We really feel for Cadillac, a model we’re inclined to dub the Alex Rodriguez of the automotive world — a lot apparent expertise, its presents warped by repeated questionable strikes and an incapability to conclusively shut the deal on The Massive Stage. And as with Rodriguez, the expectations are so excessive on the identical time the frustration is so entrenched that Cadillac will get no advantages of any doubts, the commentariat ruthless with criticism for something lower than an out-of-the-park dwelling run. This newest information, just like the Newton-meter torque-based naming scheme initiated earlier this 12 months, probably will not assist. GM Authority requested Cadillac concerning the origin of the Lyriq identify for the approaching battery-electric crossover. World head of name technique Phil Dauchy defined three threads that went into the brand new moniker. In no specific order, one thread is that “Cadillac,” based on Dauchy, will get extra mentions in track lyrics than some other model, together with non-automotive manufacturers. The Music Lyrics Database, whereas not exhaustive, helps the case: Cadillac has 31 pages of lyric mentions amongst bands from Rancid to Bizarre Al Yankovic, beating each different model we may consider. So … lyrics into Lyriq.
The second thread is rolled up with Cadillac’s transfer to correct names as a substitute of alphanumerics for the sedan and crossover traces, all of these names to finish in “iq,” in addition to the push into electrical autos. Dauchy informed GMA the nomenclature overhaul and the two-letter suffix “[signal] that Cadillac is bringing a distinct sort of auto to market, one which works in live performance with man, nature, and machine.” He is bullish on swaying the general public with the product, including, “While you see [the Cadillac Celestiq], its measurement, presence and scale all connote the emotion related to the identify.”
The ultimate thread that went into the Lyriq identify the alliteration of name and mannequin names. As GMA phrased it, maybe unsettlingly, “With Cadillac and the mannequin identify each ending in an ‘ick’ sound, these names roll off the tongue fairly effectively.” This brings up a query raised in various feedback concerning the Lyriq, which asks whether or not the final syllable is pronounced “ick” or “eek.” Till now, I’ve pronounced the approaching crossover with an “eek” on the finish. “Lyr-eek” strikes me as extra luxurious, and “Celest-eek” sounds higher to me than “Celest-ick,” that latter mannequin being the flagship EV that follows the Lyriq. In fact, it additionally makes me surprise if I have been announcing “Cadillac” appropriately.
We’ll get the lowdown when the Lyriq idea debuts on-line on August 6. Nonetheless, contemplating the unqualified success of ideas just like the Elmiraj, Escala, Ciel and the manufacturing Escalade, we’re stunned Cadillac “put the ‘i’ earlier than ‘e'” in its subsequent chapter.
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