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Bob Lutz hints at Cadillac plug-in hybrid

 
6 2,320 views Dec 18, 2008

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Bub Lutz has revealed that Cadillac plans to unveil a “dramatic” environmental statement soon

Bub Lutz has revealed that Cadillac plans to unveil a “dramatic” environmental statement soon

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The higher-ups at General Motors have been dropping hints that the Cadillac brand may get its own plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the Chevrolet Volt for some time now, but now rumors are emerging that Cadillac may in fact be the first brand (other than Chevrolet) to get the Volt's technology, contradicting earlier reports that Pontiac would likely be the first recipient.

Recent statements from GM seemed to suggest that Pontiac was under consideration for sale, or that its model range would be severely reduced to around 1-3 vehicles. Additionally, selling a Cadillac variant of the Chevrolet Volt makes greater economic sense due to Cadillac's luxury image and the associated high costs of the Volt's hybrid technology. This means that Cadillac customers would be more willing to absorb the expense of the technology as a part of the vehicle’s luxury appeal.

GM's vice-chairman Bob Lutz earlier stated an electric-powered Cadillac was "definitely" a possibility, and that he was expecting the brand to unveil "some kind of dramatic environmental statement" soon. Additionally, AutoWeek reports that Lutz also commented that the Volt technology would work well with a small or medium-sized crossover, which fits the bill for Cadillac's upcoming SRX vehicle.

This would tie in with earlier reports from GM insiders, who stated that the plug-in hybrid for Cadillac is in fact under development, along with other Opel plug-in models and even a possible plug-in hybrid SUV for the Chevrolet brand. A 2009 release is unlikely for an electric Cadillac, however, going on earlier comments from Cadillac general manager Jim Taylor who predicted a date closer to the 2011 or 2012 model years.
2011 Chevrolet Volt Production model
2010 Cadillac SRX Sneak Preview

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 chevrolet volt live paris 010

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 cadillac srx sneak preview motorauthority 003




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Comments (6)

  1. ma_Chris avatar Chris Posted: 12/19/2008 6:17am PST

    luxury version of a common platform = huge profit margin.

    put a dress on a pig and you can sell that pig for much more than the value of the two.

    not to mention that it will slaughter the market of the prius: more affluent people who "want to make a difference".. now they'll be able to make a difference in style and luxury? yes please.
     
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  2. ma_iluvamericancarz avatar iluvamericancarz Posted: 12/19/2008 9:34am PST

    hey id buy it, if i could afford it. yeah, now celebs with green images dont have to drive a prius, which only dorks and old people drive and they will be even more green buy using electricity instead of gasoline, beat that prius.
     
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  3. ma_dpc avatar dpc Posted: 12/19/2008 4:42pm PST

    Why don't they put the plug-in technology in the car they sell the most..The Chevy Impala and the Monte Carlo. I should run this company.

    The Chevy Impala is in a close second to Honda and only a few thousand to the Toyota Camry. If I see this, don't they. Please.
     
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  4. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 12/20/2008 6:27am PST

    dpc, uhh the Monte Carlo has been dead for a couple years, and the Impala is probably a bit heavy to use as an electric vehicle until the technology(batteries) improve. If they make this in an attractive package(Cadillac design's been great recently), I might even buy one. I just hope it has a unique design and is not just a rebadged Volt with a Cad front end grafted on.
     
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  5. ma_dpc avatar dpc Posted: 12/22/2008 5:55pm PST

    Mike, you are right But isn't the Impala just a 4dr "Monte Carlo". Anyway, i did a little checking and yes the weight would be a problem but aren't they in the business of figuring this stuff out like i said before.

    I own two Cadillac's (Escalade,STS) they have done a great job. I just want them to be smart on the rest of the GM line. Can't the guys/gals who work on the Caddys get involved on the rest of the products, maybe.

    dpc
     
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  6. ma_Jezza P avatar Jezza P Posted: 12/23/2008 12:47am PST

    This is just what Cadillac needs to show the world that it's a brand for the future. They've already got the mid-size sedan worked out and their designs are great.
     
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