Friday 19th August 2011

Cadillac Ciel Concept 'Celebrates the Journey'

We'll be celebrating too, if they decide to build it...

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Suddenly taking the p*** out of Cadillac's "historic renaissance" seems a little short-sighted. That was yesterday, but today this beautiful re-imaging of the brand's decadent past has blown our socks off!

It's called the Ciel, as in the French for 'sky', which is pretty imaginative for a company that's just announced production of something called an ELR.

The Ciel, newly unveiled at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, is described as "an elegant, open-air grand-touring car inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast." Cadillac also says it "opens a new chapter in Cadillac's design and product ascent, pushing the brand's Art & Science philosophy into a new stratum." OK, that's a bit 'pseuds corner', but with a car as good looking as this you've got to cut 'em a bit of slack.

The Ciel is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of GM's 3.6-liter direct injection V6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology, which isn't quite the twin-turbo V16 you might have been hoping for. But hey, at least it uses some fossil fuel - and a reported 425bhp isn't too shabby.

Far more noteworthy is the design, with an exterior penned by a team under Niki Smart, and an olive wood interior under Gael Buzyn - all working under the auspices of GM's North Hollywood design centre. There's even a reference to vestigial fins in the two explanatory videos linked here and here. Fever!

The question is, will GM have the balls to build it?

 

[anonymous-user]

Is it okay if I like this?

[cheesyblob]

PSBuckshot said:

Is it okay if I like this?

Yes.

[AB]

cheesyblob said:

PSBuckshot said:

Is it okay if I like this?

Yes.

Good, because I do too.

[Chicane-UK]

Likewise.

I mean the front / nose needs restyling badly but other than that it's a beaut!

[anonymous-user]

AB said:

cheesyblob said:

PSBuckshot said:

Is it okay if I like this?

Yes.

Good, because I do too.

Good.
It looks very 'classy'
I bet Bruce Wayne would drive one when not in his Lambo.

[louiebaby]

What's the classic car used in the intro to Entourage?

Is it an old Caddy? I think it is.

This is cool in a similar way, but wouldn't work in Basingstoke either.

[Varsity]

Gorgeous.

[Johnboy Mac]

Well done GM!

[AUDIHenry]

This is the kind of stuff Cadillac should do.

[SC2912]

[quote=louiebaby]What's the classic car used in the intro to Entourage?

It's a Lincoln Continental in Entourage.

[louiebaby]

SC2912 said:

louiebaby said:

What's the classic car used in the intro to Entourage?

It's a Lincoln Continental in Entourage.

Ah st.

[Insight]

This Cadillac Ciel Concept Car is ART (Absolutely Ravishingly Terrific).

[nav p]

The rear and 3/4 shot from the back is so lovely..the front end is a mess

If it drives like it looks what a winner that could be.

[louismchuge]

and the winner for the worlds most hidden door handles is...

[Chris-R]

louismchuge said:

and the winner for the worlds most hidden door handles is...

The McLaren 12C..?

[LouD86]

I think I can honestly say Ive fallen in love! That is a thing of beauty!

[Frimley111R]

Oooo, those long lines and no roof just say 'modern day Boss Hogg motor' to me

[minicab]

I can see me parking that outside the casino in Monaco...

Stunning!!

[bobbylondonuk]

there are very few modern american cars that instantly make me think of America!

This car is on the list! Looks brilliant and brings a modern interpretation of the iconic american cars of the past! Unmistakeably a Cadillac!

[andycambo]

It's different but it works. Great concept.

Any Hi-Res pics?