Images courtesy Cadillac
Cadillac has taken the wraps off its new ELR extended range electric vehicle that is based on the Chevy Volt architecture today.
ELR is the production version of the Converj Concept that made the rounds a few years back.
“ELR is an unprecedented combination of luxury, advanced engineering and progressive design in a coupe that is both sporty and environmentally friendly,” said Bob Ferguson, Cadillac global vice president. “This is a pivotal moment in Cadillac’s history, as we continue our product-driven expansion.”
Cadillac says the ELR will deliver at least 300 miles of total range from its battery pack/gasoline generator powerplant that boasts even more torque than the 3.6-liter engine in the SRX crossover.
A Lithium-Ion t-shaped battery pack is mated to a 1.4-liter gas engine that functions as an on board generator when the initial EV-only range is exceeded (about 35 miles according to Caddy). A Regen on Demand function allows drivers to charge the pack at any time while the vehicle is being operated.
“ELR marks a fresh, even surprising new dimension of Cadillac,” Ferguson said. “An additional aspect of ELR’s appeal to will be exclusivity. It will be a specialized offering produced in limited numbers.”
Additional vehicle highlights include:
- Enhanced AT-PZEV emissions meet California’s criteria for single-occupancy access to high occupancy vehicle lanes;
- 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;
- 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 notification charging 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;
- 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 premium Bose 10-channel audio system with active noise cancellation.
ELR production begins in the United States in late 2013 with sales starting in early 2014 in North America and expanding to global markets including China and Europe.