OCTOBER 19, 2022
Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 08:58AM 
The most technologically advanced Cadillac ever built is designed "to be the world’s first all-electric ultra-luxury sedan utilizing innovative technology in the service of personalized, handcrafted artistry," according to Cadillac PR minions. The Cadillac CELESTIQ is a handcrafted, all-electric, ultra-luxury flagship that aims to reestablish the iconic brand as the Standard of the World, while serving as the flagship for the brand’s electric future. The CELESTIQ story is built on legacy, with its design, cutting-edge technology and personalized luxury rooted in Cadillac’s history of building handcrafted, iconic vehicles such as the 1933 V16 Aerodynamic Coupe and the 1957 Eldorado Brougham. (Watch the video here, with Lenny Kravitz.) Each CELESTIQ is personally commissioned — no two will be alike. Clients will work directly with their selected dealer and Cadillac designers to realize their unique vision for the car, with unprecedented levels of personalization tailored to reflect the owner’s tastes.
CELESTIQ is powered by GM's Ultium Platform. This dedicated EV propulsion architecture combines a 111-kWh battery pack and a two-motor, all-wheel-drive propulsion system to offer a GM-estimated 600HP and 640 lb-ft of torque — and a GM-estimated driving range of 300 miles (483 km) on a full charge. Unique among Ultium-based EVs are CELESTIQ’s 11.59:1 front and 11.63:1 rear gear ratios, which were specially calibrated to optimize range and performance. In addition to the impressive horsepower and torque, the vehicle is also projected to deliver one of the quickest 0-60-mph accelerations in the segment (3.8 seconds). The Ultium Platform also serves as a structural element of the vehicle, contributing to its overall strength and feeling of solidity, in addition to its performance. The underbody includes six large precision sand-cast aluminum components. Each casting reduces part count by 30 to 40 components, compared to typical stamped construction. The benefits being more efficient use of space, simplicity and improved structural rigidity. Of note: 115 3D printed parts are in the production vehicle, GM’s broadest use of this process.
The CELESTIQ ride and handling experience will offer the ultimate in ride refinement without sacrifices – the best of both worlds. A suite of advanced automotive technologies includes: Adaptive Air Suspension; Active Rear Steering; Magnetic Ride Control 4.0; Advanced AWD; Active Roll Control; Active Rear Spoiler; Ride-focused tires, available 23-inch forged aluminum wheels with 23-inch summer-only Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires; Electric Power Steering; and 5-link front and rear suspension.
"CELESTIQ is the purest expression of Cadillac’s legacy of design excellence,” said Erin Crossley, design director, CELESTIQ. “It revives the spirit of handcrafted coaches in a vehicle that is both an artistic tour de force and a peerless sensory experience.” Every metal surface seen on the exterior of the vehicle is real metal — including an aluminum grille, brushed aluminum bodyside, aluminum eTrunk™ lining, rocker, taillamp and headlamp trim, and brushed metal liftgate body openings. The aluminum grille and Goddess in the fender is milled into cast aluminum, then the piece is machine-polished, brushed and tinted. The Goddess trim also features a unique crystal element to house premium LED lighting elements. The CELESTIQ silhouette features several innovative technologies, including a Fixed Smart Glass Roof. In an industry-first feature, Suspended Particle Device Technology, multi-color ambient lighting, and lighting choreography create a unique interplay between the exterior and the amount of light allowed into the cabin through the four-zone Fixed Smart Glass Roof.
The craftsmanship in the Celestiq interior is evident through the use of authentic materials and indulgent details. The client-selected hand-wrapped materials, immersive interior lighting and embellishments embody Cadillac’s vision for exclusivity and customization. The interior lighting is fundamental to CELESTIQ, featuring more than 450 distinct LEDs, delivering an immersive sensory experience. Clients can personalize their color selections for each interior lighting zone or let CELESTIQ curate the lighting combinations to harmonize throughout the cabin. In addition, CELESTIQ includes 18 different lighting animations which showcase the interior’s lighting capabilities where the choreography of light enhances the mood. Other stuff? Hand-Finished Metalwork; Hand-Wrapped Leather; Personalized colors, materials and finishes. The centerpiece of the interior and the CELESTIQ technology interface is a pillar-to-pillar, 55-inch-diagonal advanced HD display, one of five high-definition displays in the vehicle, including a front console mounted 11-inch-diagonal touchscreen Front Command Center and a rear console mounted 8-inch-diagonal touchscreen Rear Command Center, which allow clients to control many features within the vehicle such as the seating positions, cabin temperature, door opening and closing, tinting the all-glass roof panel and more. Rear passengers have their own 12.6-inch-diagonal advanced displays in front of them, mounted on the front seatbacks. A crystal multi-functional controller directs the primary screen and is the crown jewel of the front center console, offering intuitive control of the infotainment system and other features. The detailed dial is composed of fine metal and glass, and it houses the Cadillac Goddess emblem.
CELESTIQ offers 41-speakers, including three exterior speakers. In the cabin, a 38-speaker AKG Studio Reference Audio System custom tuned by professional audio engineers utilizes three separate amplifiers powering 30 channels for complete audio immersion. The system features technologies such as 3D Surround, Vehicle Noise Compensation, Conversation Enhancement, Phone Zones, and more. The CELESTIQ sound experience will be further elevated through Electric Vehicle Sound Enhancement technology, which balances and blends the propulsion system’s sound. Additionally, CELESTIQ introduces a Cadillac-first Vehicle Exterior Sound System, which provides Cadillac curated propulsion sounds while driving.
An unprecedented, sophisticated artisan manufacturing process means that every CELESTIQ will be constructed at the General Motors Global Technical Center, in Warren, Michigan. It will be the first production vehicle ever produced at the company’s 66-year-old landmark design and engineering campus, with $81 million invested to support it. The CELESTIQ manufacturing area is a high-security “clean room”-type environment known as the Artisan Center, with access granted only to the artisans involved with construction. No more than six vehicles will be assembled at any time, ensuring the many layers of attention and quality control are painstakingly executed.
CELESTIQ is expected to go into production in December 2023, with an expected MSRP to begin north of $300,000 and increase based on level of personalization. CELESTIQ availability is by waitlist only. Visit www.cadillac.com for more information.
Rolls-Royce PR minions are calling the Spectre "more than a motor car. It is a statement of intent and a symbol of a bright, bold future as Rolls-Royce progresses into an all-electric era." This commitment to an all-electric powertrain "will only enhance the Rolls-Royce experience – instant torque, silent running and the sense of one imperceptible gear have defined the characteristics of an extraordinary canon of products dating back to the very first Rolls-Royce, the 1904 10 H.P.," according to the manufacturer. With Spectre, Rolls-Royce designers have "captured a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic that significantly progresses the brand’s iconography as it embarks on its electric age," Rolls-Royce PR minions continued. Its craftspeople have created a suite of contemporary prêt-à-porter personalization possibilities, including Starlight Doors and Illuminated Fascia, inspiring clients to realize their own Bespoke visions. The Spectre will be built on the all-aluminum Rolls-Royce Architecture of Luxury. First customer cars will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2023, and Spectre pricing will be positioned between Cullinan and Phantom.
The latest from the "Unobtanium" File: Lotus has unveiled a seriously limited edition (count 'em - eight total) of its Evija hypercar, the Evija Fittipaldi, the manufacturer's tribute to the great Brazilian F1 World Champion. Emerson Fittipaldi joined Lotus in 1970 and became a legend driving the now-iconic Lotus Type 72. In 1972, Emmo won five of that season’s 11 races, securing the Drivers’ Championship for himself and the Constructors’ Championship for Team Lotus. Exactly 50 years on, just eight examples of the all-electric two-seater are being handbuilt at Hethel in Norfolk, UK – the global HQ of Lotus sports car design and manufacturing – and all are sold. Customer deliveries will begin early next year. The Lotus Evija Fittipaldi is presented in the now world-famous black and gold color scheme from the Lotus Type 72. The hand-painted exterior and numerous other unique design features have been created to commemorate this historical collaboration. They include a hand-tinted plan view of the Type 72 etched into the exposed carbon fiber roof, and Fittipaldi’s signature hand-stitched into the dashboard. More? The rotary dial on the floating central instrument panel has been hand-crafted from recycled original Type 72 aluminum, ensuring a genuine piece of the iconic F1 racer is part of each Evija Fittipaldi. The unique paint finish includes its designation written on the body work in gold lettering to the side of the rear window. Complementing it are black and gold ‘Type 72’ wheels, complete with anodized center lock surrounds – red on the left side of the car and green on the right – as well as black and gold brake calipers. Decals celebrating the Type 72’s race victories from the 1972 season are presented on the active rear wing, while a number 8 has been applied to the B-pillar. Fittipaldi raced with that number on his car during the 1972 season, including for his win at the British Grand Prix. A carbon and gold Lotus nose badge completes the exterior styling. Inside, the black leather interior with gold contrast stitching can be found throughout the cabin, along with exclusive roof liner stitching, plus gold finishes to the air vent surrounds, center rotary dial, start/stop button and pedals. Just a reminder, the technical specifications of the Lotus Evija Fittipaldi make it the most powerful production car in the world - according to Lotus - with more than 2,000 PS and more than 1,700Nm of torque. According to Lotus, the Evija Fittipaldi goes 0-62 mph in under three seconds, and 0-186 mph takes nine seconds from a standing start. The limited maximum speed is 217 mph (350 km/h). The work of a team led by Lotus Design Director Russell Carr, the Evija features a huge Venturi tunnel through each rear quarter. This ‘porosity’ means optimized airflow, with air channeled not just over, under and around the Evija but through it, maximizing downforce while minimizing drag. Its front splitter aids grip while channeling cooling air to the battery pack, E-motors and brakes, and active aero features such as a Formula 1-style DRS (Drag Reduction System) are also part of the package. The driving dynamics were overseen by the team of Gavan Kershaw, the world-renowned Vehicle Attributes Director for Lotus. The Evija is the first Lotus road car to feature a one-piece carbon fiber monocoque chassis. The Lotus Evija may be helping to usher in a new era of pure electric performance, but the Lotus Type 72 remains the most successful racing car not just of its day, but in F1 history. In 2019 Autosport magazine named it the greatest ever F1 car. A revelation both on the drawing board and on the track, the Type 72 was the first racing car to incorporate aerodynamics as part of its initial design. The integrated rear wing and front splitter were designed specifically to allow the car to slice through the air while also creating vital downforce. The Type 72’s air intake was relocated above the driver’s head, ensuring undisturbed and clean air could be sucked straight into the engine, while its radiators were placed in the sidepods of the car rather than the nose. This not only increased cooling efficiency but improved weight distribution – and therefore performance – in the process. The same approach was also taken for the brakes, mounting them inboard rather than on each wheel to aid cooling as the tops of the discs protruded through the bodywork. The Type 72 was the first of what became the traditional “wedge on wheels” designs that soon inspired every other competitor on the grid.
(Chevrolet images)No, ICE vehicles aren't dead yet. In fact, there are still several in the pipeline worth noting. Including this: the 2024 Chevrolet Trax. Longer, lower and wider - our three favorite car descriptors - the new Trax is better than the current version in every measurable way. With a six-inch longer wheelbase, four inches lower (!) and two inches wider, the new Trax offers three inches more rear legroom and a sense of overall interior roominess. The reimagined Trax has an array of standard safety features and a suite of technologies for a starting MSRP of $21,495. “The all-new Trax has everything you need and nothing you don’t,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. “More space. More features. More style. This is an entry-level vehicle that will surprise and delight customers with its value and plays a critical role as the gateway into the Chevy brand.” There are five distinct trim levels: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS and ACTIV, which offer design and content choices, while all trims add enhanced features and technologies, including: Chevy Safety Assist with six advanced safety and driver awareness technologies; Larger infotainment screens — a standard 8-inch-diagonal system and an 11-inch-diagonal screen on LT, 2RS and ACTIV trims; Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability; LED headlamps; 17-, 18- or 19-inch wheels; Four-wheel disc brakes and Active Noise Cancellation. Other stuff? Additional features on most trims include push-button start, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging and more. Cruise control is also standard equipment on all models and Adaptive Cruise Control is available on some trims, a first for Trax. The new Trax is powered by a 1.2L turbocharged inline-three engine rated at a GM-estimated 137HP and 162 lb-ft of torque. It is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. We expect the new Trax - which will be available next spring - to be a very strong entry in the market, especially for those not ready - or able - for the EV "thing."
(BMW)This is the new BMW M2. The second generation of the successful M2 is powered by a 453HP M TwinPower Turbo inline 6, rear wheel drive and standard 6-speed manual gearbox. Other stuff? A new BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8 and M-specific content and graphics, and standard M Drive Professional with Drift Analyzer and 10-position M Traction Control. It will be produced at BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, with the global launch happening next April. How much? The base MSRP is $62,200 plus $995 destination and handling. And no, we're not going to show you the front end because it's too ugly for sensitive eyeballs.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced the multipurpose variant of the EQE executive sedan: the EQE SUV. Like the latter, it is available "with the essential innovations found in the EQS and at the same time is more dynamic than the EQS SUV," according to Mercedes-Benz PR minions. The EQE SUV is more spacious yet more compact than the EQE Sedan, with a wheelbase of 119.3 inches (3.5 inches shorter). The external dimensions are: 191.5/76.4/66.4 inches (length/width/height). The fourth model after the two EQS and EQE Sedans, as well as the EQS SUV, the EQE SUV also uses the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz platform. The EQE SUV will offer a wide range of maximum total outputs. Subject to final certification, Mercedes-Benz expects these to be in a similar range to the data for the EQE sedans. Depending on the vehicle equipment and configuration, WLTP ranges of more than 550 kilometers (342 miles) can be expected for European vehicles (with the exception of AMG models). In the EQE SUV, the lithium-ion battery consists of ten modules. The innovative battery management software, which was developed in-house, allows updates over the air (OTA). In this way, the energy management of the EQE SUV remains up to date throughout its entire life cycle.
(Mercedes-Benz images)AMG also unveiled its version of the EQE SUV, the 2024 AMG EQE SUV, calling it "the first all-electric SUV from the performance and sports car brand," according to Mercedes-Benz PR minions. It features two electric motors with up to 677HP in total output. Other stuff? You also get AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel-drive, AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with Adaptive Damping System, rear-axle steering and AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL – an AMG-specific roll stabilization system - all standard. Like the AMG EQS Sedan and AMG EQE Sedan, the AMG EQE SUV is based on the electric platform from Mercedes-EQ. Two electric motors and fully variable all-wheel drive form the basis for the AMG dynamic driving experience. Added to this are the AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE and exterior and interior design details. Editor-in-Chief's Note. These two vehicles leave me cold. I find them to be uninteresting, soulless appliances that are unfortunately representative of where this EV "thing" is going. How much? No prices were released, but frankly, we don't care. -PMD
The AE Song of the Week:
When I met you in the restaurant
You could tell I was no debutante
You asked me what's my pleasure
"A movie or a measure?"
I'll have a cup of tea
And tell you of my
Dreamin', dreamin' is free
Dreamin', dreamin' is free
I don't want to live on charity
Pleasure's real or is it fantasy?
Reel to reel is living rarity
People stop and stare at me
We just walk on by
We just keep on dreamin'
Beat feet, walking a two-mile
Meet me, meet me at the turnstile
I never met him, I'll never forget him
Dream, dream, even for a little while
Dream, dream, filling up an idle hour
Fade away (woo), radiate
I sit by and watch the river flow
I sit by and watch the traffic go
Imagine something of your very own
Something you can have and hold
I'd build a road in gold just to have some
Dreamin', dreamin' is free
Dreamin', dreamin' is free
Dreamin', (dream) dreamin' is free
(Dream) dreamin' is free
"Dreaming" by Blondie, from the album "Eat To The Beat" (1979).* Written by Chris Stein and Deborah Harry. Publisher: BMG Rights Management. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Original Music Video here.
*Blondie guitarist Chris Stein wrote the music for this song and came up with the line "dreaming is free." Lead singer Debbie Harry would often write lyrics after hearing the tracks for the songs, and that's what she did here. The song starts out with a coherent story - Harry getting propositioned in a restaurant - but it quickly veers off in many directions, simulating a dream where one idea jumps to the next with no real rhyme or reason. It works well with the theme and with the track, including the bridge where Harry repeats the first word of each line:
Feet feet, walking a two mile
Meet meet, meet me at the turnstile
A similar structure can be heard in the 1982 Kim Wilde song "Kids In America." Chris Stein said this song was "pretty much a cop" of "Dancing Queen" by ABBA. Perhaps is was just a convenient word to rhyme with "pleasure," but when Harry sings "a movie or a measure," the word "measure" could be interpreted a few different ways. It might mean a plan of action, as in taking some kind of trip, or possibly a measure in the musical sense, meaning the rhythm. Harry recalled to EW that this originated like many Blondie songs with Chris Stein coming up with "a track or a feel" and passing it on her. He told her, "I was thinking 'Dreaming. Dreaming is free," and then Harry filled out the story line. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)
Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG