Cadillac is turning its ultra-luxury future into a reality, and they’re doing it one concept car at a time. Unlike many other manufacturers, which launch a concept and then stick it in a museum to collect dust, this brand releases flagship products that can be bought and driven on the road and stay very true to their original design. The CELESTIQ is the best example, an ultra-luxury four-door sedan with futuristic looks and a price tag to make your eyes water. Then you have the gorgeous drop-top SOLLEI, and now, the brand is back for thirds with the Opulent Velocity Concept.
This is the vehicle that pushes the boundaries the furthest with clear intentions to give drivers the best in both driving dynamics and self-driving technology, all with the push of a button. Cadillac utilises both innovations to create two dynamic extremes in Opulent Velocity – Opulent and Velocity.
“Opulent Velocity is an experience-based design study,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “It’s the future vision of luxury performance, incorporating Cadillac’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification and performance excellence. Opulent Velocity expresses the most artful integration of technology, luxury and exhilaration characterised by Cadillac’s halo V-Series variants, and future electrification design expressions.”
Showcasing a clear evolution in design for current Cadillac production vehicles with the vertical lighting signature and 3D lit grille, the Opulent Velocity is an all-electric 2+2 Coupe with self-opening butterfly doors.
These doors reveal a minimalist cabin in a beautiful “Selene” colour complemented by brushed finishes and hard-torched painting techniques. While clearly a concept and a long way off any potential considerations for production, it’s a stunning vehicle both inside and out.
Look at the interior appointments, including the seats, steering wheel, etc., and you’ll notice how they all seem suspended. The dashboard is the best example. Here, a large HUD (heads-up display) projects essential driving information such as road overlays and active details on road conditions and allows complete control over active aero and suspension dampening settings in true Cadillac V-style.
Finally, the brand has chosen to showcase the next generation of colours, materials, and finishes design (CMF) on the interior. While it’s mildly reminiscent of Cadillac’s currently in production, this concept takes things further. You’ll find a 3D information-enabled widescreen display, a fully digital cockpit, a racing-inspired Y-shape steering wheel, voice command user experiences, and an intuitive infotainment system.
“Opulent Velocity is inspired by the dynamic design cues of motorsports in a 2+2 aerodynamic body form,” said Magalie Debellis, manager, Cadillac Advanced Design. “It conceptualises a holistic consideration of all elements and senses, showcasing a perfect marriage of hypercar personality with luxury execution and revered opulence. It’s a signal to the world that Cadillac intends to lead in electrified luxury performance.”
It’s still a very long way off any eventual production. However, the Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept demonstrates the evolution of the brand’s history of luxury while dually envisioning a zero-emission study into performance and modern luxury leadership. Knowing Cadillac and its track history, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a car like this on the roads in a few years!
