Cadillac News: 2016 Cadillac ELR, Now With Updates

[William Maley]

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The fate of the Cadillac ELR has been up in the air with no real updates to the model since it was introduced in the 2014 model year, and Cadillac's boss saying there will likely not be a second-generation model. But at least for the time being, Cadillac has introduced some new changes for the 2016 model.

No real big changes on the ELR's exterior, only a tweaked grille and wreath-less crest. But the powertrain has seen some big changes. New software upgrades boost power output from 207 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque to 233 horsepower and 373 pound-feet. The increase in power drops 0-60 MPH time by 1.5 seconds to 6.4 seconds and top speed is increased to 130 MPH when equipped with the Performance Package and 106 MPH on the standard model.

All ELR models get a number of changes to the suspension which include a new calibration of the HiPer strut front suspension, stiffer rear axle, and new settings for the Continuous Damping Control system. New for the 2016 ELR is the addition of a optional Performance Package which adds:

• New 20-inch summer-only performance tires – mounted on new sport wheels – that improve lateral grip by nearly 10 percent
  
• Front Brembo four-piston brake calipers (with the Cadillac script), with 13.6-inch-diameter vented front rotors and 12.4-inch vented rear rotors that improve 60-to-0 mph stopping distance by nearly 12 percent
  
• Specific calibrations for the Continuous Damping Control and electric power steering systems
  
• Sport steering wheel with a thicker rim for a sportier feel.
  

As for tech, the 2016 ELR boasts OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in WiFi, an inductive charge spot on the instrument panel to charge your phone, and the previously optional Driver Assistance package which featured blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert as standard.

Cadillac says the ELR will go on sale with a price of $58,495 after federal tax credits for electric cars are taken into account.

Source: Cadillac

Press Release is on Page 2

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2016 ELR Advances with More Power, Technology

• Revised electric drive system increases power and torque by more than 25 percent
  
• Enhanced handling, steering and braking
  
• OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
  

DETROIT – Cadillac today announced the ELR electrified luxury coupe will offer a host of upgrades for the 2016 model year, including boosts in acceleration, driving performance and connectivity.

Major product upgrades include a more than 25 percent boost in power and torque, faster acceleration that improves 0-60 mph by 1.5 seconds, higher top speed, retuned chassis and steering for better handling, more responsive brakes and a new Performance equipment package.

“ELR’s combination of leading technology with stunningly attractive design is unlike any other coupe in the luxury segment,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. "The upgraded ELR offers enhanced driving performance for buyers seeking uncompromising luxury and exquisite craftsmanship with electrification technology. It is unique in the luxury category, in that it completely eliminates conventional concerns over driving range, which has been the Achilles’ heel of other competitors in the luxury segment.”

Distinguished by a new grille and Cadillac’s new crest, the 2016 ELR, which features the first application of extended-range electric vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand, will start at $58,495 net pricing after U.S. federal tax credits.

The 2016 ELR’s steering and suspension upgrades include:

• Revised calibration of the HiPer Strut front suspension
  
• Increased front spring rates and a stiffer rear axle
  
• Stiffer bushings for the front lower control arms, cradle mounts and Watts link in the rear suspension, for more precise control with no loss of ride quality
  
• Revised calibrations for the Continuous Damping Control system
  
• Front Damper Rebound Spring added
  
• New steering calibration tuned to complement the revised chassis and suspension systems
  
• Revised brake hardware and system calibration for improved application feel.
  

A new optional Performance Package elevates the ELR’s driving experience further with greater handling and braking capability – and a more direct, linear feel for the driver. The ELR Performance Package includes:

• New 20-inch summer-only performance tires – mounted on new sport wheels – that improve lateral grip by nearly 10 percent
  
• Front Brembo four-piston brake calipers (with the Cadillac script), with 13.6-inch-diameter vented front rotors and 12.4-inch vented rear rotors that improve 60-to-0 mph stopping distance by nearly 12 percent
  
• Specific calibrations for the Continuous Damping Control and electric power steering systems
  
• Sport steering wheel with a thicker rim for a sportier feel.
  

ELR propulsion and drive technology

All 2016 ELRs contain software upgrades to the battery system improving power and acceleration, with EV range growing on the base model.

Additionally, the 2016 ELR has a modified Sport mode that enables the propulsion system to combine engine and electric motor power to take the ELR from 0-60 in 6.4 seconds, a 1.5 second improvement from the current model.

ELR continues to offer Regen on Demand, recipient of Green Car Journal’s 2014 Green Car Technology Award. Slightly enhanced for the 2016 model to improve deceleration, Regen on Demand allows the driver to temporarily regenerate energy from the ELR’s momentum into electricity and store in the battery pack for later use.

Regen on Demand supports a more engaging driving experience by slowing the vehicle when entering a turn to better position it on the exit, much like downshifting with a manual transmission. Regen on Demand is engaged via steering-wheel paddles adapted from traditional performance cars.

The ELR offers a full driving range of up to 330 miles (530 km), combining pure electric driving and an efficient, range-extending 1.4L gasoline-powered engine-generator. It’s a combination that means most daily commutes will require zero gasoline with zero tailpipe emissions. Longer trips are free from electric-vehicle range anxiety because the ELR’s technology enables the long-distance travel similar to vehicles powered only by gasoline.

The T-shaped battery pack is located along the centerline of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels for optimal weight distribution. The 5.5-foot-long (1.6 m), 435-pound (198 kg) pack supplies energy to an advanced electric drive unit capable of 373 lb-ft of instant torque (506 Nm) to propel the vehicle.

Using only the energy stored in the battery, the ELR will deliver an estimated range of about 39 miles (60 km) of pure electric driving, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature. The optional Performance Package reduces EV range by about four miles as a result of the enhanced grip of the 20-inch summer-only tires.

ELR’s battery can be charged using either a 120- or 240-volt charger. The vehicle can be completely recharged in about five hours using 240V charging, depending on the outside temperature.

The ELR’s battery is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty or 10 years/150,000 miles in states following Air Resource Board guidelines.

Personal technology

The 2016 ELR will be one of the industry’s most-connected vehicles, with new and enhanced features designed to extend technologies woven into nearly every facet of customers’ lives.

OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial, whichever comes first.

4G LTE is the most current and fastest mobile data network and the Wi-Fi hotspot supports up to seven connected devices.

ELR drivers and passengers can also recharge their enabled phones wirelessly with a new magnetic inductive charge spot on the instrument panel. There is no need to plug the phone in for charging, leaving the ELR’s USB ports free for other devices.

Interior luxury and technology

For 2016, the Driver Assistance active safety systems, optional on the current ELR, are standard and include side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert and Intellibeam headlamps. Lane change alert and a new vehicle security system are also standard. Adaptive cruise control is available.

Additional interior features include:

• Cut-and-sew interior
  
• Available Semi-Aniline full leather seating
  
• Sueded microfiber headliner and supporting trim
  
• Eight-inch configurable instrument and driver information displays, offering four configurations ranging from elegantly simple to technologically detailed information
  
• Three USB ports
  
• Power-assist covered storage/cup holder in the center console
  
• Fold-down rear seatbacks to accommodate longer items such as skis and golf clubs
  

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[Drew Dowdell]

Wow! 373 lb-ft is really really good

[G. David Felt]

Over all nice updates and decent price to boot!

[smk4565]

Should have cut the price $19,000.  Then they might be on to something.  But they already announced their won't be a Gen 2, so buy now!

[Cory Wolfe]

So this is the Brembo caliper'd ELR I spied running around Milford last year. I guess a few changes are better than non. At least its separating itself a bit more from the Volt, performance wise. Still doesn't really justify the price, though. 

[Cmicasa the Great]

Thing is that it has never been confirmed that the price was the reason why buyers were not buying in droves. A company lowering the price on anything will certainly spur sales. And let's be clear.. I'm not saying that the price shouldn't have been this way all the time, but the fact remains that looking at the ELR, from a visual viewpoint, would automatically make me think I'm getting a nice performing speedy car. This update actually gives this car some ballz. It will now even be able to cross the 130 miles top speed, from I believe 107 before.

Things that held the ELR back:

1) Price possibly, but
2) No Sunroof. Seriously??? In a car that looks like this.. sold to greenies with money (obviously) in California.. No Sunroof?
3) Its a sports car config. The backseat, like that in a 911 is a joke.
4) No advertising after "Poolside." None. Nada. If costs vs return is the issue.. be like most luxo manufacturers and have a all-inclusive marketing campaign that shows all teh models at once. Hell. Take page from Chevy. Their ad has everything from Cruze to Z06 in it

5) PREACH LEASE!!! $1999 at lease with $599-699 per month. Why are people looking at the PRICE anyway unless its a collector car??? The tech will continuously evolve.. buying an EV in today's market will in teh next few years be kno different than buying an iPhone or Galaxy. Every 6 months!!! Upgrade.

I'm actually thinking of this for my CTS-V buy. Cause I kno 2-3 years after that I'm gonna wanna get a CT6,7, or 8 
 

Edited April 16, 2015 by Cmicasa the Great

[smk4565]

Price killed this car from the start.  An impractical 2 door car such as this is always going to be low volume, but when you put that big a price tag on a dressed up Volt, you are going to have a failure.   And I think the greenie types would buy a sedan or hatch and not a coupe with limited space.

 

I hope they learn their lesson here and apply that knowledge to the CT6.  You can't put a big price tag on a car with a weak motor.

[G. David Felt]

Considering the weak motors BMW and MB has put in some of their models this thing was anything but weak.

[Z-06]

Yes, it is the weak engine for a high price car like the $68,000 200 hp 4-cylinder, 5,000 lb Chevroletdes Benz ML250 that doesn't exist.

 

SMK, get the idea that > Sales = Best. This car was never intended to sell in volumes. The price increase using Volt tech was gravy on making money out of the platform and using it as a test bed for future development. We have discussed both the issues before in previous threads where you were proven wrong. Please go back and read them.

 

Stop circling around just like you do for other subjects such as $28B for Audi R&D, that thing has been refuted so many times even with your own acceptance. You may have CRS (Can't Remember $hit) disease but others don't.

[ocnblu]

I predict this will double ELR sales to possibly 300 units for the 2016 calendar year.  Then they'll have enough inventory to last until 2018 or so.  HOT!

[Cmicasa the Great]

Well it has given the ELR more press/advertising than it has gotten since the Poolside ad debuted back in Feb 2014. 

 

What is it with GM? Its not that their ads are bad.. its more like they simply don't run the ads outside of the initial release of the car. The ATS is a prime example. As is the CTS. I see Chevy's ad all the time, and Buick as well. They are inclusive ads that literally show off the entire, or large part of the line-up and then put spotlight on one car at the end. Why can't that be done with Caddy? Especially now. Each one of their new vehicles has won some sort of accolade that they could tag at the end. 

 

Picture this:

 

Chevy style advertisement (like one with all the cars lined-up on the mountain top), but in a night-time set.. in a SOHO style atmosphere.. and at the end.. "come sample the 2014 Motor Trend Car of the Year, Cadillac's CTS" or " this is the car that earned North America's Car of the Year Award its first time out.. start a romance with the  Cadillac ATS "

[Cmicasa the Great]

Price killed this car from the start.  An impractical 2 door car such as this is always going to be low volume, but when you put that big a price tag on a dressed up Volt, you are going to have a failure.   And I think the greenie types would buy a sedan or hatch and not a coupe with limited space.

 

I hope they learn their lesson here and apply that knowledge to the CT6.  You can't put a big price tag on a car with a weak motor.

 

 

 

For once I agree with U. Not about the engine directly, but I will agree that GM, maybe,  should have never implemented a Volt or ELR to begin with. I think they would have been better off integrating this technology into existing vehicles instead of going the "prius route." I thru the maybe in there because perhaps market research showed them that the tech deserved it's own vehicle. The thing is that this technology should have, at the very least, been pushed into other vehicles, as they are now doing (see Malibu and CT6) so as the perceived investment return would have been sopped up quicker.. thus enabling them to offer the technology at a cheaper price overall. There simply is no reason why, after 5 years on the market, that Voltec should not be in Malibu, Cruze, Equinox, Verano, CTS, SRX or even Lambdas. In fact.. the SRX was debuted as a Voltech powered Provoq

 

[G. David Felt]

VOLT Power trains in various performance to extreme frugalness should have been out over the last 3-5 years for all GM bands.

[Drew Dowdell]

SMK is right that price killed the ELR, which sucks because it is a great vehicle with one of the finest interiors Cadillac makes at the moment (until the CT6 comes online... and even then it's close)  

 

I could totally see picking one of these up used in a few years for Albert if we end up moving.  He'd love it.

[smk4565]

They would have been better off making the ELR a Tesla-like 100% electric car with a 300 mile range and 350 hp motor and rear wheel drive.  Then for $75k you are getting the same range and performance a Tesla would have, but it coupe form.

 

Instead it is another one and done Cadillac product from the "lets throw it against the wall and see if it sticks" product planners.

[Drew Dowdell]

They would have been better off making the ELR a Tesla-like 100% electric car with a 300 mile range and 350 hp motor and rear wheel drive.  Then for $75k you are getting the same range and performance a Tesla would have, but it coupe form.

 

Instead it is another one and done Cadillac product from the "lets throw it against the wall and see if it sticks" product planners.

 

Actually, I think their motivation was different than that.  I think they were looking at a way to try and recoup costs from the Volt powertrain.   It wasn't a "See if it sticks..." it was a "we need it to stick". 

[smk4565]

Volt needs to make money on its own, Cadillac shouldn't have to pay for Chevrolet's failures. 

 

Put a Tesla powertrain in the ELR and it might have been a home run cool product.  Put a Volt powertrain in there, and it sucked.  At least they are getting rid of it.  The faster they dump Chevy powertrains out of Cadillacs the better.