GM’s goal is to bring the Voltec-powered plug-in architecture from the Chevrolet Volt to the Cadillac brand in the ELR in early 2014. As you can see in the video below, Cadillac ELR chief engineer Chris Thomason lead the engineering team as they tested four systems – ABS, traction control, electronic stability control and Continuous Damping Control suspension. The suspension control system adjusts damping every two milliseconds to maintain optimal control over varying road conditions. If it looks freezing cold, that’s because it is. They’re working in the middle of the upper peninsula of Michigan in the dead of winter, plowing around in four inches of fresh snow.
Despite the snow and ice, tire performance, stopping distance and brake performance are excellent, said Joshua Auden, Cadillac ELR vehicle performance engineer. The goal has been to balance making a car that’s both safe and stable for the customer and fun to drive in all situations, he said.
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2013-02-12
DETROIT – Fresh off its award-winning world debut at the North American International Auto Show, the Cadillac ELR is undergoing the real-world extreme testing required to take the extended-range electric luxury coupe from auto show stage to Cadillac showrooms in early 2014.
Engineers last week completed winter weather chassis testing on pre-production ELR models in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, evaluating the car’s handling in winter weather conditions.
More than four inches of fresh snowfall during testing helped the team validate final specifications on the ELR’s steering, tires, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control and Continuous Damping Control suspension that adjusts damping every two milliseconds to maintain optimal control over varying road conditions.
Combined with the HiPer Strut front suspension and watts link rear suspension, the ELR is designed to provide owners with a sporty, yet confident handling character.
“Being able to test the ELR in extreme road conditions, like those we experienced here in the U.P., allows us to provide a ride-and-handling character unlike any EV on the market today,” said Chris Thomason, ELR chief engineer. “During this latest test, the ELR continued to perform beyond our expectations.”
The ELR, which won the Eyes on Design Award for best production vehicle at the Detroit auto show, is based on the Cadillac Converj Concept. The ELR’s exterior establishes a new, progressive proportion for the brand.
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.
