Cadillac officially unveiled the 2014 ELR at the North American International Auto Show. The luxury coupe features the first application of Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand. The ELR delivers on the promise of the Converj Concept on which it is based.
The Cadillac ELR has an aggressive, forward-leaning profile. The overall shape is reinforced by a prominent, sweeping body line accented by 20-inch wheels pushed to the edges of the body. Vertical headlamp and taillamp elements create Cadillac’s signature for the ELR, day or night and from the front or rear.
The interior introduces a new design theme that will define future Cadillac models. The ELR’s classic 2+2 layout is driver focused while the leather-trimmed interior blends authentic chrome and wood accents – and available carbon fiber trim – as well as a sueded microfiber headliner and steering wheel covered in leather and sueded microfiber.
Additional features include eight-inch configurable instrument and driver information displays, fold-down rear seat backs, LED-powered accent lighting in the instrument panel and doors and Opus semi-aniline leather seating.
The ELR is powered by GM EREV technology, combining pure electric drive and an efficient, range-extending 1.4L gasoline-powered electric generator capable of 154 kW (207 hp) of total system power. The ELR’s battery is a T-shaped, 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, located along the centerline of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels for optimal weight distribution.
The 5.5-foot-long (1.6 m), 435-pound (198 kg) pack supplies energy to an advanced electric drive unit capable of 295 lb.-ft. of instant torque (400 Nm). Using only the energy stored in the battery, the ELR will deliver a GM-estimated range of about 35 miles (56 km) of pure electric driving. The vehicle can be completely recharged in about 4.5 hours using a 240V outlet.
