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This car was actually unveiled last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but GM unveiled it again this morning for the Detroit show. Ostensibly a concept showcasing the first use of GM’s E-Flex system in a Cadillac, it is also Cadillac’s new small SUV that will take on the likes of the Land Rover Freelander and BMW X3.
Underneath sits a chassis shared with the Saab 9-4X concept, a mix of GM’s Theta (used in the Vauxhall Antara) and Epsilon platforms (which underpins the Vectra). The production vehicle will be indistinguishable from the concept – a close look at the car shows a production ready interior similar to the CTS saloons and built to a very high standard.
But it’s what powers the Provoq that’s really significant. It uses another variant of GM’s E-Flex alternative fuel system, with a fuel cell providing most of the propulsion with battery back-up. It has a range of 280 miles on a tank of hydrogen, and the batteries add another 20 miles to that.
At the unveiling, Cadillac boss Jim Taylor hinted that his brand would use E-Flex, saying that it fitted with the marque’s history of innovation and use of new technology. So it’s likely the production Provoq will eventually be available with an E-flex option, although it’s unlikely to before 2010, when the Chevrolet Volt is launched.
Dan Stevens
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