Cadillac Evoq Concept

Cadillac Evoq Concept

DETROIT - Cadillac has introduced its first concept car in over a decade, and it's not a sedan. Instead, the Evoq (pronounced just like "evoke") is a two-seat luxury roadster, complete with supercharged engine and a retractable hardtop. In case this formula evokes thoughts of other two-seat roadsters, Cadillac's concept stands alone with more luxury and power than anything else in the roadster market.

Cadillac may be trying to follow the lead of successful German luxury marques. The BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK have attracted younger buyers into showrooms, and if there's one thing Cadillac needs, it's younger buyers. The Catera has failed in this role, but an "image" car such as the Evoq might just do the trick.

To satisfy enthusiasts, the Evoq is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car loaded with power. Its supercharged 4.2-liter Northstar V8 comes complete with a sophisticated intercooler and variable valve timing. The engine develops 405 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 385 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm, and it's mated to an enhanced version of the Corvette's 4T60-LE transmission. The Evoq also borrows some handling prowess with a rear suspension derived from the Corvette.

The Evoq has short front and rear overhangs, thanks to its 168.6-inch length and 108.5-inch wheelbase. The appearance is much like a larger version of the Mercedes-Benz SLK when viewed from the side. A Cadillac-style eggcrate grille and vertical headlights dominate the front of the vehicle, while vertical taillights flank the rear. Cadillac designers have a long way to go before the car could be called attractive, but with some softer lines and more subtle styling, the Evoq would not look nearly so far-fetched.

Batman appears to have had a part in designing the Evoq's luxury gadgets. The keyless entry system unlocks and opens the doors, making exterior door handles unnecessary. StabiliTrak has been modified for use on all four wheels. A new tire mounting system from Michelin, called the Pax System, features tires that are vertically mounted to the rims. This system reduces rolling resistance and allows the Evoq to sport enormous 19-inch front wheels and 21-inch rears.

The interior is loaded with what GM calls "infotainment." Cameras pop out in place of side-view mirrors, then project images onto screens located at the center of the dash. A voice-recognizing computer allows the driver to call up stock quotes and even check or send email while driving.

As for technology that may someday be useful in cars, the Evoq's Night Vision system represents the first such use of thermal imaging in an automobile. An infrared sensor projects faraway living objects onto the windshield, alerting the driver well before headlights could. This technology will be available on the 2000 Cadillac DeVille.

As equipped, the Evoq would probably cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $200,000. If Cadillac has any plans to build the car, however, it will need to come in somewhere between $50,000 and $60,000. High-tech gadgets are not so important to image cars, but wouldn't it be fun to eat Porsches for lunch while driving a Cadillac?