Cadillac made a bold statement about its technical and design diversity in Detroit by launching three cars, each with very different intentions.

The trio were introduced by Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor who opened the presentation by saying the company has traditionally been strongest when it took risks based on its strategy of innovating with design, performance and advanced technology within a vision of future luxury transportation.

The trio covered all bases. It started with an environmental statement via the fuel-cell-powered Provoq concept, followed by a high-performance CTS-V sedan that's described by Cadillac Vice President of Global Product Development Bob Lutz as “the fastest four-door sedan in the world,” and concluded with an exceptionally attractive CTS Coupe Concept.

All three vehicles have powerful presence with a strong commitment to Cadillac design language and brand, despite fulfilling different roles.

Provoq Concept

Described as the “next great paradigm shift in the automotive industry,” by Lutz, the Provoq is a hydrogen fuel-cell crossover vehicle that continues GM’s commitment to displace petroleum through advanced technology. The only emission from the electric powertrain is water vapor.

The five-door, five-seat crossover concept is powered by GM’s E-Flex system, which combines a fifth-generation fuel-cell system and a lithium-ion battery. The car offers a range of 300 miles from 6 kg (13.2 lbs) of compressed hydrogen without compromising its all-wheel-drive capability and performance, said Lutz. Extensive road testing starts in June.

CTS-V

“And now we go from green to mean,” said Lutz. “The global automotive market is as broad as broad can be and there is still demand for limited-edition, high-performance vehicles. This car elevates the CTS to the ranks of the world’s highest-performance sedans.”

He said Cadillac had benchmarked the “best of the best” performance sedans from around the world and set out to beat them all with the CTS-V. “We took the basic excellence of the CTS and pushed way out there with the design and performance capability to create the fastest sedan in the world. This car took my breath away,” he said.

Just reading the specification can take your breath away. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 produces 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. But it isn’t just about power, says Cadillac. Although CTS-V is still in development, early performance figures suggest it will reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and will hit exceed 180 mph if it is not restricted.

CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements including Magnetic Ride Control, an industry first Performance Traction Management program borrowed from championship racing teams and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control. Cadillac claims its Magnetic Ride Control is the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology. It uses shocks controlled by electro-magnets, rather than mechanical valves, greatly accelerating response time.

Add Brembo brakes, Michelin Sports2 tires, 14-way adjustable Recaro seats and micro-fiber wrapped steering wheel and shifter to create an “elite sports car with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan.” The CTS-V will be sold in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, said Lutz. Production starts in August this year with the car going on sale in September 2009.

CTS Coupe

GM’s Vice President of Design, Ed Welburn, introduced this coupe concept by saying it should never have been made, but after seeing initial design concept drawings, “it was so beautiful we had to go ahead.”

The CTS Coupe is a “dramatic and bold design statement,” said Welburn. We did not create it as the result of sifting through reams of market data, nor is its shape trimmed to suit the input collected at a consumer clinic — it is emotion on four wheels and the very essence of what defines Cadillac today.”

The concept takes Cadillac design language that bit further with its aerodynamic wedge shape, sculpted bodywork and flared fenders. It has a classic 2+2 interior layout, highlighted by black leather and microfiber trim complemented by ochre-colored seat inserts and leather stitching.

The Coupe Concept is designed to accommodate a range of engines for the global luxury market, including Cadillac’s popular 3.6-liter direct injection V6, as well as a new 2.9-liter turbodiesel currently in development.