillac ELR © General Motors

For those that aren't familiar with how a range-extending hybrid works, the large battery and electric motor work together to travel short distances on electricity only. When the battery is depleted, the gas-powered engine-generator kicks in to generate electricity and extended the vehicle's range. In this way, drivers can enjoy emissions-free, electric-only driving on shorter rides but with the ability to call on gas for longer drives and road trips.

On the ELR, a "Hold" button allows the driver to choose when the engine-generator kicks in, so they can reserve battery power for later use. In this way, a driver can reserve all electric driving for city commuting, where it is most efficient.

The ELR also gets tuned to provide the comfort, handling and performance expected from a premium-segment vehicle. The car's wide tracks (62.1 inches/1,578 mm in front and 62.4 inches/1,585 mm in back) are stretched over a 106.1-inch (2,695-mm) wheelbase. Up front, the HiPer Strut suspension reduces torque steer to deliver surer steering and better grip in both wet and dry conditions. The semi-independent compound-crank rear suspension with Watts link should provide smooth, consistent cornering and enhanced stability. A dual-pinion, rack-mounted electric steering system keeps the driver in command, while traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes provide extra on-road control.

The driver can further tweak the ELR's ride with four selectable modes. In addition to the aforementioned Hold mode, the hybrid offers Sport, Mountain and Tour modes. The Sport mode tunes suspension, steering and acceleration settings to provide enhanced response. Tour mode is the default mode designed for comfort and efficiency, while Mountain mode adds power for driving in hilly environments.

The driver can also exert some control over regenerative braking. Paddle controls mounted to the steering wheel allow the driver to activate the Regen on Demand feature that generates battery power from the car's momentum. The feature simultaneously slows the car in a manner comparable to downshifting in a manual vehicle.

Standard safety features include a Safety Alert Seat, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. A driver-activated sound feature takes the place of a roaring engine in alerting nearby pedestrians of the oncoming ELR.

2014 Cadillac ELR
2014 Cadillac ELR

In terms of styling, Cadillac kept the sporty feel and profile of the 2009 Converj concept while refining raw, edgy components into production-ready features. With two doors and a roof line that sweeps smoothly back into the trunk lid, the ELR is much sportier than the four-door Volt. The flush front fascia, tapered corners and rear spoiler improve the car's aerodynamics, helping both its efficiency and sportiness. Other exterior elements of note include the vertical LED headlamps and tail lamps, flush door handles and lights on the side mirrors that blink green when the battery is charging.

"When we introduced the Converj in 2009, we knew any production model would need to advance the concept yet retain the distinctive design language and styling that were so well received," said Tim Kozub, ELR exterior design manager. "The overwhelming response to the Converj confirmed we knew how to make a beautiful design statement that would satisfy the packaging requirements associated with the powertrain, battery and aerodynamic function. Every inch of the ELR is in keeping with our design philosophy and executed to Cadillac’s standards for craftsmanship and leading-edge technology."

2014 Cadillac ELR
2014 Cadillac ELR

While the exterior bares much similarity to the Converj concept, the interior is totally new. Much more refined and practical, the 2+2 interior combines premium materials like Opus semi-aniline leather seating and carbon fiber. Cadillac's CUE infotainment system with navigation comes standard and is controlled via an eight-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback, multitouch and natural speech recognition. A 10-channel Bose audio system comes standard. A four-mount front engine cradle dampens noise and vibration to keep things quiet and smooth in the cabin.

Cadillac will begin production of the ELR in Detroit towards the end of the year. Sales of the yet-to-be-priced car begin in early 2014 with expanded global sales in Europe and China to follow.

Source: Cadillac

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10 comments
10 comments
BigGoofyGuy
IMO; this makes more sense than the Prius type of hybrid.
I guess one can still 'have cake and eat it too'. It is both green and luxurius.
The downside is usually the higher cost of hybrids compared to the equivelant with just a gas engine.
BeWalt
Congratulations, GM. You are finally getting it.
Instead of trying to introduce a new technology to the penny-pinching average consumer crowd, put it in a "premium" label box and sell because it's cool! That's the way to go.
If BMW can sell Minis for way too much money just because they are cool, so can GM with the ELR.
If the Volt had had bit more space and a form factor more like a VW Touran, they would have sold a good many more. Just watch the Ford C-Max plugin and hybrid versions over the next few years if you don't believe it.
Fritz Menzel
Why no CNG option for the generator? Ridiculous!
Glen Jacobsen
A supposed 300 mile max range is horrid! I live in rural Minnesota, so during the winter, the heater will cut that range by a good percentage. If I try to drive to Minneapolis/St. Paul for the day, that is 100 miles in, 100 miles home, plus 40-50 miles around town, less losses to heating, etc, and I am out of gas long before I get back to my home. I will not buy a car that I have to fill up every 200+ miles, my motorcycle will do better than that. My current Benz has a range of 450-500 miles before it hits reserve, that is what a luxury car should have.
solutions4circuits
Hardly a "Cadillac dressed" Volt, given its 300km/h top speed. Funny how you failed to mention that. After all, the Chevy Corvette was a dressed up Nova, what with its driveshaft and four wheels.
I'd be interested in a Spark-ish all-electric version of this car, instead of having the ICE in it, though.
Maguire
I would not call it a Volt in a Cadillac dress. This is a ground up design that reuses the battery pack and almost nothing else. New chassis, new interior, new body, new vehicle dynamics, new motor/generator. I drive a Volt and it is everything I hoped it would be. The Extended Range concept from GM is the best of both worlds. Would love to upgrade to the ELR but right now my budget is in the Volt category. Nice job GM!
Joe F
@ Glen -The car obviously isn't designed for driving in Middle Nowhere, Minnesota. Not every car is fit for every driver. Not news.
@Solutions - GM has the top speed at 100 mi/h (160 km/h); where'd you get 300 km/h (186 mi/h) from? BTW, the Volt's top speed ---also 100 mi/h!
I think its a pretty nice car, not really that much superior to the Volt outside of the luxury interior.
Hsan
@solutions4circuits. GM has said the ELR's top speed is 160km/h.
Gargamoth
I'd like to see an appealing sports car style from Cadillac, this vehicle style was made for the retired generation.
pointyup
I still believe that a simple car, aluminium chassis plastic body, electric motor and big battery is the way to go. priced at $5000 $10000 with a recycle value of 30%. plug in at home recharging and a small generator in the boot for trips longer than going to church. If you can afford a car priced like a VOLT you dont care about petrol prices. There are many thousands of second cars that would fill this gap.