5 Most Interesting Concept Cars Released by Cadillac

By the end of the 1980s, Cadillac was a shadow of its former self in terms of design. Although it still offered a high level of luxury, especially inside, its models were smaller and less attractive than the old Caddies.

In 1986, Ford introduced the new Taurus, which departed from the boxy design language that plagued the entire American auto industry in the first part of the 1980s.

Suddenly, Detroit manufacturers were scrambling to find a new design language, and Cadillac was not.

In 1989, a new direction for the unit’s style was shown with a futuristic concept called Voyage.

Apart from its futuristic design that used a lot of curves, the Safari made car lovers stop and cheer due to its many advanced features such as a dual-screen navigation system, rear camera, or hands-free, audio – activated phone.

In addition, the concept boasted electronic support 4WD a system that used an on-board computer to activate the front wheels when a loss of traction was detected.

Such technologies may be commonplace today, but back in 1989, they were ahead of their time.

Powered by a 4.5-liter overhead-cam V8 good for 275 hp, the future land yacht was never considered for production, but had a major influence on the design of Cadillac production models over the next decade.

Sixteen Cadillacs

Image: Cadillac

In the 1930s, Cadillac produced the V-16, a luxury flagship powered by – you guessed it – a V16.

Named one of the most luxurious cars of its era, the model was discontinued in 1940, and never found a successor to the V16.

GM finally decided to change that in 2003 when it unveiled a spiritual successor in the form of the Sixteenth concept.

Designed by a team of GM’s best stylists, the humongous pillarless four-door sedan featured a new design language, and under its double-glazed hood, hid an equally humongous engine.

Manufactured by Katech Inc. and based on the Gen IV LS architecture, the all-new V16 engine displaced 829 cubic inches (13.6 liters) and featured Displacement on Demand technology, which could fire twelve or eight cylinders while cruising.

According to Cadillac, the naturally-aspirated engine was able to produce a minimum of 1,000 hp and at least 1,000 lb-ft (1,356 Nm) of torque.

Although rumors of a limited production run surfaced shortly after launch, the Sixteen never got past the concept stage.

Cadillac Ciel

Image: Cadillac

For decades, the Cadillac Eldorado was America’s flagship luxury convertible, but from the 1980s until 2002, when it was retired, the nameplate was used on a two-door sedan that bore little relation to its iconic predecessors.

Although it didn’t revive the Eldorado, in 2011, Cadillac launched a sleek and luxurious convertible that celebrated its former glory.

Designed by Niki Smart, the modern four-door land yacht named Ciel (sky, in French) was a showcase of automotive design taken to artistic levels.

Aside from its striking looks, the Ciel was also high-tech, with a powertrain that included a 425-hp 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 and a hybrid system that used a lithium-ion battery pack.

An interesting concept to compete with Rolls-Royce received praise from all, but while Cadillac focused on creating a production version, it was an additional compact coupe concept called the Elmiraj that was created.

Cadillac Cien

Image: Cadillac

By the early 2000s, Cadillac’s image was once again tarnished by boring models that only appealed to rich old men.

The division needed a boost, so management decided it was time for a crazy halo car that would excite the younger crowd.

The insane halo car was unveiled at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show as part of the brand’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

Named Cien (Spanish for one hundred), the concept inspired by the F-22 Raptor was a radical departure from what Caddilac had created in the previous century.

With a combination of angular shapes and just a few curves, the mid-engined hypercar looked aggressive but still had the luxury of a Cadillac.

Power came from a standard 7.5-liter V12 unit that produced 750 hp and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque. Additionally, it featured the Displacement on Demand technology later used on the sixteenth engine.

Many have speculated that the Cien was closed for production as it was a fully functional, tried and tested car. As it turned out, it was planned to start production, but due to financial concerns, GM decision-makers eventually canceled any production plans.