Friday 19 August 2011

Cadillac Ciel Concept is all about the romance of the drive



Cadillac Ciel Concept is all about the romance of the drive

Flamboyant, full blown concept cars have been decreasing in numbers these days, with more carmakers coming up with ‘concepts’ that are almost production ready. Here’s a wow inducing, jaw dropping one from Cadillac, called the Ciel Concept. Pronounced “C-L,” the French translation for sky, the Ciel is a big four-seat open top car, fittingly unveiled at Pebble Beach.
Ciel is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of Cadillac’s 3.6-litre direct Injection V6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology, and is stopped by carbon ceramic brakes. But who cares, just look at it!
Described as a new expression of Cadillac’s historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring, the Ciel is the carmaker’s attempt at exploring range-topping flagship luxury.
“Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future. Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey,” said global design director Clay Dean.
“The Ciel is about the romance of the drive. It emulates the great touring cars seen on the greens at Pebble Beach, but with a modern flair that projects Cadillac’s vision for the future,” he added. By the way, they were thinking of driving along the California coastline in the sunset when designing the Ciel.
The Ciel’s long exterior (3,175 mm wheelbase) flows into the cabin, with the body colour (Cabernet, inspired by a glass of red wine held up to the sunlight) rolling over on top of the interior door panels.
Like the exterior, the passenger space is accented with nickel-plated trim. It divides the body-colour upper from a beige lower color. Italian Olive wood, machined aluminum and hand-tipped leather are the other elements that provide the warm, rich feel.
More warmth comes in the form of a cashmere blanket that stretches (rear occupants pull a leather tab to access) across the seating area to ward off a chill (it may be California, but the sun still goes down!). The wood trim in the rear center console opens to reveal a small humidor, stocked with cigars.
The good life indeed. Gallery after the jump.

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