Cadillac ELR Electric Coupe Promises Better Performance, Lower Price

General Motors Co.'s Cadillac unit says the 2016 version of its Cadillac ELR electric car delivers 25% more power and torque, zippier acceleration, a higher top speed and improved handling.

The $58,500 ELR ($9,000 less than this year's model) adopts the Chevrolet Volt's redesigned extended-range hybrid powertrain, which gives the 4,100-lb car a range of 330 miles, including 39 miles in electric-only mode. A 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine rated at 84 hp powers a generator to charge the car's battery on the fly.

The new ELR powertrain delivers 233 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. A software upgrade to the car's Sport mode will enable the coupe to scoot from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds 1.5 seconds quicker than the current model. The car's top speed is 130 mph.

A tweak to the regenerative braking system improves deceleration. Drivers also gain the ability to activate the system on demand with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. GM likens the feature to the ability to downshift a manual transmission before entering a turn, thus providing greater chassis control.

Updates to the suspension includes revised front-strut damping and steering calibrations, increased front spring rates, revised shock absorber control and stiffer bushings for the front lower control arms and the cradle mounts and Watts link in the rear suspension.

A new Performance package gives the ELR a thicker sport steering wheel, 20-inch performance tires that boost lateral grip 10% and Brembo four-piston brake calipers with vented disks (13.6-inches in front and 12.4 inches in back) for 12% shorter stopping distances.