General Motors Showcases Its Brands in Style in Detroit at NAIAS

From Cadillac Provoq E-Flex concept to most powerful Corvette ever

2008-01-09, Rüsselsheim/Detroit -- General Motors presents a number of world premieres from its Cadillac, Corvette, HUMMER, Saturn and Saab brands at the North American International Auto Show (January 13 – 27, 2008) in Detroit, the first major motor show of the year. GM’s focus is on environmentally friendly mobility and maximum performance.

Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept: © GM Corp.

The Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept is the latest example of GM’s groundbreaking E-Flex propulsion system and the next step toward the innovative propulsion concept’s series production. The crossover boasts crisp, progressive body lines, making it instantly recognizable as a contemporary Cadillac. Unlike the Opel Flextreme with diesel generator that attracted such attention at the IAA 2007, the Provoq’s hydrogen fuel cell system and lithium-ion battery use no fossil fuels and only emit water. The concept’s fifth-generation fuel cell technology is just half the size of its predecessor and produces an operating range of 480 kilometers from a full tank of 6 kg of hydrogen. The fuel cell stack generates up to 88 kW of continuous power, while the lithium-ion battery pack can store up to a total of 9 kWh of electrical energy and also provide a peak of 60 kW of power for additional performance.

A further GM premiere in Detroit is the Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode, the first front-wheel-drive compact SUV in the world powered by General Motors’ two-mode hybrid technology. It delivers around 33 percent better fuel economy than the non-hybrid Vue and boasts an operating range of more than 800 km. A state-of-the-art 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine with direct injection and variable valve timing is used as the combustion engine. Production begins in late 2008. The launch of the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid in mid-2008 will herald the entry of GM’s two-mode hybrid technology into the large luxury SUV class.

The focus on maximum performance is highlighted by the world premiere of the new Corvette ZR1. It is the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Compared to the basis model and previous Z06 top version, many components have been strengthened, modified or are completely new. The new Corvette ZR1 also features high-tech materials such as carbon fiber and ceramics. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 produces 462 kW/620 hp (SAE) and 823 Nm of torque. Compared to the world’s best and most expensive super sports cars, the ZR1 provides greater power-to-weight ratio than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 GTB and even the Lamborghini LP640. It has a top speed of over 320 km/h.

The Cadillac CTS-V is also presented to the public for the first time in Detroit. It is the latest addition to the high-performance Cadillac “V-series” cars, which combine the serious performance of an elite sports vehicle with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan. The CTS-V is the top version of the completely new, luxury CTS sedan, which has sold superbly in the USA and was recently launched in Europe.

The bioethanol-powered HUMMER HX open-air SUV concept premiering in Detroit was designed by three new GM designers. It is a vision for the future design of off-road vehicles which offer economical efficiency without sacrificing the unique essence of the HUMMER brand – especially its exceptional off-road capabilities. Thanks to a pair of removable roof panels above the driver and front passenger, the HX can be quickly transformed from a closed vehicle to an open SUT (Sport Utility Truck).

The bioethanol-powered (E85) Saab 9-4X BioPower crossover concept also makes its world premiere in Detroit. Saab’s BioPower engines, which are already available in series production models, operate on E85 fuel – a mixture of 85 percent bioethanol and 15 percent gasoline. From a source-to-wheel perspective, this fuel provides a significant reduction in CO2 emissions from fossil fuels.