On Tuesday, Cadillac added another piece to the puzzle that is the new ELR plug-hybrid coupe by announcing that the car will be manufactured at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant with production to start in late 2013.
We already know that the ELR will be closely based on Cadillac's 2009 Converj Concept and that it will borrow much of its extended-range electric technology from the Chevy Volt, combining a T-shaped lithium-ion battery with an electric drive unit and an unspecified four-cylinder engine working as a generator to power the electric motor.
What we assumed, but didn't know for sure, is whether the ELR would keep the same front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout as the Volt or if Cadillac would engineer a new platform with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration.
So we asked Cadillac spokesman David Cadwell who confirmed the FWD scenario.
"That's a better solution (generally) for the efficiency that an electric propulsion is obviously aiming for," Cadwell told CarScoop."We of course have RWD layouts for our CTS and ATS product lines, cars in which performance is the overriding objective."
Indeed, in this case, one can make several arguments for and against FWD and RWD layouts, depending if you approach the matter from an enthusiast, a mainstream buyer or a manufacturer's perspective, and whether you take under consideration various factors, including, but not limited to, the financial and practical aspects of either choice.
For example, GM spent a lot of money to develop the Volt project, so it only makes sense from a financial viewpoint to use the platform and its technology to create a second model in a relatively short time.
Moreover, the car's T-shaped battery is a better fit for a FWD model as in a RWD car, it would have to sit above the driveshaft eating up valuable passenger and luggage space, not to mention that it would raise the center of gravity thus possibly ruining its handling characteristics.
On the other hand, a rear wheel-drive layout with a different battery set up, while evidently more costly, would have clearly differentiated the ELR from the Volt and allowed GM to approach a more enthusiastic crowd.
We would be delighted if you continued the discussion on the cons and pros of Cadillac's choice in the comments section below, while also casting your vote in the poll that follows.
POLL: What do you think about GM's decision to make the Cadillac ELR FWD?
22 Comments:
FWD? Idiots, IT SHOULD HAVE AWD!
GM needs to bring this vehicle to market—and do it quickly! They have a direction with the ELR so let them stick with it. Just the style alone will carry this automobile to the level it needs of achieve...that is if GM doesn't f@#k it up and deviate from the concept. Also, GM Board of Directors, please sh!tcan Akerson and Robert Ferguson as quickly as possible. Thank you and have a nice day.
Wasn't everyone aware that this was FWD even in concept form?
Why is the shocking people now?
If the final production version will be "true to concept" as they say, it won't mater much. It will be too beautiful for people to care which wheels are turning, much like an Alfa.
Of course it'll be FWD, it's based on the same GM Delta ll platform, as the Volt is.
As well, the basic architecture of the body style, will be shared with up coming Cruze coupe.
Wow @ bayancars.com.ph
yeah bayancars.com.ph
All the Cadillac FWD cars have been failures, so they want to try it again?
Much more economical for the company to use the Volt's FWD systems to get the car to market quickly. However, I guess I am one of the few who don't like Cadillac's styling. The proportions are too bloated and bulky. Sleeker proportions would make the cars more attractive.
Only a handfull of people will care if this is FWD or RWD. The rest will look at it and decide based on the the styling alone. This aside, it's a shame that a car with this presence doesn't have the complete "power package" that Cadillac usually allows us to enjoy in it's cars. One more thing. I understand that GM wants to use the Volt's platform in other models to capitalize the research and production investment, BUT the Volt isn't exactly a marketing and sales sucess! Let's just hope that this doesn't rub of to the ELR, because i would love to see this car on the road, a lot.
The same way 3rd gen Mitsu Eclipse failed as car, no AWD, big useless engines powering front wheels. AWD/RWD for coupes.
OH NO. First BMW and now this(Besides Alfa & Co. in the early 90's).
At least, they could use the half electric, hybrid, AWD from PSA.
Yes...for people that live in the real world. FWD and AWD are best options. RWD should be only for special cases.
Batteries, and front wheel drive? Either way, ruined a great looking car!
I don't know about that. The Eldorado was FWD from 1967 to 2002 until the large coupe segment died. The Deville/DTS sold well until the platform had to go, and the XTS is better than both were.
I feel too many people get hung up on whether this or that car is FWD or RWD. There are some very good FWD platforms out there that do quite well from an enthusiast's view. FWD will help control costs in this case and increase space efficiency. Those mean as much, if not more, than its drive line layout.
I want if Cadillac FWD cars will move to Buick. it will called Caduick ELR and Caduick XTS. I want Cadillac RWD Cars only rules for ATS, CTS, and next two models will ZTS , XLR and ultra luxury four doors and two doors Omega platform. if original Cadillac XTS will convert to Buick Electra and Cadillac ELR will convert to Buick Riveira . it is keep to separate FWD layout and RWD layout in Cadillac Brands.
If anyone thought this car would be anything but FWD, they are delusional. There is now way GM would spend millions of dollars on developing a rwd hybrid format for this one car that will probably sell about 15,000 units a year. Also, they want to do it quickly, and the only way to do that is to use the existing fwd architecture of the Volt. This is car is beautiful, and I hope by the time it comes out I will be in the market for a new car, because this would make a great stylish commuter car.
You're right. But if the car sells well only because it is a great gadget with a great design, it won't last. They must not sacrify the fun to drive !
The know what they're doing, because...RWD would be an inside competition for the CTS Coupe.
gm forgets cadillac is america's luxury vehicle. those who can afford it do not even think about the cost of gasoline nor mpg, they don't care.
They do care about MPG and gas prices. Otherwise, why is there MB's Bluetec or Audi's TDi, or Lexus's HSD or, in this case, Cadillac's Voltec?
There IS a demand for green luxury.
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