Decisions

Cadillac ups its -iq, confirming alphanumeric nomenclature is ending

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Jul 21, 2020, 8:24 pm

Cadillac is dropping its familiar nomenclature as it prepares for the future.

Photo courtesy of Cadillac

Even if you’ve already said goodbye to the Cadillac XTS, CTS, and CT6, you can go ahead and ay goodbye again. Cadillac has confirmed that it’s retiring its alphanumeric nomenclature. GM Authority was the first to confirm the news.

In its place, Cadillac will offer vehicles with -iq at the end of their name. The company has already revealed the Lyriq and Celestiq names for upcoming models.

2021 Cadillac Escalade An electric version of the Cadillac Escalade is on the way. The company has not said if the model will be known as the Escaliq. Photo courtesy of Cadillac

The move comes as Cadillac, a division of General Motors, focuses on its electrified future. That future will be built on GM’s new flexible architecture, which allows for a more streamlined design, engineering, and production process. Electric models will use Ultima battery power.

Last week, General Motors revealed plans to release 20 new models by 2023. Only 12 of those models have been detailed by the company. Of those 12, five are coming down the Cadillac pipeline.

The Cadillac Lyriq is a SUV that is designed to "hit the heart of the crossover market". It is a global model that will debut on August 6. Much of what to expect from the model is already known as it was originally set to debut in April but had that date moved due to the impact of the coronavirus.

A "globally sized luxury three-row SUV that emphasizes interior space and cargo capability for the modern family" is also on the list. The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has already been revealed and if this was that, it would have been labeled as such. It's logical to think that this three-row SUV is something about the size of a Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota Highlander, which would fill a gap in the Cadillac lineup.

The Cadillac XT4 is getting a brother. An electric model similar to it will debut, aimed "at this key global growth segment".

A full-size, three-row luxury SUV that "builds o the DNA" of the Escalade is on its way. This is the Escalade EV, which will be produced alongside the GMC Hummer EV and Cruise Origin at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant.

The last model on the list is the opulent Cadillac Celestiq "Statement Vehicle", which designed to be an "ultra-lux EV with bespoke, hand-assembled craftsmanship". GM is expected to only built 1.2 of these models per day and sell them for over $100,000 each.

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Such a Tease

Karma Automotive promises all-electric car coming in 2021, teases debut

The first all-electric Karma Automotive model is set to debut next year.

Photo courtesy of Karma Automotive

Karma Automotive is promising to debut its first all-electric car in 2021. To understand how we got here, it's important to look back a decade.

Fisker Automotive was founded by heralded car designer Henrik Fisker in 2007. For a brief moment in history, it produced the Fisker Karma, one of the world's first production luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The first Karma was delivered in 2011 but by 2014, the company was staring down liquidation.

That year, Fisker Automotive's Karma vehicle design, tooling, and manufacturing facility were purchased by Wanxiang Group, the largest China-based automotive components company by revenue. Henrik Fisker retried the Fisker trademarks and rights to the Fisker brand. He went on to launch Fisker Inc., a separate company that has big plans for all-electric vehicles, in 2016. Wanxiang Group renamed its vehicle company Karma Automotive.

And now here we are.

Karma Automotive has released an image of the GS as a teaser.

Karma Automotive says that the 2021 debut will be the first public step in a full line, which includes electrification options and leans on technological advancements to set itself apart. The GS Series model will be Karma's first-ever battery electric luxury sedan.

The new models will retain much of the same design as the Revero.

"We are pleased to announce that Karma will now offer our first all-electric vehicle next year as part of the GS series," said Dr. Lance Zhou, Karma's CEO. "Cost reductions in the BOM, streamlining our supply chain and standardized production methods also allowed for a new, more attainable pricing structure for the GS lineup allowing for higher market penetration, opening up the market to a larger group of entry level luxury buyers."

Though its looks, range, pricing, and options aren't yet public knowledge, customers can currently reserve their model at http://www.karmaautomotive.com/reserve. All reservations require a fully-refundable $100 deposit.

For years Chinese brands have been looking to break into the U.S. market without much success. Though there are a growing number of Karma dealerships in the U.S., sales of the vehicles are few and far between.

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Motorcycles

Langen Motorcycles launches first bike, the Two Stroke

The Langen Two Stroke will debut at Salon Privé.

Photo courtesy of Langen Motorcycles

Langen Motorcycles, a new British company, is set to launch its first bike, the Two Stroke, at Salon Privé this week. The Two Stroke is a road-legal bike that, according to the company, "will attack your senses through the sound, smell and sheer thrill that only a lightweight, two-stroke can deliver."

Intrigued yet? The new model is powered by a two-stroke 250cc V-twin engine that relies at 14,500 rpm. The heart is produced for Langen by Vins, which is based in Maranello, Italy. It makes 75 brake horsepower and 33 pound-feet of torque. Lagen describes its development: "Born from an 'extra-curricular' passion project from members of the Ferrari research and development department, the CNC-machined engine has been developed over the last five years."

Langen Motorcycles Two Stroke Each Langen Two Stroke is handmade.Photo courtesy of Langen Motorcycles

The motorcycle's chassis is made from large-diameter, laser cut aluminum tubing with bonded and machined connection points and has Ohlins front forks and British K-Tech rear shocks. Hel Performance brakes, Dunlop tires, and a K-tech suspension also take residence on the motorcycle. The Langen Two Stroke weighs just 251 pounds and has a power-to-weight ratio that is better than most supercars.

Each Two Stroke is a handmade, bespoke creation. The bodywork, including the fuel tank is made from hand-laid carbon fiber, as is the gold leaf detailing. Buyers can customize their moto's paint color, chassis finish, suspension type, and wheels. Ergonomics can be customized to the buyer's preference.

The Two Stroke has been designed and engineered in England. Each model will be built in Wigan, Greater Manchester.

Langen Motorcycles Two Stroke The motorcycle's ergonomics can be adjusted to best fit the driver.Photo courtesy of Langen Motorcycles

'The company has been founded with the aim of producing motorcycles with a simplicity and purity of days gone by, like the 'Ton-up boys' and their Caf racers – yet pushing the limits of modern technology," said Chris Ratcliffe, creator of Langen and designer of the Two Stroke. "My dream has always been to create a small piece of British motorcycling history. To be able to launch this special motorcycle under a completely new brand really is a dream come true. The aim is to continue to push boundaries and create more interesting bikes, which we hope will really please people"

Langen Motorcycles Two Stroke The company is new to the retail landscape.Photo courtesy of Langen Motorcycles

The first round of builds will be limited to 100 individually numbered models. Production is targeted to begin in summer 2021.

A further 150 motorcycles will be produced starting 2022, which will be available in homologated form for road use in other countries around the world. The total number of builds will be strictly limited to 250 bikes, each of them built to order.

Langen Motorcycles Two Stroke Each motorcycle's suspension is customizable.Photo courtesy of Langen Motorcycles

The Two Stroke is priced from £28,000 plus VAT where applicable. Pre-orders are now being taken with a £1000 refundable deposit to secure one of the 100 initial bikes.

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