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.
