According to spy photos that have surfaced recently, the Volt-based Cadillac ELR has “that Cadillac style” baked into the sheet metal, and now pictures indicate the theme is not surprisingly carried through to the interior appointments as well.
The “dramatic luxury coupe” as Cadillac has described it, was seen in a number of spy photos, and posted by various publications. Outside, the black-and-white coupe closely resembles the concept, with perhaps a bit more front overhang, subtle variations in body creases, and exterior mirrors, instead of the stylized electronic ones shown.
Since the photos are copyrighted, we cannot show them, and given that most GM-Volt readers have seen the exterior shots already, the latest news we’ll share here is Motor Trend also got shots of the interior.
2009 Converj concept shown. Black-and-white camouflaged pre-production versions have been seen with Cadillac design cues staying very close to the concept pictured. Inside, the car has unmistakably Cadillac features also for the car expected to out-Volt the Volt.
The ELR will sport a version of the Volt’s center mounted speedometer along with digital LCD gauges necessary for an extended-range car including battery and range meter, etc.
Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system was clearly identified in the photos, as were touch-sensitive buttons lifted from the Cadillac XTS sedan that may well be customizable. If you thought the Volt’s interior was a gee-whiz creation, the Cadillac with leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and seats will take all the high tech goodness and blend it into a premium theme fitting for GM’s top-line nameplate.
As for what’s under the hood exactly, no one knows. All that’s known is it will be some variation of the Volt’s gas-electric Voltec powertrain, although last week, George S. Bower, an engineer and long-time enthusiast on this forum who writes from time to time gave it a good educated guess in a speculative write-up.
No doubt the ELR will offer more acceleration, perhaps more all-electric range, or both. The car is based on the 2009 Converj concept that got underway before the Volt’s December 2010 launch.
Other than the second-generation Volt believed due for 2014 or 2015, it is the only Voltecvehicle known to be pending. GM has not even officially confirmed what is otherwise a loosely kept secret that the ELR will be launched next year for 2014.
Competitors for this vehicle will include Fisker’s Karma, the Tesla Model S variants, pendingInfiniti LE Concept, and we shall see what else.
A lot more official news, including expected retail pricing, will be generated as launch date grows nearer some time next year.
SAE Charging Standard Published
By Philippe Crowe
A new charging standard will allow EVs to be charged in as little as 20 minutes.
SAE International’s much-anticipated technical standard for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and electric vehicles (EV) has been approved and published.
Developed in a consensus environment by more than 190 global experts representing automotive, charging equipment, utilities industries and national labs, “J1772™: SAE Electric Vehicle and Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Couple” enable charging time to be reduced from as long as eight hours to as short as 20 minutes.
“This new technical standard is a real game-changer,” said Andrew Smart, director of Industry Relations and Business Development for SAE International. “It reflects the advancements in technology within PHEV and EV engineering and we are pleased to represent the collaborative efforts within industry that made it possible.”
The standard represents the future of charging technology and smart grid interaction, while addressing the needs of today. Such needs include reduced times at public charging stations, enabling consumers to travel greater distances in their PHEV’s and EV’s.
“This new standard reflects the many hours that top industry experts from around the world worked to achieve the best charging solution – a solution that helps vehicle electrification technology move forward,” Gery Kissel, engineering specialist, Global Battery Systems, GM, and SAE J1772 Task Force Chairman, said. “We now can offer users of this technology various charging options in one combined design.”
The original version of J1772 defined AC Level 1 and AC Level 2 charge levels and specified a conductive charge coupler and electrical interfaces for AC Level 1 and AC Level 2 charging.
The new revision incorporates DC charging where DC Level 1 and DC Level 2 charge levels, charge coupler and electrical interfaces are defined. The standard was developed in cooperation with the European automotive experts who also adopted and endorsed a combo strategy in their approach.
“Nearly all automakers approved this standard, and it will enable and facilitate EV customers to drive more all-electric miles,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford’s associate director of Electrification and Vehicle Infrastructure.
The chart showcases the J1772 SAE Charging Configurations and Ratings Terminology.
Source:GM-Volt.com
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