(Cadillac images)
The production debut of the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ "illuminates the brand’s future and resets the fundamental notions of luxury motoring," according to Cadillac PR minions, and "is the culmination of a century of innovation and the beginning of a great new era." Since testing of Cadillac’s inaugural luxury SUV is running ahead of schedule, the brand announced that customers may place order reservations beginning in September 2021, with initial availability starting the first half of 2022. “Throughout the next decade, Cadillac will define the future of luxury transportation through a series of exciting new electric vehicles, and it all begins with LYRIQ,” said Rory Harvey, vice president, Global Cadillac. “The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ’s stunning design and artfully integrated technology combined with GM’s Ultium Platform will deliver a high-performance luxury experience unlike anything that has come before it, setting a new standard for Cadillac.”
At launch, LYRIQ will have a 12-module, 100 kilowatt-hour battery pack and a rear-wheel-drive Ultium Platform delivering a Cadillac-estimated 340HP and 440 Nm of torque; with a Cadillac-estimated over 300 miles of range with a full charge. LYRIQ also offers high-speed DC fast charging for public stations at 190 kW, enabling customers to add an estimated 76 miles of range in about 10 minutes of charging time. For home charging, LYRIQ offers a segment-leading 19.2 kW charging module, which can add up to 52 miles of range per hour of charge. LYRIQ will also feature next-generation variable Regen on Demand technology, along with the convenience of One-Pedal Driving. With Cadillac’s new variable Regen on Demand, drivers can control how quickly LYRIQ slows down or comes to a complete stop using a pressure-sensitive paddle located on the steering wheel. Both technologies make use of regenerative braking to help maximize electric driving efficiency.
The interior is clean and simple with a focus on secondary and tertiary design elements, including intricate laser etched patterns through wood over metal decor, which has never been done before. The large, curved LED screen is the centerpiece. Additional 2023 LYRIQ highlights include: Available Super Cruise, the industry’s first true hands-free driver-assistance technology for compatible roads; A 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display with the ability to emit over 1 billion colors; Cadillac’s next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system; Slim-line LED headlamps with choreographed lighting sequence; AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system with headrest speakers; KeyPass digital vehicle access; Dual level charge cord and standard 20-inch split six-spoke alloy wheels or optional 22-inch dynamic split-spoke Reverse Rim alloy wheels.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the LYRIQ is its distinctive black crystal grille. “We wanted to give the vehicle a face, making sure it looks distinctly Cadillac,” said Smith. The signature vertical lighting is emphasized through lighting choreography. The exterior lighting is a major technological breakthrough, allowing Cadillac to deliver on the promise of truly vertical lamps, an industry first. Customers will be able to select from Satin Steel Metallic or Stellar Black Metallic exterior colors, and Sky Cool Gray or Noir for the interior. “LYRIQ represents a clean-sheet design that sets the standard for the future of Cadillac,” said Andrew Smith, executive director of Cadillac Design. “The objective I gave my team was to design the LYRIQ with the level of detail that they would a show car. The customer should feel like they’re driving in the future.”
The detailed exterior lighting on the new LYRIQ is one of its most impressive features.
The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ is expected to go into production in the first quarter of 2022, with pricing starting at $59,990. It will be produced at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly facility, which is receiving a $2 billion investment to facilitate electric vehicle production. GM is investing an additional $2.3 billion in an all-new battery cell manufacturing plant at Spring Hill, by Ultium Cells LLC, the joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution. New advertising featuring the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ debuts April 25, during the Oscars broadcast.
(Audi)
If you want a look at the all-new 2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT, it will make its U.S. debut on Sunday, April 25, in Malibu, California, at the Cars and Coffee gathering near the Malibu Kitchen, 3900 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, California, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT. In case you've forgotten, the E-Tron GT is Audi's rendition of the Porsche Taycan. It produces 469HP, or up to 522HP with overboost for 2.5 seconds with launch control, and 464 lb-ft of torque (472 lb-ft with overboost). This E-Tron GT can repeatedly accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds on the way to a top track speed of 152 mph. The RS E-Tron GT produces a net 590HP and up to 637HP with overboost. Total system torque is 612 lb-ft. The RS E-Tron GT can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and has a 155 mph top track speed. Those acceleration numbers are on par with the V10-powered Audi R8 supercar, all while generating zero direct emissions. Like the Taycan, the E-Tron GT is equipped with an 800-volt electrical architecture as standard, giving it the ability to charge at an industry-benchmark 270 kW using public DC fast-chargers. That means it is able to replenish its battery from 5-80% in about 22.5 minutes – among the quickest charging rates currently available on any EV. Preliminary manufacturer’s estimated ranges based on an approximation of EPA test cycles for a full charge are 238 miles for the E-Tron GT and 232 miles for the RS E-Tron GT. Those numbers are not all that great, especially if you like to put your foot in it. So, beware. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Also, anticipating being asked for the thousandth time, we don't adhere to Audi's lower case nomenclature. Why? Because we find it tedious and stupid. -PMD
(Audi images)
The EV onslaught continues. Audi will be unveiling the four-door Audi A6 E-Tron concept at the Auto Shanghai 2021 show. The concept relies exclusively on electric power and is based on the company's future PPE ("Platinum Platform Electric") platform. Audi says that this machine represents an entirely new design concept for the A6, with the only thing in common with the current A6 being its dimensions. When will it come here? 2022, Audi says, although we doubt that timeline.
(Mercedes-Benz images)
The EQS is the first all-electric luxury sedan from Mercedes-EQ. With it, "Mercedes-EQ is redefining this vehicle segment," according to Mercedes PR minions. Yes, of course they would say that. The EQS is also the first model to be based on the modular architecture for luxury and executive-class electric vehicles from Mercedes. The first models being introduced to the U.S. market will be the EQS 450+ with 329HP and the EQS 580 4MATIC with 516HP. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The media package for this vehicle is so long that we didn't bother reading even a fraction of it. Suffice to say, many promises, boasts and superlatives were thrown around in the press materials in true Mercedes-Benz fashion. What the U.S. driving range will be is unknown at this point (the European figure of a 770 km range is irrelevant), and what it will cost and when it will arrive here are purely speculative as well. Also, the thing looks flat-out uninspiring, as in, really? That's all you got? As I've said repeatedly, design will be the Ultimate Initial Product Differentiator going forward in this New EV Age. The manufacturers who understand that are going to succeed; the ones who just phone it in are going to get lost in the shuffle. I hope this new Mercedes EV looks better in the flesh, but for the time being, let's just say it's a giant "we'll see." -PMD
The story of famous Italian designer Sergio Scaglietti is to be told at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire in July when twelve Ferraris will go on display at the Auto Royale Concours. Event Director Paul Mathers said: “When one thinks of Italian coachbuilders, many iconic names come to mind. But when one considers Italy’s most collectable marque, one carrozzeria trumps them all. The son of a carpenter, Sergio Scaglietti founded his eponymous design and coachbuilding company in Modena in 1951, and its location across the road from Ferrari, combined with Sergio’s accomplished bodywork and design skills was destined to bring him and Enzo together for some of the finest automotive collaborations of the last century." He added: “In this year’s 70th anniversary, Auto Royale is proud to bring together not one but two classes to celebrate the work of Scaglietti as both a designer and coachbuilder in this year’s British International Concours d’Elegance.” “Starting out as a body shop, and having caught the eye of Ferrari, Scaglietti soon began building Ferrari coachwork to Pininfarina designs. However because his own designs were both lightweight and aerodynamic, Scaglietti was soon given the job of both design and construction, particularly of Ferrari’s race cars," Mathers continued. Highlights of the Scaglietti road class include one of the most storied examples to emerge from Maranello: The 250 GT SWB (above) is a prized addition to any world-class collection, this example being one of only fourteen right-hand drive versions built, and one of only two originally delivered to the USA. Representing the V12 racers, chassis #0606 (below) has had an intriguing life. Starting out as a Works-entered 290MM during the 1956 season, it endured three years of racing and testing before having its engine replaced and being sold to Brazil as a “new” 250 Testa Rossa. “Stories abound in these special classes," Paul said. "Enzo once said that ‘Scaglietti wasn’t a man who relied on pencil and paper to create his magnificent designs: He worked like a sculptor, fashioning their forms in aluminium.' It’s been widely told that he never designed a body before seeing its chassis, allowing the design to drape organically over the car’s mechanicals. So what we are seeing in these two classes is not just the work of a designer, but of an artist.” In all, six race cars and six road cars will tell the story of Sergio Scaglietti on the lawns of Waddesdon Manor this July, and with some key showstoppers still to be announced, this will be an event that no Ferrarista will want to miss. Tickets are now on sale at www.autoroyale.org.
AE Song of the Week:
Way back when in sixty seven
I was the dandy of Gamma Chi
Sweet things from Boston
So young and willing
Moved down to Scarsdale
And where the hell am I
Hey nineteen
No we can't dance together
No we can't talk at all
Please take me along
When you slide on down
Hey nineteen
That's 'Retha Franklin
She don't remember the Queen of Soul
It's hard times befallen
The sole survivors
She thinks I'm crazy
But I'm just growing old
Hey nineteen
No we got nothing in common
No we can't talk at all
Please take me along
When you slide on down
Nice
Sure looks good
Mmm mmm mmm
Skate a little roller now
The Cuervo Gold
The fine Colombian
Make tonight a wonderful thing
Say it again
The Cuervo Gold
The fine Colombian
Make tonight a wonderful thing
The Cuervo Gold
The fine Colombian
Make tonight a wonderful thing
No we can't dance together
No we can't talk at all
"Hey Nineteen" by Steely Dan, from the album "Gaucho" (1980).* Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker; Publisher: Wixen Music Publishing; Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Official Music Video here.
*In this song, an older man is seducing a 19-year-old girl (or trying to, duh). He's a bit conflicted, as her inexperience frustrates him when she doesn't even remember Aretha Franklin. However, on this particular night and with the help of some Cuervo Gold tequila, everything is wonderful. Steely Dan used a variety of musicians on their albums. On this track, Hugh McCracken played guitar, Rick Marotta was on drums, and Victor Feldman and Steve Gadd added percussion. Walter Becker also added guitar, and Donald Fagen played the Fender Rhodes electric piano and the synthesizer. Roger Nichols, who was one of the engineers on the Gaucho sessions, fashioned a drum machine they used on this track. Dubbed "Wendel," it was one of the first of its kind, and it allowed them to record Rick Marotta's drum parts and play them back with perfect precision. The LM-1, which was the first programmable drum machine sold to the public that sampled real instruments, was introduced in 1980, the year Gaucho was released, so many assumed that's what Steely Dan used. They didn't, but there was a connection. Roger Linn, who created the LM-1, told Songfacts: "By coincidence, Roger and I had both bought our first computers in around 1975 at a place called Computer Power and Light in Studio City, an area of Los Angeles. Wendel used that same computer and a early but high-quality digital audio interface, running a program he had written to enter simple looping beats on the screen. A very creative and talented guy." (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)