Like the Chevrolet Volt it's based on, the 2014 Cadillac ELR will sell at quite a premium over a comparable "gas only" vehicle. Consider the $42,000 GM asks for the Volt versus the maybe-$20,000-and-change it wants for a similarly equipped (and similarly sized) Chevrolet Cruze.
However, the ELR is an entirely different electric proposition than the Chevrolet Volt.
"People who can afford luxury vehicles are not necessarily concerned with fuel economy," says Paul Hewitt, who manages the EV and hybrid portfolio at GM Canada.
"I don't think it's a fuel economy story, but it is a green image story."
Hewitt adds that the 2014 Cadillac ELR will appeal to luxury buyers who desire something unique, beautiful and high-tech, and it will definitely be a vehicle purchase worthy of bragging about at cocktail parties and other suitable social gatherings.
Beauty first
The styling of the 2014 Cadillac ELR screams non-electric. It doesn't broadcast or accentuate its EV powertrain. You could very easily imagine it's powered by something like a high-output V6.
The ELR is longer than the Cadillac ATS, but only offers the "part-time" rear seating area of a 2+2. The focus is clearly on the driver and making him or her feel good and look good.
Handling should be several degrees better than the Volt due to a more advanced chassis, featuring 20" tires, a wider track, many aluminum pieces, and a Watts Z-link rear suspension. The 2014 Cadillac ELR will also feature hydraulic suspension bushings.
The added length, width, and bigger wheels are also intrinsic to the ELR's sensuous shape and performance-orientated stance. Add in Cadillac's "Art and Science" design language, and you have a vehicle that distances itself from the Chevy Volt in a profound way.
Look Ma, no interior
The 2014 Cadillac ELR debuted at this year's Detroit auto show with a "to-be-determined" interior. The show car making the rounds at this year's Canadian shows is also interior-challenged. However, production cars will surely feature lots of luxury and Cadillac's CUE infotainment system, with the 8" screen "capacitive touch" and "gesture recognition" capabilities. The ELR's CUE will also support the electrified driving experience with numerous displays on efficiency, energy use, charging options, etc.
More power, more range
Like the Volt, the 2014 Cadillac ELR's internal combustion engine is used primarily for recharging the battery pack, so the vehicle is almost always "electrically" driven. You can also recharge it by plugging it in. Officially, GM calls it an Extended Range Electric Vehicle, like the Chevy Volt.
While the ELR has the same 1.4L four as the Volt, and the same battery and electric motor setup as well, it has slightly more torque (298 lb-ft), EV range (56 km) and top speed (160 km/h).
According to Hewitt, the increases all come from better power management -- software updates basically.
"With these cars, software is one of the biggest technology chunks. Better power management can give you more power output."
And the 2014 Cadillac ELR achieves these advances in spite of being heavier than the Volt.
However, the ELR is an entirely different electric proposition than the Chevrolet Volt.
"People who can afford luxury vehicles are not necessarily concerned with fuel economy," says Paul Hewitt, who manages the EV and hybrid portfolio at GM Canada.
"I don't think it's a fuel economy story, but it is a green image story."
Hewitt adds that the 2014 Cadillac ELR will appeal to luxury buyers who desire something unique, beautiful and high-tech, and it will definitely be a vehicle purchase worthy of bragging about at cocktail parties and other suitable social gatherings.
Beauty first
The styling of the 2014 Cadillac ELR screams non-electric. It doesn't broadcast or accentuate its EV powertrain. You could very easily imagine it's powered by something like a high-output V6.
The ELR is longer than the Cadillac ATS, but only offers the "part-time" rear seating area of a 2+2. The focus is clearly on the driver and making him or her feel good and look good.
Handling should be several degrees better than the Volt due to a more advanced chassis, featuring 20" tires, a wider track, many aluminum pieces, and a Watts Z-link rear suspension. The 2014 Cadillac ELR will also feature hydraulic suspension bushings.
The added length, width, and bigger wheels are also intrinsic to the ELR's sensuous shape and performance-orientated stance. Add in Cadillac's "Art and Science" design language, and you have a vehicle that distances itself from the Chevy Volt in a profound way.
Look Ma, no interior
The 2014 Cadillac ELR debuted at this year's Detroit auto show with a "to-be-determined" interior. The show car making the rounds at this year's Canadian shows is also interior-challenged. However, production cars will surely feature lots of luxury and Cadillac's CUE infotainment system, with the 8" screen "capacitive touch" and "gesture recognition" capabilities. The ELR's CUE will also support the electrified driving experience with numerous displays on efficiency, energy use, charging options, etc.
More power, more range
Like the Volt, the 2014 Cadillac ELR's internal combustion engine is used primarily for recharging the battery pack, so the vehicle is almost always "electrically" driven. You can also recharge it by plugging it in. Officially, GM calls it an Extended Range Electric Vehicle, like the Chevy Volt.
While the ELR has the same 1.4L four as the Volt, and the same battery and electric motor setup as well, it has slightly more torque (298 lb-ft), EV range (56 km) and top speed (160 km/h).
According to Hewitt, the increases all come from better power management -- software updates basically.
"With these cars, software is one of the biggest technology chunks. Better power management can give you more power output."
And the 2014 Cadillac ELR achieves these advances in spite of being heavier than the Volt.
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| Photo: Cadillac |