General Motors has begun its shift to all-electric vehicles — yes, you read that correctly — with the unveiling of the Cadillac Lyriq.
Though perhaps widely overlooked, GM announced in 2019 its electrified future and then underscored the move earlier this year with the announcement of its new Ultium batteries, being developed with LG Chem and produced in Lordstown, Ohio.
Now, Cadillac has unveiled the show-car prototype for Lyriq, an electric crossover vehicle that launches the historic brand’s electric portfolio
“The propulsion system and supporting technologies position Cadillac to be a leader in electrification, connectivity and automated driving, all delivered with thrilling performance and a new threshold in technology integration,” Cadillac said.
“Led by Lyriq, Cadillac will redefine American luxury over the next decade with a new portfolio of transformative EVs,” added Steve Carlisle, GM North America executive vice president and president. “We will deliver experiences that engage the senses, anticipate desires and enable our customers to go on extraordinary journeys.”
GM said Lyriq will be based on the company’s next-generation modular electric vehicle platform and will offer more than 300 miles of range between recharges.
It also revealed that Lyriq will offer rear- and all-wheel drive and will introduce Super Cruise, a “hands-free driver assistance feature” that it says will function on more than 200,000 miles of “enabled roads.”
Among Lyriq’s features will be 33-inch LED screen across the dashboard.
Lyriq also will introduce a new design theme for Cadillac.
“The Lyriq represents the next iteration of the iconic brand’s styling, enabled by electrification, as only Cadillac can express,” said Andrew Smith, Cadillac’s executive director of global design.
Among the features of the show car are a “black crystal” grille with distinct front lighting and a split rear lamp design with high- and low-mounted tail lights “integrated into the lighting choreography.”
And Lyriq is just the start. Motor Authority reports that GM has registered the names Cadillac Optiq and Cadillac Symboliq with the U.S. and European patent and trademark offices. It also notes that Lyriq production will begin in 2022.
