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GM’s Global Technical Center, known as the Tech Center, is a magical place. It is one of the locations where the future of the automotive industry comes to life. Reporters are invited into its top-secret spaces to view glimpses of future models. GM worked on the first versions of the Volt EV batteries there. Many of the future vehicles are designed on computers in the secretive labs. Some inspiring concept vehicles are built by hand on the premises. And you never know what you will see driving around the private roads there. Now, for the first time ever, production cars will be hand-built there. GM is investing $81 million to build the Cadillac CELESTIQ EV at the Tech Center. Work on installing the equipment is already underway.
“As Cadillac’s future flagship sedan, CELESTIQ signifies a new, resurgent era for the brand,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors. “Each one will be hand-built by an amazing team of craftspeople on our historic Technical Center campus, and today’s investment announcement emphasizes our commitment to delivering a world-class Cadillac with nothing but the best in craftsmanship, design, engineering and technology.”
Adding 3D Printed Parts
One of the most fascinating things about the all-new CELESTIQ EV is that it will contain more than 100 3D printed parts, more than any other GM vehicle. The printed parts will include both structural and cosmetic components, and both polymer and metal pieces.
GM constructed its Additive Industrialization Center on the Tech Center campus in 2020. It enabled Cadillac to start using some 3D printed parts. The Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V were GM’s first vehicles to benefit from additive manufacturing with parts including the shifter emblem, transmission components and HVAC ducts.
CELESTIQ to be Built on the Ultium Platform
The CELESTIQ is the latest vehicle planned for the Ultium battery platform. The Ultium platform is a game changer because it can be reconfigured to support any size of vehicle, from the 2022 HUMMER EV to the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ and the soon to be unveiled 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. It will also underpin the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV.
Elegant and Luxurious Design
CELESTIQ will feature a four-quadrant, smart glass roof. With this smart glass, each occupant of the vehicle can set their own level of roof transparency.
The driver and front-seat passenger will also enjoy a pillar-to-pillar display with active privacy to help cut down on driver distraction.
“This investment is a great example of our commitment to GM’s EV transformation as we apply our manufacturing expertise to a one-of-a-kind, ultra-luxury vehicle for the Cadillac brand," said Gerald Johnson, executive vice president of Global Manufacturing and Sustainability. “The advanced manufacturing technology and tools we are utilizing on CELESTIQ will help our team deliver the highest quality vehicles to our customers.”
“From its unique proportions and a new effortless, sophisticated form language, to the precision and attention to detail, CELESTIQ is unlike anything on the road today,” said Magalie Debellis, manager, Cadillac Branded Advanced Design. “From its inception, the CELESTIQ show car was crafted to reincarnate the ‘Standard of the World.’”
Cadillac released teaser images of the CELESTIQ last week. Additional images will be revealed throughout the summer. The show car is expected to debut in late July. Cadillac is not saying when the production model will be available, but at this point it could be a 2024 or 2025 model.
Cadillac Photo
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