Closer to reality, GM has teased more details about its Celestiq uber-luxury EV, which has been floating around the pipes for several years at this point. The vehicle will be packed with the technology, including a ‘four quadrant’ smart glass roof that can be customized according to the needs of the person under each seat. If the driver wants an opaque tint, but the person riding the shotgun can look up through clear glass. In addition, the vehicle will have a “pillar to pillar” screen that runs across the width of the car, and adjustable environmental controls.
Cadillac also had some details on the upcoming (and very genuine) Lyriq sport utility vehicle that was properly launched last summer. It is now said that the cabin uses Unreal Engine, both for its graphical version in the car, but also for the enhanced display. And the company has confirmed that the Lyriq will also be packing standard Super Cruise driver assistance.
Lyriq is also the first GM vehicle to use its “Ultium” battery system, which scales between the 50-200kW battery sizes, and will also be used inside the Hummer EV, as well as the first GM electric pickup. GM says its batteries use 70 percent less cobalt, making it cheaper and better for the environment. The Lyriq itself has a 100 kW battery and a quoted range of about 300 miles, as well as its giant 33-inch hyper-screen.
Not everyone within GM’s network of dealers is so excited about the arrival of Cadillac’s journey to electrification. In December 2020, a report claimed that 150 GM dealers would sell Cadillac vehicles and accept a buyout rather than build the necessary equipment to operate cars. In part, this is because retailers’ owners are not sure if EVs are the future, or if it justifies the costly upgrade of their facilities. Others may be keen on their future income, given how few maintenance vehicles it compares to gasoline-powered vehicles. And of course, some of it can only be a poorly informed rejection of the need to reduce carbon emissions or face a climate catastrophe.