2014 Cadillac ELR unveiled

The Corvette Stingray might have grabbed most of the attention at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but the launch of the new 2014 Cadillac ELR coupé is perhaps more significant.

That’s because it takes GM’s Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) technology from the compact Chevrolet / Holden Volt and Vauxhall / Opel Ampera and, for the first time, puts it into a luxury car.

Cadillac ELR (2014) Front SideCadillac ELR (2014) Dashboard

In theory the EREV powertrain has the environmental and running-cost benefits of an electric vehicle without any of the range anxiety. Consisting of a 1.4 litre petrol-powered electric generator, an electric motor and a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack, its total system output is rated at 207 bhp (154 kW / 209 PS).

The Cadillac will run in electric-only mode for around 35 miles (56 kilometres), which should be enough for many daily commutes. That figure goes up to over 300 miles (480 kilometres) when the petrol generator is employed as well.

Trips to fuel stations could be a rare occurrence though, since the battery pack can also be recharged using a 120 V outlet or a 240 V dedicated charging station. The latter option is expected to take around 4.5 hours.

Cadillac ELR (2014) InteriorCadillac ELR (2014) Rear Side

The smart styling of the 2+2 ELR coupé is virtually unaltered from that of the Converj concept, which was first seen back in 2009. An evolution of Cadillac’s ‘Art and Science’ design language, it incorporates prominent vertical head- and tail-light clusters, taut surfacing details and large 20” wheels with low rolling-resistance tyres.

ELR assembly is due to begin in late 2013, although Bob Ferguson, Cadillac global vice president, has stated: “It will be a specialized offering produced in limited numbers.” The first North American deliveries should then follow in early 2014.

Of course, pricing is bound to be a major factor in determining sales volumes but, for the time being, Cadillac is keeping quiet on the subject.

Another unknown is what plans exist for offering the ELR in the UK. While eventually it will be available in Europe, the business case for a right-hand drive version is probably not strong.

2014 Cadillac ELR - Preliminary Technical Specifications
Body
Style Unibody two-door 2+2 coupé
Construction Galvanized steel front fenders, aluminium bonnet, thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumpers
EPA vehicle class Compact car
Petrol-powered electric generator
Type I4, petrol
Displacement 1,398 cc (85.3 cu in)
Bore and stroke 73.4 x 82.6 mm (2.89 x 3.25 in)
Power 84 bhp (63 kW / 85 PS)
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Block material Cast iron
Cylinder head material Cast aluminium
Valve train Overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing
Fuel Premium unleaded
Fuel delivery Sequential multi-port fuel injection; electronic throttle control
EPA-estimated fuel economy TBC
Electric drive
Drive motor 117-135 kW
Generator motor 55 kW
Battery pack
Type Lithium-ion, rechargeable
Cells 288 prismatic
Power 16.5 kWh
Charging times 120 V about 12 hours; 240 V (charging station) about 4.5 hours
Casing 5.5’ long T-shaped; structural composite with aluminium thermal radiation shield and steel tray
Mass 198 kg (435 lbs)
Warranty 8 years / 100,000 miles
Performance
Total system power 207 bhp (154 kW / 209 PS)
Total system torque 400 Nm (295 lb/ft)
Electric-only driving range About 35 miles (56 kilometres)
Extended driving range More than 300 miles (480 kilometres) with full tank of fuel and fully-charged battery
0-60 mph (96 km/h) TBC
Top speed 100 mph (160 km/h)
Chassis
Drive Front-wheel drive
Front suspension HiPer Strut with continuously variable real-time damping with driver-selectable modes; specially tuned coil springs; hollow stabilizer bar; hydraulic ride bushings
Rear suspension Specially adapted torsion beam with Watts link; specifically tuned coil springs; hydraulic bushings; continuously variable damping with driver-selectable modes
Control systems All-speed traction control, StabiliTrak, drag control
Steering Electric power steering
Brakes
Type Four-wheel vented discs with ABS; fully regenerative for energy capture
Disc diameter front 321 mm (12.6 in)
Disc diameter rear 292 mm (12.0 in)
Wheels and tyres
Wheels 20 x 8.5” cast aluminium
Tyres 245/40R20 all-season
Exterior dimensions
Overall length 4,724 mm (186.0 in)
Wheelbase 2,695 mm (106.1 in)
Overall width 1,847 (72.7 in)
Height 1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb weight 1,846 kg (4,070 lbs)
Interior dimensions
Seating capacity 2 front / 2 rear
Headroom front 938 mm (36.9 in)
Headroom rear 882 mm (34.7 in)
Legroom front 1,071 mm (42.2 in)
Legroom rear 853 mm (33.6 in)
Shoulder room front 1,403 mm (55.2 in)
Shoulder room rear 1,268 mm (49.9 in)
Hip room front 1,344 mm (52.9 in)
Hip room rear 1,234 mm (48.6 in)
Cargo volume 255 litres (9 cu ft) (estimated)

Related posts:
2013 NACTOY winners
Cadillac teases ELR
Holden Volt tech specs
Cadillac confirms ELR

Images © General Motors.

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