Media surround the Cadillac ELR at its Detroit debut. Production begins late in 2013 for what looks to be a formidable Tesla competitor.
Sales of the 2014 Cadillac ELR hybrid coupe coupe will begin in January in all major U.S. metropolitan areas with a starting price of $75,995, including the destination charge. In a statement, General Motors said today that with IRS certification of an anticipated federal tax credit, purchasers might be eligible for a credit of $0 to $7,500 depending on individual tax liability. Net pricing could be as low as $68,495, including $995 destination. That is if such handouts for the rich remain politically possible during the ongoing budget wars in Washington.
The ELR is priced right at the Tesla Model S, which like the Chevrolet Volt the ELR is based on has experienced a battery fire. (Tesla Web Site Ignores Devastating Fire Coverage and Volt Fire Hearings Pits Ideologues versus Engineers)
ELR has a combination of pure electric drive and a 1.4-liter gasoline engine and electric generator. A T-shaped, 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located along the centerline of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels. It’s claimed ELR is capable of a total driving range in excess of 300 miles. Using only the energy stored in the battery, ELR’s initial range is about 35 highway miles, or 82 MPGe, of electric driving, depending on terrain, driving techniques and ambient temperature. Official EPA estimates are not yet available, and the EPA was reevaluating the way it allows automakers to rate the mileage of hybrids after numerous complaints that the numbers are widely optimistic. The Republican Tea Party terrorists shut down the federal government, which means EPA and other vital federal agencies are closed.
“No expense was spared in bringing authentic material selections and the latest technology interface into the ELR.”
Ford Motor lowered its C-Max hybrid fuel-economy label after being challenged by customers, the EPA and numerous independent automotive testing sites, including AutoInformed. The revised 2013 C-Max label has a combined fuel economy value of 43 mpg, slightly better – in theory – to the combined label of 42 mpg for the Toyota Prius compared to Ford’s previous ratings were 47 city/47 highway/47 combined mpg claim for the new 2013 Fusion and C-Max hybrids. (Ford Lowers C-Max Hybrid Mileage Claims and Fourth Gen Prius Will Increase Mileage by More than 10%)
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.
The sleekly styled, 2+2 ELR 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 with all Cadillac models, the ELR comes standard Remote Vehicle Diagnostics, a Premium Care Maintenance program and 24/7 roadside assistance. ELR also comes with an extended battery and propulsion warranty of eight years or100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and a four-year or 50,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Cadillac dealers are trained and certified to sell and service the 2014 ELR. Prospective customers and buyers of the ELR can talk to an ELR concierge. Trained in customer care, the concierge is an additional point of contact for information on battery care, home charging, service scheduling, news and updates by calling 855 4 CAD ELR (855-422-3357).
