Cadillac unveiled the 2014 ELR at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. The sleek luxury coupe features the first application of Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand.
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| Cadillac ELR |
The Cadillac ELR 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.
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| Refined cockpit |
Industry-leading Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) technology provides full driving range exceeding 480 km, combining pure electric driving and an efficient, range-extending generator. The Cadillac ELR has an aggressive, forward-leaning profile that introduces a new, progressive theme and proportion in Cadillac’s design evolution. It carries over almost unchanged from the 2009 Converj concept that inspired it. The overall shape is reinforced by a prominent, sweeping body line accented by 20-inch wheels pushed to the edges of the body. Vertical headlamp and taillamp elements create Cadillac’s signature for the ELR, day or night and from the front or rear.
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| Cadillac Converj Concept |
Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the design as airflow is managed to help the vehicle slip through the air with minimal drag. A flush front fascia and grille – with active shutters behind the grille opening – as well as tapered fascia corners, enable air to move easily around the car to reduce drag. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler also manage airflow. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag and contribute to ELR’s 0.305 coefficient of drag.
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| ELR’s T-shaped battery |
The Cadillac ELR is powered by GM EREV technology, combining pure electric drive and an efficient, range-extending 1.4L gasoline-powered electric generator capable of 207 hp of total system power. Its 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 (1.6 m), 435-pound (198 kg) pack supplies energy to an advanced electric drive unit capable of 295 lb.-ft. of instant torque (400 Nm) to propel the vehicle. Using only the energy stored in the battery, the Cadillac ELR will deliver a GM-estimated range of about 35 miles (56 km) of pure electric driving, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature.
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| Stylish gear shift |
A driver-selectable Hold mode directs when the Cadillac ELR uses its electric generator. This feature helps optimize the electric-driving experience, allowing owners who mix city and highway driving to save the battery charge for city travel, where the ELR EV mode operates most efficiently. Charging the Cadillac 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, depending on the outside temperature. Once the vehicle is plugged in, owners can schedule either immediate or delayed charges, even coordinating charging according to departure time or when electricity rates are lower. Owners also can manage and monitor the ELR online or with their smartphone and RemoteLink, a mobile app powered by OnStar. The Cadillac ELR’s battery is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.
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| Comfortable front seats |
Inside, the Cadillac ELR’s classic 2+2 layout is driver focused, emphasizing modern luxury, connectivity and precisely crafted details. 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. Additional features include, Enhanced AT-PZEV emissions meet California’s criteria for single-occupancy access to high occupancy vehicle lanes. It also has Light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps, daytime running lamps and taillamps, as well as signature front and rear lighting elements. Twenty-inch wheels paired with tires designed to balance responsive handling and a comfortable ride with efficiency.
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| Room for two at the back |
Its Interior design featuring cut-and-sew accented leather incorporating sueded microfiber, chrome, wood and available carbon fiber finishes throughout. Cadillac CUE with Navigation is standard. CUE is Cadillac’s breakthrough system for connectivity and control, using Natural Voice Recognition, capacitive touch and hand gestures used on smart phones and tablets. Programmable charging schedules and downloadable energy efficiency reports available online and through smartphone charge notification alerts. Cadillac’s advanced active safety features, including Safety Alert Seat, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning, along with available Side Blind Zone Alert with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and full-speed-range adaptive cruise control. It rides on advanced chassis and suspension systems, including HiPer Strut front suspension, compound-crank with Watts link rear suspension and Continuous Damping Control, which adjusts damping every two milliseconds for optimal ride and handling in all conditions. Standard entertainment is catered by a premium Bose 10-channel audio system with active noise cancellation.
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| Classy and proportional rear |
Prices for the Cadillac ELR will announced soon.