GM has unveiled its new 2014 Cadillac ELR extended range electric vehicle at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. According to Cadillac global vice president, Bob Ferguson, the new Cadillac ELR is a sporty and environmentally friendly coupe which is an unprecedented combination of luxury, advanced engineering and progressive design.
Styling
The production model that was displayed is so close to the Cadillac Converj concept we saw several years ago in Detroit. The 2014 ELR cannot be called a true driver’s car but its edgy and futuristic design can be called attractive. The ELR boasts of an aggressive, forward-leaning profile with a super-aerodynamic look. One of the 2014 Cadillac ELR changes is the prominent, sweeping body line accented by 20-inch wheels pushed to the edges of the body. It features a signature vertical headlamp and tail lamp. A flush front fascia and grille with active shutters which enable air to flow into the car are also notable styling details of the car. At the rear, there are some sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler which also improve airflow.
Although the 4-seat 2014 ELR is not the most attractive car we have seen since the Detroit Auto Show opened, the interior décor is impressive. The interior comes in blends of chrome and wood accents. The car has a leather-lined interior designed to offer maximum comfort during serious driving. 2014 Cadillac ELR features some top notch materials such as a standard Cadillac CUE with Navigation and an eight-inch touch screen in the center stack.
Powertrain
Away from the styling, 2014 Cadillac ELR changes extend to its choice of powertrain. The Cadillac ELR 2014 model is built upon the proven Chevrolet Volt technology; the same powertrain format used by the Chevrolet Volt lies under the hood. The powertrain consists of a 1.4-liter range-extending gas engine, a 15.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and a pure electric drive motor. The total system output from this format is 207 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. According to the official figure released by Cadillac, the total range with the gasoline generator will be more than 300 miles. The all-electric mode range is about 35 miles.
The T-shaped, 15.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. In order to distribute the weight between the front and the rear wheel, the battery pack was located at the centreline of the car. The battery can be charged with a 120V or 240V electrical outlet. It takes between 4 and 5 hours (depending on the outside temperature) to completely charge the battery with a 240V outlet.
The overall performance of Cadillac ELR 2014 model was also boosted by an advanced suspension and damping systems which includes a Continuous Damping Control. The Continuous Damping control adjusts damping every two milliseconds (this improves the vehicle’s ride balance on every road surfaces). The 2014 Cadillac ELR features 20” wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, these also offer balance control and high cornering capability with efficiency to the car.
Cadillac announced last week that it will start producing the 2014 Cadillac ELR later this year and it will hit showrooms in January next year.
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