G. David Felt

Cadillac has been vague, but clear that V-Series will stay with the ICE Cars and Escalade as a last Hurray. Future is EV and with that, V-Series will be farther spread across the portfolio. One can take that to imply that yes the cars and SUVs will have V-Series. Will be much easier to do in an EV than ICE at this point. Rather they continue their push with F1 racing and other forms of racing to perfect the technology and then push it into their performance EVs than on ICE.

20 years ago, Cadillac made a bold move coming out with their V-Series of performance sedans that according to Global Vice President of Cadillac Rory Harvey continues to resonate well with customers. Quote: “From the racetrack to the road, V-Series has transformed Cadillac and helped redefine performance luxury for thousands of enthusiasts. Over the next 12 months we will celebrate V-Series with a number of significant moments.” New products and features commemorating this 20th anniversary of V-Series are planned over the coming 12 months with information that will be released throughout this period of time according to Cadillac. The 2004 CTS-V was developed on the racetrack and previewed on Germany's famed Nürburgring circuit. This was the start of 13 V-Series sedan, coupe, roadster and SUV models to follow. Every generation of V-Series has benefited from the performance technologies and learnings of 20 years of racetrack winning. 2004 CTS-V Race Car March 2004 with a race debut at the Sebring International Raceway was the official launch of the Cadillac V-Series performance sub-brand. This finished out the day with their subsequent first win of the CTS-V.R race car in the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge GT race. This symbiotic relationship of racing is directly tied to the road vehicles they influence, and customers are buying today. Generation 1 V-Series 2004 Generation 2 V-Series 2009 2011 Cadillac CTS-V.R racing Coupe Generation 3 V-Series 2016 Generation 4 V-Series 2019 Today’s lineup includes the CT4-V and twin-turbocharged CT4-V Blackwing, the CT5-V and the supercharged CT5-V Blackwing, and the supercharged Escalade-V. With 682 horsepower (508 kW), the Escalade-V currently wears the crown of Cadillac’s most-powerful production model ever, while the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing models offer the ultimate balance of road-going performance luxury and track capability. Brandon Vivian, executive chief engineer, Cadillac stated the following: “Our championship-winning race team brings an uncompromising eye for detail that is channeled into every production model.” “The result are vehicles that weave power, craftsmanship and innovative technologies into engaging, involving driving experiences.” 2023 Cadillac V-Series.R kicks off the 5th Generation The 20th year of V-Series is also a big one for Cadillac Racing, which has expanded with the all-new, electrified Cadillac V-Series.R prototype race car competing internationally in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship. The Cadillac V-Series.R represents the start of the fifth generation of V-Series. V-Series Cadillacs continue to benefit now and into the future from the performance technologies and learning on the racetrack. Cadillac implies that their customers will not be disappointed as they move into the EV future. Celebrations kick off at this year's SuperSebring endurance races and includes a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Cadillac racing. View full article

@ccap41 @Cmicasa the Great @oldshurst442 @Robert Hall @surreal1272 @Drew Dowdell @riviera74 @trinacriabob One thing I just realized I have never ever stated is that Kia/Hyundai have had an edge in rolling out EVs faster than everyone else at this point. Samsung and LG connections that go farther back in battery supply than the U.S. Legacy OEMs. GM is leading all OEMs right now in building battery plants and will be able to roll out much more models faster once all the battery production comes online. We are on the cusp of the next major revolution in the auto industry. Once battery capacity comes online, there will be nothing to stop the auto industry from making a much wider assortment of of EVs. GM is to EVs what Henry Ford was to the Model A and making autos for the masses. Ford is a solid Year behind GM in building battery plants and so is the rest of the auto industry. The Germans except for VW who is on pace to be equal to GM in Europe for battery production is leading. We have all seen the news stories about GM showing off 3 new EVs for Cadillac alone this year. An Escalade, XT6 equal EV and a Car EV equal to the CTs. We have not heard any rumors, but there is nothing holding GM back from showing off other GMC/Buick/Chevrolet models to come in the next 18 months as GM is going to have considerable battery production online by the end of this year and even more early next year. Remember GM is planning to be able to produce 1 million EVs very soon. I think with the Entry and Mid-level EV SUVs they are bringing out this year, that should really help them ramp up production. Thoughts?

Correct, the black and grey or black and white whatever the interior color they are showing sucks big time.

“SAE Power Rating” Can Now be Applied to Electrified Vehicles Cool

I like that Kia is keeping buttons for core features. I think this is a smart move. I neither love it nor hate it for a style standpoint. Just kind of Meh on the style. I wish they showed the frunk.

The EV9 Concept revealed in 2022 brought plenty of interest to global consumers. Today, March 15th, 2023, Kia reveals the production EV9 SUV to the world. 20073_2024_EV9_Unveiling_Video.mp4 Kia started with the following 5 bullet points about the EV9. Strong SUV identity fused with elegant EV styling to reshape both the segment and way of life for the electrified era Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the EV9 combines contrasting qualities of nature and modernity in its character Sleek and bold exterior expresses confidence, clarity, and calmness Kia’s E-GMP flat-floor EV architecture amplifies interior space with third row seating, enhancing comfort while exuding a sense of high sophistication EV9 readied to debut globally later this month, accelerating the brand’s transformation towards a sustainable mobility solution provider With these bullet points, let jump into the details about the KIA EV9 SUV which clearly shows the path Kia is taking for future electric SUV design. Kia stated the following external explanation: Guided by the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, Kia’s designers strive to create vehicles with unprecedented visual appeal. In particular, the ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar of the ideology, which inspires the combination of elements from the natural and material worlds, has played a key role in forming the exterior design of the EV9. The result is a vehicle that effortlessly combines an undoubted aura of rugged capability for all conditions, with the serene calmness of a sophisticated EV that paves new paths for future electric SUV design. The front of the EV9 is denoted by simple clear-cut lines and body surfaces, which exude confidence, clarity and calmness in equal measure. Accentuated by the ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ and striking vertical headlamps, the EV9’s signature ‘Digital Tiger Face’ imparts a visionary and futuristic look and feel. The Digital Tiger Face features two clusters of small cube lamps within the bodywork adjacent to each headlamp. The EV9’s innovative ‘Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRL)’ create a new illumination experience and delivers a sophisticated animated lighting pattern that will denote Kia’s Digital Tiger Face for the brand’s future EV models. Formed from a polygonal design language, the side profile of the EV9 effortlessly combines a strong and indisputable SUV identity with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. Dynamic triangular fender structures and highly pronounced geometric wheel arches combine with the fuselage body, unifying the polygonal elements into a cohesive structure that presents a determined look. Flush door handles and a tapered back roofline gives a sense of smooth and efficient motion. At the rear of the vehicle, the simple, clean lines of the tailgate, which are elegantly detailed by the slim rear lights that mirror the design of those at the front, further reflect the EV9’s strong and confident stance. Kia then went on to stated that the interior is a new social space with enhanced comfort and technology. They issued the following statement: The Kia ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy ‘Technology for Life’ pillar ensures that only technology and innovation that promote positive, intuitive interactions between humans and machines are created – realizing new possibilities for mobility. These values have played a pivotal role in the creation of the interior of the EV9. They have enabled Kia’s designers to prioritize space, comfort and technology for all passengers, reimagining what a family SUV can offer. Built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9’s long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat electric vehicle architecture have facilitated the creation of generous space for all occupants to connect and relax with lounge-style comfort in all three rows of seats. Offered in both six and seven-seat formats, Kia captured feedback from families to evaluate seating configurations and features to ensure the EV9 delivers equality of space, comfort and experience for all occupants without placing all of its focus on the driver. Occupants sitting in the first and second-row seats can simultaneously recline their seats to relax and rest when the EV9 is charging. The seats in the second row can be effortlessly swiveled 180 degrees so that occupants can interact with those sitting in the third row. The third-row seats also offer cup holders and charging points for mobile devices. Throughout the spacious, light, airy cabin, the EV9 embodies an elegantly simple, premium quality, exceptionally user-friendly design. The open, floating panoramic dashboard extends from the steering wheel to the vehicle's center. Two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with one 5-inch segment display improve the digital experience, offering effortless control of the vehicle’s functions and ensuring physical buttons are kept to a minimum. The center console is equipped with ample storage options, including a spacious compartment located at its base. The center console doors are further designed to add to the overall refinement of the interior space. The EV9’s extended display high-definition audio visual, navigation and telematics (AVNT) screen creates a rich and immersive experience. It enhances occupants’ ability to engage and interact with the digital world seamlessly. Beneath the AVNT screen, an array of hidden type touch buttons provides a start/stop function along with AVNT and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control. Kia is planning a major Global Premiere in Late March where all product information including pricing will be announced as they start the global campaign of sales with the slogan "Here to reshape the way we move." 20051_2024_EV9_Additional_Footage.mp4 One can clearly see that this EV is a socializing interior that families could love with the 180 degree moving captain's chairs in the second row. Check out all the images in the Gallery. View full article