Just moments ago, Cadillac pulled the sheet off of the Ciel Concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance among the classic Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Duesenbergs and whatever else people with way too much money like to collect and gawk over. And to be frank, the car fits right in.
With a wheelbase of 125 inches — a foot longer than the CTS Sedan — and an overall length of 203.7 inches, this full-sized roadster pays homage to the classic Cadillacs of old, when they were renown for their length and roominess. Basically, it’s the complete opposite kind of vehicle that the tiny ULC Concept is. But at the same time, it’s not performance oriented like the now infamous CTS-V is, either.
An elegantly appointed interior awaits those privileged enough to find themselves nestled inside, with a minimalist gauge cluster, hidden air vents, brushed aluminum almost everywhere, milled Italian Olive wood inserts, sloping bolstered seats and loads of modern technology. Things such as an inductive charging system and a power-assisted transmission shifter that deploys as soon as the engine is started are present and go with the tasteful appointments like the lighting in the armrests, storage areas in the doors that utilize zippers, and even an aromatherapy feature that is controlled from the rear armrest. There’s even pull-out blankets that retract automatically for passengers, and a drawer containing sun lotion, sun glasses and towels. Doesn’t it just make you want to go on a honeymoon? Oh, yes, and there’s B-pillarless French doors to boot.
Propelling this modern-day luxury boat is a modified 3.6-liter V6 engine featuring twin overhead cams, two turbochargers, direct injection and variable valve timing that produces 425 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The 3.6 is coupled with a hybrid system using lithium-ion batteries that dishes out electric propulsion at low speeds to all four wheels. Which are 22-inches in diameter, of course. For more, have a look at the video or the gallery and have a peek at the presser below.
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Comments
Interesting study, can see why it was introduced at pebble beach, personally not into land yachts though.
Like some design elements, back not so much, actually I would have preffered a sporty convertable with sleaker lines similar to converj…
Well, the sport ‘vert is coming in the form of the ATS and (hopefully) the larger CTS coupe. But I love the design of the Ciel. It’s stunning all around. This would be a Benz CL/S-Class coupe competitor. Not sure Caddy needs such a vehicle, though.
That’s bad ass!!
Alex, Cadillac the brand and GM the for profit comany are probably beond such a thing; but I feel that history demands it, this is Cadillac’s heritage, this is what should be called Eldorado, and be in the same class of pure luxury car as Rolls Royce. As much as I like litte turbo engines, I feel this car should be powered by somthing as heroic as the styling, like a OHV V16 or maybee some sort of nuclear propulsion system desighned for Navy submarines, this thing is so Jhonson administration, so De Lux. It’s not even retro per se, it’s just so ELDORADO
Is it me or would have this been cool as a concept12 years ago, just seems out of place with the new Cadillac, I still like it. I dont think it fits the direction I thought Cadillac was going though.
Actually I am battling myself with this concept part of me likes it and part of me cant stand it. It just seems out of place, so 10 or 12 yaers ago concept wise. The dynamics of the concept are dated and maybe to retro. I feel like there are two directions Cadillac cant make there mind up on modern (art and science) or retro/modern lets compete with the Bentlys. Here is my thing if you want to create that other segment then do it, thats fine but if not stop making us think that you are. A 16 cylinder beast or a 20 foot land yacht convertible may have its place with the super wealthy, and thats fine. But lets see the sleak (art and science) practical convertable that an upper middle class person could at least attain. Good grief give me a break, yuck…
GM is great at these concept/show cars. The Ciel is reminiscent of the fabulous Sixteen concept from several years ago. If only Cadillac would produce it as both a sedan and 4-door convertible with rear drive. Ciel is a good name, but I’m sure it would get some three-letter name. Love the video shot on Highway 1 – the Pacific Coast Highway – just so it would tie in with Pebble Beach.
Is it just me or does this thing just scream Batmobile? The grill, the hint of fins…and it’s black of course. I wouldn’t buy it, but I applaud the concept.
Very interesting concept. I can’t say I like the front end styling, but it’s unique. Rear end looks great, late 60’s Eldorado flavor to it? Cadillac needs a car at the top of the range that is unique to the brand. $100K+ and looks,feels and drives like it. Not many could afford them, but that’s the whole point.
Peter DeLorenzo from Auto Extremist:
Editor-in-Chief’s Note: The Cadillac Ciel concept revealed Thursday evening in Pebble Beach foreshadows the design direction for the “uber” Cadillac that has long been rumored and is now slated for production reality in 2014 or thereabouts. Powered by a 3.6L V-6 with twin turbochargers (425hp and 430 lb-ft of torque), the new Cadillac will first make its debut as a sedan in the $100,000+ range, but the this luxury-performance roadster concept will follow 12 to 18 months later. I’ll have more comments about Cadillac…and Lincoln next week. – PMD
So according to Pete D, this will be an “uber” flagship that’s above the S-Class/7er/A8/LS? Who in the world will buy this thing, even it is as gorgeous as this concept (assuming that the concept makes it to production)?
The uber car is the S- Class/7-Series/LS fighter. It will not be above them, but on the same level. he is also saying the concept will make it to production as well later.
Uh ok…. Seriously “what is Cadillac”…
Elegant and forward thinking. The powerful art deco RR front, the delicately curved sides, the reemphasis of the lusciously shaped and powerful rear wheel arches, concluding with the attractive (a la 1969 Eldo) rear. The light treatments are out of this world.
Prior posts mentioning fins or bat car are rediculously wrong. Finally GM is moving forward to what can be in the future instead of being mired in the retro trap. I would hope the Ciel makes it in a similar version to production. I would be a buyer.
Cadillac Ciel is a home run!
No retro rearward looking design here!
Kudos to Caddy for presenting a most elegant and soul stirring open air motor car that visages the future while paying homage to past design hallmarks. In and out, the Ciel is outstanding luxury!
Make it and I will buy one!