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Cadillac Provoq Concept Offers Provocative Look at the Future
LAS VEGAS — The longstanding mantra about luxury buyers in the auto industry is that they want it all with no compromises. So when Cadillac unveiled its Provoq concept at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show here on Tuesday, it showed off a luxury crossover that uses an environmentally friendly alternative-propulsion system — but doesn't make you feel as if you're in a Buck Rogers movie populated by little green men.
"We're not talking about a vehicle that makes you give up things," said Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell. "We're trying to show a vision of how all of that is preserved."
Cadillac's vision for the luxury crossover of the future expands on General Motors' E-flex technology. The Chevrolet Volt is the first variant of E-flex, which is a family of propulsion systems that fit into a common chassis and use electric drive. The Volt's large battery and small turbo gas engine produce enough electricity to go up to 640 miles and provide triple-digit fuel economy, according to GM. The five-passenger Provoq has a 300-mile driving range, of which 280 are provided via the hydrogen power through the electric battery. Caldwell said Cadillac is not estimating the horsepower of the Provoq. The new concept sprints from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds.
Power is sent to all four wheels via individual 40-kilowatt wheel-hub motors. Perhaps the most intriguing design cue is a grille that opens and closes via louvers based on the airflow needs of the E-flex technology, Caldwell explained. The Provoq is equipped with 21-inch wheels with an unusual spoked design with a graphite cover behind the spokes. The roof is a glass solar panel that provides power for the car's onboard electrical system.
The ample cabin has such touches as reconfigurable LCD displays that show fuel cell information, as opposed to a traditional gauge cluster. Other interior features include an integrated hard drive for media storage, a prominent center stack and a USB connection in the armrest. Cabin materials are environmentally friendly and include a headliner made out of a soy-based material and carpet composed of recycled polyester and jute.
Caldwell would not specify when such a vehicle might show up on dealer lots. He said the idea was to show the "essential capabilities" of such a futuristic alt-fuel vehicle while at the same time reassuring consumers that they "need not step backwards to enter this era."
What this means to you: Your future "green" Cadillac may not look and feel all that different from the luxury crossovers you are used to today — and fuel economy will no longer be an issue. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
"We're not talking about a vehicle that makes you give up things," said Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell. "We're trying to show a vision of how all of that is preserved."
Cadillac's vision for the luxury crossover of the future expands on General Motors' E-flex technology. The Chevrolet Volt is the first variant of E-flex, which is a family of propulsion systems that fit into a common chassis and use electric drive. The Volt's large battery and small turbo gas engine produce enough electricity to go up to 640 miles and provide triple-digit fuel economy, according to GM. The five-passenger Provoq has a 300-mile driving range, of which 280 are provided via the hydrogen power through the electric battery. Caldwell said Cadillac is not estimating the horsepower of the Provoq. The new concept sprints from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds.
Power is sent to all four wheels via individual 40-kilowatt wheel-hub motors. Perhaps the most intriguing design cue is a grille that opens and closes via louvers based on the airflow needs of the E-flex technology, Caldwell explained. The Provoq is equipped with 21-inch wheels with an unusual spoked design with a graphite cover behind the spokes. The roof is a glass solar panel that provides power for the car's onboard electrical system.
The ample cabin has such touches as reconfigurable LCD displays that show fuel cell information, as opposed to a traditional gauge cluster. Other interior features include an integrated hard drive for media storage, a prominent center stack and a USB connection in the armrest. Cabin materials are environmentally friendly and include a headliner made out of a soy-based material and carpet composed of recycled polyester and jute.
Caldwell would not specify when such a vehicle might show up on dealer lots. He said the idea was to show the "essential capabilities" of such a futuristic alt-fuel vehicle while at the same time reassuring consumers that they "need not step backwards to enter this era."
What this means to you: Your future "green" Cadillac may not look and feel all that different from the luxury crossovers you are used to today — and fuel economy will no longer be an issue. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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