|
|---|
Showing posts with label Cadillac concepts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cadillac concepts. Show all posts
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Cadillac Ciel Concept
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Cadillac today unveiled the Ciel concept, an elegant, open-air grand-touring car inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast.
The Ciel – pronounced "C-L," the French translation for sky – is a four-seat convertible that opens a new chapter in Cadillac's design and product ascent, pushing the brand's Art & Science philosophy into a new stratum. Ciel is a new expression of Cadillac's historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring.
"Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future," said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. "Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey."
The spacious and elegant Ciel is a grand gesture that explores themes driving Cadillac's explorations into range-topping flagship luxury. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology.
Coastal inspiration
Driving California's Highway 1 in an open car while the sun sets, from Big Sur north to Monterey, is the type of journey the Ciel team envisioned during its design.
"The Ciel is about the romance of the drive," said Dean. "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."
The four-door Ciel embraces the social aspects of a recreational journey, with generous room for two couples. It evokes the spirit of the classics with a long, low proportion. The doors are French-style, with the rear doors hinged at the rear – there is no B-pillar – to reveal a sweeping view of the dramatic interior. Distinguishing fender lines run from nose to tail, and nickel-plated bright work accents the body lines, enhancing the visual length of the car and honoring Cadillac touring cars of the past.
Ciel's exterior flows seamlessly into the cabin, with the body color rolling over on top of the interior door panels. Like the exterior, the passenger space is accented with sweeping nickel-plated trim. It divides the body-color upper sections from a complementing beige lower color. Italian Olive wood, machined aluminum and hand-tipped leather are elements that flow through the interior, complementing the primary colors with warm, rich tones.
"There is authentic craftsmanship in the way the exterior and interior elements meld, much like a vintage wooden boat," said Gael Buzyn, interior design manager. "It is romantic, not only in its form, but the materials – nothing smells as good as real wood and leather. It blends together for a rewarding feeling of uncompromising luxury."
Ciel literally and figuratively reflects the driving experience along the California coastline. The Cabernet paint color, developed specifically for Ciel, is inspired by the rich translucence of a glass of red wine held up to the sunlight.
A prominent, polished aluminum windshield frame serves as in important structural element of the vehicle, as well as aesthetic one, recalling classic open cars of the past. Additional exterior cues, including a shield grille and vertical lighting elements, are pure Cadillac, but suggest a more organic interpretation of the brand's signature design language that emphasizes the artistic and natural sides of it. The body sides, for example, are more rounded, sweeping upward. Bright work is used to bring contrast to the deep paint color, but plays a more supporting role.
The car rides on large, beautifully finished wheels that feature brushed nickel plating over milled billet aluminum, matching the materials and appearance of other trim. Carbon ceramic brake rotors are visible behind the 22-inch rims, a visual clue to the Ciel's foundation of performance.
And owing to Cadillac's heritage of advanced technology, the headlamps and taillamps feature LED lighting elements – including a unique daytime running light graphic on the front of the vehicle that is generated with gradated LED lighting.
Elegant, authentic details
Simplicity, authenticity and spaciousness were the guiding principles when it came to developing the Ciel's interior.
"With the Ciel, the journey is the thing, so the interior is a place of uncompromising comfort and elegance, with technology that only makes the journey more enjoyable," said Buzyn. "Simplicity and lightness ensure nothing distracts from the open driving experience, while the color and materials lend the feeling that the vehicle's environment blends with the surroundings."
A wheelbase of 125 inches – about 12 inches longer than a CTS sedan – provides generous space. Luxurious seats are bisected by a "floating" center console that runs from the instrument panel to the rear of the interior. It effectively creates a very personal space for each passenger and houses access to hidden connectivity portals for each person in the vehicle – allowing them to make dinner reservations, check the weather at their destination or even upload photos of the trip via social media sights.
Simplicity is also the watchword with the Ciel's instrument panel, which features a minimalist gauge cluster that doesn't impede or distract from the outward view. But while reserved in its form, it exemplifies Cadillac's attention to details and its priority on authentic materials. The climate vents, for example, are mostly hidden and their airflow is distributed indirectly.
Transparent gauges deliver their information within a detailed, brushed-aluminum housing that has the intricate depth of a high-quality chronograph. They offer dual readouts – analog and digital – as well as an information hierarchy. Additional interior features include:
- Sloping bolsters on the seats that allow passengers to slide into the seats more comfortably
- A personal device storage area on the front of the console with inductive charging and Bluetooth connectivity
- A power-assisted transmission shifter that deploys as soon as the engine is started
- Lighting in the armrests that combines a natural light well for daytime driving and ambient lighting for nighttime drives
- Door storage areas that are inspired by premium fashion accessories and open with high-quality zippers
- Pull-out blankets are available for all three passengers and retract automatically
All the seats have heating and cooling features, along with a drawer containing sun lotion, sun glasses and towels, as well as aromatherapy that is controlled from the rear armrest.
But perhaps the defining element of the Ciel's cabin is the incorporation of Italian Olive wood on the doors, instrument panel, console and the front seatbacks, adding warmth and craftsmanship to a car designed to provoke an emotional response.
"Milled solid wood delivers richness and a sensual feeling of authenticity in the visual impact of the grain, its feel and aroma, which a veneer simply cannot," said Buzyn. "Even in our high-tech, connected world, luxury customers crave touches of old-world craftsmanship – the Ciel simply reflects that with a blend of the latest technology."
Italian Olive wood is a premium yet sustainable material and the material used in the Ciel came from a single fallen and recycled tree, from a west coast producer of premium olive oil. It was painstakingly prepared, including drying in a kiln, before it was cut for the concept vehicle. The numerous pieces were then photographed so that the grain could be matched precisely. Each component was hand-milled and finished by expert woodworking craftsmen.
The rear seating area is detailed with elegant flourishes. The rear seat passengers can pull a leather tab, which reveals a cashmere blanket that stretches across the seating area to ward off a chill. The wood trim in the rear center console opens to reveal a small humidor, stocked with a few cigars.
"From the materials used to create it to the space and experience it offers passengers, the Ciel represents a unique perspective on luxury, but not the only one," said Dean. "Along with other concepts, such as the ULC, Cadillac is demonstrating that the bandwidth of the Art & Science philosophy is wide, indeed – and we're going to make it even wider."
The Ciel was developed at GM Design's North Hollywood Design Center, which is managed by Frank Saucedo. Niki Smart was the lead exterior designer, with Buzyn leading interior development.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
L'art Pour L'art: The Cadillac Cien
Photo by and courtesy of Michael FurmanPress Release
In keeping with the brand's role as a technology flagship for General Motors, the premium V12-powered Cadillac Cien concept car is a befitting icon to usher in the brand's 100th anniversary in 2002. The striking, aerodynamic Cien - Spanish for 100 - holistically illustrates Cadillac's fusion of design and technology in a modern mid-engine, two-seat supercar.
Cadillac's design philosophy incorporates dramatic proportions and clean dynamic surfaces. It reflects not only the technology found within the vehicle, but also the technology used to create it.
The Cien's low, sleek appearance, inspired by the latest F-22 Stealth fighter aircraft, has produced a different look and proportion for Cadillac. It further demonstrates the reach of the brand's identity.
Trapezoidal air inlets are milled into the front-end surface of the Cien, graphically forming Cadillac's shield-like grille, which incorporates a centrally mounted wreath and crest insignia. These air inlets -- which feed the front-mounted radiators -- are flanked on either side by vertical headlamps, together creating the unmistakable `face' of Cadillac.
In profile, Cadillac's characteristic crisp-edged feature line runs the length of the body, suggesting tension in the surface, and also adding to the dramatic stance. Another taut line intersects the first, sweeping from the tail through the sail panel to the front of the vehicle. These main feature lines work together to give the Cien a dramatic and unique look, especially when viewed from above. The body and monocoque chassis are produced from carbon fiber composite, derived from race car technology, that is both lightweight and strong.
Electronically controlled air inlets and outlets are integrated into the Cien's body side. These active vents open and close as required for cooling. Also, air is directed to the V12 engine via intakes beneath the two characteristic sail panels.The Cien's rear view embodies Cadillac's distinctive design heritage with fin-like vertical taillights, and a wide center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), which spans the rear deck, along with the characteristic centerline crease. The Cien also features an active spoiler that adjusts automatically depending upon the speed of the vehicle, and a removable targa roof panel for open-air motoring.The blue glass on the Cien was inspired by sport-performance eyewear, enhancing the vehicle's modern, high-tech look.
Night Vision uses thermal imaging to help a driver detect potentially dangerous situations well beyond the range of the vehicle's headlamps. The image is relayed to the driver via a heads-up display projected on the windscreen.
Additionally, the interior of the Cien features a digital instrument display relaying all of the vehicle's functions, including diagnostics and satellite navigation, to the driver. LCD screens display images from the rearview cameras. A state-of-the-art entertainment system designed to match the car's unique acoustic characteristics is incorporated into the cockpit.
Dark anodized aluminum accents reflect the Cien's cool, technical appearance. The interior has a strong vertical theme, revolving around the car's center console, which houses Cien's controls, and the modern, yet classical clock - designed by Bulgari and inspired by their Rettangolo wristwatch. The interior further complements the concept's lightweight theme, utilizing carbon fiber and aluminum structural elements in a design that combines luxury and performance.Cadillac Cien's 7.5-liter, V12 powerplant, which is visible through a clear window in the decklid, is a new concept engine from GM Powertrain named the Northstar XV12. The all-aluminum, dual overhead cam (DOHC) four-valve V12 engine generates 750 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque, yet it meets the packaging requirements and fuel economy standards of a V8.
The Northstar XV12 concept engine features several technological advancements over today's V8 engines, including: GM's Displacement on Demand technology, which allows the engine to run seamlessly on six cylinders at times to maximize fuel savings; direct injection gasoline combustion system for increased engine power, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions; and a combined starter generator.
The Cien is fitted with a semi-automatic transmission, controlled by Formula 1-inspired column-mounted electronic paddles.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Cadillac Future From The Sixties
Bob Lutz’ Cadillac Sixteen concept wasn’t the first time a revival of the classic Cadillac V12 and V16 era was considered. In the mid sixties, Cadillac was seriously mulling production of one or the other, and several versions of a SOHC V12 engine were built. But if you think the Sixteen Concept had a long nose and was a bit over the top, check out this rendering by Cadillac Studio Chief Wayne Kady. From the size of the steering wheel and dashboard, it appears they were planning to transplant the V16 from a tug boat. This must be where the infamous bustle-back trunk of the 1980 Seville originated.
Wayne Kady spent 38 years in the Caddy and Buick studios, and is responsible for the “highly successful 1971 Eldorado” .
According to former product planner Richard Stout, this would have been machined on the V-8 line, the longer block being moved "halfway down" to bore the extra cylinders. Leading the way in the 1960s multi-cylinder race was Packard, which in 1955 was desperately seeking to recover some of its squandered past glory. The idea was a V-12 derived from its just-announced V-8.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
This circa-1963 concept for an open V-16 Cadillac was reminiscent of classic 1930s speedsters. Since the V-8 block was a 90-degree "Y," 30 degrees out of phase for the "in-step" firing desirable in a V-12, each rod throw would be staggered 30 degrees to compensate. Buick would use this same "split-throw" principle for its 90-degree V-6 in the early 1960s.
In fact, Studebaker-Packard then faced imminent bankruptcy and so abandoned luxury Packards after 1956, substituting medium-priced Studebaker-based cars through the marque's sad demise in 1958.
A few years later, Cadillac Division took its own stab at modern multi-cylinder power. The attempts followed two paths: a fairly crude, "bolted together" V-16 composed of two V-8s, and an exotic all-new V-12 with single overhead camshaft.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. This multi-cylinder concept car from designer Wayne Cady was done in March 1965. It was badged LaSalle, the name of the 1930s Baby Cadillac. |
The contemplated V-16 probably had nothing to do with Cadillac's own V-8. By 1960, the division's milestone 331 V-8 of 1949 had swelled to nearly 400 cid, which would have made a twin-block sixteen simply gargantuan.
A more likely choice was Chevrolet's 283, which would have doubled-up to 566 cid -- big, but not impossible. According to former GM Design Director Chuck Jordan, who then headed Cadillac Styling and worked on that side of the V-16 revival, this engine was more conjecture than concrete proposal.
"We were working with Engineering Staff to put two V-8s together," he later recalled. "It was kind of a homemade way to do it, but it was just to project an image we wanted to get across to [division management] at the time. Nothing serious was ever developed engineering-wise."
More intriguing was the clean-slate V-12 being prepared at the same time. Jordan remembered this as "a very sophisticated powerplant, and quite beautiful. I'm sure it was designed from scratch as an overhead-cam engine -- a very exciting piece of machinery to see."
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. This radical 1960s Cadillac concept car was an August 1963 effort from Wayne Cady. The nose of this scale model carries hints of the 1966 Buick Riviera. |
Also a 90-degree unit, it was designed for instep firing à la Packard's stillborn V-12. Aside from that and sohc heads, technical details remain obscure.It's unclear whether the clean-slate V-12 or the crude V-16 were ever seriously considered for production, but there's no doubt that development stopped at the prototype stage. Still, Chuck Jordan and his colleagues came up with a remarkable group of design studies for a new multi-cylinder Cadillac.
1960s Cadillac Concept Cars
One of the first scale models of 1960s Cadillac concept cars was a close-coupled coupe with approved 1963 lower-body styling but a much longer front -- truly enormous, in fact -- plus a dramatically tapered fastback roof of the sort favored by corporate design chief William L. Mitchell. Gradually, work proceeded through scale- and full-size clay models designed from the ground up.  ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. A two-seat V-16 fastback coupe was the full-scale mockup for Cadillac's project XP-840. |
Jordan emphasized that it was all mostly for fun: "It was a two-passenger Cad with 16 cylinders all right, but it was done just to make a statement about the heritage of Cadillac and where we were going with the image. . . .
"We built several scale models and one full-size clay. The concept of all was invariably the same: a long-hooded car to contain the long engine. These designs were exaggerated, almost cartoon-like, but exciting to work on. This was one of our pet advanced projects at the time."
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Approved in December 1966, project XP-840 continued the "substantial look" of earlier Cadillac concept cars. Note the "outrigger" fenders. |
Still, somebody must have taken this work seriously, for by December 1965 the new multi-cylinder Cadillac had won "official" status as one of GM's famous "Xperimental Projects": XP-840. This progressed to a full-size mockup for a two-seat V-16 fastback coupe.
Typically shown in the GM Design viewing court, it continued the "substantial" look of earlier proposals, most notably in profile, plus a domed "prow" hood and matching vee'd windshield.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The fastback coupe had no back window or inside rearview mirror. Instead, in a prediction of a real future feature, a video camera supplied the view aft. |
But there were many startling firsts here -- like no back window or inside rearview mirror; instead, a narrow slit was cut into the roof as a viewport for a rear-facing TV camera
As photos testify, designers really cut loose on this two-passenger fastback, giving it a massive undercut nose, semi-separate front fenders, a huge wrapped windshield sans A-pillars, double-notched beltline, a back panel deeply inset between bold "outrigger" rear fenderlines, and the ribbed "cuffs" spilling out and down from the hood to recall the outside exhaust pipes of Classic days.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The nameplates on the XP-840 fastback coupe concept car said "Eldorado." |
Nameplates read "Eldorado," but probably just for convenience. Cadillac had no need for a new V-12 or V-16, and all the design work toward such a car was done mainly in speculative fun.
1960s Cadillac Concept Cars and the Future
Some 1960s Cadillac concept cars and the future weren't that far apart. Many of the ideas explored in 1960s Cadillac concept cars later showed up in GM showrooms. One fastback combined lower body contours like those of the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado with an exaggerated version of the 1966 Buick Riviera front. Renderings often toyed with open or semi-open concepts. Wayne Cady, for example, sketched a concept car that was rather reminiscent of Classic 1930s speedsters. The circa 1963 concept car featured an open V-16, wore "Cyclone" badges, and had a plethora of hood air intakes. The rakish perimeter windscreen harmonized with the Buick-style bodyside "sweepspear" lines, but it would have been far too costly for series production.
A May 1963 proposal shows a crisp yet bulky-looking V-12 hardtop with close-coupled notchback roofline and wild two-tier front. Aft fenderlines would show up in modified form on Cadillac's new front-drive 1967 Eldorado.
Another drawing shows a super-low roadster with the character of a speedboat: low windscreen wrapped all the way to the rear fenders, vee'd deck, and 16 "ventiports" in the vastly longer front to accommodate the engine. The ventiports, presumably, were air intakes for separate carbs in these years before government emissions standards and Detroit's wholesale move to fuel injection. This sketch also showed a sweeping fastback roof -- a feature that likely would have been too much for Cadillac's conservative audience.
Another scale model for the stillborn new-generation multi-cylinder Cadillac appeared in August 1963. A prominently peaked hood and grille were highlights, along with a "cantilevered" roof sans A-posts, a radically vee'd windshield, a vee'd rear deck to complement both the windshield curvature and the pointy snout, and muscular, wide-stance proportions.
The concept car's profile displayed hints of the 1966 Buick Riviera front, while the front view displayed sharp fenderlines and bulging wheel arches like those adopted for Oldsmobile's new 1966 Toronado. A fastback roof treatment with no beltline "break" at the rear wheels would also be seen on both those production models, though in quieter form.Another Cadillac concept was a more formal multi-cylinder from March 1965; its C-post script intriguingly read "LaSalle." The semi-open fastback would have been a 1960s novelty.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The unchallenged luxury sales leader, Cadillac really had no need in the 1960s for a V-12 or V-16 model, so wild concept cars such as this were mostly flights of fancy. |
In the end, though, there was no hope. As Jordan recalled: "We finally dropped the project after the full-size model was completed. We had a lot of other things to do, and here we were playing with a full-size clay we never intended to expose. It was strictly a styling exercise."
Of course, it's styling exercises like this that fire the dreams of enthusiasts, and in retrospect it's a shame the division went no further with a postwar multi-cylinder car.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
