On the same day that Rolls-Royce unveiled the Spectre, its first electric model, to the world, Cadillac also presented its first all-electric ultra-luxury sedan model – the CELESTIQ. Described as the most technologically advanced Cadillac ever, it leads the brand into the electrified future built on legacy, cutting-edge technology and personalized luxury.
While the basic structure and bodywork of the CELESTIQ will come from a series production process, each unit will be personalised to the customer’s specific requirements. No two cars will be alike as customers will work directly with their dealer and Cadillac designers to have what the company says will be ‘unprecedented levels of personalization tailored to reflect the owner’s tastes’.
“CELESTIQ is the purest expression of Cadillac, acknowledging our incredible history and driving us to a bolder and brighter future,” said Global Vice-President of Cadillac, Rory Harvey. “It is a completely bespoke work of automotive art, built around the most advanced and innovative technology that we have ever engineered into an automobile.”
Honda has revealed the exterior and interior styling of its Prologue battery-electric vehicle (BEV) that will go on sale in North America in 2024. The model, with a SUV bodystyle, is one of the two BEVs which the Japanese carmaker will co-develop with GM.
GM will supply its flexible global BEV platform powered by its proprietary Ultium batteries, and also build the BEVs at its plants in North America. The second model is planned for launch in 2027, by which time the companies will be looking at the start of ‘global production of millions of BEVs.
Showcars or concept cars used to be exercises in fantasy, showing the public the sort of vehicles people would be travelling in many decades in the future. Sometimes they got a bit outrageous with fancy ideas that would never become reality. But over time, concept cars have become previews of near-future products and designers use them to gauge response to some of the ideas they are exploring.
Cadillac’s latest showcar, called the CELESTIQ, has been conceived for that purpose – to present the brand’s vision of innovation and purpose in a 3-dimeensional form that will be the basis of its all-electric flagship sedan in future.
“The CELESTIQ showcar is the purest expression of Cadillac,” said Magalie Debellis, Manager, Cadillac Advanced Design. “It brings to life the most integrated expressions of design and innovation in the brand’s history, coalescing in a defining statement of a true Cadillac flagship.”
Looking to the past for ideas
In developing the showcar, the design and engineering teams immersed themselves in the artisanship and customization that defined early Cadillac sedans such as the bespoke V16 powered coaches of the pre-war era, and the hand-built 1957 Eldorado Brougham. The CELESTIQ is the culmination of that heritage, created today with innovative production methods and new technologies.
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was a limited edition model, with only 400 cars built.
“Those vehicles represented the pinnacle of luxury in their respective eras, and helped make Cadillac the standard of the world,” said Tony Roma, Chief Engineer. “The CELESTIQ showcar — also a sedan, because the configuration offers the very best luxury experience — builds on that pedigree and captures the spirt of arrival they expressed.”
The designers drew further inspiration from classic architecture such as the mid-century masterpieces of architect Eero Saarinen, along with other iconic American designs, which made era-defining statements when introduced and endured with distinctive timelessness.
Clean-sheet development
Realizing and infusing those influences within a General Motors’ Ultium-based EV architecture enabled a clean-sheet expression for the CELESTIQ that considers the entirety of travel as a curated experience — one intended to evoke an emotional response. The result is a car that makes a magnetic first impression and cultivates a permanent personal connection.
“We’ve combined the beauty of function with the beauty of form,” said Laetitia Lopez, Creative Designer, Cadillac Colour and Trim. “We had to reconsider all aspects to immerse the customer, all of their senses, and create a connection with the vehicle through the finest genuine materials, exceptional detailing and advanced technology.”
The show car previews some of the materials, innovative technologies and handcrafted attention to detail harnessed to express Cadillac’s vision for the future. Highlights include 5 high-definition, advanced LED interactive displays, including a massive 55-inch-diagonal advanced LED display, along with expected industry-firsts such as a variable-transmission Smart Glass Roof and Ultra Cruise. The latter will be General Motors’ next evolution of available handsfree driver assistance technology which Cadillac plans to offer with the CELESTIQ.
Smart Glass Roof
The Smart Glass Roof features Suspended Particle Device technology that allows for 4 zones of variable lighting. This allows passengers to fine-tune their cabin experience for completely personalized comfort and visibility. Additionally, the huge advanced LED display introduces a passenger display with electronic digital blinds, an active privacy technology which is designed to allow passengers to enjoy video content while blocking it from the view of the driver. While they are previewed on the showcar, these technologies and others will make CELESTIQ the most advanced vehicle ever from Cadillac when it goes on sale.
The launch date for the CELESTIQ production model has not been indicated but GM is investing US$81 million (about RM360.6 million) to support its assembly at GM’s Global Technical Centre the heart of the company’s engineering and design efforts. The CELESTIQ will be the first production vehicle built there since the facility’s inauguration in May 1956.
General Motors is fully committed to going electric as quickly as possible and all its divisions are headed in the same direction. While some of the divisions have shown concept cars, Chevrolet has revealed a production-ready electric model – the 2024 Blazer EV.
“The 2024 Blazer EV sets a new tone for electric SUVs, with options and intuitive technologies that help position Chevy for leadership in one of the fastest-growing EV segments,” said Scott Bell, Vice-President of Chevrolet. “Along with the all-new Silverado EV and Equinox EV coming next year, we are making great strides in offering more choices for zero tailpipe-emissions vehicles — choices that make switching to an EV easier than ever.”
The Blazer EV is not a combustion-engined Blazer with an electric powertrain. It was developed independent and uses GM’s modular Ultium Platform which has been designed for multiple applications. The Ultium platform and its batteries are the heart of GM’s strategy. The batteries are unique in the industry because the large-format, pouch-style cells can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. This allows engineers to optimize battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design.
The athletic styling of the Blazer EV mimics that of the 2018 Blazer – with performance cues inspired by the Camaro and Corvette. Each version has a muscular, athletic profile with taut converging body lines. Prominent front-fender extractor vents associate with Chevy’s motorsports legacy.
The designers elevated the Blazer EV’s presence with a bold, dual-element LED exterior lighting signature that also has choreographed lighting sequences. These activate when the driver approaches or walks away. The effect features a full light bar and illuminated Bowtie emblem on the front. The front lighting also conveys the state of charge while the vehicle charges. A sequential orchestration of the lighting increases in speed and intensity as the battery’s charge increases.
Inside, the cabin also makes a modern design statement. Like the exterior, many of its elements draw inspiration from Chevrolet’s sportscars and performance heritage, such as a flat-bottom steering wheel and sculpted vents inspired by turbines.
An expansive, 17.7-inch-diagonal colour touchscreen is the focal point of the cabin and the command centre for the vehicle’s infotainment system. A large 11-inch-diagonal colour Driver Information Centre in the instrument cluster complements the central touchscreen.
With design and engineering developed to live up to the legacy of the iconic Super Sport performance designation, the Blazer EV SS offers customers the most powerful experience in the line-up. It features an exclusive performance AWD propulsion configuration designed to produce up to 557 ps/878 Nm, and unique WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode enabling very quick acceleration.
When it comes to charging, the Blazer EV uses an 11.5 kW onboard AC charging module for home charging and public charging, along with high-speed DC public fast-charging capability of up to 190 kW. It can recharge in about 10 minutes and get around 125 kms of range. A fully charged battery pack is claimed to be good for 515 kms.
A major enabler of the Blazer EV’s technologies is Ultifi, GM’s new end-to-end vehicle software platform. It separates the vehicle’s software from the hardware to enable the frequent and seamless delivery of software-defined features, apps and services to customers over the air (OTA). Ultifi will allow customers to upgrade and personalize their vehicle as improvements and new features become available over time.
Besides four different versions for sale to the public, Chevrolet will also be offering a pursuit-rated Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) model for police fleet applications. These PPVs will have the largest Ultium battery in the line-up and a specific interior designed for police officers with ample room to accommodate emergency equipment and gear. To go on sale from mid-2023, the Blazer EV will have prices ranging from US$44,995 to US$65,995.
In April this year, Honda announced that by 2040, it will sell only fully electric vehicles (not even hybrids), a bold move that will end its relationship with the internal combustion engine much loved by Soichiro Honda.
While different regions may move at different speeds along the road to electrification of their vehicles on a national basis, advanced markets like North America are likely to start having a higher proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming years.
New BEV series for North America
Honda will therefore be focussing on products for that market and has announced that it is working on a new series of high-volume battery electric vehicles (BEV) to introduce in North America in early 2024. The range will be known as PROLOGUE and will be led by an all-new SUV and herald the new electrified era for the company.
The carmaker already has a range of electrified vehicles on sale, but these are mostly with hybrid powertrains, apart from the Clarity which uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to generate electricity for powering the car.
In addition to the Prologue, the company will introduce an all-electric model under the Acura brand as well. Acura currently has hybrid models as well, including the 573-bhp NSX and the new all-electric model will be a SUV as well.
GM Ultium platform and battery pack (below).
GM’s Ultium platform for EVs to be used
Both the Honda and Acura vehicles will utilize the highly flexible global EV platform powered by Ultium batteries developed within the strategic partnership with General Motors. The platform will be engineered to support Honda’s driving character. As part of the agreement to jointly develop electric vehicles, Honda will incorporate GM’s OnStar safety and security services into its new SUVs, seamlessly integrating them with HondaLink.
Production of the SUVs will combine the development expertise of both companies, and they will be manufactured at GM plants in North America. In the second half of the decade, Honda also plans to launch a new series of EV models based on a new e:Architecture, with development led by the Japanese carmaker. These new models will be launched in North America first, followed by other regions.
Honda’s EV History
Though EVs have grown in prominence in recent times, Honda has been involved in developing and producing such vehicles for almost 25 years. In 1997, it introduced the EV Plus, a small electrically-powered hatchback which was the first BEV from a major automaker to use nickel-metal hydride batteries instead of heavy lead-acid batteries.
EV Plus was produced between 1997 and 1999.
After the limited production of the EV Plus, Honda came out with the Insight in 1999. This was one of the first volume-produced hybrids in the market. The FCX came out in 2002 and it was the industry’s first commercialised vehicle using fuel cell technology that was originally developed for the space program. The FCX was succeeded by the Clarity in 2017.
First generation of the Insight, one of the early volume-produced hybrids. This unit was driven from Thailand to Singapore in January 2001 to demonstrate the high fuel efficiency.
FCX – the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) which was commercialised.
“We know customers who have a good experience with a hybrid vehicle are more likely to buy a battery electric vehicle in the future,” said Dave Gardner, Executive Vice-President of American Honda. “Our strategy is focused on introducing a higher percentage of hybrids in core models in the near term, making a committed effort to achieve higher volume leading to the introduction of our Honda PROLOGUE.”
Cadillac is one of the first automotive brands in the world, with a history that goes back 118 years. While it was already established as a luxury brand from its early years, the name outside America was often associated with ‘gas guzzlers’ – cars with high fuel consumption and with dimensions like an aircraft carrier (an exaggeration, of course). The fact is, Cadillac models were fairly large and their heavy weight as well as big engines consumed fuel at a high rate but thankfully for American motorists, petrol prices were cheap.
By the 1970s, Cadillac began to ‘downsize’ and by the 1980s, even started to use front-wheel drive. Technology helped bring fuel consumption down and by the time the 21st century began, the company’s model range was sized more practically. Fuel consumption was certainly much lower than ever before although perhaps high compared to models from Europe and Asia.
No more new combustion engine models
Now the company is making a big leap forward with the decision to stop introducing new models with combustion engines (although it will continue to sell existing models). From next year, it will launch the first of many electrically-powered models to come and it has revealed what the first model will look like with the unveiling of the LYRIQ at Auto Shanghai last week.
Cadillac executives avoided calling it a concept car and said that the production model will look the same. “We are calling the model on display in Shanghai a showcar – not a concept – because it will go into production soon. You may be surprised how similar it is to the showcar,” said Felix Weller, Vice-President of Cadillac in China and General Director of Cadillac Marketing and Sales at SAIC-GM.
GM Ultium batteries and platform
Th LYRIQ is positioned as a midsize all-electric SUV, equipped with GM’s latest Ultium batteries, the industry’s first wireless battery management system which saves up to 90% of the wiring. Also, the battery system can receive new features as they become available, with support for over-the-air (OTA) updates provided by its Vehicle Intelligence Platform.
At launch, the LYRIQ’s dedicated electric architecture will include a 12-module, 100 kWh battery pack and a rear-wheel-drive Ultium Platform. The powertrain is expected to generate up to 340 hp, with 440 Nm of torque, and on a fully-charged battery pack, the estimated range will be over 480 kms.
As the cornerstone of GM’s electrification across the board, the next-generation and highly flexible Ultium platform allows Cadillac to deliver a variety of range and performance options. The modular EV platform on which the LYRIQ is based eliminates significant physical constraints associated with adapting electric propulsion within a conventional vehicle architecture. The result is an optimized design that supports greater driving range, an engaging driving experience and a new interpretation of the passenger space.
High-speed charging
The LYRIQ features an industry-first wireless battery management system and patented thermal protection technology to offer a safe, powerful and reliable luxury EV experience. Recharging time can be short as the LYRIQ can accept high-speed DC fast charging at 190 kW. This means that the owner can add an estimated 122 kms of range in about 10 minutes. For home charging, the LYRIQ will have a a segment-leading 19.2 kW charging module which can add up to 83 kms of range per hour of charging.
Next-generation variable ‘Regen on Demand’ technology, along with the convenience of One-Pedal Driving, will also be available. With Regen on Demand, drivers can control how quickly LYRIQ slows down or comes to a complete stop using a pressure-sensitive paddle located on the steering wheel. Both technologies make use of regenerative braking to help maximize electric driving efficiency.
Name inspired by music and poetry
The name ‘LYRIQ’ was inspired by Cadillac’s rich connection to the arts such as music and poetry. Its exterior styling is true to its intent to blend a sensory artform with intelligent technology, and underscores the brand’s bold aesthetic design philosophy.
The front of the showcar is designed to blur the lines between lighting and the grille. Vertical, slim-line LED headlamps interplay with Cadillac’s signature vertical lamps via the Illuminated Black Crystal grille, which not just follows the brand’s classic elements but presents a charming and futuristic visual effect like never before.
A full, two-tone glass roof stretches straight through to the roof spoiler, defining a low and fast profile while enabling outstanding aerodynamics. The lower centre of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles was enabled by the placement of the battery pack. Large 23-inch wheels in a matte finish enhance the vehicle’s dynamics and visual impact when still.
In order to highlight the purity and lightness of the LYRIQ’s form, Cadillac’s design team straddled the line between white and silver, using an unusual 14-layer painting process. With the change of light angle, the body finish shows a strong sense of flow, reflecting Cadillac’s distinctive luxurious style.
The seamless integration of art and technology is woven through every detail of the interior. Graceful and specific Cadillac knurling is etched on each component, and laser-etched patterns run throughout the metal-based wooden décor. There is detailing inside the vents as well, which emphasizes the idea of high design even in the smallest of areas.
A 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display artfully integrates a single large screen that spans the viewing area for the driver. This new display has the highest pixel density available in the automotive industry today and can display over one billion colours.
The LYRIQ’s new augmented reality-enhanced Head-Up Display employs two planes – a near plane indicating speed, direction and more, and a far plane displaying transparent navigation signals and other important alerts. The vehicle’s technology also addresses sound in two important ways: blocking unwanted sounds and making the most of the sounds passengers want to hear. For the first time, Cadillac will introduce a new road noise cancellation technology, which takes active noise cancellation to the next level by introducing more microphones and accelerometers.
“Throughout the next decade, Cadillac will define the future of luxury transportation through a series of exciting new electric vehicles, and it all begins with LYRIQ,” said Rory Harvey, Vice-President, Global Cadillac.
Even before GMC’s electric HUMMER supertruck goes on sale at the end of this year, the company has revealed another model – the HUMMER EV SUV – which will make its debut in 2023. The SUV is the next chapter in the company’s revival with only EV products.
“The GMC HUMMER EVs were envisioned to be the most capable and compelling electric supertrucks ever,” said Duncan Aldred, Global Vice-President of Buick and GMC. “The new HUMMER EV SUV is the next chapter, which will offer many options for customers to tailor the truck to their lifestyles, while continuing to encourage them to forge new paths with zero emissions.”
Starting with Edition 1
Driven by General Motors’ next-generation Ultium Platform, the new EV SUV will launch with an exclusive Edition 1. This will give the customer a choice to equip the vehicle for optimal driving range or maximum off-road capability. As standard, the Edition 1 will have 22-inch premium wheels, assist steps and floorliners.
Customers will be able to opt for the Extreme Off-Road package with 18-inch wheels and 35-inch-OD MT tyres, underbody armour and rock sliders, a front eLocker and virtual rear lockers, heavy-duty ball-spline half-shafts, UltraVision with underbody camera views and other high-tech features.
The SUV’s look is rugged, like the pick-up truck, but has a different rear design with a full-size spare tyre mounted in the classic SUV fashion. Inside, a similar 5-passenger layout from the pick-up remains and includes a large and useful rear cargo area.
Crabwalk and Extract Mode
GMC is highlighting the superior capabilities of the new SUV while are possible with the HUMMER EV’s signature features such as CrabWalk, a revolutionary setting utilizing 4-wheel steer to drive diagonally at low speeds – like a crab. This will give a capability no other competitive SUV can offer. There is also Extract Mode which is a first-of-its-kind system that makes full use of the Adaptive Air Suspension to raise the vehicle about 150 mm to get over tough obstacles. This is extra ground clearance in addition to the already tall ride height.
Although it has a 3220 mm wheelbase, it can turn within 10.8 metres with 4-Wheel Steer. Impressive departure and breakover angles also allow it to be driven up and down steep slopes without difficulty.
An immersive interior puts the driver at the centre of every moment, including customizable, multisensory user features and an open driving experience with the standard Infinity Roof with removable Sky Panels, I-Bar and rear drop glass.
830 hp, 15,592 Nm
GM’s Ultium Drive System offers up to 830 horsepower and up to 15,592 Nm of torque (GM estimated) — enough power for super-fast 0 to 96 km/h sprints in a time claimed to be approximately 3.5 seconds. The 20-module Ultium battery system can take the vehicle up to a 48 kms, GM engineers estimate, on the Edition 1 (with standard equipment).
Additionally, all HUMMER EV SUV models will feature the enhanced version of Super Cruise, an optional driver-assistance technology offering hands-free driving on more than 320,000 kms of enabled roads, and a new automatic lane-changing feature, where the system can determine when a lane change is optimal and initiate the manoeuvre, while following signaling protocols.
Production and pricing in 2023
Production will begin in early 2023, and GMC is able to indicate the starting price of the Edition 1 which will be US$105,595 (about RM436,265 at today’s exchange rate). When equipped with the Extreme Off-Road Package, the starting price will be about 4.7% more.
Hummer – that’s a name which immediately brings to mind a huge vehicle that served the military (mainly the American one) as well as the civilian version which had a niche of its own. ‘Hummer’ was actually the civilian name used by General Motors but the model was discontinued after 2009 when its sales diminished so much that the business was no longer viable.
Although GM tried to sell off the business, it did not succeed and just kept it in the ‘drawer’. Now, that name has been revived with a completely new model from its GMC subsidiary. However, unlike the original fuel-guzzling monster, the new Hummer not only doesn’t require conventional fuel at all but it is also a zero emissions vehicle.
The original Hummer
Electric supertruck
GMC engineers have developed it as an electric supertruck with the company’s Ultium Drive and batteries. An estimated best-in-class 1,000 horsepower and estimated 15,592 Nm of torque are generated by three separate motors within two Ultium drive units that provide 4WD capability. 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration is claimed to be around 3 seconds which is pretty quick for a pick-up though that can be expected of a super EV truck.
800V DC fast-charging compatibility of up to 350 kilowatts enables nearly 160 kms of range to be available after recharging for 10 minutes. A full battery back is said to be good for up to 550 kms.
Superior off-road capabilities
Aiming to out-do other electric trucks that are also appearing lately, the Hummer has 4-Wheel Steering, Adaptive Air Suspension with 149 mm of variation, and underbody armour. The 4-Wheel Steering system has CrabWalk which allows the rear wheels and front wheels to steer at the same angle at low speeds. This enables diagonal movement of the vehicle for greater manoeuvrability on difficult terrain.
As standard, the Hummer comes with 35-inch MT tyres and customers can specify up to 37 inches. The tyres complement the vehicle’s off-road capability which includes climbing vertical obstacles 455 mm high and driving through water more than 600 mm deep.
For crossing difficult and unknown terrain, the Hummer has UltraVision, a system of front and rear underbody cameras with live ‘virtual spotter’ views to help drivers spot obstacles and place wheels on and off the trail. There are up to 18 camera views available from the vehicle.
Prepared for autonomous motoring, the Hummer will have optional Super Cruise, a driver assistance feature that can support hands-free driving on more than 322,000 kms of enabled roads. There will also be a new automatic lane-changing feature where the system can determine when a lane change is optimal and initiate the manoeuvre, while following signalling protocols.
Minimal original design elements
GMC’s designers drawn minimally on the original model’s monolithic appearance, instead aiming for something that looks futuristic and bold with a pick-up profile. “Its design visually communicates extreme capability, which is reinforced with rugged architectural details,” said Phil Zak, Design Executive Director.
Emphasis on technology
The interior is also given premium appointments and as expected, technology is emphasised. For example, off-road widgets display vehicle functions and terrain status through the infotainment and driver information screens. The driver can be informed of torque output, differential locker engagement, tyre pressures, pitch and roll angles, friction circle, torque vectoring and more.
Open-air driving is an option, made possible by the Infinity Roof and removable transparent Sky Panels that can be stowed in the storage compartment at the front of the vehicle. The MultiPro Tailgate opens with 6 functional positions, while the glass panel at the rear of the cabin and the tonneau cover can be opened at the touch of a switch as both are powered.
4 versions, starting from late 2021
There will be at least 4 versions of the Hummer with the first one known as Edition 1 going on sale in the fourth quarter of 2021. This will be the most expensive version at US$112,595 (about RM467,000) and will be the only one available for at least 12 months. Another version will be launched in late 2022 which is currently projected to cost less than US$100,000 (RM414,000).
In early 2023, the third version will be available, and then a fourth version will be in showrooms a year later, in 2024. The fourth version will have two motors and be priced at under US$80,000 (RM332,000).
