Cadillac unveiled the Ciel hybrid concept. It’s 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.
Green Lighting LED inspiration 
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.
Why This Design Still Matters
Not every show car is built for the showroom. Some give designers the freedom to experiment with materials, comfort, and the way people experience a journey. The Ciel was one of those ideas. Its open cabin and unusual proportions presented a more relaxed vision of American luxury.
However, its hybrid system was a supporting part of the concept rather than a promise of a production vehicle. Looking back, the Ciel offers a useful snapshot of how Cadillac was exploring both design and efficiency at the beginning of the 2010s.
Further Reading
- Cadillac CELESTIQ electric car
- Cadillac LYRIQ luxury EV
- Cadillac electric vehicle sales
- Cadillac Escalade EV
External Sources
- General Motors / PR Newswire — Cadillac’s original August 18, 2011 announcement.
- Top Gear — contemporary coverage of the vehicle’s debut.
- MotorTrend — design analysis published October 18, 2011.
