2011 Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept news, pictures, and information

Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept: A Study Of Efficient And Intelligent Design For A New Luxury Customer

As a strong example of form following function, the unconventional body style maximizes passenger space and makes a technology statement. At the push of a button, the large, scissor-type doors push away from the body and rotate in a seamless, elegant motion. A large aperture allows for effortless entry and exit– particularly in tight city parking spaces.

'This is a new vision in vehicle design that was created to answer the needs of city dwellers,' said Frank Saucedo, lead designer. 'The door design is purposeful and technologically advanced, which is the essence of how we're taking Cadillac into the future.'

The Úrban Luxury Concept's design is marked by a sharp profile, supported by forward-sweeping body lines that combine to suggest motion even when the vehicle is stationary. The 19-inch wheels are pushed to the edges of the body – a design that creates almost no overhangs, leaving more space inside. In fact, the car's wheelbase is 97.1 inches (2,467 mm), but the overall length is only 151 inches (3,835 mm). The interior room is bolstered by a wide, 68.1-inch (1,730 mm) stance and 56.9-inch (1,446 mm) height.

'It may not look like Cadillacs on the road today, but it shares the comfortable and high-tech elements that owners have come to associate wîth larger, traditional luxury sedans,' said Saucedo. 'As more customers demand premium features even in smaller vehicles, a vehicle like the Úrban Luxury Concept could be a solution.'

Technologically advanced interior

A large windshield and twin skylights create an open, airy feeling and enhance the perception of spaciousness inside wîth seating for four. A minimalist approach blends wîth refined materials, colors and lighting. These elements combine to create a passenger space that conveys the new perception of luxury: small, exquisitely detailed and fitted wîth the latest in digital technology. The front row passenger seat slides and reclines to offer a relaxing seating position. When folded flat, the seat's rear panel offers modern parents a conveniently integrated Orbit Baby SmartHub™ docking station within reach.

'There is no minimum size for a Cadillac driving experience. The Úrban Luxury Concept's interior reflects the ‘smaller is better' aesthetic that permeates the world of technology,' said Saucedo. 'And while this design philosophy reflects what's going on in the world around us, it also has a more practical use when it comes to the Úrban Luxury Concept: It creates more interior space.'

The conventional 'center stack' of controls is replaced by a divided interface that creates more space at the forward section of the interior. A pair of projected readouts flanks a large, prominent analog speedometer reminiscent of a high-end time piece, assisted by a high-definition head-up display. Capacitive multi-touch switches throughout the interior ensure seamless and intuitive electronic control.

The technology behind the unique touch pad controls is ergonomically tucked around the §teering wheel to deliver real-time feedback for an efficient commute. The right-hand touch pad is hidden until deployed or detached by the passenger, who can interact online without compromising the driver's control. Via the on-board network, a passenger can request destination directions or audio playlists be integrated in the driver controls. Also woven into the system is OnStar wîth advanced voice recognition interaction, which allows the driver to do more without taking his or her eyes off the road or hands off the §teering wheel.

Befitting its role as a Cadillac, the Úrban Luxury Concept's interior materials convey luxury through quality and advanced technology. Blue and grey leather dominates the interior space and is contrasted by fabric selected for its high-tech look and feel, and usually found in couture fashion. It is used on the seats, as well as parts of the instrument panel and door panels.

The interior is finished wîth carbon-color wood inlays, brushed aluminum accents and ceramic materials. Ambient lighting conveys an upscale aura that is complemented by the ultra-modern Tanzanite glow of the touch-screen displays.