There’s a running gag in the tech support world where a solution to fix a slow-running computer is to “download more RAM.” While such a thing is impossible for your PC or smartphone, automakers are leveraging over-the-air software updates to provide EV owners with more performance. Cadillac is joining the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Tesla by offering drivers of the Lyriq SUV such a boost courtesy of the “Velocity Package.”
Cadillac Lyriq Velocity Package
Prices
For $1,200 (plus tax, naturally), owners can download the update through the infotainment system. It increases the electric motor’s available torque to 524 pound-feet from the standard 450. Horsepower remains unchanged at 500. The upgrade is available for models equipped with all-wheel drive, and Cadillac claims it reduces the vehicle’s 0-60-mph acceleration time to 4.4 seconds from 4.7.
Availability
The Velocity Package is available for purchase now.
CG Says:
The idea of being able to purchase a software upgrade that can improve a vehicle’s performance without requiring specialist knowledge or a dealer visit is intriguing. On the other hand, Cadillac, Tesla, and others are essentially locking a feature the vehicle already has behind a paywall. Several years ago, video game companies were lambasted for essentially doing the same thing – making customers pay for content that was already “on the disc.” We’d probably be more forgiving if Cadillac only charged a few hundred dollars for the Velocity Package, but $1,200 is steep for something we wager most owners aren’t going to notice or use in everyday driving.
Cadillac Lyriq: Best Automotive Designs (Pictures and Impressions)
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
Cadillac Lyriq Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
$1200 doesn’t seem like too much money.