Vehicle electrification has arrived at Cadillac and the model that gets this 21st century technology is an elegant, sport coupe dubbed ELR. ELR stands for “extended luxury range” or what was once the Converj Concept. The 2014 Cadillac ELR is based on the same platform underpinning the Chevrolet Volt, but has its own body and an updated version of the Volt powertrain.
Slippery Design
The ELR’s .305 coefficient of drag underscores this coupe’s angular body lines. Typical Cadillac “art & science” design is evident, with strong contours, a creased hood, broad shoulders and sweeping body lines evident throughout. The ELR is reminiscent of the Cadillac CTS Coupe, but its design is its own and the differences between the two models are most evident across the roof line and rear pillars.
The 2014 Cadillac ELR is a front-wheel drive 2+2 coupe. It is a compact car, but it weighs in at 4,070 pounds. Under the hood is a 1.4-liter four cylinder gas engine that is paired with a single speed automatic transmission. Electric motors supply energy for up to the first 35 miles with the gasoline engine kicking in once depleted. All told, the vehicle’s range is well over 300 miles.
ELR Dimensions
Riding on 20-inch cast aluminum wheels that are set within all-season tires, the Cadillac ELR features electric power steering, four channel ABS, stability control, traction control and drag control.
This model sits on a 106.1-inch wheelbase and is 186 inches long, by 72.7 inches wide by 55.9 inches tall. Front headroom measures 36.9 inches and there is 34.7 inches in the rear. Front shoulder room comes in at 55.2 inches to 49.9 inches in the rear. Front hip room measures 52.9 inches to 48.6 inches in the rear. Leg room comes in at 42.2 inches up front to 33.6 inches in the back seat. The Cadillac ELR offers 9 cubic feet of trunk storage.
Cabin Amenities
Inside, the Cadillac ELR cabin offers front sport bucket seats and fold down rear seats that extend storage capacity. This vehicle is outfitted with Cadillac CUE, the brand’s telematics and connectivity platform, and features leather seating surfaces, chrome trim and ambient lighting. A 10-speaker Bose audio system with noise cancellation technology is standard.
Cadillac designed the ELR cabin with a driver focus, providing an eight-inch configurable instrument panel and display to provide four levels of technical information. That information includes your driving range, charging options, energy usage, infotainment options and other features.
ELR Production
Production of the Cadillac ELR is expected to start late in 2013 at its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant. That facility builds the Chevrolet Volt as well as the Holden Volt and Opel Ampera. At present, GM is sending its EV to 21 countries with the Cadillac ELR slated to debut in North America first with a roll out to Europe, China and elsewhere starting in 2014.
The ELR comes in the midst of a Cadillac renaissance that is bringing new models to the vehicle line at a rapid pace. In 2012, the XTS and ATS sedans were released. Updates to the CTS, SRX and Escalade lines will begin in 2014 and a smaller crossover is also being planned.
