America’s most prestigious luxury car is going green. The 2014 Cadillac ELR is the car manufacturer’s first attempt at a hybrid automobile other than the Escalade SUV.
Although the 3 letter description has not been officially identified, it could possibly mean “Electric Luxury Ride”. This is Cadillac’s first venture into the standard size hybrid luxury coupe.
The concept was first introduced in 2011 and it was immediately speculated the production version would not be far behind. The ELR is based on the Chevrolet Volts drivetrain, the ELR will function with a generator operated electric motor.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid Coupe | Base Price: NA |
| EV Range: 35 miles | Total Range 300 miles |
| Charge Time: 240v / 5 hrs | MPG for Hybrid Mode: 30-35 avg |
| Length: 186 in. (472.4 cm) | Wheel Base: 106.1 in. (269.5 cm) |
| Height: 55.9 in. (142 cm) | Width: 72.7 in. (184.7 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 10.5 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 4 people |
| Engine: Inline 4 Hybrid | Displacement: 1.4 Liter |
| Horsepower: 291 HP | Torque: 295 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph: NA | Top Electric Speed: 100 mph (161 km/h) |
Hybrid Performance
Under the hood of the ELR is an electric drive unit powered by a lithium-ion battery. This is expected to generate 207 horsepower. You get an additional 84 horsepower from a 1.4 liter, 4 cylinder hybrid engine. When the battery’s power is used up the hybrid kicks in.
On a full tank of gas (9.3 gal.) and a fully charged battery it is expected to have a driving range of approximately 300 miles. The front wheel drive utilizes a Voltec Electric Drive System transaxle.
Exterior
The front of the Cadillac ELR features the traditional trapezoidal Cadillac grille. The most recent Cadillac signature are the vertical headlights and LED taillights are also present.
Aerodynamics is key to the ELR’s performance, so the front façade have active shutters behind the flush grille. The corners have been carefully tapered to allow easy air flow aided by an integrated spoiler in the rear. It has a drag coefficient of 0.305.
Interior
The interior is an exquisite blend of wood accents, chrome, and leather. Carbon fiber trim is optional. The steering wheel is covered in leather appointed with suede microfiber which matches the headliner.
The center of the instrument panel has an 8 inch, color touch screen with Cadillac “CUE” technology and navigation system.
The Cadillac ELR seats 4 with more than 33 inches of legroom to accommodate passengers seated in the rear.
No official price tag has been affixed to the ELR, but conjecture has it in the $70,000 range.
