Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Rumorpile: More Details on The Cadillac ELR

    William Maley

    Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

    July 2, 2012

    General Motors has been quiet on the new Cadillac ELR since announcing it would go into production for the 2014 model year. However, Car & Driver has uncovered some information that shines some light of what we could expect of Cadillac’s new extended-range EV.

    It’s been bandied about that ELR would share the same Voltec powertrain used in the Chevrolet Volt, but rumor has it that the ELR will swap the current 1.4L engine and use a naturally aspirated variant of Opel’s newly-developed Ecotec MGE engine. The Ecotec MGE engine is the base for a future family of low-emissions, direct-injection four-cylinder engines that will eventually replace most of GM’s Family 1 engines. For those wondering what a GM Family 1 engine is, the 1.8L four used in the Sonic and Cruze is one of them.

    The Ecotec MGE engine block has been engineered to have a max displacement of 2.0L, though Car & Driver says expect the engine in the ELR to a 1.8L or less.

    Another problem facing the ELR is weight. Compared to the Volt, the ELR is expected come with a wealth of luxury appointments and refinement, which means added weight and less range on electric power.

    For 2013, the Volt gets a larger 16.5 kWh battery pack, which increased its electric range to 38 Miles. That gives us a hint the ELR might be getting a larger battery pack to overcome the added weight.

    Source: Car & Driver

    William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    WOW, Talk about Bloat!

    I thought the Volt did better than 38 miles on pure electric. Was it not rated at 80?

    I would have expected the ELR to drop to about 60 due to weight and the traditional luxury bloat, but this is crazy. 38 miles only?????

    So in rereading the C&D story, I can understand the limitations, but I still have to wonder about the battery pack challenges when you have other companies stating 200+ miles on electric. Why can GM only get so little out of the battery pack?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The Volt was only 40.

    Wouldn't losing 2 doors cut weight?

    I think the bigger news here is the engines. Those engines will eventually find their way into the Sonic and Cruze, neither of which are currently direct injected. Fuel economy and/or power on both of those models should improve nicely.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The Volt was only 40.

    Wouldn't losing 2 doors cut weight?

    I think the bigger news here is the engines. Those engines will eventually find their way into the Sonic and Cruze, neither of which are currently direct injected. Fuel economy and/or power on both of those models should improve nicely.

    Minimal weight loss if any. Because the structural components, body panels are still there.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Unless they build this car out of carbon fiber it is going to be obese, and no one wants a 4,200 lb Delta platform car for $60,000. That makes a Cimarron look good. I think GM is making an error here, unless they can find away to deliver electric drive at ATS level performance. If they can make a performance electric car I am all for it, if this is a Cadillac that drags to 60 in 10 seconds and drains the battery in 30 miles, then no thank you.

    • Agree 1
    • Disagree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    WOW, Talk about Bloat!

    I thought the Volt did better than 38 miles on pure electric. Was it not rated at 80?

    I would have expected the ELR to drop to about 60 due to weight and the traditional luxury bloat, but this is crazy. 38 miles only?????

    So in rereading the C&D story, I can understand the limitations, but I still have to wonder about the battery pack challenges when you have other companies stating 200+ miles on electric. Why can GM only get so little out of the battery pack?

    Volt was 35, goes up to 38 for 2013

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I hope the styling helps sell this car as I think it may be a challange. I hope I am wrong but I worry this one may not be a big sales hit.

    I think GM should have done a small Minivan like the Chevy they showed in China. THat would have appealed to the eviro people much more.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    This topic affects my keyboard. It makes one of the keys stick for some reason.

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... see wut I mean? :smilewide:

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    the next step for the volt to evolve is weight loss and high tech materials.

    maybe the volt just continues as the first production applications of newest technologies....

    volt should shed 500 pounds......

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    At what point does the Volt and ELR become pointless? With mild hybrid vehicles getting the same or better mileage for less money, who is really going to buy these cars? Am I missing something?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I think the key is they plan to keep investing into these kinds of cars till batteries improve. The power cells are key and at some point with enough time and money being invested someone will solve the issue.

    Even back in the day they knew how to make a light bulb but few could make one that did not burn out in a short period of time. Edison and others worked on it for a good while till better materials were found to solve the issue. Save idea applies here.

    The key to keeping this market going is if they can even sell limited numbers of these cars it will give more companies reason to invest money into development into new materials for these cars. No market no investment it is that simple.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    At what point does the Volt and ELR become pointless? With mild hybrid vehicles getting the same or better mileage for less money, who is really going to buy these card? Am I missing something?

    The point is that the source of the rotational power is now moot. The engine in the volt is about as basic as you can get in a car today. it has not yet benefited from the technology gains other cars have. No direct injection no turbos

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    At what point does the Volt and ELR become pointless? With mild hybrid vehicles getting the same or better mileage for less money, who is really going to buy these cars? Am I missing something?

    The point of the car is not Fuel Economy, but alternatives to petroleum. You can put an ICE, steam power, or nuclear fusion reactor to run the batteries and it will run just fine. None of the hybrids can make such claim despite boasting bigger fuel economy numbers. So the vehicles are not pointless but of importance from this point on.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Want a solar powered, steam wankel with a sterling engine waste heat collector? The Volt could, theoretically, use such a contraption and still operate as an every day car.

    My wish for the Volt's next step is this: A very small displacement, turbo charged HCCI gas generator. HCCI can get 15% better fuel economy than a direct injected gas engine of the same displacement, but they don't like to rev. 3,000 RPM is about the limit for HCCI operation and then they have to switch over to spark ignition. This setup could potentially put the Volt into the 70mpg - 80mpg range

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Could the VOLT and ELR benefit from a Aluminum/balsa wood tub or better yet Carbon Fiber tub like what BMW is doing for the next M3? This would totally rock as the amount of weight loss would truly help push up the pure electric numbers.

    I would think some of the corvette weight saving mechanical ideas would be used in the volt to reduce and increase the electric range.

    Before anyone says anything, NO I do not see this taking anything away from the Corvette by using parts from the light car.

    Edited by dfelt
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • My main question is if they improved the center console.  I really like the Ioniq 6, but the center console of the interior was such a huge miss in terms of material quality and construction that it killed the car for me. It was odd that given the level of quality in the rest of the interior that one of the most touched items in the car outside of the steering wheel was an obvious afterthought to the design team.
    • Interesting read, I have to agree that the writer hits a number of solid points as to why the whole Tariff mess actually will help EVs as ICE dies. Why EV-hating Trump has accidentally driven the final nail in the coffin of gas cars Interesting read and I can see dealerships ripping up current unsigned contracts to reap bigger profits on autos on the lot now before the more expensive ones show up. US consumers rush to buy big-ticket items before Trump's tariffs kick in
    • Yes Genesis is not as high as they were in 2017 for the G90, but they have been slowly climbing the last 3 years, so we will see how it goes. I think breaking it out as a stand alone luxury division is a smart move. https://carfigures.com/us-market-brand/genesis/g90 Yet if you look at U.S. total sales of all models, Genesis has continued to increase in sales each year. Genesis | US Market Brands | CarFigures It is not a sprint, but a marathon of luxury quality autos.
    • Here's the problem, the G90 doesn't sell, and coupes and convertibles don't sell, combing both would be a disaster.   If they did a mid-size car maybe they would have a chance, but maybe they feel like the 4-series and CLE already kind of took that space away. And Cadillac for sure needs to do a coupe version of whatever replaces the CT5.  I think if you took a Lyriq drivetrain and throw a coupe body on that for $70-80k range they have a winner.
    • Hyundai set a new benchmark in EV design with captivating curves and enhanced proportions with the reveal of the IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line at the SEOUL Mobility Show. The IONIQ 6 N Line is inspired by the RN22e Rolling Lab concept featuring sculptured bumpers, dynamic stance, and an aggressive emphasized DNA styling language. This reveal of the N Line for the IONIQ 6 shows the exciting high performance electric streamliner that Hyundai has coming. To highlight the N Line model’s dynamic and aggressive design, the front and rear wing-shaped bumpers feature enhanced details and a more sculptural form. This wing-inspired bumper design, along with a side sill emphasized by a single line, gives the electrified streamliner a visually lower stance. Additionally, the extensive use of black color at the rear, drawn from the RN22e’s design, contributes to the IONIQ 6 N Line’s sporty proportions. The two-dimensional Parametric Pixel lamp design further emphasizes a digital aesthetic. Both the IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line features an enhanced interior providing a comfortable, intuitive experience that includes a redesigned steering wheel, upgraded martials, refined center console, and enlarged climate control display. The "Mindful Cocoon" style with a greater focus on comfort and intuitive driver experience. The redesigned with premium feel drivers experience starts with a redesigned steering wheel, enhanced door, dash and seat materials for a premium feel while delivering improved functionality. The IONIQ 6 emphasizes the electrified streamliners modern take on a connecting body flow of precision and nature based on their update "Pure Flow, Refined" Style. The new vehicle’s elevated hood and extended shape, combined with a shark-nose design, create a sleek profile that appears to slice through the air. The black garnish on the lower body extends to the doors, emphasizing the IONIQ 6’s streamlined body. The previous-generation vehicle’s prominent spoiler has been removed, with the new IONIQ 6 featuring an extended ducktail spoiler to maintain aerodynamic performance while achieving a smoother, more refined silhouette. The car’s front and rear design details have been refined for a modern and high-tech appearance, featuring separate slim daytime-running lights and main lamps. Horizontal design elements create a wider stance, while the rear bumper design complements the front with modern chrome garnish. *Specifications mentioned above are based on the Korean-market model. Features, technology and claimed figures may differ depending on the market.       View full article
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search