http://www.autoblog.com/2015/06/01/how-cadillac-improved-power-output-2016-elr-25-percent/
Some key quotes:
- Cadillac spokesperson David Caldwell told AutoblogGreen in an email that the new ELR does indeed have more than just new lines of code. "One could not 'reflash' a previous ELR to get the performance of a 2016," Caldwell said. "If one only changed software, you would not get the performance upgrade fully, as the 2016 creates higher current, more power. So these have been upgraded physically – hardware. And yes of course there is also new software on top."
- Sam Abuelsamid, senior research analyst at Navigant Research said that any of the unspecified upgrades would be difficult to tell on a part-by-part basis, but the overall effect will be noticeable. "The changes to the ELR as I understand them are analogous to getting more performance out of a 1965 Mustang with the entry version of the 289 cubic-inch V8. You can replace the carburetor with a larger version that enables more air and fuel to flow into the engine, thus producing more power. The basic engine hasn't changed, but power capability is being unleashed by feeding it more. Cadillac has changed components in the power electronics to enable more current flow into the motor and thus produce more torque."
- Caldwell also said that the 2016 ELR has an expanded Sport Mode. Previously, there was a sort of "dual motor" condition where the engine could couple to the gearset through the electric motor to have both motors operating together. This setup would be used for high-load operations during low state-of-charge conditions only. "Now for 2016, in Sport Mode, we can have the 'dual' power thing, and its use is expanded," Caldwell said. "This is a revision – but only in certain conditions, not just by selecting Sport Mode. In Sport Mode, the system will only go to the 'dual' operation when conditions merit (such as aggressive throttle application, etc.). If acceleration or throttle is moderate or mild in Sport Mode, then power is delivered 'normally.' And even when operating in the standard power condition, it's more powerful than previously." Abuelsamid said that from what he understands, the new Sport Mode gives the new ELR the capability to use power that was previously only available at higher speeds. "Now you can have both motors and the engine contributing to the torque at the wheels at low speeds," he said.
Some key quotes:
- Cadillac spokesperson David Caldwell told AutoblogGreen in an email that the new ELR does indeed have more than just new lines of code. "One could not 'reflash' a previous ELR to get the performance of a 2016," Caldwell said. "If one only changed software, you would not get the performance upgrade fully, as the 2016 creates higher current, more power. So these have been upgraded physically – hardware. And yes of course there is also new software on top."
- Sam Abuelsamid, senior research analyst at Navigant Research said that any of the unspecified upgrades would be difficult to tell on a part-by-part basis, but the overall effect will be noticeable. "The changes to the ELR as I understand them are analogous to getting more performance out of a 1965 Mustang with the entry version of the 289 cubic-inch V8. You can replace the carburetor with a larger version that enables more air and fuel to flow into the engine, thus producing more power. The basic engine hasn't changed, but power capability is being unleashed by feeding it more. Cadillac has changed components in the power electronics to enable more current flow into the motor and thus produce more torque."
- Caldwell also said that the 2016 ELR has an expanded Sport Mode. Previously, there was a sort of "dual motor" condition where the engine could couple to the gearset through the electric motor to have both motors operating together. This setup would be used for high-load operations during low state-of-charge conditions only. "Now for 2016, in Sport Mode, we can have the 'dual' power thing, and its use is expanded," Caldwell said. "This is a revision – but only in certain conditions, not just by selecting Sport Mode. In Sport Mode, the system will only go to the 'dual' operation when conditions merit (such as aggressive throttle application, etc.). If acceleration or throttle is moderate or mild in Sport Mode, then power is delivered 'normally.' And even when operating in the standard power condition, it's more powerful than previously." Abuelsamid said that from what he understands, the new Sport Mode gives the new ELR the capability to use power that was previously only available at higher speeds. "Now you can have both motors and the engine contributing to the torque at the wheels at low speeds," he said.