PREVIEW OF THE 2011 CIEL CONCEPT
WATCH ALL VIDEO AND ENJOY THE RIDE THE FEEL THE LIFE OF CADILLAC. TIME TO GO STATE TO STATE IN CIEL WIND IN MY HAIR ROAD IN FRONT NOTHING BUT FREEDOM, LUXRUY AN OLD STLYE CADILLIC.
2011 Cadillac Ciel Concept
Not to be mistaken with the forward-looking Cien Concept from a few years ago, Cadillac has unveiled the new Ciel four-seat convertible concept car today at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a concept that looks to the automaker’s past with its obvious retro cues.
However, it is not only an expression of Cadillac’s historical grandeur, but it’s also a celebration of open-air motoring—and where better to unveil it than on the Californian coastline.
The Ciel—pronounced “C-L,” the French translation for sky, according to its maker, opens a new chapter in Cadillac’s design strategy, pushing the brand’s Art & Science philosophy to new levels. One interesting feature are the suicide-style rear doors and lack of a B-pillar.
What’s most interesting, however, is Cadillac’s own statement that the Ciel is an exploration into a range-topping flagship—something that has been reported on for more than a year now.
It is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 engine found in several of Cadillac’s other models, and in the Ciel is paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology.
Peak output is a healthy 425 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque when the engine is working, but the concept is also capable of all-electric drive for short distances—perfect for the traffic commute.
Those wheels certainly look massive, and they are. All four measure in at 22-inches and are wrapped with 265 mm rubber. Carbon ceramic brake rotors are visible behind the rims, a visual clue to the Ciel’s foundation of performance.
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 Gael Buzyn leading interior development.
Its exterior features a special nickel-coating, and its lines appear to flow 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. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, those headlights are full LED units.
The 2011 Cadillac Ciel Concept is a very interesting direction for a new Cadillac flagship, one that we’re certainly enthused about. We just hope many of the Ciel’s features aren’t watered down by the time production comes around, that is, if it ever does come around.
Stay tuned for live shots of the stunning Ciel Concept and follow our full coverage of the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance