A short while ago, Cadillac revealed the Sollei concept. The stunning droptop was an expression of pure design and was a glimpse into a potential Celestiq-based convertible (though Cadillac denied it was producing it.) However, with the dust now settling on Monterey Car Week, the brand is going in the opposite direction with the all-new Opulent Velocity concept car.
Opulent Velocity is a balancing act
While the Sollei is about soaking up the sun, the Opulent Velocity is all about pushing the envelope with Cadillac saying that it’s a rolling test bed for several prototype technologies including future battery components. The exterior styling of the concept is reminiscent of many modern hypercars with scissor doors complimenting a sculpted body and advanced lighting elements. The look also reminds us of a modernized Cien concept which is an iconic Cadillac concept from the early 2000s that teased a hyper-performance Cadillac but GM’s bankruptcy snuffed out plans for a production model.
The interior wraps around the occupants with screens being a dominant theme. Even the steering wheel features a small screen as Cadillac attempts to immerse the driver in the broader driving experience while also delivering impressive amounts of technology and luxury too including a fully augmented HUD system. Vehicle augmentation is the figurative backbone of the concept with the Opulent Velocity using several new pieces of software that offer improved processing power and access to new capabilities.
Performance gives Opulent Velocity plenty of speed
Cadillac wasn’t ready to reveal exact horsepower numbers for the Opulent Velocity but it’s known that the concept is testing advanced battery technology cooling technologies and some of the underlying details that accompany them. These technologies could trickle down into production models and help Cadillac improve the amount of performance and range that customers can get.
“Ultimately, it’s how fast can I go around the track, what’s my best time, and what’s the best way to do it, and if I can enable that better through the tech, what are the opportunities?” Bryan Nesbit, the executive director of Global Cadillac Design, said in a statement. “And that’s really what this study is about.”
The Opulent Velocity also offers level 4 autonomous driving technology which is accessed via a special drive mode that transforms the cabin into a rolling oasis. Choose Velocity mode and the pedals and steering wheel present themselves to allow the driver full control of the vehicle when it’s tasked with track work. The screens inside the vehicle and the accompanying software can be used to help drivers improve their lap times including a “ghost car” function that will allow the full-size wraparound windshield to project a ghostly image of the Velocity in front of the driver which is similar to time trial modes in many racing video games.
V-Series is celebrating 20th anniversary
Cadillac’s V-Series lineup is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and while the Opulent Velocity is a visual treat for those that have followed the V-Series story for the past 20 years, the lasting benefits are found in some of the underlying details and the technologies that the Opulent Velocity is testing will help play a key role in Cadillac’s electrified future.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.