Created today’s Cadillac
3 types of concept cars from the past
Luxurious design
Cadillac, a premium brand under General Motors, has become one of the two major luxury brands in the U.S., along with Lincoln. Founded in 1901, Cadillac insisted on high-spec performance and created special vehicles. Not only its outstanding technology but also its bold design soon became a symbol of Cadillac.
They have developed their designs based on concept car models from the past to maintain Cadillac’s identity, representing the American automobile industry. In this situation, we introduce three types of Cadillac’s representative concept cars that are not out of place.
1980 Cadillac Voyage Concept
A Vision of the Future
The first is the 1988 Cadillac Voyage model. Until the early 1980s, Cadillac’s exterior design was luxurious but criticized for being clunky. Cadillac worked hard to develop a new design language to shake off criticism of the design that had become a label at the time. The resulting Voyage presented a new design direction with a future-oriented design.
Looking at the exterior, the design that considers aerodynamic technology stands out. Flat, flat-face wheels were applied, and part of the wheel was hidden by the vehicle’s body to create a smooth appearance. The aerodynamics-based configuration, including the gently curved bonnet and arch-shaped roof line, stands out. Not only the design but also the installed functions were state-of-the-art at the time. Features like dual-screen navigation, rear camera, and voice support are included. A computer controls the four-wheel drive system and automatically switches between front- and rear-wheel drive depending on the situation.
2003 Cadillac Sixteen Concept
Delivering a Maximum Output of 1,014 Horsepower
Next is the Cadillac Sixteen, unveiled in 2003. This vehicle was created for the Cadillac V16 in the 1930s. This large sedan concept car has a 13.6-liter V16 engine, generating a maximum output of 1,014 horsepower and a maximum torque of 138.3kgf.m. A unique feature of the Sixteen design is the absence of side pillars. A sleek side design contrasts with the vast size that was applied.
The body size is 5,672 mm (223.31 inches) in length, 2,029 mm (79.88 inches) in width, 1,392 mm (54.80 inches) in height, and 3,556 mm (140 inches) in wheelbase, and the curb weight is 2,270 kg (5,004 lbs). Although the Sixteen did not reach the mass production stage, it was a spiritual successor to the V16 produced in the 1930s and served as the starting point for Cadillac design. The design was later reflected in the 2008 Cadillac CTS. Elements such as the trapezoidal grille shape, curved bonnet line, and split lamp design with vertical emphasis were continued.
2011 Cadillac Ciel Concept
A compilation of Cadillac’s technological capabilities
The last one was the Cadillac Ciel, unveiled in 2011. It is a four-seater, ultra-luxurious convertible produced by Cadillac to commemorate its past flagship models. Ciel means cloud in French and is evaluated as presenting a new vision for the future by consolidating Cadillac’s design artistry and cutting-edge technology. It served as a milestone for later models, including a step forward for the brand to grow internally.
The long, angular body resembles an American classic car from the 1960s. Still, its open shape like a coach door, chrome garnish applied here and there, a unique trapezoidal grill, and a lamp design placed vertically along the body line give it a modern appearance. Ciel, reminiscent of a huge yacht and showing the essence of luxury, is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine, a battery pack, and a hybrid system. Through this, its high technology stood out, demonstrating outstanding performance with a maximum output of 425 horsepower and a maximum torque of 59.3kgf.m.
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