Cadillac Provoq Concept

[Merc1]

What is it?

Cadillac Provoq Concept

What's special about it?

Is the Cadillac Provoq concept a hint at the styling of an SRX replacement? Is it a preview of a future compact car-based SUV to compete with the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and the recently unveiled Mercedes-Benz GLK? And why can't Cadillac spell?

Cadillac's cutely spelled fuel-cell/electric people-hauler concept raises these and a few more questions. By way of explanation, Cadillac says the Provoq (read: provoke) is an exploration of the Cadillac design themes as they've been refined since the introduction of the sharp-edged SRX, or some such thing.

The five-seat crossover concept is also intended to convince the public of Cadillac's renewed interest in being a technology leader — a trait that is legitimately part of Cadillac's history. This is why Cadillac chose to unveil the Provoq not at the Detroit show but at the nerd-tastic Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Underneath the crossover bodywork — which may or may not hint at anything, but probably does — is a version of the E-Flex system that General Motors has been plugging into concept cars since its first appearance in the Chevrolet Volt a year ago. In place of the Volt's dirty petroleum-fueled internal combustion lump is a fifth-generation fuel cell stack that GM says is half the size of its predecessor. It's fed hydrogen from two 10,000-psi composite fuel tanks mounted under the cargo floor. A lithium-ion battery pack is mounted under the rear seat. It moves thanks to a 70-kW motor up front and two 40-kW motors tucked in the rear wheel hubs.

This plug-in hybrid can be recharged through the fender-mounted ports that look like the now-ubiquitous fender vents. The Provoq will theoretically go 300 miles on a single fill of hydrogen (13.2 pounds). That would be 280 miles courtesy of the hydrogen and 20 from electricity stored in the battery. These are, of course, concept-car miles, which often have little real bearing to the miles you might know in the real world.

But that's not the point, is it? The point, for Cadillac at least, is to show that high technology is part of what the company is about and that said technology needn't be used only in the automotive equivalent of a hair shirt. And it doesn't have to look like a blob of protoplasm, either. OK then, point taken. The company claims that the theoretical customer of such a vehicle would have to make absolutely no compromises on the inside of the vehicle due to its fuel-cell/hybrid powertrain.

Three things about the Provoq that will wow the masses on the show floor at Detroit:

1. Front grille louvers that open and close. In theory, these would close at highway speeds to improve aerodynamic efficiency and open at low speeds to cool the fuel stack. On the concept, they move because moving parts are fascinating to people in the same way that shiny things are irresistible to bass.
2. The sloping, quasi-coupelike roof line and the subtle little tail fins that we hope will be on the rumored CTS station wagon.
3. Clear, plastic-covered wheels that have the look of regular seven-spoke alloys while maintaining clear airflow across the wheel surface.

What's Edmunds' take?

We like the tail fins. As for the rest of it? We'll see what Cadillac can actually get into production before patting it on the back. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit


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[SDNR]

Very interesting and original

[Merc1]

It is, but the roof gives it away as being related to the Saturn Vue.

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[Merc1]

Bigger pics:







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[Merc1]

A few live shots from the reveal earlier:















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[Bartek Sikorski]

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CADILLAC PROVOQ FUEL CELL CONCEPT DELIVERS CLEAN, PETROLEUM-FREE PERFORMANCE AND SIGNATURE DESIGN

LAS VEGAS – Cadillac unveils a new vision for the future of luxury transportation with the innovative Provoq fuel cell concept – a hydrogen fuel cell crossover vehicle that continues GM’s commitment to displace petroleum through advanced technology.

The Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept is the latest example of GM’s groundbreaking E-Flex propulsion system, combining the new fifth-generation fuel cell system and a lithium-ion battery to produce an electrically driven vehicle that uses no petroleum and has no emission other than water. The concept’s fifth-generation fuel cell technology is half the size of its predecessor, yet it has been developed to produce more power and performance.

“Cadillac is a natural fit for GM’s next step in developing the E-Flex platform,” says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “Cadillac, at its very essence, is about premium luxury, design and technology, so it’s fitting that Cadillac would be propelled by the most elegant solution. This signals Cadillac’s intent to lead the industry with alternative-fuel technology.”

Fuel-cell variant of the E-Flex system

The concept can drive 300 miles (483 km) on a single fill of hydrogen – with 280 miles (450 km) from hydrogen and 20 miles (32 km) on pure, battery electric energy.

A pair of 10,000 psi (700 bar) composite storage tanks beneath the rear cargo floor hold 13.2 pounds (6 kg) of hydrogen to feed the fuel cell stack, located under the hood. There, hydrogen mixes with oxygen to generate electricity – up to 88 kW continuous power. A lithium-ion battery pack can store up to a total of 9kWh of electrical energy and also provides a peak of 60 kW of power for additional performance.

The electricity generated by the fuel cell is distributed to a 70 kW co-axial drive system for the front wheels and individual, 40 kW wheel hub motors on the rear wheels, giving the Cadillac Provoq its all-wheel-drive traction and great driving dynamics. Its 0-60 mph (approximately 100 km/h) speed of 8.5 seconds is a more than 30-percent improvement over the previous-generation fuel cell system and with instantaneous torque to the wheels, it feels even faster. Provoq has a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).

“This is a vision of what comes next – a fuel cell electric vehicle that delivers the driving characteristics Cadillac customers want and allowing them to do it without using a single drop of petroleum, while emitting only water vapor,” said Larry Burns, GM vice president for research and development. “This is proof that alternate fuels and advanced technologies create even greater opportunities to satisfy the luxury buyer.”

Key features

With sleek, signature Cadillac bodywork, the Provoq concept redefines luxury crossovers, offering uncompromising passenger and cargo space to match its performance and cruising range. Additional vehicle features include:

• Solar panel integrated in the roof to help power onboard accessories, such as the interior lights, audio system and more

• Brake-by-wire technology

• Front grille louvers that close at highway speed to enhance aerodynamics, and open at low speed to provide maximum cooling to the fuel cell stack

Purposefully dynamic design

The Provoq has a sleek, athletic shape that builds on the second generation of Cadillac’s design renaissance, led by the 2008 CTS, with dynamic and purposeful features that support the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and contribute to the vehicle’s overall efficiency.

“All the people- and cargo-carrying capability customers expect in crossovers and SUVs is available in the Provoq, along with the premium attributes expected in a Cadillac,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design.

Highlights include:

• Active front grille, with grille louvers that open when the fuel cell stack requires cooling

• Full underbody aerodynamic cover

• Left- and right-hand charging ports incorporated in stylish front fender vents

• Flush door handles that feature push-to-release operation

• Wind tunnel-shaped outside mirrors with integral turn signals

• Center high-mounted rear stop lamp incorporated into full-width, wraparound spoiler

• Signature vertical taillamps with subtle fin design

• Side glass mounted flush with pillars

• Wheels with clear-covered space between the spokes, creating a sleeker profile while maintaining Cadillac’s signature bold wheel design

• Low-drag roof rack

“From the strong, shield grille and vertical headlamps to the crisp body lines, the Provoq is instantly recognizable as a contemporary Cadillac,” said Hoon Kim, exterior lead designer. “Like the new CTS, it is bold and expressive, but there is enhanced shape between the edges – it’s a new proportion for crossovers, with a fast, almost coupe-like rear.

“Everything about the vehicle reinforces the notion that great style and environmentally conscious transportation can go hand in hand,” said Kim. “We didn’t sacrifice proportion, stance or Cadillac’s iconic design cues; we used them to support the efficiency of the vehicle.

“They are the features customers expect,” he said. “The adaptability of the E-Flex architecture enabled the designers to create a great-looking vehicle, regardless of its alternative-fuel powertrain.”

Kim points to the fender-mounted charge ports as prime example. They allow overnight, plug-in charging that extends the driving range. The ports have a satin-chrome appearance that incorporates an amber light to indicate the system is charging and a green light to indicate when charging is completed.

“The ports are functional, but rather than hide them, they are design elements of the Provoq,” he said. “Sweeping body lines that culminate at the top and bottom edges of the ports suggest forward thrust, even when the vehicle is stationary.”

The vertical, neon-lit taillamps blend style with functionality, too, as their finned shape was designed to make the Provoq as aerodynamically efficient as possible.

Indeed, the Provoq has short overhangs and a sporty ride height that is complemented by large, 21-inch wheels.

The wheels are wrapped in custom Michelin tires incorporating Green-X technology. These low-rolling resistance tires feature a tread pattern that mimics the “H20” notation for water.

The tire designers and engineers at Michelin North America enthusiastically accepted GM’s challenge to create a custom low-rolling resistance tire to complement the energy efficiency and reduced environmental footprint of the Cadillac Provoq. During the past 15 years, the tire maker has developed four generations of Michelin green energy-saving tires, and the team’s no-compromises approach to the project helped reduce the Provoq’s overall fuel consumption without sacrificing road performance, grip and safety.

When used in conjunction with the other energy-efficient solutions featured on the Cadillac Provoq, the benefits of Michelin green energy-saving tires include:

• A reduction in the consumer’s overall cost of ownership

• An extended vehicle range through a more efficient use of on-board energy and its storage capacity

• A reduction of vehicle impact on the environment through lower CO2 and particulate emissions.

Uncompromising interior

Like the exterior, the Provoq’s interior blends style with function. It seats five and incorporates the comfort, convenience and infotainment features Cadillac customers seek. Most importantly, the fuel cell powertrain does not intrude on passenger or cargo room.

The hydrogen fuel tanks are mounted beneath the cargo floor, with the storage batteries located at the center of the chassis. The fuel cell stack is located under the hood, giving the Provoq the interior layout of a conventional crossover – including a full cargo area and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.

“The interior is roomy, well-equipped and offers the space people want in a crossover,” said Matt Erdey, interior lead designer. “There are no compromises inside the Provoq to accommodate the fuel cell powertrain and fuel tanks – a factor that proves the technology and real-world feasibility are growing closer together.”

There may not be compromising reminders of the powertrain in the interior, but the Provoq carries the instantly identifiable hallmarks of a contemporary Cadillac interior, with an expressive, well-crafted design.

“It picks up the cues, refinement and attention to detail of the new CTS and takes them to the next level,” said Erdey. “A contrasting color scheme, extensive use of ambient lighting technology and elements such as cut-and-sewn, hand-wrapped leather with French seams are elements seen in current Cadillac models, but they are amplified in the Provoq. “

The interior has a contrasting, dark gray and light gray color scheme, with chrome and satin-chrome accents throughout. Ambient lighting extends across the instrument panel and into the door panels, as well as the foot wells, sills and under the seats.

A unique instrument cluster with large, reconfigurable LCD displays offers a multitude of vehicle information readouts, including fuel cell information and vehicle performance. Like the CTS, the Provoq has a prominent center stack that houses the audio and climate systems, as well as a navigation system that rises out of the top of the instrument panel. Also like the CTS, there is an integrated hard drive that stores navigation maps, thousands of songs and more.

Between the front bucket seats is a large center console with a fully enclosed storage compartment that is home to ports for USB-connected devices and other electronics. The console also has a cell phone holder with built-in Bluetooth and inductive charging. The compact shifting mechanism on the console uses shift-by-wire technology to engage the gears, resulting in more storage space within the console.

A variety of recycled and recyclable materials were used, as well. Highlights include:

• The headliner is wrapped in a fully recyclable soy-based material

• The carpet is made of recycled polyester and jute

• Leather used to cover the seats and instrumental panel is free of harmful chemicals

• Xorel material used on the door panels and instrument panel; treated to perform as a carbon-fiber-type material

• Chrome trim made with less-harmful materials

The earth-friendly interior components blend seamlessly with the more conventional materials inside the Provoq, enhancing the vehicle’s integrated, customer-focused environment. The same goes for the cargo area, which features an auxiliary power outlet and a load floor that is level with the hatch opening.

“The integration of the features and technology is remarkable,” said Erdey. “If you didn’t know there was a hydrogen fuel cell stack under the hood, you’d never know it was anything but a roomy, functional crossover.”

SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle type: four-door crossover

Wheelbase (in / mm): 114.4 / 2906

Length (in / mm): 180.3 / 4580

Width (in / mm): 72.8 / 1850

Height (in / mm): 67 / 1703

Track (in / mm): 64.5 / 1639 (front and rear)

Powertrain 88 kW fuel cell w/ co-axial electric front drive; independent rear wheel motors

Suspension: four-wheel independent; MacPherson-strut (front), multi-link (rear)

Brakes: four-wheel disc; brake-by-wire; regenerative electric

Wheels: 21-inch x 6.5-inch aluminum

Tires: 205/60R21 Michelin Green X energy-saving

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