Snowy ‘spy shots’ capture GM’s 2014 Cadillac ELR plug-in hybrid

By Nick Jaynes February 12, 2013

Cadillac ELR winter testing — Image used with permission by copyright holder

General Motors is up to it again. This morning GM released some “spy shots” of the 2014 Cadillac ELR in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan undergoing some extreme winter weather testing.

We’ve seen this before from GM but the fad seems to be spreading. Just a few weeks ago we reported that McLaren had done the same thing; posting photos of its latest supercar in camouflage.

Cadillac ELR snow — Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re not familiar, the ELR is a two-door Cadillac variant of the Chevrolet Volt. Cadillac, surprisingly, is trying to steer the press away from calling it a Cadillac Volt or “Coupe De Volt,” as some have come to refer to it. Regardless, the ELR has the same electric motor and on-board 1.4-liter gasoline generator as the Volt.

Cadillac ELR — Image used with permission by copyright holder

GM brags in its press release that the ELR is enjoying the four-inches of fresh snow that fell in the Upper Peninsula during the testing. And that 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.”

So if you’re wondering if the future Cadillac (kinda) EV is cold weather worthy? Apparently it is.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.