| New Concept Preview | 2008 Detroit Auto Show | Cadillac Provoq |
Green cars will be a big part of
Detroit's line-up next week and suitably, GM-owned Cadillac has taken the wraps of its Provoq crossover hybrid, set for full public display on January 13. Taking obvious design cues from the
CTS saloon, the concept is already tipped to make it to production in 2009 largely unchanged from its current form under the new name BRX. But where the question mark hangs at the moment is over its choice of propulsion.
The concept features GM's 'E-Flex' hybrid powertrain consisting of a hydrogen fuel cell and lithium-ion battery pack, sending power to both the front axle via a 70kW motor and the rear axle through two 40kW motors situated, one in each rear wheel hub - meaning the Provoq is four-wheel drive. Overall power is 118bhp plus another 80bhp from the rechargeable battery pack. Cadillac claims a steady 8.5 second dash from 0-60mph and an equally sedate 100mph top speed.
But to mull over such uninspiring figures is to miss the point of the Provoq. Crucially, Cadillac also happens to claim the concept is good for 300 miles between hydrogen fill ups, 20 miles of which is on electricity alone. What's more, because it runs on hydrogen, the only engine emission is water.
So despite running on 21-inch rims and looking anything but eco-friendly, the Provoq is a truly 'green' SUV. Its tyres are made by Michelin, specifically designed to have a low-rolling resistance, whilst the interior uses a soy-based material for the roof lining and recyclable polyester and jute for other trimmings. On the outside, the concept also features solar panels that supply power for the interior lighting and audio system, helping to save electricity, further extending the range.
Kyle Molyneux - 11 Jan 2008