The latter group can be named “good cars that had bad reception”, and can be understood quite easily using ELR as an example. This car was released two years ago as Cadillac’s first plug-in hybrid, combining a plethora of cutting-edge technolgies to a design that was anticipated by the highly-praised Converj concept in 2009. In other words, the only difference between this and any other upscale coupé of similar price was its alternative propulsion. And if people were still skeptical, the automaker used the same powertrain which equipped the first-generation Chevrolet Volt. Everything screamed “sweet deal”, right? Well, you can get a grasp of how bad did this strategy backfire by learning how did people came to refer to this car: “a 75-thousand-dollar Volt”.
In order to discourage the use of such a narrow-minded nickname, Cadillac granted its coupé several improvements for 2016. The coolest of them is a software update, which managed to add 16 hp of power and 78 lb-ft of torque to its combined output – which now reaches 233 hp and 373 lb-ft. Everything using the very same four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, but now accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. Besides, there are retouched front strut setup (once again, it uses the HiPer technology to mitigate torque steer), stiffer bushings and springs, the addition of a damper rebound spring, upgraded brakes, and some retuning to the Continuous Damping Control adaptive suspension to keep up with all that. But there’s much more to know.
If you’re willing to exchange a bit of all-electric range, the Performance package adds new 20” wheels and summer tires, Brembo front brake calipers with four pistons and 13.6” vented rotors, sport steering wheel, and an exclusive suspension tuning. Other additions are equipments which used to be sold as optionals, such as automatic high beam, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and GM’s latest connectivity package: 4G LTE onboard data connection with Wi-Fi hotspot function. On the other hand, if you’re looking for design tweaks, don’t bother: the only one is Cadillac’s new wreathless badge. If the new ELR hasn’t convinced you yet, get ready to be tipped towards it: the price was reduced by US$ 10,000, now reaching US$ 65,995 before tax breaks.