Cadillac revealed the scintillating new Opulent Velocity concept in August, showing off the luxury marque’s vision for an all-electric hypercar that melds lavish appointment with bewildering performance into a single, butterfly-doored showstopper. Indeed, the Opulent Velocity concept is quite the looker, and critically, there’s no hint of Caddy’s old Art And Science design language to be found. As a result, we must conclude that the Cadillac Art and Science era is now officially a thing of the past.
CTS
Opulent Velocity
For those readers who may be unaware, Cadillac entered the 21st century with a new design philosophy dubbed Art and Science. The design language incorporated sharp edges and geometric forms, with some of the earliest examples being the CTS sedan and XLR roadster, both of which show clearly defined lines and forms, creating a shape that’s somewhat segmented in the layout. The angles are precise and clean, creating an almost box-like construction and chunked-out style.
By comparison, the Opulent Velocity concept is a clear breakaway from the initial Art and Science models. Rather than crisp lines and sharp edges, Opulent Velocity is far more organic and curving, with smooth arcs and bends that flow from front to back. Of course, there is some segmentation, most notably in the front, where we see a nod to Cadillac’s current electric vehicle lineup via vertical wings in the corners of the lower fascia, as well as illuminated line elements throughout. The design also takes inspiration from Cadillac’s V-Series.R hybrid race cars, underlining its performance intentions.
XLR
Opulent Velocity
Even so, Opulent Velocity looks to be more than a mere evolution of Art and Science – rather, to our eyes, it’s a totally different design philosophy, fusing a sci-fi aesthetic with unquestionable elegance to create something quite new.
That newness extends to some of the ideas presented by the concept, with the Opulent Velocity proposing a fully autonomous, all-electric powertrain that will hand over control to a human pilot on demand. The interior is equally as impressive, with a 2+2 seating arrangement, yoke-shaped steering, and 3D-printed components.
Opulent Velocity
What do you think, dear reader? Is the Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept an evolution of Art and Science, or something entirely new? Let us know by voting in the poll below, and post your thoughts in the comments as well!
Comments
Yes, it is a new design philosophy, but I would still rather buy a refreshed XLR than a production Opulent. Hopefully, cadillac will try again.
Every couple of years Cadillac comes out with a new design philosophy and builds a few concepts that never become reality. So why bother. The fact of the matter is that Cadillac is no longer a LUXURY CAR Brand because they don’t sell any LUXURY CARS. The CT4 and CT5 are hardly LUXURY cars…maybe entry level luxury at best. For Cadillac to be the Standard of the World or even just another LUXURY brand it needs to build and market a REAL LUXURY CAR, like the ESCALA, I think the new CT6 if properly equipped could also be a LUXURY CAR in the US to compete with Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. But they’s have to bring it to the US which conflicts with Cadillac’s China First Strategy. It’s unfortunate.
You’re right, Cadillac needs to be like the others to be considered a LUXURY name plate. Their small/medium/large sedans; make them taxi, police, fleet vehicles like they are in Europe, South America, Middle East and when they cross the pond, do a large campaign to fool people they are a LUXURY name plates… Oh, and charge accordingly too! Then Cadillac should bring a FWD econobox with vinyl seats, so then, like their big brother sedans, further push the agenda of LUXURY. Lets not forget get the popular Chevrolet Express and put the fancier clothes to compete with the plumber’s van from LUXURY Mercedes. To top it off for LUXURY, Cadillac needs to get the Silverado Med Duties and compete in the garbage truck arena like the very LUXURY Mercedes does. Remember nothing pretentious from these LUXURY namplates, it’s just the new definition of what LUXURY is and like you said, Cadillac needs a copy of their playbook from these very LUXURY namplates competitors in order to be considered a LUXURY nameplate.
They are working hard to Polish that Celestiq turd!
@Ibrahim, have you seen the Celestiq in person?
Despite it being a departure from A&S language it still feels like an evolution. I think Cadillac has always done a good job of using past styling cues as inspiration.
Sorry, but Art & Science was a great concept that powered some truly GORGEOUS vehicles.
Not sure what this new concept/design language is but but it sux.
HOWEVER
I will reserve full judgment until I see a new vehicle on the road that is the beneficiary of it.
Not just a concept that won’t ever be available for purchase by the masses!!