Cadillac Unveils Plug-in Two-Mode Hybrid XTS Platinum Concept
12 January 2010
| The XTS Platinum Concept. Click to enlarge. |
Cadillac unveiled the XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, suggesting a new paradigm for its future luxury sedans. The concept, which showcases Cadillac’s emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, is powered by a 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gasoline engine paired with a plug-in two-mode hybrid system.
The XTS Platinum concept’s plug-in hybrid electric propulsion system (PHEV) builds on the experience Cadillac has gained with the Escalade Hybrid and Escalade Platinum Hybrid flagship models (which also feature the two-mode system). The plug-in capability boosts the car’s electric-only driving capability, offering additional battery energy capacity and enabling it to recharge from a standard external electrical outlet in roughly five hours.
In some conditions, such as urban commutes, drivers can experience efficiency that doubles that of conventional hybrids. At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine power and electric power or engine power only, propels the vehicle.
The combination of the Direct Injection V-6 engine and the PHEV system featuring fully electric variable drive provides a spirited driving experience, GM says. The system provides an estimated 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 N·m).
Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) enables the XTS Platinum Concept to deliver superior road-holding performance while maintaining luxury car composure in “regular” driving conditions. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.
MRC uses electronic sensors at all four wheels to literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions.
An advanced, specially calibrated all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in wet and slippery conditions, and helps deliver maximum traction while cornering. Four-wheel disc brakes, with four-channel ABS, StabiliTrak stability control and full-function traction control complete the drivetrain details.
The concept also previews a new integration philosophy guiding the development of future models with respect to in-car electronics. The intent is to progress Cadillac’s intuitive in-car electronics systems, typified by the deployable touch-screen navigation system that has been highly acclaimed in the brand’s CTS and SRX product lines. The XTS Platinum Concept previews this strategy via the minimization of traditional buttons and switches. Designers blended the display screens into a flowing instrument panel. They call it a “dead front” design, because the panels appear black until the car is turned on and the screens illuminate.
GM did not announce any plans to produce the two-mode plug-in Cadillac sedan. The company has said it will produce the extended range electric vehicle Converj (earlier post), and also has said it will apply plug-in hybrid technology to one of the four core brands remaining after the restructuring: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. (Earlier post.)
Is this a valid attempt at improving efficiency or a PR move to claim a green car? Seems to me if they were serious about improvements, the first place to start would be to "add lightness" and downsize the engines. A Green Escalade, Please! give me a break!
Posted by: Lad | 12 January 2010 at 08:57 AM
Lexus is offering luxury hybrids, so this makes sense from that standpoint. Luxury cars sell at a premium so there is a profit margin to pay for the hybrid design. I do not see it as green, but rather providing what people want and are willing to pay for. If we all get the benefits of better mileage and less imported oil, then so much the better.
Posted by: SJC | 12 January 2010 at 09:39 AM
It takes five hour charge to recharge the battery?
That is the cycle time for a 16KWh or Volt battery. This is a then asubstantial PHEV, and the driving range looks like it might be in excess of 20 miles AER.
On a daily commute that whould mean half the time its driving totally electric. That is substantially different than a LS600h. With that much battery is it possible that the City mpge, is approaching triple digits on the EPAs J1711 measure? If so, we are looking at a 100 mpge City, 40 mpge highway, and a 60 mpge, Combined.
This big Caddy will more than do its share to break the Oil Cartel.
Posted by: Stan Peterson | 12 January 2010 at 12:26 PM
Would you hate a SUV even if it got 50mpg?
If you first thought is YES, you seriously need to consider seeking therapy.
Posted by: JosephT | 12 January 2010 at 03:35 PM
I think this is a wonderful start. Hopefully, GM will soon switch to the Atkinson engine, use direct injection so that they can surpass the compression ratio of the Toyota Prius which is 13:1 without direct injection, add an exhaust energy recovery system with an electric turbocharger to increase the engine power density and you get a luxury car that can compete with the Prius in fuel economy.
Posted by: Freddy Torres | 12 January 2010 at 03:57 PM
The concept, which showcases Cadillac’s emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, "is powered by a 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gasoline engine"
The Caddy "has" offered a DI engine for years, and I really don't think they were targeting the Prius market segment with this car. It will interesting to see is Lexus version of the Prius (the HS) will succeed in the marketplace.
Posted by: ExMichigander | 12 January 2010 at 05:18 PM
I like it and I like the two-mode but, as with many of these, it is just a concept.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 12 January 2010 at 06:39 PM
I'm happy to see high-roller greenie wannabees help fund the development of PHEV's. GM can recoup their engineering costs quicker at the high-end cadillac market than at the chevy end.
Eventually, it will trickle down to the chevy line.
Posted by: danm | 13 January 2010 at 09:04 AM
In 2009 some 14 million vehicles were retired while 10 million new vehicles were sold in USA.
Is this a new trend? Is it a secondary effect of the current economic crisis?
Will this trend be reversed in 2010?
Posted by: HarveyD | 14 January 2010 at 11:36 AM
It's about time. The traction battery and all-electric systems (such as climate control) create the potential for a set of features far beyond anything you could put in a Chevy; it has always been begging for the Cadillac badge.
Good point about the engine technology, Freddy. The hybrid system eliminates most issues of "turbo lag" as well as any need to sacrifice emissions to maintain throttle response. The engine can be downsized and hyper-boosted without changing the driving dynamics. A smaller, lighter engine with lower friction would make the whole vehicle more efficient; batteries under the floor pan would lower the CG and improve the ride. Win/win.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 14 January 2010 at 08:30 PM