[scottf200]

Cadillac ELR: More Details On How the Volt Will Become a Caddy (Hint: More Power)

http://blog.caranddriver.com/cadillac-elr-more-details-on-how-the-volt-will-become-a-caddy-hint-more-power/

<snip>
Bit More of Everything to Maintain Performance

What we’re hearing is that the production ELR will swap the Volt’s 1.4-liter four for a naturally aspirated variant of the new Opel-developed Ecotec MGE. This all-new powerplant is the architectural base for a future family of low-emissions, direct-injection four-cylinders that will eventually replace most of GM’s Family 1 engines. Although the exact displacement of the ELR’s version is not known at this time, the block has been engineered to expand to as much as 2.0 liters. We’d expect to see the final version in the Caddy displace 1.8 liters at most, however. In order to keep the ELR’s pure electric range at least at the level of the Volt, battery capacity will be increased to more than 17.0 kWh; this will be accomplished by increasing the pack’s length and adding cells. Expect the “T” configuration of the pack to carry over. The Volt’s 4ET50 continuously variable transmission/drive unit will be revised to match its power output and electrical generation capacity to the new engine.
<snip>

 

[Fabulist]

Cadillac ELR: More Details On How the Volt Will Become a Caddy (Hint: More Power)

http://blog.caranddriver.com/cadillac-elr-more-details-on-how-the-volt-will-become-a-caddy-hint-more-power/

<snip>
Bit More of Everything to Maintain Performance

What we’re hearing is that the production ELR will swap the Volt’s 1.4-liter four for a naturally aspirated variant of the new Opel-developed Ecotec MGE. This all-new powerplant is the architectural base for a future family of low-emissions, direct-injection four-cylinders that will eventually replace most of GM’s Family 1 engines. Although the exact displacement of the ELR’s version is not known at this time, the block has been engineered to expand to as much as 2.0 liters. We’d expect to see the final version in the Caddy displace 1.8 liters at most, however. In order to keep the ELR’s pure electric range at least at the level of the Volt, battery capacity will be increased to more than 17.0 kWh; this will be accomplished by increasing the pack’s length and adding cells. Expect the “T” configuration of the pack to carry over. The Volt’s 4ET50 continuously variable transmission/drive unit will be revised to match its power output and electrical generation capacity to the new engine.
<snip>

I am skeptical about the styling. The Volt looked pretty cool until the accountants got hold of it and turned it into a semi-electric hatchback Chevy Cruze. This not a dig on Chevy Cruze, which is a fine car. My only point is that with GM, the concept car and the final production car seem to bear very little styling resemblance to each other and it is therefore very hard to get excited about a GM concept car.

 

[scottf200]

I am skeptical about the styling. The Volt looked pretty cool until the accountants got hold of it and turned it into a semi-electric hatchback Chevy Cruze. This not a dig on Chevy Cruze, which is a fine car. My only point is that with GM, the concept car and the final production car seem to bear very little styling resemblance to each other and it is therefore very hard to get excited about a GM concept car.

IMO, you are confused about the "accountants". Numerous references in articles, book, etc about the Coeff Drag of the concept and how it turned out to be dreadful and would never give them the 40 mile range (I get 45 for 2/3 of the year in Chicagoland).

7+ mile difference in the current Volt vs concept.

Text below makes ref to the Converj Concept.
http://www.cadillac.com/elr-electric-car.html

Wind tunnel stuff related to the Volt:
http://wn.com/Chevy_Volt_in_the_wind_tunnel

 

[AnOutsider]

This looks a bit more subdued than the concept volt, styling wise, so it's feasible it can come to fruition. Perhaps GM learned from the last time around.

 

[scottf200]

Cadillac will debut production ELR at next year's Pebble Beach Concours
By Sebastian Blanco - Aug 17th 2012 7:25PM

http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/cadillac-will-debut-production-elr-at-next-years-pebble-beach-c/

Rumors about the 2014 model-year debut of the confirmed-for-production Cadillac ELR extended-range plug-in hybrid coupe got a little boost today following news out of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance that a production version of the ELR will be introduced there in 2013.

http://insideevs.com/production-cadillac-elr-to-debut-at-pebble-beach-concours-delegance-next-year/

The Chevrolet Volt’s Hamtramck Assembly line is expected to undergo a changeover in June of 2013, to start production of generation 1.5 of the Volt for the fall, and to start producing the 2014 Cadillac ELR shortly thereafter.

 

[scottf200]

Camouflaged Cadillac ELR spotted on the road (via Stuart22 gm-volt.com)
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120903/CARNEWS/120839965

Comparison:

 

[scottf200]

Several news articles on the ELR. GM has made it official.

http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Oct/1016_elr.html

DETROIT – Preparations will soon be under way at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant to build the Cadillac ELR, a luxury coupe featuring extended-range electric technology, General Motors North America President Mark Reuss said Tuesday.

“The ELR will be in a class by itself, further proof of our commitment to electric vehicles and advanced technology,” Reuss said in a keynote address at the SAE Convergence Conference in Detroit. “People will instantly recognize it as a Cadillac by its distinctive, signature look and true-to-concept exterior design.”

Production is scheduled to begin in late 2013.
.

 

[SoCalGuy]

Good looking car!

 

[Sigurd]

I loved the concept for this car when I saw it at the 2009 Detroit auto show. Glad to see it become reality.

 

[scottf200]

Teaser pictures:
http://insideevs.com/more-cadillac-elr-teaser-pics-interior-shot/
http://insideevs.com/more-cadillac-elr-photos-ahead-of-official-debut-tuesday/

 

[scottf200]

I don't think the official announcment is until tomorrow so it seems some of the below may change or be different?

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-cadillac-elr-is-making-green-sexy-in-detroit/

The in-cabin technology seems impressive, as well, with Cadillac's CUE system running the show, a malleable digital instrument panel informing the driver of near-countless datum and a 10-speaker Bose system with noise cancellation (in an electric car!) providing the soundtrack. ELR even boasts an industry-first (as far as we know) "power-assisted" sliding cupholder cover... we kid you not.

In terms of performance, the front-wheel-drive ELR is likely to be a bit subtler in its entertainment value than rear-drive fun machines like the Cadillac ATS and V Series vehicles. Total system output maxes at 207 horsepower (154 kW) and 295 pound-feet of peak torque, which should offer adequate, if not stirring, get-up-and-go for the 4,070-pound coupe. Cadillac is claiming a much more enthusiastic driving character for the ELR, still, based a lot on a stiffer body structure, and an available sport program that alters throttle response, steering effort and damper settings. The ELR also has a "Regen on Demand" feature where, by using steering-wheel mounted paddles, the driver can temporarily increase the regenerative braking level to mimic the effect of a downshift – as if the ELR had a traditional transmission. Of course, the ELR is anything but traditional.

The lithium-ion battery pack is refined (read: a bit lighter) versus the Volt's unit, though basically the same, and the ELR has the same 1.4-liter gasoline engine for use as a range-extender, as well. Total electric-only range for the car is estimated at 35 miles (the Volt gets 37); recharging takes about 12 hours on a 120v charger, and about 4.5 hours on a 240v charging station.

Rem Volt Wiki:

The Volt is propelled by an electric motor with a peak output of 111 kW (149 hp) delivering 273 lb·ft (370 N·m) of torque. 3,781 lb

 

[ct-fiskerbuzz]

Not awful, but the Karma's interior is far nicer. (If only the Karma's command center were [a] fast visible in sunlight and [c] properly polarized for viewing through sunglasses....)

 

[Stefan]

properly polarized for viewing through sunglasses....)

Haven't figured this one... Is there an issue with CUI AND polarized glasses?


Stefan
German Karma Forum
www.karma-forum.de

 

[marswill]

Haven't figured this one... Is there an issue with CUI AND polarized glasses?


Stefan
German Karma Forum
www.karma-forum.de

Yes, the CUI has it's LCD polarizers set at a 45 degree angle which reduces the contrast when you wear polarized sun glasses. If you tilt your head 45 degrees while viewing the CUI with polarized sun glasses you will find the display looks MUCH better.

 

[scottf200]

The gm site announcement:
http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/cad..._elr.html?goback=.gde_147033_member_204463876

Video: http://bcove.me/fxmkfcqh

Design:

• Enhanced AT-PZEV emissions meet California’s criteria for single-occupancy access to high occupancy vehicle lanes
• Light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps, daytime running lamps and taillamps, as well as signature front and rear lighting elements
• Twenty-inch wheels paired with tires designed to balance responsive handling and a comfortable ride with efficiency
• Interior design featuring cut-and-sew accented leather incorporating sueded microfiber, chrome, wood and available carbon fiber finishes throughout
• Cadillac CUE with Navigation is standard. CUE is Cadillac’s breakthrough system for connectivity and control, using Natural Voice Recognition, capacitive touch and hand gestures used on smart phones and tablets
• Programmable charging schedules and downloadable energy efficiency reports available online and through smartphone notification charging alerts
• Cadillac’s advanced active safety features, including Safety Alert Seat, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning, along with available Side Blind Zone Alert with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and full-speed-range adaptive cruise control
• Advanced chassis and suspension systems, including HiPer Strut front suspension, compound-crank with Watts link rear suspension and Continuous Damping Control, which adjusts damping every two milliseconds for optimal ride and handling in all conditions
• Standard premium Bose 10-channel audio system with active noise cancellation.

Interior:

• Eight-inch configurable instrument and driver information displays, offering four configurations ranging from elegantly simple to technologically enhanced information
• Auto-glide/power-assisted covered storage/cup holder in the center console
• Fold-down rear seat backs accommodate longer items, including multiple sets of golf clubs
• LED-powered accent lighting in the instrument panel and doors
• Available Opus semi-aniline leather seating.

Driving experience:

• Wide front and rear tracks – 62.1 inches (1,578 mm) in front and 62.4 inches (1,585 mm) in the rear – along with a long wheelbase (106.1 inches / 2,695 mm) and a low center of gravity
• HiPer Strut front suspension featuring lightweight forged aluminum components for reduced weight and more nimble, responsive action
• Dual-pinion, rack-mounted electric power steering system with premium ZF steering gear designed to provide excellent feedback while helping to save fuel
• A semi-independent rear compound-crank suspension with Watts link that incorporates weight-optimized trailing arms to absorb lateral forces, allowing the suspension to be tuned to handle vertical, forward and rearward motions
• Hydraulic ride bushings in the front and rear suspensions
• An electro-hydraulic regenerative brake system that captures energy and sends it to the battery pack
• Standard chassis control systems include antilock brakes, traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control.

 

[scottf200]

Columnar breakdown of features at the bottome of this:
http://insideevs.com/cadillac-officially-debuts-the-elr-gm-says-it-will-be-a-limited-offering-video/

 

[SoCalGuy]

I think the ELR is stunning - good range, fantastic luxury and a gorgeous design... if it debuts at $55K or thereabouts (pre-credit), I'm signing up for one ... the Atlantic styling is better, but really, if the ELR is an improvement over the Volt (which was itself a great car) and adds luxury element and the cool angular styling, how will this not sell at that price point? Slam dunk.

 

[Axel16]

what i would like to know is, where GM gets their batteries from. As far as i know the GM Volt /Ampera is powered by A123 batteries. This company is bancrupt and been sold to a Chinese company. Fiskers production has been on hold because of the renegotiation of the battery contract. How could GM go on bringing a knew range extender to the market, if they have the battery supply not been covered. Or is Fisker not telling all details about the stop of production and this may be caused by different reasons ( financial problems or lacking demand for the Karma? ). In my opinion Fisker can not effort longer delay in keeping up production of the Karma. Neither can Fisker wait any longer for the release of the Atlantic. This car is almost 90% ready - so Fisker says - and Tesla is more agressive on the market - see the Detroid motor show - So for Fisker it is time to come out and act, before your chances have gone.

 

[doug]

GM considered A123 for the Volt/Ampera, but wisely went with the more established LG Chem. Actually they had a competition between the two starting back in 2007 or so. But by 2009, they had made their decision. Presumably, they're using the same LG cells for the ELR. GM had said they'd use A123 for the Chevy Spark EV, but I suppose that may change.

Regarding the other issues you brought up, they're discussed here:
http://www.fiskerbuzz.com/forums/14...oduction-halted-until-a123-sale-complete.html
and here:
http://www.fiskerbuzz.com/forums/14-fisker-lounge/1939-number-karma-s-manufactured.html
and I suppose the later part of this thread here:
http://www.fiskerbuzz.com/forums/13-fisker-karma/1824-more-karma-fires-16-burn-due-sandy.html

 

[EVer1]

Wow, these pictures illustrate why the Karma has the pyramid PRNDL.