William Maley

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 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

General Motors smallest electric vehicle, the Chevrolet Spark EV will be getting a price cut. Announced today, the Chevrolet Spark EV will now ring at $25,995 (including freight), a decrease of $1,675. General Motors notes that with federal and state incentives, along with customer cash can get into a Spark EV for $14,995. There is also a lease special available on Spark EV, with Chevrolet offering a 39 month lease for $139 a month. More important is that the lease deal doesn't require a down payment, just the usual tax, title, license, and dealer fees. “Chevrolet is committed to making EV driving more accessible, affordable and fun. The Spark EV is already the most efficient – and one of the most affordable – EVs you can buy. 2015 Spark EV customers will benefit from an impressive blend of technology, capability and low cost of ownership, now at an even more impressive price,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet Car and Crossover Marketing. Source: General Motors Press Release is on Page 2 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV Repriced to Offer Greater Value As low as $14,995 after full federal and state tax credits and Chevrolet Bonus Cash DETROIT – Chevrolet announced today Spark EV 1LT’s new manufacturer’s suggested retail price would start at $25,995. Depending on an individual’s tax situation, the Spark EV is eligible for federal tax credit up to $7,500. “Chevrolet is committed to making EV driving more accessible, affordable and fun” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet Car and Crossover Marketing. “The Spark EV is already the most efficient – and one of the most affordable – EVs you can buy. 2015 Spark EV customers will benefit from an impressive blend of technology, capability and low cost of ownership, now at an even more impressive price.” California and Maryland Spark EV owners may also qualify for a $2,500 California state rebate or $2,300 Maryland excise tax exemption. Additional Chevrolet bonus cash is also available: $1,000 in California, $1,200 in Maryland, and $3,500 in Oregon. After full federal and state tax credits and Chevrolet bonus cash, the Spark EV could be as low as $14,995. Individuals should consult a tax professional prior to claiming any credits to confirm eligibility for tax benefits. Spark EV owners in California and Maryland are also eligible for High-Occupancy Vehicle, or carpool lane, access A $139 per month* sign-and-drive lease for 39 months with $0 due at lease signing including security deposit but excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees, is also available, making the Chevrolet Spark EV one of the most affordable EVs on the market. Compared to the average new gas-powered vehicle, the Spark EV can save drivers, on average, about $83 per month in fuel costs according to EPA assessments based on 24 mpg highway for an average vehicle and 12 cents per kWh of electricity cost. More details are available at fueleconomy.gov. Currently available at select Chevrolet dealers throughout California and Oregon, select Chevrolet dealers in Maryland will have Spark EV’s available beginning in mid-2015. More than 90 percent of Spark EV owners are trading in a non-GM nameplate or adding a new car to the household. “The Chevrolet Spark EV is helping us reach new buyers in critical markets like Los Angeles,” said Majoros. “Spark EV owners recognize the car as an opportunity to drive an all-electric vehicle that fits their budget and lifestyle.” The Spark EV features a combined city/highway EPA estimated range of 82 miles when fully charged and an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent. The Spark EV is compatible with the SAE combo charger for DC Fast Charging as an available option. The capability enables the Spark EV to recharge up to 80 percent of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes at select DC Fast Charging stations based on charging levels and outside temperature. Unlike most competitors, the Spark EV’s battery system is capable of handling multiple compatible DC Fast Charges daily. Charging can also be completed in less than seven hours using a dedicated 240V charge. A 120V charge cord set comes standard. Charging can be managed and monitored remotely using the Spark EV’s smart phone application, provided by OnStar, which is standard for three years. The vehicle’s 19 kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers limited warranty protection of eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Sergio Marchionne is planning on stepping down as head of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2018. But before he says good-bye, he wants to do one more big deal to help plug up holes in FCA and expand into other markets. Reuters reports that Marchionne has been putting out feelers for the past year to try and jumpstart consolidation in the industry to help share costs and bring out new technologies. But an alliance would help FCA as they have one the largest piles of debt in the industry, along with a number of other problems such as an over-reliance on a North American market and missing a good amount of the Asian marketplace. "The U.S. is where FCA is focusing now. Marchionne is doing a lot of work on his last deal and something will happen before 2018." said a source to Reuters. Several sources say Marchionne and the Agnelli family - the founders of Fiat - have their eyes on General Motors as they have a strong presence in both the U.S. and Asia. Also, GM wants to get back on the right track in Europe after the mess with PSA Peugeot Citroen went no where. But a source at a U.S. bank says GM isn't interested. This isn't the first time that FCA has put feelers out. Last year, there were reports of FCA speaking with both PSA Peugeot Citroen and Volkswagen. These reports were denied. Source: Reuters

With the new Ford F-150 selling and Nissan's next-generation Titan just around the corner, the pickup truck market is once again heating up. To get ready for the next onslaught, General Motors is readying a refresh of the full-size trucks. A spy photographer happen to get some shots of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. The shots reveal that Chevrolet is planning some changes for the Silverado's front end with a new grille and headlights with LEDs like on the GMC Sierra. Also changing up front is a new hood design. GM is also looking to changing a few body panels to aluminum - the hood and front fenders being the likely ones. Around back, expect new taillights, along with some change to the bed - a new lighting setup or new storage. The inside appears to be unchanged. Mechanical changes are reported to be a new eight-speed automatic for the 5.3L V8 when the truck is launched later this year. 2017 will see a new ten-speed automatic that has been jointly developed with Ford. Source: PickupTrucks.com

Scion has been called Toyota's experimental division as it allows Toyota to try new products and ideas (although it hasn't been used for this in a few years). Now with this, you would think Toyota would introduce some new hybrid or electric vehicle. But Green Car Reports reports that it will not likely happen anytime soon. Scion chief Doug Murtha tells Green Car Reports the brand is still maintaining its focus on providing vehicles for those under 35, a group that isn't quite ready to spend the cash for these type of powertrain technologies. “People think that this would have a lot of appeal with our target audience; and it absolutely does, and the environmental benefits are nice,” said Murtha. “But where it jumps the track is when we start talking about how much they might be willing to pay for a hybrid system: pretty much zero.” Source: Green Car Reports

Aston Martin has an interesting plan when it comes time to replace the somewhat old Rapide. Car and Driver spoke with Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer who said they have two new models that will take the place of the Rapide; a new crossover and a sport sedan wearing the Lagonda nameplate. “However, we have a [further] business plan, and within that there’s three legs to the strategy. First is replacing the entire sports-car range; second is the DBX, and that appeals to a different set of audiences; and the third is the sports sedan, which will carry that beautiful badge,” (Lagonda label pin on his coat) said Palmer. First off is a production version of the DBX concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show. Whereas the concept looked like a V8/V12 Vantage with an increase in ride height and electric powertrain, the production model will go with a five-door style and come powered with either a gas and plug-in hybrid powertrain. As for the new sport sedan wearing the Lagonda name, this isn't the current sedan known as the Lagonda Taraf that will be sold in Middle East and a few other markets. Instead it will be an all new model. Source: Car and Driver

Alfa Romeo is planning to have four models in its U.S. lineup by 2017. This summer will see will the 4C Spyder join the 4C coupe. After that, a new sedan and SUV will be coming according to Alfa Romeo's U.S. head Reid Bigland. Bigland tells Automotive News that Alfa Romeo's new sedan - designed to compete with the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class - will debut in June in Italy, with sales in the U.S. beginning next year. In previous reports, we have been calling it the Giulia. But Bigland says the name for the new sedan is being hashed-out. “I’m confident that it’s going to blow your Italian socks off when you look at the specifications associated with this vehicle,” said Bigland. Following the sedan will be the SUV which will take on the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. This is expected to land in the U.S. either in the forth quarter of next year, or in 2017. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

From the not surprising news department; the Honda Crosstour will be saying good-bye. In a statement from American Honda, Executive Vice President John Mendel announced the model's departure after the 2015 model year. The Honda Crosstour has never been a big seller. Designed as a comprise between a crossover and station wagon, the model never caught the success that other models such as the Subaru Outback had. In 2014, Honda only moved 11,802 Crosstours, a 29.9 percent drop when compared to 2013. "However, the crossover segment has evolved and we believe the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V launching later this spring will create new value for crossover shoppers and play a more significant role as a gateway model for the Honda brand to drive light truck sales growth," said Mendel. There is an upside to the Crossover leaving Honda's lineup. The East Liberty Plant in Ohio will now be able to focus on production of the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, and in 2017, the Acura MDX. Source: Honda Press Release is on Page 2 Statement by John Mendel, Executive Vice President, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Re: North American Production Portfolio Apr 8, 2015 Honda's growth strategy in North America is keyed to aligning our product portfolio and related production around the needs of our customers and growth segments in the marketplace. This includes the fortification of our light truck line-up with the recent introduction of a refreshed version of America's best- selling SUV, the CR-V, as well as the all-new 2016 HR-V, a new 2016 Pilot, and the next generation Ridgeline truck, coming to market next year. The strategy also includes strengthening our leading lineup of passenger cars with the introduction this fall of an all-new Civic lineup that will include more variants than ever before, including a new five-door model. In order to fulfill this customer-focused strategy, we are making several changes to the lineup of vehicles we build in our auto plants in Ohio. Effective with the 2016 model year, we will discontinue production of the Honda Crosstour at the East Liberty Plant in Ohio, also home to the hot-selling Honda CR-V and Acura RDX models, and transfer production of the Accord Hybrid from the Marysville Auto Plant to the Sayama Plant in Japan. The Crosstour, introduced in 2010, served a positive role in helping the Honda brand target crossover buyers. However, the crossover segment has evolved and we believe the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V launching later this spring will create new value for crossover shoppers and play a more significant role as a gateway model for the Honda brand to drive light truck sales growth. This move will allow the East Liberty Plant to focus on meeting demand for the CR-V and a refreshed 2016 Acura RDX and, as announced last month, expand light truck production in early 2017 with the Acura MDX. The transfer of the Accord Hybrid from the Marysville Auto Plant (MAP) to Honda's Sayama Plant in Japan, will better optimize our global production capabilities, enabling MAP to focus on its significant role in producing popular models including the Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe and the Acura TLX and ILX performance sedans. ILX production began at MAP in February 2015. Honda will continue to evolve its customer-focused product strategy in North America by leveraging the flexibility of its production operations in the region. Last year, more than 97 percent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in America were produced in North America.