Media surround the Cadillac ELR. Production begins late in 2013 for what will likely be a $70,000 or more hybrid.
The 2014 Cadillac ELR makes its first public showing at the North American International Auto Show this week. Based on the Chevrolet Volt, the hybrid faces the same challenges that have made the $40,000 Volt a mere footnote in U.S. sales charts – only 24,000 were sold in 2012. Consider as one example, that this is only ~10 % of the sales total of the larger, gasoline-powered $22,000 Chevrolet Cruze.
It is noteworthy that GM has trimmed the ELR range estimate to “more than 300” miles – the Volt was estimated at 379 miles – from a combination of about 35 miles of pure electric driving under ideal conditions (Volt 25 to 50 miles), with the balance coming from the superior energy density of the “range-extending” gasoline-fueled 1.4-liter engine.
This drop of from the Volt’s stated range is likely a nod to the current controversies at other automakers over wildly optimistic mileage estimates that are under EPA investigation. In one notorious case the Ford Fusion and C-Max boast 47 mpg claims, in another the Kia and Hyundai cheating fiasco saw mileage estimates off by as much as 6 mpg. A simpler explanation at Cadillac might also be possible given the 4070-pound curb weight that the ELR is hauling around, so mileage is down slightly compared to the lighter Volt at 3,800 pounds.
“No expense was spared in bringing authentic materials and the latest technology interface into the car.”
The sleekly styled, 2+2 coupe is well equipped with a leather-trimmed interior that blends chrome and wood accents, as well as a suede-like headliner, a steering wheel trimmed in leather. Carbon fiber trim is also available.
The confusing Cue infotainment system with navigation is standard and accessible through an eight-inch, full-color capacitive-touch screen in the center of the instrument panel. It highlights electric driving with displays on efficiency, energy use, and charging options.
As in the Volt, the ELR’s 16.5 kWh lithium ion battery pack with its 288 cells is T-shaped, and its location along the center line of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels, eliminates the third rear seating position. The 5.5-foot-long, 435-pound pack supplies energy to an electric drive unit capable of 295 lb.-ft. of instant torque. ELR will be quick off the line, but its top speed is limited by the battery and the CVT transmission to 100 mph. ELR’s battery is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Unique features, including a Sport driving mode, which combined with heavy 20-inch wheels and 245/40R20 all-season tires is said to deliver responsive and precise performance. If there is a weak spot here, it’s the electric power steering system, all known examples of which driven by AutoInformed are numb. Cadillac’s continuously variable real-time damping system – a derivative of the Corvette’s – with and driver-selectable modes is also standard.
Sport mode is one of four choices that work with different driving styles and conditions. The others are:
- Tour: The default setting on the ELR is expected to be used most often and provides the greatest driving comfort and efficiency.
- Mountain: Mountain mode automatically adjusts the system to provide needed power in mountainous environments when vehicle performance could otherwise be compromised. Mountain mode allows ELR to sustain a sufficient state of charge so supplemental power is available from the battery if needed.
- Hold: Hold mode allows the driver to direct when the ELR uses its gasoline-powered electric generator, reserving the remaining battery charge for later use. This is said to enhance efficiency because owners who mix city and highway driving can save the battery charge for city travel, where the ELR EV mode operates most efficiently.
ELR production begins in late 2013 with sales starting in early 2014. Pricing will be announced closer to production. We’re betting +$70,000.
