You may remember that last August, we broke the story that what is now called the 2014 Cadillac ELR electric coupe got the green light for production by GM's overlords. An abashed GM confirmed the story a few days later and released the name of the new model, known until then as the Converj concept car. Now, we learn via GMInsideNews that another anonymous source says the ELR will enter production roughly 18 months from now at the same Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant where the Chevrolet Volt is built. Production will begin, GMI's source says, late in the 2013 calendar year--compared to some recent GM models that have gone on sale as early as February of the preceding year. For 2014, the Cadillac ELR range-extended electric car will be sold only in the U.S. Exports to Europe and China could begin the following year. The ELR will launch some significant updates to the Voltec powertrain, though they will be used not only in the 2014 ELR but also in an updated 2014 Volt as well. Most intriguing is the notion that GM engineers will be able to extend the cars' electric range by expanding the portion of the battery pack the Initially, Chevrolet said the Volt would use only 8 kilowatt-hours of its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery By the time the car launched, that number had risen to 10.4 kWh--still leaving one-third of pack in reserve, to provide a buffer for degradation of the cells over the course of the car's life. If Voltec engineers have grown increasingly confident in the LG Chem cells' lifespan, they might be able to reprogram the control software to permit more of the pack to be accessed for power. More kilowatt-hours = more electric range. The question then becomes whether such a software change could be retrofitted into 2011-2013 Volt models. For that--not to mention any substantial details of the 2014 Cadillac ELR--we'll have to wait. Source: Green Car Reports
Showing posts with label Cadillac Converj. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cadillac Converj. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
2014 Cadillac ELR Electric Luxury Sedan to Arrive Late 2013
You may remember that last August, we broke the story that what is now called the 2014 Cadillac ELR electric coupe got the green light for production by GM's overlords. An abashed GM confirmed the story a few days later and released the name of the new model, known until then as the Converj concept car. Now, we learn via GMInsideNews that another anonymous source says the ELR will enter production roughly 18 months from now at the same Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant where the Chevrolet Volt is built. Production will begin, GMI's source says, late in the 2013 calendar year--compared to some recent GM models that have gone on sale as early as February of the preceding year. For 2014, the Cadillac ELR range-extended electric car will be sold only in the U.S. Exports to Europe and China could begin the following year. The ELR will launch some significant updates to the Voltec powertrain, though they will be used not only in the 2014 ELR but also in an updated 2014 Volt as well. Most intriguing is the notion that GM engineers will be able to extend the cars' electric range by expanding the portion of the battery pack the Initially, Chevrolet said the Volt would use only 8 kilowatt-hours of its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery By the time the car launched, that number had risen to 10.4 kWh--still leaving one-third of pack in reserve, to provide a buffer for degradation of the cells over the course of the car's life. If Voltec engineers have grown increasingly confident in the LG Chem cells' lifespan, they might be able to reprogram the control software to permit more of the pack to be accessed for power. More kilowatt-hours = more electric range. The question then becomes whether such a software change could be retrofitted into 2011-2013 Volt models. For that--not to mention any substantial details of the 2014 Cadillac ELR--we'll have to wait. Source: Green Car Reports
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Cadillac ELR could be launched as a 2014 model
Do not be surprised if GM announces at what it deems the appropriate time that the Cadillac ELR will be launched as a 2014 model year vehicle.
Since Wednesday, conjecture has been mixed with what little has so far been divulged about the extended-range Cadillac based on an unintended GM OnStar revelation – while in related news, it has been said the ELR will be made available in China.
As for the unintended revelation story, a blogger named Christopher Price reportedly checked the OnStar Web site to see whether his Pontiac G6 was due for service and whether it was compatible with OnStar’s RemoteLink smartphone technology.
On the list of compatible cars he discovered the 2014 Cadillac ELR, and thus far, this is the only possible confirmation that the extended-range Cadillac will be produced for that year.
The 2009 Converj relabeled the “ELR.”
Previous statements made last year by GM of Europe head Nick Reilly had been that no new Voltec models would be spun off before 2015. We now have reason to believe that Reilly’s assertions might have only pertained to Europe, given the 2014 ELR.
The OnStar revelation also listed a “Chevrolet SS Performance” model which could be used as a platform for a NASCAR racer, and that has the GM enthusiasts’ rumor mill also swirling.
As for the plug-in Caddy, so far it’s still being said it will share the same powertrain the Volt has – a 1.4-liter gasoline generator plus electric motor and 16-kwh lithium-ion T-shaped battery.
The 2+2 coupe is to be considerably more upscale, more aesthetically pleasing, and positioned as a global halo vehicle for GM. But the company has been silent as to whether it will boast more power – as some think it should – or whether a new generation Volt would also see more power, range or both.
Yesterday in a phone interview, Cadillac spokesman Brian Corbett said only that “production is not imminent,” and GM will make an announcement with more info on ELR specs, launch date, and more, at a time closer to production.
The ELR is based on the Converj Concept as this 2009 video shows.
In other news this week, GM has revealed – deliberately, not as a rumor – that the global halo Cadillac will indeed be sold in China, the brand’s second-largest market. GM said both the ELR and full-sized XTS gasoline-powered sedan were confirmed as due for launch, although naturally, the date for the ELR introduction remains shrouded until GM decides to let us all know.
Since debuting in China in 2005, Cadillac’s market acceptance there has steadily grown, its fortunes as a prestigious American status symbol rising also with that of what is now the world’s largest auto market – and major market for all manner of trappings necessary to feed a growing trend toward conspicuous consumption.
Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of marketing, said by the end of the decade GM expects China to account for half of all luxury purchases in the world – in all categories, not just cars. But of course it does like its cars too.
“China has quickly become the fastest-growing market for Cadillac. Last year, sales rose by 73 percent,” said GM CEO Dan Akerson. “Introducing the XTS is part of our strategy of adding one new model per year to our Cadillac lineup in China through 2016 to address the needs of luxury car buyers nationwide.
We have seen speculative reports that the ELR could be launched in China as early as 2013, but have no reason to believe this would happen until GM actually confirms that – and, again, it’s more likely the car will be produced by 2014. Corbett also would not confirm whether the U.S. would get the car first, but as that was the case with the Volt, it’s likely with the ELR.
Also awaiting confirmation is whether Cadillac will build the ELR – or Volt, for that matter – in China. Thus far it has not yet said it would build the Volt in China, but it will build Cadillac’s “new definition of luxury,” the 2013 XTS there with joint venture partner Shanghai General Motors (SGM), and is quite unequivocal about the allure of that market.
Presently there are 68 Cadillac dealers in China, and by the end of the year, GM projects this to nearly double to 120.
“Our dealers in China are experiencing strong growth, with some of them quickly becoming among the largest and best we have in the world,” said Butler.
“The average age of a Cadillac buyer in China is 35, signifying the explosive growth of the luxury marketplace and consumer perceptions of Cadillac,” GM said.
“We’re very encouraged by the positive response Chinese luxury consumers have to Cadillac,” said Butler.
“Qualities like innovation and entrepreneurship are admired by many luxury consumers in China, which aligns well with Cadillac. The American spirit of Cadillac creates a distinct and compelling position in the luxury marketplace.”
It sounds like many in the upwardly mobile, electric-vehicle friendly country would be eager to get their hands on the premier Cadillac, the ELR, and no doubt GM will make it so just as soon as it deems the appropriate time has come.
The U.S. is however still Cadillac’s number one market – at least for now – so keep your eyes open for more news as the days count down to a 2014 model-year announcement.
Source: GM-Volt.com
Since Wednesday, conjecture has been mixed with what little has so far been divulged about the extended-range Cadillac based on an unintended GM OnStar revelation – while in related news, it has been said the ELR will be made available in China.
As for the unintended revelation story, a blogger named Christopher Price reportedly checked the OnStar Web site to see whether his Pontiac G6 was due for service and whether it was compatible with OnStar’s RemoteLink smartphone technology.
On the list of compatible cars he discovered the 2014 Cadillac ELR, and thus far, this is the only possible confirmation that the extended-range Cadillac will be produced for that year.
The 2009 Converj relabeled the “ELR.”
Previous statements made last year by GM of Europe head Nick Reilly had been that no new Voltec models would be spun off before 2015. We now have reason to believe that Reilly’s assertions might have only pertained to Europe, given the 2014 ELR.
The OnStar revelation also listed a “Chevrolet SS Performance” model which could be used as a platform for a NASCAR racer, and that has the GM enthusiasts’ rumor mill also swirling.
As for the plug-in Caddy, so far it’s still being said it will share the same powertrain the Volt has – a 1.4-liter gasoline generator plus electric motor and 16-kwh lithium-ion T-shaped battery.
The 2+2 coupe is to be considerably more upscale, more aesthetically pleasing, and positioned as a global halo vehicle for GM. But the company has been silent as to whether it will boast more power – as some think it should – or whether a new generation Volt would also see more power, range or both.
Yesterday in a phone interview, Cadillac spokesman Brian Corbett said only that “production is not imminent,” and GM will make an announcement with more info on ELR specs, launch date, and more, at a time closer to production.
The ELR is based on the Converj Concept as this 2009 video shows.
In other news this week, GM has revealed – deliberately, not as a rumor – that the global halo Cadillac will indeed be sold in China, the brand’s second-largest market. GM said both the ELR and full-sized XTS gasoline-powered sedan were confirmed as due for launch, although naturally, the date for the ELR introduction remains shrouded until GM decides to let us all know.
Since debuting in China in 2005, Cadillac’s market acceptance there has steadily grown, its fortunes as a prestigious American status symbol rising also with that of what is now the world’s largest auto market – and major market for all manner of trappings necessary to feed a growing trend toward conspicuous consumption.
Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of marketing, said by the end of the decade GM expects China to account for half of all luxury purchases in the world – in all categories, not just cars. But of course it does like its cars too.
“China has quickly become the fastest-growing market for Cadillac. Last year, sales rose by 73 percent,” said GM CEO Dan Akerson. “Introducing the XTS is part of our strategy of adding one new model per year to our Cadillac lineup in China through 2016 to address the needs of luxury car buyers nationwide.
We have seen speculative reports that the ELR could be launched in China as early as 2013, but have no reason to believe this would happen until GM actually confirms that – and, again, it’s more likely the car will be produced by 2014. Corbett also would not confirm whether the U.S. would get the car first, but as that was the case with the Volt, it’s likely with the ELR.
Also awaiting confirmation is whether Cadillac will build the ELR – or Volt, for that matter – in China. Thus far it has not yet said it would build the Volt in China, but it will build Cadillac’s “new definition of luxury,” the 2013 XTS there with joint venture partner Shanghai General Motors (SGM), and is quite unequivocal about the allure of that market.
Presently there are 68 Cadillac dealers in China, and by the end of the year, GM projects this to nearly double to 120.
“Our dealers in China are experiencing strong growth, with some of them quickly becoming among the largest and best we have in the world,” said Butler.
“The average age of a Cadillac buyer in China is 35, signifying the explosive growth of the luxury marketplace and consumer perceptions of Cadillac,” GM said.
“We’re very encouraged by the positive response Chinese luxury consumers have to Cadillac,” said Butler.
“Qualities like innovation and entrepreneurship are admired by many luxury consumers in China, which aligns well with Cadillac. The American spirit of Cadillac creates a distinct and compelling position in the luxury marketplace.”
It sounds like many in the upwardly mobile, electric-vehicle friendly country would be eager to get their hands on the premier Cadillac, the ELR, and no doubt GM will make it so just as soon as it deems the appropriate time has come.
The U.S. is however still Cadillac’s number one market – at least for now – so keep your eyes open for more news as the days count down to a 2014 model-year announcement.
Source: GM-Volt.com
Friday, March 23, 2012
Is this dub-rockin' Chevrolet Volt actually a Cadillac Converj in disguise?
Our spy photographers managed to spot something curious (and decidedly hilarious) recently. General Motors has been busy testing what would appear to be Chevrolet Volt models with massive 20-inch wheels and tires in place of the low-rolling resistance pieces on the stock plug-in.
Why? Guesses are slim at the moment, but one hypothesis is that this is actually our first glimpse at a Cadillac Converj test mule. That vehicle will make use of an altered version of the Voltec drivetrain found in the Chevrolet, albeit bolted to flashier wheels. The luxury hybrid has been an on-again-off-again affair for General Motors since the concept first rolled across the stage at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.
Last we heard, the Converj is on track for launch in either 2013 or 2014. If true, now would be the time to begin working out any engineering bugs on the rumored Voltec 1.5 system. With luxury buyers more willing to hand over stacks of cash for new technology, the Converj could make quite a bit more sense to buyers than the Volt. Or bolting chrome dubs to a hybrid, for that matter.
Source: Autoblog Green
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Electric Cadillac ELR Probably Destined For Front Wheel Drive
We follow plug-in cars pretty closely here, and occasionally we manage to break stories.
One was the production green light for the Cadillac Converj electric car concept, confirmed by GM as the Cadillac ELR coupe just six days later.
So when we see an article that's ... let's say implausible ... it's hard not to write a rebuttal.
Yesterday, in the widely followed trade journal Automotive News, product editor Rick Kranz penned a piece suggesting that the Cadillac ELR would have rear-wheel drive, which he calls a "game changer" for the electric Caddy coupe. (It's subscription only, so you may not be able to read the linked piece--sorry.)
The Cadillac ELR is essentially a higher-margin vehicle using the Voltec extended-range electric vehicle platform that sits under the Chevrolet Volt. The front wheels of the Volt are powered by its 111-kilowatt (149-horsepower) electric traction motor. Always have been.
Kranz believes that to be distinctive and to resonate with the Cadillac brand, the ELR electric coupe should have rear-wheel drive.
He notes that the upcoming Cadillac ATS compact sport sedan will ride on an all-new rear-wheel drive platform, code-named "Alpha." That architecture is designed to be used underneath future Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Camaro models too.
2012 Chevrolet Volt
Now, we're all in favor of rear-wheel drive plug-in and electric vehicles--and they certainly exist. Consider the Tesla Roadster, the 2012 Fisker Karma, and next year's Tesla Model S all-electric sedan, for instance.
But the idea that GM would create an entirely new, rear-wheel drive compact electric-drive platform is highly, highly unlikely. Right now, it has exactly one platform--its "global compact," or Delta architecture--that's been designed to accommodate the 400-pound T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack that stores energy in the Volt.
The crossbar of that T sits essentially between the rear wheels of the Volt--right where a differential and axle shafts would have to be located.
Kranz nods to the packaging issues, but suggests the pack could be raised over the rear axle. And he highlights a Cadillac description of the car as a "2 + 2" rather than a four-seat coupe.
Volt Battery Pack
He suggests that's "a signal that the battery pack will be eating up some of the rear-passenger space so the ELR can be offered as a rear-drive coupe."
We were sufficiently startled by this notion that we contacted our inside source at GM, who laughed out loud at the notion that the company plans to create a variation of the Alpha platform to accommodate a Voltec extended-range electric powertrain.
Then we got into the reasons why that won't happen:
- A rear-wheel drive extended-range electric platform would require far more engineering resources than GM has available right now
- GM wants to keep the pack as low and as central in the car as possible to achieve NHTSA five-star crash ratings for its plug-in vehicles
- Mounting the battery pack above the axle would raise the center of gravity so high that any rear-drive handling advantages would disappear
- The Voltec unit (including drive motor, generator, clutches, planetary gear set, and final drive) would need to be heavily reworked to allow a power takeoff for a driveshaft
All of these hurdles mean you can rest assured that the production version of the 2014 Cadillac ELR will remain a front-wheel drive plug-in coupe. Its mission is simply to boost the sale price on a few of the very pricey Voltec vehicles, to push that project closer to profitability.
We're still eager to drive it ....
Source: Green Car Reports
Saturday, November 6, 2010
2009 Cadillac Converj Concept
Converj: the "Cadillac" FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLESluxury coupe concept continues GM's leadership in the electrification of the automobile
DETROIT - General Motors unveiled a more potential of electric propulsion today, this time in the form of luxury transportation with the Concept Cadillac Converj. Cadillac Converj was developed as a grand touring coupe well appointed with bold design and a host of interactive technologies.
The concept of four passengers Converj is intended to show how GM's revolutionary electric propulsion - Voltec called - can supply a luxury coupe with a typical Cadillac "no compromise" design. The technology allows up to 40 miles of electrical conduit and gas emissions-free with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles.
Bob Lutz, GM’s vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Converj concept has production substance. “It’s a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile,” he said. “It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles.”Cadillac’s extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body style that is an evolution of the brand’s traditional Art and Science design theme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation for the sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is also intended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials, technology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand.
Voltec – innovative propulsion technologyThe Cadillac Converj’s Voltec electric propulsion system is made up of a 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car.
A thermally managed battery pack contains more than 220 lithium-ion cells that provide the primary power to drive the Converj electrically up to 40 miles without using fuel or producing tailpipe emissions. The battery is integrated into the Converj’s chassis and stores electricity from the grid when the vehicle is plugged in. It takes less than three hours to recharge the battery at 240V, or about eight hours from a 120V outlet.When the battery’s energy is low, the Converj seamlessly switches to extended-range mode. During this secondary level of operation, electricity needed to power the vehicle is created on-board by a flex-fuel-powered engine that operates much like a home generator to create electricity. The engine-generator ensures a constant supply of power for hundreds of miles until the car is refueled or plugged in to recharge the battery. This extended-range mode eliminates the range anxiety that comes with driving pure electric vehicles that offer no backup power when the battery charge is low.
Whether in electric or extended-range mode, the Converj is propelled all the time by an electric drive unit. It converts electrical energy from the battery or the engine-generator into mechanical energy to drive the front wheels. It also delivers 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, for a quick launch, and 120 kW of power. The top speed is 100 mph.There is no compromise in vehicle performance in either mode of operation. To enhance the ride feel, the Converj also features GM’s Magnetic Ride Control; and for even greater efficiency, energy during braking is captured and stored in the battery.
Pure Cadillac design
There’s no mistaking the Converj for anything but a Cadillac, according to Lutz. “An aggressive, forward-leaning profile hints at a new, progressive theme and proportion in Cadillac’s design evolution,” he says. “The new proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2.”
The overall shape is reinforced by a prominent, sweeping body line with large, 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) wheels pushed to the edges of the body. The Converj exterior is painted a dark silver tri-coat that GM designers dubbed “Reaction.”
An all-glass roof incorporates solar panels that help offset power drain from the vehicle’s accessories. Additionally, several aerodynamic and design efficiencies were incorporated to enhance the driving range, including:A full under-vehicle cover (belly pan)
Minimal grille openings that reduce drag at the front of the vehicle
Low-profile rearview cameras replace conventional outside mirrors to reduce drag
Wheels are shaped to push air outward for smoother body side airflow
The Converj also incorporates vertical headlamp and taillamp elements, with light pipe technology.
“Vertical lamps are Cadillac signatures and the Converj builds on the brand’s light pipe technology with bolder light emitting diode (LED) and high-intensity discharge elements front and rear,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “There is also a unique daylight light ’spear’ at the top of the headlamps.”
Luxury meets technology insideThe Converj’s interior has advanced features and luxurious appointments blending efficiency and environmental consciousness. The 2+2 configuration is trimmed in contrasting Winter White synthetic suede – including the top of the instrument panel – and Midnight Black leather, with polished aluminum and wood grain accents. Renewable materials are used throughout such as wool-blend carpeting, a headliner made from silk, suede made from post-industrial content and more.
A technologically advanced driver center increases efficiency and reduces the draw on the battery. Features include:
New, organic light-emitting diode technology used on reconfigurable instrument cluster
Touch-screen navigation, climate, center-stack controls and audio systems
Adjustable, overhead white ambient lighting
Unique “power on” sequence featuring blue-lit console graphics
Screen displays for features including regenerative braking, battery charge level and power output
No inside rearview or outside mirrors; cameras provide surrounding images on a screen placed high on the instrument panel for a full, panoramic view
Push-button ignition and power-folding front seats
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 34 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.
SPECIFICATIONS
General
Vehicle type:
2-door, front-wheel-drive 2+2 coupe
Category:
extended-range electric vehicle
Chassis:
independent McPherson struts, front magnetic ride, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering
Seating capacity:
four
Performance
Top speed (mph / km/h):
100 / 161
EV range, city and highway (miles):
Up to 40, based on EPA cycle
Dimensions
Wheelbase (in / mm):
108 / 2742
Length (in / mm):
182 / 4620
Width (in / mm):
74 / 1883
Height (in / mm):
55 / 1386
Battery system
Type:
lithium-ion (w/ liquid-controlled thermal management system)
Energy (kWh):
16
Charge time:
Less than 3 hours at 240V/8 hours at 120V
Electric drive unit
Power (kW):
120
Torque (lb-ft / Nm):
273 / 370
Exterior
Tire size:
specially developed low rolling resistance tires on 21- and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
