General Motors is preparing to unveil a new Cadillac concept car at the Detroit auto show, propelled by the company’s E-Flex electric drivetrain, according to multiple reports. It’s unclear whether the show car will be a hybrid like the Chevy Volt, battery-based, or powered by a fuel cell.
Although the E-Flex system is best known for its role in the Volt plug-in hybrid, is actually adaptable to any electric motor vehicle. For example, Cadillac’s Provoq concept, introduced almost a year ago, was powered by a fuel cell connected to the E-Flex system. It’s also possible the new Caddy will be a battery powered model, but of course this is strictly speculation.
Rumors published by AutoWeek and Volt fan site GM Volt cryptically indicate the E-Flex Caddy will have a number of exotic features made possible by the electric drivetrain, and only possible in a more expensive luxury vehicle.
The E-Flex Cadillac makes sense on a number of levels. Generally speaking, the technology associated with electric cars is currently very expensive, possibly making it better suited to a more price vehicle (think Tesla Roadster). What’s more, GM has already publicly stated there’s room for a green Caddy.
In September, Vice Chariman Bob Lutz said “there’s definitely room” for such a model in the Cadillac range. He further stated “there’s going to have to be some kind of dramatic environmental statement from Cadillac.” It looks like that might arrive in Detroit, albeit in concept form only.
12/19, 1:03 AM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
I e-like it!
12/19, 1:26 AM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
That could be a change for Cadillac. Hope it goes through.
12/19, 8:34 AM
posted by:
audifan
this would be good news if it goes through, especially as it is a small SUV, people cant be expected to downsize to a mini becuase its more economical, a fuel cell would be better in the long run though as batteries are very expensive to manufacture, and it GM want to survive then cutting down cost in the long run is better than short-term gains, even if RnD is expensive.
12/19, 11:29 AM
posted by:
Gundy
Nice, very nice. This styling, shown in the illustration at least, is spot-on. Although, I’m afraid that the “crossover” trend may be another dead end like the monster SUV trend was. Giving people what they want, with billions in advertising dollars swaying them towards that, isn’t always the answer. Tough love, sometimes, may be needed. But yeah, back to Cadillac and this vehicle… Sweet. IF (emphasis on purpose) the Volt makes it and turns GM around, the platform will be used as much as it can be between all the remaining GM divisions.
12/19, 11:31 AM
posted by:
Gundy
I didn’t mean to sound like a third-world dictator there, sorry about that. That came off like, “screw the people and what they want…” Did not mean that at all. But, it’s time to get MPG ratings up, and up fast and high.
12/19, 2:06 PM
posted by:
oldraven
Hummer should only have E-flex powertrains. No traditional options. That would be the only way to save the brand, by giving their image a 180, and continuing to appeal for all the reasons they did when gas was cheap…. before it got expensive.
Needless to say, I hope GM puts this powertrain in as many models as they possibly can.
12/19, 4:28 PM
posted by:
rob2299usa
That picture is of the concept from last years show… the provoq concept which shows off the new Cadillac SRX styling. This new concept will probably be different from the picture.
12/19, 7:51 PM
posted by:
iluvamcars
Take that Prius. Now the celebs might be driving an electric Cadillac.
12/19, 8:17 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
How about a straight-up Caddy wagon?