The Cadillac ELR: Tesla Fighter or Fancy Volt?

As the automotive world shifts towards more eco-friendly vehicles, many drivers are not willing to sacrifice luxury to make the change. With Cadillac’s most recent planned production vehicle, the ELR, a sacrifice may no longer be necessary.

I originally caught a glimpse of the Cadillac “Converj” concept at the Toronto International Auto Show.

One thing you may not have noticed (I hadn’t noticed until the Cadillac representative pointed it out) is that the car has no mirrors. Why? Because the entire 360 degrees of the car is visible from a screen mounted in the dashboard. I have to hand it to Cadillac – they are innovators.

I'll admit, I like the face on this one.

The resemblance of the electric Caddy to the CTS-V gave me hope that GM would be one of the first major production companies to mass produce an electric performance car. Recent word from an undisclosed source working with Cadillac states that the ELR’s price will be just beneath the Tesla Roadster, an electric performance icon.

On the other hand, I have gathered that the ELR will be powered by the same lithium-ion electric motor and tiny engine combination found in the Chevrolet Volt. The Volt didn’t exactly make a splash into the automotive world. However, this platform could always evolve. The CTS didn’t exactly start out as a performer either, but today the CTS-V is one of my favourites.

It LOOKS fast, right?

I guess we will have to wait until the ELR reaches production, but I expect to hear more details about this car as the production date gets closer. It is important to remember that performance is rarely a top priority for an electric car.

For now, I’m keeping my expectations low. No offense, GM.

Gymkhana Four: Yes, It Gets Better

I’m sure that most of my readers are familiar with Ken Block by now. If not, here’s a link to one of my first blog posts all about Ken Block. If you’re a fan, then you have most definitely seen his viral Gymkhana (Gym-Kah-Nuh) videos. Two days ago, Block blew the doors off of his fan-base with a fourth Gymkhana video. Much like the previous Gymkhana viral videos, it consists mainly of a branding-fuelled adrenaline rush complete with badass special effects and amazing camerawork.

I should warn you; if you are about to commit to watching this video, I suggest placing a bowl beneath your face to catch all of the drool. Afterwards, you can use that drool to rehydrate your eyes which will then be unfamiliar with the concept of blinking.

If all co-branding advertisements were this intense, the world would be a better place.

I am still in shock and awe from this video, and I intend to watch it several times over before the end of the day. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did- I think it’s kind of hard not to.

The Audi Pick-Up Truck: Move Over, Escalade EXT

Until recently, if you wanted a luxury pick-up truck, you bought a Cadillac Escalade EXT. I have driven the EXT, and to be honest, I found it a little tame. Regardless of luxuries, when driving a truck, I would like to feel like I am driving a truck – it seems to me like Cadillac was holding back in the horsepower department. The Caddy maintained its value by being the only vehicle of its kind- until now.

Recently, an anonymous tipster has leaked pictures of what appears to be an Audi Q7 pick-up truck.

Do I see a Quattro badge?

The truck bears a striking resemblance to a Volkswagen Toureg pick-up concept from 2006.

2006 VW Toureg Pick-Up Concept

While we can’t be sure that this truck is anything more than a concept or a personal project, it would be nice to see a pick-up with Audi’s Quattro system – better yet, an S and RS-line truck. It would be nice to see a luxury pick-up with some -ahem- family jewels. Audi is one company that definitely has the wind at its back right now. With the growing popularity of the S and RS-line vehicles, I have hopes for a luxury performance pick-up from the German automaker.