Provoq-ative Caddy

Provoq-ative Caddy
Cadillac Provoq concept covers futuristic powertrain in contemporary package
Cadillac Provoq
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By DALE JEWETT





PHOTO GALLERY
Just because it has rocket science under the hood doesn't mean Cadillac's Provoq fuel-cell concept wouldn't look as if it belongs in your garage today.

The Provoq crossover, which General Motors is unveiling on Tuesday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and will bring to the Detroit auto show next week, uses General Motors' E-Flex powertrain from the Chevrolet Volt concept.

In this version of E-Flex, a fuel-cell stack under the hood feeds electricity to a 70-kilowatt electric motor that drives the front wheels and 30-kilowatt rear-wheel-hub electric motors.

Two high-pressure (10,000 psi) hydrogen storage tanks and a lithium-ion battery pack give the Provoq a 300-mile range--280 miles on hydrogen and 20 miles on battery power.

Room for five

The hydrogen storage tanks are mounted underneath the cargo floor, and the battery pack sits in the center of the chassis. This packaging makes it possible for the Provoq to seat five people and have room for cargo.

Solar cells in the roof panel generate electricity that is used by accessories such as the audio system and interior lights.

Plug ports on each front fender just behind the wheel opening let you recharge the battery pack at home.

The Cadillac design team paid extra attention to aerodynamics to help extend the Provoq's range. A full belly pan closes off the bottom to cut down on wind drag. Door handles are mounted flush with the body, and the rear-view mirrors were shaped in the wind tunnel. Clear shields cover the slots in the Provoq's 21-inch wheels.

Close-mouthed

Because the fuel cell stack doesn't demand as much cooling as a conventional engine, the slots in the grille close at higher speeds to seal off the front end. At low speeds, the slots open for cooling.

Styling of the Provoq's interior takes many of its cues from the redesigned Cadillac CTS sedan.

With an overall length of 180.3 inches, the Provoq is 15 inches shorter than the current Cadillac SRX crossover. The Provoq's wheelbase of 114.4 inches is not quite 2 inches shorter than the SRX's.

Is the Provoq the next Cadillac crossover? GM insiders say the decision hasn't been made yet.--but nothing stands in the way of the Provoq hitting the road with or without hydrogen power.

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