Cadillac, the brand responsible for some of the landmark innovations in gasoline engine history is turning its back on ICE technology.
“We will be leaving this decade as an EV brand, as things stand today,” Cadillac’s VP, Rory Harvey, told attendees at a virtual launch event for the new Lyriq electric SUV. “Which means we will not be selling ICE vehicles by 2030.”
Harvey also stated that every new Cadillac launched from now on would be powered exclusively by electricity, spearheading parent company GM’s drive to go EV-only by 2035. And if you didn’t catch that, it means we won’t be seeing any new gasoline powered models being introduced by Cadillac, with Harvey stating that the current ICE portfolio is fresh enough to carry the brand into the next decade.
Related: 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Electric SUV Unveiled In Production Form, Arrives Next Year For Under $60k
That might sound like a bold move for a company that gave the world revolutionary ICE-related tech including the electric starter, brought V16 power to the luxury car market, developed the first mass-produced V8, and went on to pioneer the overhead-valve V8 that became the staple engine design for the American car for decades.
But having spent much of the last 40 years struggling to stay relevant to a new generation of buyers whose heroes are German and Japanese brands, Cadillac can’t afford not to pay attention to which way the wind is blowing.
Lyriq marks the EV offensive, Celestiq to follow
The Lyriq SUV revealed today is the start of Cadillac’s EV push. Featuring a 33-inch infotainment screen, 340 hp rear-mounted electric motor and 300-mile range, it starts at under $60,000 and lands in showrooms early in 2022. Asked about Cadillac’s next EV after the Lyriq, Harvey had this to say:
“While we don’t usually talk about future products, it’s not much of a secret that the next new Cadillac EV will be the Celestiq.”
A large luxury saloon teased by Cadillac earlier this year and featuring dimmable glass roof panels, the Celestiq will share technology with the Lyriq, but is unlikely to launch before 2023.
