2014 Cadillac ELR: Walks and Talks Like a Volt, But Doesn't Look Like a Volt

Looking very much like the Chevy Volt–based Cadillac Converj concept from the 2009 Detroit show, the chiseled ELR is, by and large, a reskinned Volt. But it's one that will seem right at home in Caddy showrooms, channeling both the gorgeous CTS coupe and the buttoned-down ATS sedan. Sporty proportions and 20-inch wheels hint at improvements to the Volt's chassis. These include swapping in GM's HiPer anti-torque-steer front struts, adding a Watt's link to the torsion-beam rear suspension, and fitting computer-controlled adaptive dampers.

Let's hope Cadillac applied its newfound chassis-tuning prowess to the ELR, because aside from the suspension and styling, there's not much else in the ELR's spec sheet promising to make it any more electrifying than the Chevy version. While GM did tweak the electric-drive system to allow more output from the battery pack, providing an additional 58 horsepower, the parts and their functions are identical to the Volt's. Thus, the same T-shaped, 288-cell, 16.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is squirreled away underneath, and an identical 1.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine lives underhood.

Cadillac says the ELR will do zero to 60 in "about eight seconds," which is almost a second faster than the Volt. The claimed electric range in the ELR drops by three miles, to 35, thanks to a small increase in weight and slightly compromised aerodynamics that push the drag coefficient up from the Volt's 0.29 to 0.31. To give drivers something to do other than watch the state-of-charge gauge, Cadillac cooked up a set of steering-wheel-mounted paddles that allow the driver to manually engage the propulsion system's high-regen mode.

Cadillac says the ELR foreshadows the brand's new interior design direction. To wit: The Volt's nerdy instrument panel and Radio Shack trimmings have been replaced by Cadillac's CUE system and more-conventional luxury-car appointments such as leather, wood, and carbon fiber. Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat (think of it as a reclinable joy buzzer) and a full host of safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, will further reinforce the ELR's luxury credentials, a necessity given a price tag projected to reach $60,000. 

2014 Audi R8 V-10 Plus - Instrumented Test

The Audi R8 has always been a starter supercar, a toe into the high-g waters. It doesn’t wear an exotic badge, and it won’t trigger too many adverse assumptions about your manhood. Other supercars are riskier, wilder, more dangerous, less defensible. They test you by draining their batteries while at rest in the garage. They demand that you regularly remove the engines for new spark plugs. Just how invested are you in the whole supercar lifestyle, anyway? Do you even own an Ed Hardy shirt?

Indeed, most supercar owners are more like zookeepers than drivers. Actually driving one is the rare reward for all the feeding, protecting, and preening. The R8 isn’t like that, though. For all of its lofty perform­ance and aluminum construction, it behaves pretty much like a normal Audi. Lovers of Italian metal often find the R8’s restraint a shortcoming. We don’t.

For 2014, the R8 V-10 gains a new Plus model. Not to be confused with the ladies in a Lane Bryant ad, Plus here refers to the extra 25 horsepower that Audi coaxed from the 5.2-liter V-10. Basically, it’s the Lambor­ghini-grade unit found in the Gallardo LP560-4. Firmer springs and dampers, inspired by the rarely-seen-outside-captivity R8 GT, are seriously stiff, bordering on annoyingly bouncy. We’d much rather live with the standard R8’s supple magnetic shocks.

But the biggest change is the newly available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic called S tronic. A $7800 option on all R8s, it replaces the clunky automated-manual transmission known as the R tronic. With the S, part-throttle upshifts are free of any twitchiness, giving the auto R8 the manners to live in traffic. For maximum acceleration, the S tronic offers launch control that holds the engine at 4500 rpm before engaging the first-gear clutch. The R8’s owner’s manual suggests finding a clear, empty road before using launch control, as it might cause unwanted attention. Good advice. Accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds with the quarter-mile passing in 11.4 seconds at 126 mph certainly got our attention. That’s two-tenths quicker to 60 and in the quarter than the525-hp R8 R tronic we previously tested.

Left: It’s a grand ol’ time when all the womenfolk of Neckarsulm, Germany, gather to do the quilting on freshly born R8s.

The Plus versions also get standard carbon-ceramic brakes. A bit grabby at first, the brakes felt considerably better after a few 148-foot stops from 70 mph. Audi claims that all the Plus’s neat-looking carbon-fiber trim inside and out isn’t just there for peacocking; it actually saves weight. On the scales, our dual-clutch example weighed in at 3689 pounds, 66 less than that last automated-manual R8 V-10.

Other changes for 2014 include front and rear LED lights, a revised grille design, and round exhaust tips. Our Plus arrived with the $5000 full-cowhide interior and cross-stitched seats. Aside from the harsh ride, the Plus has a thick veneer of  luxury that is commensurate with its $174,795 base price. Choosing the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic Plus model will set you back at least $182,595; a regular-issue V-10 starts at $155,450.

As the rational supercar, the R8 provokes rational thoughts. Thoughts such as: Are Plus models really worth the extra $19,345? Extra horsepower is good, and so is reduced mass, but the ride is tiring. Hmm. A 525-hp R8 is still seriously quick. When you nail it, discerning a Plus from a non-Plus will be like trying to tell if you’ve been smacked in the head with a 3-iron or a 4-iron.

While we dearly love this aluminum bolide, the Plus version strikes us as the least logical version of  the world’s most ­logical supercar. View Photo Gallery

PHOTOS (32)

VIDEO: 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus Track Test

The ‘every day exotic’ has a mean streak 
by Colum Wood

Forget Aston Martin, the Audi R8 V10 Plus should be James Bond’s car. It perfectly matches his personality. It’s good looking and sophisticated, but be careful, it has a violent side.

The R8’s ferocity is tremendous. And not just in the shocking acceleration or spectacular braking, but in how quickly it can turn on you.

Adding emphasis is that this every day exotic can easily lull you into a comfort zone. Rivaling the Porsche 911 as a daily drivable sports car

New Audi A4 2014 release date and rumours

Exclusive pictures and details of the new Audi A4, due for release in 2014

The new Audi A4 saloon will go on sale in 2014, and as well as getting a radical new look – shown in our exclusive images – the new car will be much lighter and more efficient than at present, and finally take the fight to the BMW 3 Series as a genuine driver’s car.

Our images reveal a potent V6-powered S4, but all models will benefit from a bold new design, which marks a significant change for the A4 and A5 families.

Bookmark this page because we'll be updating it regularly with the latest Audi A4 news and rumours.

Alexander Pesch, head of technical project management for Audi, told us: “The next A4 will move the game on. The jump from today’s car in terms of design and efficiency will be really big.”

Slimmer headlights and larger air intakes will sit either side of a much sharper, six-sided grille. It’s a toned-down version of the three-dimensional front end seen on the Crosslane Coupe Concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

Elsewhere, there are sharp creases, distinctive LED light clusters and similar proportions to the current model. Key to the new A4’s improved fuel efficiency and more agile handling will be a weight saving of around 100kg. This is possible because the car will be based on the VW Group’s advanced MLB platform (bigger brother of the MQB set-up used by the new A3 and VW Golf), which will underpin everything from the A4 to the new VW Touareg in 2016.

As with MQB, MLB will be made from strong hot-formed steels, allowing thinner chassis components to be used – and reducing weight dramatically. It will also enable Audi to adopt a variety of materials, so high-spec models could use aluminium or carbon fibre to cut weight further.

As for engines, there’ll be big steps forward in hybrid tech, with two petrol-electric A4s likely. First up is a development of the A3 e-tron’s front-wheel-drive plug-in system, teaming a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into the DSG box.

The other hybrid is a more potent e-quattro system, with a petrol engine up front and two powerful electric motors on the rear axle, giving a different take on Audi’s trademark quattro 4WD.

The S4 will feature a reworked version of the current turbo V6, with around 350bhp, while the flagship RS4 Avant could ditch its 4.2-litre V8 in favour of a smaller turbo V6 offering almost 500bhp. More powerful but less thirsty 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI petrol engines, plus 2.0 TDI diesels, will again make up the lion’s share of sales.

And the A4 saloon is just the start of the new family. Between 2014 and 2016, it’ll be joined by an A4 Avant, plus an A5 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback, using the same engines and underpinnings.

For an alternative review of the latest Audi A4 Saloon visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a4/63593/new-audi-a4-2014-release-date-and-rumours#ixzz2aW72hOyW

2014 audi a4

Overall, the A4 is easier than ever to buy and still brings one of the finest interiors in the entry luxury sport sedan segment. This year’s Premium Plus and Prestige models come standard with S-line body kits and a slightly revised front bumper that includes a darker shade for the single-frame grille and a reshaped diffuser piece out back.

Despite the 2012 model year refresh to the headlights and taillights, the A4 is looking quite mature next to the brand new Mercedes-Benz CLA250, BMW 328i and Lexus IS250.

The Audi A4 must also fend off a few credible domestic competitors for the first time, including the Cadillac ATS and the Buick Regal GS.

Rumors are swirling about a refresh in 2014 or 2015. Even so, the current A4 is charged with defending Audi market share in this hyper-competitive luxury compact segment.

Click past the review for the full review of the 2014 Audi A4 with info on the new features and options.

Exterior

The A4’s styling is well-resolved and appealing to consumers in the market for their first entry-level luxury car. As the cheapest Audi to wear the brand’s LED running lights up front, the A4 is instantly a contender versus upstarts like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.

The adaptive xenon lighting package that includes the latest LED design is standard on the Premium Plus and Prestige trims, which also brings along an upgraded S-line exterior trim kit. No photos are yet available of the A4 wearing the new-for-2014 Black Optics packagee, which deletes the chrome grille surround and the window trim brightwork.

Despite some very conservative styling, the A4 carries some interesting upward creases in its lower sill panels to help the shape feel more dynamic. The shared nose design with larger Audi sedans helps the little A4 to command attention in traffic.

The latest taillights have a solid LED band near the bottom of the lens and a re-profiled trunk lid with a subtle flip near the edge. In base-level Premium cars, the LED taillights are standard but the LED Daytime running lights are part of a $1,000 optional extra.

2014 Audi A4 Exterior Dimensions:

Wheelbase	110.6 In.
Overall Length	185.1 In.
Overall Width	71.9 In.
Overall Height	56.2 In.
Track (Front/Rear)	61.6/ 61.1 In.
Weight	3,516 Pounds (CVT), 3,627 (Quattro), 3,693 (Quattro Automatic)
Drag Coefficient	0.31

2014 Audi A4 Standard Exterior Features:

• Audi Singleframe grille
• Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running light technology
• Automatic headlights
• LED taillight technology
• Power-adjustable, auto-dimming, heated exterior side mirrors with memory
• Front and rear fog lights
• Dual exhaust outlet (driver’s side)
• Aluminum trim around exterior windows
• LED turn indicator light technology integrated into the exterior side mirrors
• Heated windshield washer nozzles

2014 Audi A4 Exterior Options:

• 18-inch 10-spoke exclusive RS-design wheels
• New-for-2014 S-line Style package
• New-for-2014 Black Optics Package
• Adaptive xenon plus headlights with self-leveling and LED daytime running lights and static cornering lights
• Metallic/pearl/crystal effect paint
• Power folding, power-adjustable, auto-dimming, heated side mirrors with memory

gallery:Exterior

 

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Interior

The A4’s interior is still a fantastic place to be, especially compared with many loaded midsize cars that overlap in the A4’s $35,000 price range.

There is a distinct sense of quality and prestige not only about the dashboard and controls, but the seats, the headliner fit and quality, and countless other small details. Everything simply feels luxurious and installed for life.

The addition of the standard Convenience Package shows Audi is in touch with consumer demands, even at the bottom of its range. This package includes Bluetooth phone calls, a Homelink garage-door opener and the Audi music interface to control portable media via a USB link.

The A4 comes standard with a 6.5-inch MMI Radio Plus central control unit and a 180-watt stereo. These are both good and full of valuable features. The real upgrade comes from the MMI Nav option for $3,050 extra. This includes Bluetooth audio streaming, as well as a trial subscription to AudiConnect for Google Earth integration. This also enables in-car internet searches from the MMI screen. The MMI display is not a touchscreen and is controlled by the console-mounted knob.

The other major trick the A4 brings to the interior competition is a standard Audi Drive Select to alter the settings of the throttle, suspension, dynamic steering and transmission. It can range from full comfort to full sport mode. This is a rare inclusion on such an affordable Audi.

The interior comes in black or grey leather with a few wood trim options available to replace brushed aluminum. The appealing Layered Oak is available and looks nice with the aluminum trims around the center tunnel.

As before, the trunk is tight at just over 12 cubic-feet but extendable via the standard split-fold rear seat. Surprisingly, this is a feature that is not always available on the BMW 3 series and Lexus IS250.

2014 Audi A4 Interior Dimensions:

Seating Capacity	5
Headroom With Sunroof (Front/Rear)	40.0/37.5 In.
Headroom With Sun Shade (Front/Rear)	38.6/37.5 In.
Legroom (Front/Rear)	41.3/35.2 In.
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear)	55.5/54.3 In.
EPA Cargo Volume	12.4 Cubic-Feet
EPA Cargo Volume (Rear Seats Folded)	34.0 Cubic-Feet

2014 Audi A4 Standard Interior Features:

• Eight-way power front seats and four-way power lumbar adjustment for driver; Leather seating surfaces; Heated front seats; Driver seat memory
• Split folding 60/40 rear seatback
• Audi MMI Radio Plus 6.5-inch infotainment controls; Audi music interface with iPod integration ; Audi concert radio with ten speakers and single CD player with MP3 playback capability
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 90-day trial subscription
• Cruise control with coast, resume and accelerate features
• Bluetooth wireless technology preparation for mobile phone
• Garage door opener (HomeLink)
• Rain/light sensor for automatic windshield wipers and headlights

2014 Audi A4 Interior Options:

• Audi MMI Navigation plus system: with TFT color, WVGA, seven-inch display screen, control knob w/ joystick and buttons in center console. Operates climate control, central locking, instrument cluster, vehicle diagnostics, phone, navigation, CD and radio functions. ($3050)
• Audi connect with six-month trial subscription with Audi MMI Navigation plus only
• Bang and Olufsen Sound System with 14 speakers and 505 watts (includes Dolby Digital 5.1 and noise compensation) ($850)
• Bluetooth streaming audio with Audi MMI Navigation plus only
• Sport package: Sport suspension calibration, Four-way power lumbar adjustment, Sport front seats ($750)

Interior

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Drivetrain, Suspension and Brakes

The most exciting thing for 2014 is a slight power bump from the one available engine. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder now includes variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust for a horsepower jump up to 220 from 211.

As before, this little engine is deceptively powerful and produces its full 258 pound-feet of torque starting from 1,500 rpm upwards.

This lunges the front-drive CVT model to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds while also delivering 32 mpg on the highway. The manual-transmission Quattro is just ahead at 6.4 seconds, and the Quattro automatic wins the race with a 6.2 second 0-to-60 mph sprint. All top out at a tire-limited 130 mph.

2014 Audi A4 Mechanical Details:

Trim Level	A4 Multitronic	A4 Quattro Manual	A4 Quattro Tiptronic
Engine Size And Type	2.0-Liter Turbocharged 16-Valve I-4 With Chain-Driven DOHC And VVT	2.0-Liter Turbocharged 16-Valve I-4 With Chain-Driven DOHC And VVT	2.0-Liter Turbocharged 16-Valve I-4 With Chain-Driven DOHC And VVT
Peak Power (Horsepower)	220	220	220
Peak Torque (Pound-Feet)	258	258	258
Transmission	CVT Automatic	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Automatic
0-To-60 Mph	6.6 Seconds	6.4 Seconds	6.2 Seconds
Top Speed	130 Mph, Limited	130 Mph, Limited	130 Mph, Limited
Fuel Economy Estimates (City/Highway/Combined)	24/32/27	24/32/26	20/29/24

Safety

The A4 aced the traditional crash tests from IIHS and the NHTSA for a 2013 Top Safety Pick credit from IIHS. This is visible in the NHTSA’s full-frontal collision in which the A4 performs exceptionally well.

2014 Audi A4 Safety Features:

• ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution) and Audi brake assist
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control): System includes ABS / EBD / EDL / ASR and off-road mode
• Central locking system
• Sideguard head curtain airbags for both rows of seats
• Crash sensor: If crash sensor is activated, the following with happen automatically: central locking automatically unlocks doors, interior lighting is switched on, fuel pump and engine are switched off, hazard warning lights are switched on
• Impact protection, including reinforced high strength steel/aluminum cross-members, reinforced bumpers and rigid occupant cell
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) provisions in rear seats

Pricing

A4 base prices jump up about $1,300 for 2014 with the inclusion of the Convenience package as standard.

2014 Audi A4 Prices:

Model	Premium Trim	Premium Plus Trim	Prestige Trim>
A4 2.0T FWD Multitronic	$33,800	$37,300	$42,600
A4 2.0T Quattro Manual	$34,700	$38,200	$43,500
A4 2.0T Quattro Tiptronic Auto	$35,900	$39,400	$44,700

Competition

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

The CLA250 is also a turbo-charged front-drive sport sedan whose prices are expected to closely mirror the A4 when it arrives in late summer. The CLA is not available with all-wheel drive from launch but does use a better 7G-tronic automatic gearbox for the front-drive cars. The CLA also looks much fresher inside and out.

gallery:2014 Mercedes CLA-Class

 

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2014 Lexus IS250

The Lexus IS250 is just arriving in dealers since its reveal earlier this year. The new small sports sedan has a sharper style up front with free-standing LED daytime running lights. It also gets much sportier styling with revised body-sides and trunk that incorporate a dramatic rising profile line. The IS is a rear-drive car from launch with an AWD option on the smaller engine expected by winter time.

gallery:2014 Lexus IS

 

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Conclusion

The A4 is still an excellent luxury sports sedan with a refined driving experience and high-quality cabin. Its exterior style lags a bit behind the latest competitors for flair, but the conservative appearance is still relatively timeless and classy.

There is a duality in the A4’s character that comes from either being front or rear drive. At the low end, the A4 is a car that will always drive better and more confidently than a loaded Camry or Fusion. At the high end with AWD, the A4 is still markedly cheaper than the performance offerings from Mercedes and BMW.

The availability of a six-speed manual with the Quattro AWD system changes the equation in favor of the A4 as a sports sedan. It brings more driving zest than the AWD versions of the Lexus IS and a different brand image too.

Among buyers seeking the latest in flashy style, rear seat room and cabin tech, the A4 falls short. Even so, as classically-styled, handsome and affordable sports sedan with a fantastic cockpit, the A4 is hard to beat.

Category	Rating	Details
Driving	B+	Drive Select Settings For Throttle And Steering Are Handy
Performance	B-	Not The Quickest But Good MPG And Real-World Responsiveness
Look	C+	Still Attractive But Proportions And Nose Are Not Fresh
Value	A	A Huge Step Up Versus Loaded Mid-Size Cars Costing $35,000-Plus
Overall	B+	Still A Contender With Lavish Cockpit And Handsome Looks

Read more: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/audi/2014-audi-a4-ar159095.html#ixzz2aW6bJPrN