The last couple of issues, I’ve written about concept vehicles. Sure, I know some probably won’t be sent to production but some will.

Ford, this week, unveiled the Evos Concept vehicle this week ahead of the Frankfurt Auto show, complete with extensive photos and it’s own minisite (http://evosconcept.fordmedia.eu/)!

This techonologically advanced car is the future of Ford. “The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President of Global Product Development.

The technology in the Evos,  embraces a new generation of driver interaction and awareness currently under development in the Ford Research and Innovation laboratories.

The Evos provides seamless connectivity between the vehicle and the driver’s ‘personal cloud’ of information stored in the vehicle’s computer system. The car gets to know you and can act as a personal assistant to handle some of the usual routines of a daily commute. It could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or heat or cool the interior to an ideal temperature before the driver gets in without having to be requested by predicting departure time based on his calendar. Wirelessly communicating with devices in the home, it could close the garage door and switch off the lights automatically as it pulls away.

The Evos is more than just a car it seems. Learning driver habits and capabilities, the technology can overlay map and weather data sourced from the cloud to adjust powertrain, steering, suspension and braking systems for optimum enjoyment, comfort and safety.  Because the vehicle is adaptive and honed to maximum performance based on the situation, it takes driving engagement to a new level.

Completing the vision for the Ford Evos Concept is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain providing the same next-generation performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi scheduled for introduction in North America in 2012.

The new Ford ‘powersplit’ hybrid architecture allows the electric motor and gasoline engine to work together or separately to maximise efficiency. The advanced powertrain typically runs in all-electric mode before switching to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency.  Which allows for an overall driving range of 500 miles using the battery and engine.

What’s surprising to me is the design of the vehicle. Notice anything that resembles a manufacturer that Ford used to own? To me, the vehicle looks like a Jaguar or Aston Martin, both of which were owned by Ford.

With it’s fastback-style sedan and gullwing doors this Ford won’t be making it to dealer showrooms. It’s a concept that Ford is using to launch itself forward in design, technology and innovation.

Ford, knowing that it was designing a car for the future,  in terms of technology, built a body and frame that would be out of this world for a future car. I say, bring it to production!

Cadillac, feeling good about the unveiling of the ELR decided to unveil another vehicle, this  one a concept.

A few years back, I’d seen a picture floating around on the internet(s), haha, of a big bulky  looking convertible Cadillac. It had suicide doors, real boxy front end and looked straight out of the movie “Romeo and Juliet.” Remember Leonardo Decaprio driving that hot-rod box convertible? Remember?Some of you won’t but he did! Promise.

So this week, Cadillac unveiled the Ciel concept in  California, which makes sense. It’s totally retro, and completely crazy looking.  Cadillac calls it, ”an elegant, open-air grand-touring car inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast.” What?

“The spacious and elegant Ciel is a grand gesture that explores themes driving Cadillac’s  explorations into range-topping flagship luxury.” What?

“The Ciel is about the romance of the drive. It emulates the great touring cars seen on the
greens at Pebble Beach, but with a modern flair that projects Cadillac’s vision for the
future.” What?

“There is authentic craftsmanship in the way the exterior and interior elements meld, much like a vintage wooden boat,” said Gael Buzyn, interior design manager. What?

The Cabernet paint color, developed specifically for Ciel, is inspired by the rich translucence of a glass of red wine held up to the sunlight. ME: Look, I think we get it. Ok…

22” Rims, LED headlights, Cabernet Paint Color, Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotors.  Look, I’m all for crazy custom cool rides but if they ever produce this, they need to make a Dr.  Pepper Red or John Deere Green. Just saying.

I think we all knew that, GM would make an Electric version of the Chevy Volt for Cadillac.

This week, I read a press release from GM stating just that.

Cadillac’s EV will be a 2014 model, produced in 2013 called the ELR, originally name the  Converj. No performance  data, specs or miles per charge estimates were released so I really can’t go in to specifics.

The press release says the Cadillac ELR will feature an electric propulsion system with a lithium ion battery, an electric motor, and a four cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car without using gasoline or producing  tailpipe emissions. When the battery’s energy is low, the ELR switches to extended-range  mode to enable driving for hundreds of additional miles.

Sounds familiar eh?

The Converj Concept sparked the idea of combining the desirability of a grand touring coupe with electrification, said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design. “There’s no  mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and  proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2,”  Welburn said.

I look forward to seeing this vehicle…in two years.