Cadillac recently unveiled its latest concept, the Ciel, fulfilling the divisions pledge that its glorious past will continue on to a promising future. Its a concept that shows why Cadillac truly is still the Standard of the World…
Imagine yourself piloting a large American convertible on Californias legendary Pacific Coast Highway, between Big Sur and Monterey. Your destination is the Pebble Beach golf course and here amid the dramatic vistas from steep cliffs, on which the waves of the worlds largest ocean crash, your senses come alive as you feel the wind in your hair and the power at the command of your right foot.
With handcrafted leather cosseting you and three of your closest friends, its as if true automotive nirvana has sprung to life. Youre on the ultimate road trip, heading to the ultimate destination. With a ribbon of almost deserted two – lane blacktop stretching out in front of you and the landscape bathing in the warmth of a late afternoon sun, its time to revel in the moment, for this is it, the culmination of all your dreams and desires…
Dramatic perhaps, but for a number of American car fans the idea of cruising PCH in a big open top land yacht is an image that few others can match. Its also something that Clay Dean and the design team who worked on Cadillacs stunning Ciel concept envisioned from start to finish. The fact that the Ciel made its debut at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d Elegance should come as no surprise. After all, according to Dean, Cadillacs global design director, besides driving along PCH, the inspiration for this concept very much came from some of the great Grand Tourers on display at the Ocean View golf course each August.
“The Ciel is about the romance of the drive,” stated Dean, yet according to him, its also as much about luxury as an experience as it is a physical product. Take for example the cars configuration. An open roof, large and long – legged Grand Tourer with seating for two couples and their luggage harks back to a type of car and arguably a lifestyle we havent really seen since the Sixties. Even the suicide rear doors are a nostalgic touch, a throwback to such machines as Facel Vegas, the one – off 1966 Duesenberg, and even, dare we say the 1961-67 Lincoln Continental.
Although elements of Cadillacs current Art and Science design language are very much evident in the Ciel, from the blade – like fenders to the vertical LED lights and bold eggcrate grille, the overall style is one of slightly softer, more organic style, understated elegance versus cold hard precision. Theres a noticeable curvature in the fender lines, which sweep upward, while the long and low slung profile lends the appearance of a true modern – day land yacht, despite the large rolling stock at all four corners. The exterior colour, Cabernet, was chosen specifically for the car, reflecting the dark, rich aroma of full bodied red wine, especially when held up against that legendary California sunlight.
A brushed aluminium windscreen support and nickel – plated trim complement the paint nicely, adding both contrast and just enough interesting exterior detail without being gaudy. Inside, the nautical theme is very much in evidence, with two – tone hand – stitched leather set off with more nickel – plate trim, as well as aluminium and hand – milled Italian Olive wood accents; California and Detroit meets Lake Garda.
As a car conceived in the spirit of true Gran Turismo tradition, the cabin was designed to coddle four individuals in comfort. A floating centre console that runs from the dash all the way to the rear of the cabin is designed to accentuate the feeling of intimacy for each occupant; yet it also serves another purpose, providing each of them with the outside world via connectivity portals, which enable such tasks as checking the weather forecast, making dinner reservations, even uploading photos of the road trip via social media.
Transparent instruments are another interesting touch and along with the aluminum accents, suggest a nod towards the future, amid generous helpings of tradition. “Theres authentic craftsmanship in the way the exterior and interior elements meld,” says Gael Buzyn, interior design manager on the Ciel concept. “It is romantic, not only in its form but also the materials; nothing smells as good as wood and leather.” Indeed. Yet given its emphasis on classic and perhaps to a certain extent old world charm and craftsmanship, it may come as a surprise to learn that the Ciel eschews extravagance for a certain amount of frugality under the hood.
Beneath the sculptured bonnet isnt a gargantuan VI6, rather a version of the 3.6 – litre V6 found in the garden variety Cadillac CTS, though for the Ciel, its naturally received a few enhancements, namely twin turbochargers. Of course, being a concept in this day and age, the V6 is supplemented by an electric hybrid system with dual electric motors and lithium – ion battery pack, so there you have it, performance but with a conscience. I wonder what the likes of Frank, Sammy and Dean would have made of that?
And yet, despite sitting on 22 – inch nickel – plated wheels, the Ciel somehow manages to avoid the blocky, ornate bling factor that seems to be characterising an ever – greater number of so called luxury cars. Instead, it represents a refreshing change of direction in automotive design. If the Ciel does indeed represent the future direction of Cadillac, then it shows that much like the era which inspired this car, the future could once again witness an age in which where the Standard of the World goes, the rest will follow.