A few days ago, on the 15th of August, as Indians celebrated their Independence Day, Cadillac was busy displaying their new concept Elevated Velocity at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, California. Intriguingly named as Elevated Velocity, the all-electric, high-performance crossover concept, attempted to set free the automotive experience with the ability to choose to be a driver or remain a passenger. The concept transforms the essence of Cadillac’s V-Series into a bold 2+2 crossover that, yet again, offers the freedom of on-road and off-grid exhilaration, while offering a glimpse of potential future Cadillac design cues. Read on for an imaginative ride of innovative thinking.
Cadillac Performance meets electric ultra-luxury of the future
Cadillac recently introduced the LYRIQ-V and OPTIQ-V, adding to their luxury electric portfolio, which went on sale not so long ago. Simply put, the Elevated Velocity concept is a futuristic expression of the Cadillac V-Series performance formula. It is an amalgamation of extreme performance, cutting-edge advanced technologies and signature bespoke luxury craftsmanship.
Why ‘elevated velocity’? Stunning looks and a refined interior that ‘elevate’ the state-of-being for occupants and a lifted platform, calibrated for daring off-road performance in the most extreme desert locales defining ‘velocity’. Naming is a matter of style and choice, so we may refrain from asking why velocity and not edge or extremes or adventure.
User experience with cutting-edge tech
Elevated Velocity is an example of artfully integrating technology and design as seen in the user modes.
Welcome Mode – The vehicle floor, seats, instrument panel, doors and steering wheel illuminate in a soft white as the user approaches, while the already dramatic exterior gull-wing doors lift skywards, welcoming the occupant. The simultaneous animation that plays out on the steering wheel is reminiscent of shifting desert sand, while the Cadillac wordmark and V-Series logo illuminates on the dashboard endcaps.
Elevate Mode: Once this mode is engaged, the vehicle becomes autonomous and the interior transforms into a recovery space for occupants. The pedals and steering wheel retract; the various temperatures (driver’s body, outside ambient and the cabin temperature) are displayed to help optimize performance. Ambient lighting shifts to red and the seatback lighting features infrared light to promote the optimal performance of the concept’s occupants. (I would like to see that in action to better understand the concept.) Doors are backlit to synchronize breathing and movement, to enhance recovery.
Velocity Mode: When engaged, cool white tones mark the interior lighting for a sense of exhilaration. Door interiors are backlit, while floor lighting dims to let the driver focus on the road. The steering wheel displays speed, time, battery health and temperature with AR HUD navigation on the cowl display. Cockpit is the focus.
Peak EV performance for high-speed terrain
The Cadillac’s V-Series performance and “Art of Exhilaration” design philosophy merge in this concept. The selectable driving modes enable peak EV performance on any terrain and the maximum thrill of a Hypercar on road. The lifted design rides on 24-inch wheels.
The stunning modes and features
The advanced manifestation of the exciting V-Mode can be found in e-Velocity mode for intense on-road driving. Terra mode activates air suspension, enabling peak off-road performance. Sand Vision is a feature similar to Cadillac’s existing Night Vision technology, but more towards achieving better visibility in a sandstorm.
‘Elements defy’ is an awesome practical feature that keeps the exterior of Elevated Velocity devoid of external elements and debris such as dust, sand, and dirt through a dust-phobic vibration – keeping its awesome appearance always.
Commanding presence and bold elegance
Elevated Velocity’s sleek profile optimizes aerodynamic efficiency, while its elegant proportions and firmly planted stance render a dramatic presence. The proportions celebrated in CELESTIQ and LYRIQ, like its stretched hood, highlight a sculptural and technical balance that could serve as inspiration for future Cadillac production vehicles.
The Vapor Blue exterior with undertones of flinty grey inspired by glacial ice, contrasts with the fiery red interior. The blue storyline continues to the front and rear windshields and side glass with a blue tint. The concept reimagines Cadillac’s signature lighting choreography to complement the vehicle’s lifted stance, including elegantly fluted translucent front lighting, and rear vertical lighting with a unique light tunnel.
Designed to elevate the state-of-being
The colors, materials and finishes in the cabin were selected for their aspirational form and maximal functionality. The interior is equipped with layers of materials ranging from smooth wrapped surfaces, embossed grains, boucle fabric, tinted acrylic and glass, representing Elevated Velocity’s extreme capabilities with inspiration from desert polo pursuits. The high-energy cabin is outfitted in shades of deep red with brushed metal accents.
Elevate mode engages a variety of in-cabin experiences:
- Interior air filtration for a pristine cabin
- “Extreme climatization” compensates for dry air, sudden and extreme temperature shifts, and altitude changes
- Air purification and air fragrance
- Red light therapy to match the recovery purpose
A vault-locked compartment for critical items, storage space for an adrenaline-seeking lifestyle, (like the space in the rear for a hand-crafted polo set), blends practicality and an elite, distinguished lifestyle.