Geneva 2014: Cadillac showcases Elmiraj concept

The Cadillac Elmiraj concept, a four-seat two-door coupé, is on display at the Geneva motor show.

 

Cadillac's concept, a luxury 'grand coupé' previously seen at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2013, is designed to showcase the company's future design direction for its performance and luxury cars. Featuring streamlined styling and a rear-wheel-drive layout, the Elmiraj picks up from where the Ciel concept left off.

 

The Ciel, which was revealed in August 2011, was a four-seat convertible with a twin-turbocharged hybrid powerplant. Cadillac's Elmiraj, however, packs a 4.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8. It's claimed to produce 500bhp and 69.1kgm, and utilises technology from Cadillac's current production twin-turbocharged V6.

 

Underpinning the new concept are prototype chassis and structural elements of future Cadillacs that claim to "expand the brand's commitment to lightweight rear-wheel-drive performance".

Other highlights include functional bonnet vents, 22-inch aluminium wheels, ceramic disc brakes and monoblock brake calipers. Cadillac's classic crest also appears on the car in a conceptual form, redesigned to match the Elmiraj's overall design and to reflect decades of evolution.

Inside, the Elmiraj features a luxurious blend of titanium, wood and leather finishes. The interior is designed to be driver-focussed and to deliver a comfortable, refined and upmarket experience. For example, the rear bucket seats slide forward to meet the passenger when entering the Elmiraj. They can recline too, further improving comfort.

 

Modern interior features include transparent analogue tachometer and speedometer gauges, behind which sit a modern high-resolution display for other instrumentation and a front-mounted camera display.

 

“We were influenced in particular by the 1967 Cadillac Eldorado – both its actual design and the fact that, in its time, that car was a very stark contrast and a new direction. More recent design like the CTS-V coupé and the ELR are provocative,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac's advanced design director.

 

“Both of these cars were major statements of performance and luxury and drove Cadillac forward into new territory."