Cadillac has just unveiled the Emiraj Concept ahead of the official launch of the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
We’ll let Cadillac itself explain that the Elmiraj is “a grand coupe expressing the pure enjoyment of driving and exploring new dimensions for Cadillac’s ongoing expansion.” In addition, the Elmiraj Concept “showcases a new vision for luxury driving and the top of the brand’s expanding range.” And according to senior vice president, Global Cadillac, Bob Ferguson, the “Elmiraj provides a look inside the Cadillac Studio on how we envision performance and luxury for the next generation of luxury drivers.”
For a brand that’s “fueled by the creativity of [its] designers”, the Elmiraj is The Wreath and Crest’s take on on the classic format of a two-door grand coupe, while being a “pure expression of streamlined design and engaging rear-wheel drive performance”, according to Cadillac.
The two-door, four-seat grand coupe is a whopping 205 inches (5207 mm) long, and carries presence and poise throughout, blending “pure luxury and performance with a purposeful character and proportion”. The concept car progresses Cadillac’s design philosophy of dramatic design and performance, as well as its commitment to lightweight, agile cars.
The Exterior
The Elmiraj follows Cadillac’s first exploration of full-size luxury — the Ciel concept.
“This concept is the second chapter, following the Ciel Concept, of our exploration of the personas of true luxury,” said Clay Dean, executive director of advanced design. “This project originated around the simple persona of “the drive,” or the visceral experience of driving a great luxury coupe. It’s an expression of the confidence and poise you feel driving a high-performance car, which we feel is an essential element of top-level luxury.”
To that extent, Cadillac has made the following very clear: while some automakers use concept cars to exaggerate or “test” future production models, Cadillac approaches concepts as “a method for projecting design forward”. Given that Elmiraj was designed with this mind set, the concept suggests new territory for Cadillac Art & Science.
“Elmiraj advances Cadillac’s provocative modern design and performance, contrasted with bespoke craftsmanship and luxury,” said Cadillac design director Mark Adams. “It explores performance driving, as well as how we’re approaching elevating the Cadillac range and new dimensions of Art & Science philosophy.”
It all starts with a new-for-Cadillac front fascia design. Although it’s new, it is unmistakably Cadillac. The grille, for instance, focuses attention on the car’s significant road presence. Adorning the new grille is the Cadillac Crest in “conceptual form”. Having been revised dozens of time through Cadillac’s long history, the Crest has been “streamlined and tailored to the car’s overall design”.
Perhaps even more important are the dramatic proportions that convey power and performance. Cadillac’s signature long dash-to-axle front profile gives the Elmiraj concept a distinct, performance-oriented shape, while the long wheelbase and clean side body lines depict the car’s spacious dimensions and status.
The cabin is positioned within a fuselage with tight fender lines, which spline through the body. In that regard, the vehicle literally blends art and science — referring to Cadillac’s design philosophy by the same name. Vertical light elements, which have now become the brand’s signature lighting elements, are seen in bot the headlamps and tail lamps. Connecting the vertical front and rear elements is a “gently applied feature line in the sheet metal” that runs the full length of the body side.
“Elmiraj is about poise and proportion,” said lead exterior designer Niki Smart. “We wanted a mature statement for Cadillac, where simplicity and subtle adornments create a purposeful presence.”
The design of the Elmiraj concept also encompasses elements suggesting the engaging driving performance characteristics: two functional vents positioned on the car’s long hood release the hot air from the twin turbo V8. The concept rides on 22×9 aluminum wheels with large ceramic brakes complemented by Cadillac monoblock calipers. The concept also noticeably wears Vsport badges on its rich blue exterior, designating the brand’s new level of performance that slots directly under the range-topping V-Series.
The Interior
The cabin of the Elmiraj concept features the traditional 2+2 layout with high-performance seats that are designed to support spirited driving while providing a high dose of luxurious accommodation. And while the rear seats of most coupes are the economy class travel to the first class comfort of the front seats, some might actually look forward to sitting in the back seat of the Elmiraj. That’s because rear bucket seats incorporate a valet feature for ease of entry and exit. Here’s how it works: the front bucket seat slides 10 inches forward while the rear bucket seat slides 4 inches forward to meet the passenger for ingress or egress. The rear seat then slides back into position once the passenger is seated. The rear bucket seats recline for additional comfort.
Furthermore, the Elmiraj combines elements of luxury, space, and driver-focused components. The upper section of the instrument panel, for instance, is a single piece that stretches across the full width of the vehicle, while the lower “forms a cockpit space tailored for performance.”
Returning to the notion that the Elmiraj concept isn’t a concept for the sake of being a concept, lead interior designer Gael Buzyn says that “A concept provides not only an opportunity to explore new design ideas, but to pursue new techniques for elegant craftsmanship and materials.”
Backlit titanium trim curls from the cowl to the doors, splitting the upper camel leather from the wood trim. The wood in the concept was handpicked by Cadillac Studio craftsmen, who selected fallen Brazilian Rosewood that’s lauded for its use in home furnishings and musical instruments. The wood is hand-cut into three dimensional sections for perfect control of the grain flow.
The instrument panel is comprised of an analog yet transparent tachometer and speedometer. Placed directly behind the analog gauges is a wide screen, high resolution display that shows driver information as well as the footage from a front-mounted camera. Meanwhile, the center stack cradles a 10-inch touchscreen for navigation and connectivity. The screen can hide behind inside the instrument panel when not in use.
The Inspiration
Throughout history, many of the acclaimed automotive designs have been luxury coupes — and designers drew inspiration for the Elmiraj concept from the 1967 Eldorado.
“We were influenced in particular by the 1967 Eldorado, both its actual design and the fact that in its time that car was a very stark contrast and a new direction. More recent design like the CTS-V Coupe and the ELR are provocative,” said Dean, the advanced design director. “Both of these cars were major statements of performance and luxury and drove Cadillac forward into new territory.”
Under the direction of Frank Saucedo, designers at GM’s advanced design studio in North Hollywood, California, led the development of the interior and exterior of the Elmiraj. The concept vehicle was hand-build by in-house craftsmen in Michigan.
The Chassis
The Elmiraj utilizes a chassis and structural elements of “an ongoing Cadillac vehicle development project slated for future production” — something that reportedly carries the name Omega internally at GM. According to Cadillac, “this new vehicle architecture expands the brand’s commitment to lightweight RWD performance” demonstrated on the ATS sport sedan and the all-new 2014 CTS that launches this fall in the United States.
The Engine
Under the hood, the Elmiraj cradles a 4.5 liter twin turbocharged V8 delivering an estimated 500 horsepower. The powerplant, according to Cadillac, utilizes the baseline technology from Cadillac’s new twin turbo V6 (LF3) engine found in the 2014 CTS Vsport, where the boosted 3.6 liter engine makes 420 horsepower, while expanding it to the familiar and universally-loved format of a V8.
Specifications
| Model | Cadillac Elmiraj Concept |
|---|---|
| Body Style | 4-passenger, 2-door grand coupe |
| Dimensions | |
| Height | 55 in / 1397 mm |
| Width | 76 in / 1930 mm |
| Length | 205 in / 5207 mm |
| Curb Weight | Approx. 4000 lb / 1814 kg |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.5-liter Twin Turbo V8 |
| Power | 500 hp / 373 kW |
| Torque | 500 lb-ft / 678 Nm |
Comments
i think im in love!
Sexy.. Cant wait for more pics
Favorite part about this concept is the rear end……it is so elegant…and what is under that hood ! Cause I see a V on the trunk….
If i’m not mistaken, that looks like the Vsport emblem in back, yet the power is rated in that link at “only” 500hp/tq…
That’s right. It’s not al
LTS-VElmiraj-V, it’s an Elmiraj Vsport — one level below the full-blown V range.That’s sharp!
New Cadilac emblem BTW.
the new logo has to grow on me…..
It’s no Ciel, but it is beautiful.
I see this concept is sporting Cadillac’s revised badge. Looks like no more crest for now. But other than that this Elmiraj looks to be a promising vehicle in Cadillac’s lineup! It’s essentially a Ciel with a hard top, and that’s exactly what I was looking for!!! Another stellar concept by Cadillac!
It’s a more realistic version of the Ciel, one that doesn’t require $10k+ in body work and lamp replacement if someone taps the front end at the mall. I do wish they had the courage to have kept the suicide doors, for it would have made quite the statement and set it even further apart from anything else on the road … that said, I’m not even sure the NHTSA would even allow such a thing today.
On the whole I think they did a fantastic job retaining the spirit of the Ciel whilst making a vehicle a lot more practical to manufacture, sell, and drive. This is no small feat, for many manufacturers have butchered this critical design step in the past.
Let us hope that this is in fact the car we see in dealerships in the not so distant future.
A toast to the design team … I can’t wait to see my next Escalade.
Not a fan of the lack of the wreath. However this car is beautiful!
Yea like the wreath really adds a great deal to the car!
Taking the Ciel design language to a bit more of an extreme. Reminds me of an elegant Batmobile.
I love it, this thing is incredibly sexy for art and science. I hope it’s not just a tease that it goes into production with the interior mostly intact.
I am amazed by the beauty of this Cadillac. I can’t stop looking at it. I wish they could develop it for production.
Looks god-awful. The logo looks MORE old-fashioned without the wreath, and the black grille mesh is just…..ugh. Loved the Ciel, Sixteen, and “Glamour,” hate this new Caddy
Now for pix from under the hood…
Wow I think I really like it
This is what we have needed here.
They have taken the Ciel and cleaned it up much and given it much more flow and styling that could come closer to production. They have added hints and updates of the Sixteen too.
For those missing the wreath how can you even notice the emblems with flowing lines and creases like this. This is the kind of body you would want to run your hands over washing it.
This is only the 2nd of 3 show cars so the sedan is yet to come.
This should give you a good idea of the direction the LTS or what ever they call it will be directed. While this car is not 100% production ready It is made up to about 80% producible standards.
Things like the B pillar may make it in this car since the cost factor can cover it.
Job well done Cadillac and I can hardly wait to see the sedan version.
Also I love the name. Time for Cadillac to create new classics and stop reliving the past. The future is now embrace it.
I was going to come up with my own reply, but no need. Scott, you got it bang on.
What a beautiful car, and mostly possible for production.
Love the car. can see a future camaro in the design.
Okay, here’s the thing.
I hate full size coupes, because when I hear the phrase “full size coupe”, I think of this:
http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/02/CC-36-079-800.jpg
For me, the difference between that old land barge and Elmiraj is that if I got into and drove the Elmiraj around, I wouldn’t feel embarrassed doing so. I wouldn’t worry about being seen as being stuck in the 1970’s. I wouldn’t worry about not having enough chrome. I wouldn’t care about opera windows and landau roofs. The Elmiraj is so distant from, and is such a refreshing departure from the image of whory old Eldorados, that simply can’t bring myself to hate it for being an full-size coupe.
I’m looking at high res photos of the interior, and the detail alone makes me wonder how people ever accepted cars like the Eldorado in the first place.
When I think of “full size coupe” I think of this…
http://images.thecarconnection.com/lrg/bentley_100385704_l.jpg
Oh so much interesting stuff here!
The new badge is interesting. The crest, absent the wreath looks horizontally stretched to maintain proportion with the grill. It may take a while to get used to but I think it works. The grill is perhaps one of the biggest changes to me. It is far more subtle than any Cadillac grill in recent memory, and I think it works really well. It retains it’s prominence in the overall design with it’s still dominant size, but does so far more effortlessly without the busy, chrome-heavy eggcrate and surround. I know it’s a V grill, but it may point to a design approach for the non-V models as well.
The head and tail lamps have a really solid, purposeful symmetry – front to back – that I suspect Cadillac may come close to accomplishing in a production version with the new LED headlight technology (ELR, Escalade). That greenhouse has become distinctly Cadillac – I could hide everything below the beltline and still know that’s a Cadillac. That pin-sharp chrome line on the lower portion of the carriage is sublime; from it’s origin at the foglights up front to it’s gentle dissolve at the rear. There are noticeably less thick chrome elements all over, which I generally like. Though, a touch of chrome on the rear facia might help visually anchor all those sheet metal creases.
If those side vents make it to production, I pray they’re functional. Hey, if GM can do it on the new Corvette I’m sure Cadillac can do it as well. I won’t bother commenting on the interior since concept car interiors rarely ever mean anything.
Anyway, Cadillac has developed a confidence and purity in their design language that very few in this industry have. Every surface communicates an intent and just about every line is resolved. The Emliraj is a stunning expression of that language.
Sweet holy god of auto design! That thing is beautiful!
Ciel 2.0 is what i see
The the new Cadillac emblem didn’t turn out as bad as everyone thought
The car looks elegant, sleek and stylish while still being classy
I think this is a solid A- for Cadillac. I’d give it an A+ when gm tells me it’s going to be produced
This car is stinning, simply stunning! The V on the trunk is most likely for VSport, the new trim level placed under the V-Series. The new emblem actually looks good now that I see it on a car. You know what I think? I think that the future V-Series models should have a V under it. Car guys will know that in the 1950’s GM was very proud of their V8 motors. In the 1950’s the Cadillac crest had a big V under it to boast about it’s powerful V8 motor. I can see Cadillac doing that now. I can see Cadillac placing a big V under the crest for future V-Series models to show the world that it’s a CTS-V, an ATS-V, or whatever the model is, and to show the world just how proud GM is of the powerful V-Series. I hope that they do that because the V-Series is something to be damn proud of these days….. Also, I see mini fins on the back which to me means that Cadillac is back on top.
I should also add that if it made production, it should be called “ETC” Eldorado Touring Coupe.
I agree! And the sedan should be called “ETS”, instead of the rumored “LTS”.
The “E” in addition to evoking Eldorado, would complete range of sedans harmoniously with lyrics interspersed:
ATS
B
CTS
D
ETS
Greetings!
Beautiful car! Precisely what I expected, a version of Ciel closest to production.
I like very much the direction we are taking Cadillac, consolidating the language of Art and Science design with each new design. Like Ciel, this concept has an incredible presence by combining angular lines simple lines that give a prefect balance and right for the market to which the mark is addressed.
I also liked the new logo! It seems a good step, as part of the renaissance that Cadillac needs and are experiencing to get a place in the global luxury market, and regain its reputation as “The Standard of the World”. It would be excellent, as says Brewcity Bill, that the next V-Series carry the “V” below the crest!
Love the car. Reminds me of a !970-72 Chevy Monte Carlo.
Great proportions and beautiful design. I hope GM/Cadillac adopts most of these design concepts into the final product.
As the owner of over 20 cadillacs I have always been partial to the wreath. I have even gone as far as changing out all of the plain Calais emblems for the wreath even if it didn’t belong on certain models, it just looks better. I do admit this is the best emblem I’ve seen without the wreath but it still gives u that something is missing feeling. kinda like the Superman emblem without the diamond.
That Car is stunning. I hope we see it in production one day.
Could this 4.5-liter Twin Turbo V8 maybe be the engine for the ATS-V? I know many are leaning to the 3.6 TT for the ATS-V, but the ATS was designed to be able to fit a V8 and cadillac wants the ATS to be the very best. The new C63 AMG Black Series has 510 horsepower and this engine seems like it could do the same where I don’t see the 3.6 TT being able to get over 450hp.
Dear Cadillac,
If you don’t build something very close to this and the Ciel, you will all burn in car hell.
Just saying.
Car : Stunning, Crest (New Logo) : Yikes, not a fan. I like the wreath.
sweet jesus mother of god!! Gorgeous!!!
Just blew the germans and italians and japanese out of the water
This was like hearing the news when the us dropped the bomb on japan!
Just smiles!
Absolutely beautiful!!! I really like the new emblem too.
There’s nothing wrong with a full size coupe if it looks like that Cadillac is on its way up MB and BMW better start worrying
Just when I thought the Ciel was a sexy machine caddy adds a hard top to an already elegant design and it just works .It looks sooooooooo classy !!!!
Very smooth and nicely done! Cadillac has needed a big, graceful 2-dr coupe for a while now.
But the name was an immediate turn-off, by being a deliberate misspelling of El Mirage, the
traditional hallowed ground of speed records. Where would we be with a Pontiac Bonneville or a Chevy Monte Carlo with badly spelled impressions of their own names?
C’mon folks we don’t need to dumb-down the name of a potential new Cadillac model to illiterate levels, just to get these things sold, do we?
The Cadillac Elmiraj Concept Coupe will be on display at the IAA, the Frankfurt (Germany) international motor show in September. On display would also be the 2014 CTS and the Extended range electric Cadillac ELR.
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/08/cadillac-to-showcase-elmiraj-concept-coupe-during-2013-frankfurt-motor-show/
Build it. Build it now, build it today, build it yesterday. Just BUILD IT!! Completely in love.
Time for another Matrix movie, cant wait!
This cadillac is beautiful as hell.
Hell would be pretty ugly and scary…but I get what you mean.
Wow..stunning…I`d take it over a new Vette.
If GM has any sense…they will make this car !
This is the one we’ve been waiting for. This is the one that says Cadillac is back in all it’s former glory. A car that embraces it’s past while pointing toward the future. The best part about it is that it looks like it could really happen and not just a concept. Ok, Cadillac, you’ve run it up the flagpole and we’re all saluting, let’s go!
If this gets built, will there be a 4 door version? Will that 4 door version replace the xts? Or will they both stay?
Cadillac would have ats cts xts lts srx escalade
Are there anymore holes for Cadillac to fill?
A small two door roadster? A large cuv?
How many vehicle’s should Cadillac produce?
The Eldorado was never anything but a stand alone personal luxury coupe, why not this? A tough segment for sure except at the high end. I think it’s spot on
I used to like cadillac. they just lost me with that arab sounding name- emiraj!
Beautiful. But when it comes to show cars, hardly anyone out does GM. They invented the concept after all. What I wanna know is does GM have the balls to build such a car and do it right.
Cadillac currently is like a reincarnated king, that has yet to mature into/surpass his historic greatness.
Cars like this at dealerships and on the street will be proof that GM is serious about putting Cadillac where it rightfully should be.
this makes me furious! why does Cadillac insist on constantly showing us what they “could” do? the ciel has been around for a while and now they are proving that they could have sent luxury brands like benz and bmw home years ago. they keep making “teasers” that they never put into production. whats the conspiracy here? do automakers meet up like coke and pepsi and decide who gets to win or lose for the next decade? these cars need to be in production NOW! I’m a 6’5 african american male from the mid-west…I grew up thinking the Cadillac was THEE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY! what happened to this company? seeing this so called miraj…….and the name? what does that mean? are we seeing something that really isnt there??? I WANT THIS CAR! and it sickens me to know that I will either–> never get it, or by the time they make a washed out “version” of it,it will already be outdated……… P.S. I’m a benz man now(but I wish I could be a Cadillac man).
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