Cadillac also has to electrify its range of models in the long term. The first model that is in the pipeline is the Lyriq, of which the brand already unveiled a concept version at the end of last year. Now the Lyriq can also be seen driving, albeit in a camouflage outfit. The model should go into production in the first quarter of 2022.
It seems to be an increasing trend among manufacturers: sharing their own ‘spyshots’ of camouflaged prototypes. Porsche, among others, previously did something similar to the Taycan Cross Turismo. Now Cadillac is showing a driving prototype of the Lyriq on LinkedIn through Mahmoud Samara, Vice President North America Sales, Service & Marketing. That prototype is well taped, but it can be seen that the shape of the concept car seems to have been largely preserved: an angled rear window, long wheelbase with short overhangs and an apparently upright grille, although that is not very easy see in the picture.
The Lyriq should go into production in the first quarter of 2022. Detailed specifications are not yet known, but the Lyriq will receive Ultium battery technology from GM and is on the group’s new modular EV platform. That battery should be good for a capacity of 100 kWh. Cadillac promises a range of ‘over 300 miles’ (482 kilometers) and a maximum charging speed of 150 kW on the fast charger. Both a rear-wheel and four-wheel drive variant are planned. The Lyriq will also get Cadillac’s semi-autonomous Super Cruise system on board. It is not yet known whether the first EV from Cadillac will also come to Europe.
Cadillac Lyriq concept
In the field of EVs, Cadillac is also working on a top model that will stand above the Lyriq: the Celestiq. Only a few teaser images are known to date, in which the clean lines and the shape of the grille and lighting bear clear resemblances to the Lyriq. Samara says in his LinkedIn post that he will soon have ‘much more exciting news’ to report, so probably the prototype of the Celestiq will not be long in coming.