미국 캐딜락이 2008 디트로이트 모터쇼에 앞서 1월 8일 개막된 CES(Consumer Electronics Show) 프로보크(Provoq)
컨셉트카를 선보이며 연료전지 기술력을 과시했다. 프로보크 컨셉트카는 시보레 볼트, 오펠 플렉스트림에 이은 GM E-Flex 플랫폼의 세 번째
작품이다.
전체적인 스타일링은 새턴 뷰와 GM대우 윈스톰 이미지에 에지 라인을 넣어 캐딜락의 개성을 살렸다. 길이 4,826mm,
휠베이스 2,794mm는 새턴 뷰 보다 각각 254mm, 86mm 길고 연비 향상을 위해 차체 바닥을 커버로 완전히 덮어 공기저항을 줄였다.
연비를 위한 기술은 타이어에도 있다. 21인치 휠에 달린 최신 미쉐린 타이어는 그립의 희생을 최소화하면서도 구름 저항을 줄여주는
‘Green-X’ 기술로 만들어졌다. 연료효율을 최적화하기 위해 실내 조명과 오디오 시스템 등은 루프에 마련된 솔라 패널로 얻은 전기를
활용한다.
프로보크에 얹힌 연료전지 시스템은 GM의 5세대 버전의 최신작이다. 수소 전지 스택의 최고출력은 88kW이고 3개의
전기 모터를 앞뒤 액슬에 배치했다. 앞바퀴를 굴리는 전기 모터는 70kW, 뒷바퀴를 개별적으로 구동하는 휠 허브 모터는 30kW씩의 출력을
낸다. 0→시속 100km/h 가속시간은 8.5초이고 최고시속은 160km/h에서 제한된다. 이는 4세대 보다 GM 연료전지 시스템보다 30%
이상 좋아진 것이다.
2개의 탱크에 최대 6kg씩 저장되는 수소는 급속 충전이 가능하고 리튬-이온 배터리(9kWh)를 외부에서
충전할 수 있는 플러그-인 기능까지 갖춰 전기차 모드로 32km를 운행할 수 있다. 프로보크 컨셉트카의 최대 항속 거리는
483km이다.
Cadillac unveils a new vision for the future of luxury
transportation with the innovative Provoq fuel cell concept - a hydrogen fuel
cell crossover vehicle that continues GM's commitment to displace petroleum
through advanced technology. The Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept is the latest
example of GM's groundbreaking E-Flex propulsion system, combining the new
fifth-generation fuel cell system and a lithium-ion battery to produce an
electrically driven vehicle that uses no petroleum and has no emission other
than water. The concept's fifth-generation fuel cell technology is half the size
of its predecessor, yet it has been developed to produce more power and
performance. "Cadillac is a natural fit for GM's next step in developing the
E-Flex platform," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "Cadillac, at its
very essence, is about premium luxury, design and technology, so it's fitting
that Cadillac would be propelled by the most elegant solution. This signals
Cadillac's intent to lead the industry with alternative-fuel
technology."
The concept can drive 300 miles (483 km) on a single fill of
hydrogen - with 280 miles (450 km) from hydrogen and 20 miles (32 km) on pure,
battery electric energy. A pair of 10,000 psi (700 bar) composite storage tanks
beneath the rear cargo floor hold 13.2 pounds (6 kg) of hydrogen to feed the
fuel cell stack, located under the hood. There, hydrogen mixes with oxygen to
generate electricity - up to 88 kW continuous power. A lithium-ion battery pack
can store up to a total of 9kWh of electrical energy and also provides a peak of
60 kW of power for additional performance.
The electricity generated by
the fuel cell is distributed to a 70 kW co-axial drive system for the front
wheels and individual, 40 kW wheel hub motors on the rear wheels, giving the
Cadillac Provoq its all-wheel-drive traction and great driving dynamics. Its
0-60 mph (approximately 100 km/h) speed of 8.5 seconds is a more than 30-percent
improvement over the previous-generation fuel cell system and with instantaneous
torque to the wheels, it feels even faster. Provoq has a top speed of 100 mph
(160 km/h). "This is a vision of what comes next - a fuel cell electric vehicle
that delivers the driving characteristics Cadillac customers want and allowing
them to do it without using a single drop of petroleum, while emitting only
water vapor," said Larry Burns, GM vice president for research and development.
"This is proof that alternate fuels and advanced technologies create even
greater opportunities to satisfy the luxury buyer."
★Key
features
With sleek, signature Cadillac bodywork, the Provoq concept
redefines luxury crossovers, offering uncompromising passenger and cargo space
to match its performance and cruising range. Additional vehicle features
include:
-Solar panel integrated in the roof to help power onboard
accessories, such as the interior lights, audio system and more
-Brake-by-wire technology
-Front grille louvers that close at highway
speed to enhance aerodynamics, and open at low speed to provide maximum cooling
to the fuel cell stack
★Purposefully dynamic design
The Provoq has
a sleek, athletic shape that builds on the second generation of Cadillac's
design renaissance, led by the 2008 CTS, with dynamic and purposeful features
that support the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and contribute to the vehicle's
overall efficiency. "All the people- and cargo-carrying capability customers
expect in crossovers and SUVs is available in the Provoq, along with the premium
attributes expected in a Cadillac," said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global
Design.
Highlights include:
-Active front grille, with grille
louvers that open when the fuel cell stack requires cooling
-Full underbody
aerodynamic cover
-Left- and right-hand charging ports incorporated in
stylish front fender vents
-Flush door handles that feature push-to-release
operation
-Wind tunnel-shaped outside mirrors with integral turn
signals
-Center high-mounted rear stop lamp incorporated into full-width,
wraparound spoiler
-Signature vertical taillamps with subtle fin
design
-Side glass mounted flush with pillars
-Wheels with clear-covered
space between the spokes, creating a sleeker profile while maintaining
Cadillac's signature bold wheel design
-Low-drag roof rack
"From the
strong, shield grille and vertical headlamps to the crisp body lines, the Provoq
is instantly recognizable as a contemporary Cadillac," said Hoon Kim, exterior
lead designer. "Like the new CTS, it is bold and expressive, but there is
enhanced shape between the edges - it's a new proportion for crossovers, with a
fast, almost coupe-like rear. "Everything about the vehicle reinforces the
notion that great style and environmentally conscious transportation can go hand
in hand," said Kim. "We didn't sacrifice proportion, stance or Cadillac's iconic
design cues; we used them to support the efficiency of the vehicle. "They are
the features customers expect," he said. "The adaptability of the E-Flex
architecture enabled the designers to create a great-looking vehicle, regardless
of its alternative-fuel powertrain."
Kim points to the fender-mounted
charge ports as prime example. They allow overnight, plug-in charging that
extends the driving range. The ports have a satin-chrome appearance that
incorporates an amber light to indicate the system is charging and a green light
to indicate when charging is completed. "The ports are functional, but rather
than hide them, they are design elements of the Provoq," he said. "Sweeping body
lines that culminate at the top and bottom edges of the ports suggest forward
thrust, even when the vehicle is stationary." The vertical, neon-lit taillamps
blend style with functionality, too, as their finned shape was designed to make
the Provoq as aerodynamically efficient as possible. Indeed, the Provoq has
short overhangs and a sporty ride height that is complemented by large, 21-inch
wheels.
The wheels are wrapped in custom Michelin tires incorporating
Green-X technology. These low-rolling resistance tires feature a tread pattern
that mimics the "H20" notation for water. The tire designers and engineers at
Michelin North America enthusiastically accepted GM's challenge to create a
custom low-rolling resistance tire to complement the energy efficiency and
reduced environmental footprint of the Cadillac Provoq. During the past 15
years, the tire maker has developed four generations of Michelin green
energy-saving tires, and the team's no-compromises approach to the project
helped reduce the Provoq's overall fuel consumption without sacrificing road
performance, grip and safety.
★When used in conjunction with the other
energy-efficient solutions featured on the Cadillac Provoq, the benefits of
Michelin green energy-saving tires include:
-A reduction in the
consumer's overall cost of ownership
-An extended vehicle range through a
more efficient use of on-board energy and its storage capacity
-A reduction
of vehicle impact on the environment through lower CO2 and particulate
emissions.
★Uncompromising interior
Like the exterior, the
Provoq's interior blends style with function. It seats five and incorporates the
comfort, convenience and infotainment features Cadillac customers seek. Most
importantly, the fuel cell powertrain does not intrude on passenger or cargo
room. The hydrogen fuel tanks are mounted beneath the cargo floor, with the
storage batteries located at the center of the chassis. The fuel cell stack is
located under the hood, giving the Provoq the interior layout of a conventional
crossover - including a full cargo area and a 60/40-split folding rear
seat.
"The interior is roomy, well-equipped and offers the space people
want in a crossover," said Matt Erdey, interior lead designer. "There are no
compromises inside the Provoq to accommodate the fuel cell powertrain and fuel
tanks - a factor that proves the technology and real-world feasibility are
growing closer together." There may not be compromising reminders of the
powertrain in the interior, but the Provoq carries the instantly identifiable
hallmarks of a contemporary Cadillac interior, with an expressive, well-crafted
design.
"It picks up the cues, refinement and attention to detail of the
new CTS and takes them to the next level," said Erdey. "A contrasting color
scheme, extensive use of ambient lighting technology and elements such as
cut-and-sewn, hand-wrapped leather with French seams are elements seen in
current Cadillac models, but they are amplified in the Provoq. "
The
interior has a contrasting, dark gray and light gray color scheme, with chrome
and satin-chrome accents throughout. Ambient lighting extends across the
instrument panel and into the door panels, as well as the foot wells, sills and
under the seats. A unique instrument cluster with large, reconfigurable LCD
displays offers a multitude of vehicle information readouts, including fuel cell
information and vehicle performance. Like the CTS, the Provoq has a prominent
center stack that houses the audio and climate systems, as well as a navigation
system that rises out of the top of the instrument panel. Also like the CTS,
there is an integrated hard drive that stores navigation maps, thousands of
songs and more.
Between the front bucket seats is a large center console
with a fully enclosed storage compartment that is home to ports for
USB-connected devices and other electronics. The console also has a cell phone
holder with built-in Bluetooth and inductive charging. The compact shifting
mechanism on the console uses shift-by-wire technology to engage the gears,
resulting in more storage space within the console.
★A variety of
recycled and recyclable materials were used, as well. Highlights
include:
-The headliner is wrapped in a fully recyclable soy-based
material
-The carpet is made of recycled polyester and jute
-Leather used
to cover the seats and instrumental panel is free of harmful chemicals
-Xorel
material used on the door panels and instrument panel; treated to perform as a
carbon-fiber-type material
-Chrome trim made with less-harmful
materials
The earth-friendly interior components blend seamlessly with
the more conventional materials inside the Provoq, enhancing the vehicle's
integrated, customer-focused environment. The same goes for the cargo area,
which features an auxiliary power outlet and a load floor that is level with the
hatch opening. "The integration of the features and technology is remarkable,"
said Erdey. "If you didn't know there was a hydrogen fuel cell stack under the
hood, you'd never know it was anything but a roomy, functional crossover."
