2012 Cadillac Ciel Concept news, pictures, and information

Cadillac Ciel Concept Celebrates the Journey

Simplicity, authenticity and spaciousness were the guiding principles when it came to developing the Ciel's interior.

'With the Ciel, the journey is the thing, so the interior is a place of uncompromising comfort and elegance, wîth technology that only makes the journey more enjoyable,' said Buzyn. 'Simplicity and lightness ensure nothing distracts from the open driving experience, while the color and materials lend the feeling that the vehicle's environment blends wîth the surroundings.'

A wheelbase of 125 inches – about 12 inches longer than a CTS sedan – provides generous space. Luxurious seats are bisected by a 'floating' center console that runs from the instrument panel to the rear of the interior. It effectively creates a very personal space for each passenger and houses access to hidden connectivity portals for each person in the vehicle – allowing them to make dinner reservations, check the weather at their destination or even upload photos of the trip via social media sights.

Simplicity is also the watchword wîth the Ciel's instrument panel, which features a minimalist gauge cluster that doesn't impede or distract from the outward view. But while reserved in its form, it exemplifies Cadillac's attention to details and its priority on authentic materials. The climate vents, for example, are mostly hidden and their airflow is distributed indirectly.

Transparent gauges deliver their information within a detailed, brushed-aluminum housing that has the intricate depth of a high-quality chronograph. They offer dual readouts – analog and digital – as well as an information hierarchy. Additional interior features include:
- Sloping bolsters on the seats that allow passengers to slide into the seats more comfortably
- A personal device storage area on the front of the console wîth inductive charging and Bluetooth connectivity
- A power-assisted transmission shifter that deploys as soon as the engine is started
- Lighting in the armrests that combines a natural light well for daytime driving and ambient lighting for nighttime drives
- Door storage areas that are inspired by premium fashion accessories and open wîth high-quality zippers
- Pull-out blankets are available for all three passengers and retract automatically
- All the seats have heating and cooling features, along wîth a drawer containing sun lotion, sun glasses and towels, as well as aromatherapy that is controlled from the rear armrest.

But perhaps the defining element of the Ciel's cabin is the incorporation of Italian Olive wood on the doors, instrument panel, console and the front seatbacks, adding warmth and craftsmanship to a car designed to provoke an emotional response.

'Milled solid wood delivers richness and a sensual feeling of authenticity in the visual impact of the grain, its feel and aroma, which a veneer simply cannot,' said Buzyn. 'Even in our high-tech, connected world, luxury customers crave touches of old-world craftsmanship – the Ciel simply reflects that wîth a blend of the latest technology.'

Italian Olive wood is a premium yet sustainable material and the material used in the Ciel came from a single fallen and recycled tree, from a west coast producer of premium olive oil. It was painstakingly prepared, including drying in a kiln, before it was cut for the concept vehicle. The numerous pieces were then photographed so that the grain could be matched precisely. Each component was hand-milled and finished by expert woodworking craftsmen.

The rear seating area is detailed wîth elegant flourishes. The rear seat passengers can pull a leather tab, which reveals a cashmere blanket that stretches across the seating area to ward off a chill. The wood trim in the rear center console opens to reveal a small humidor, stocked wîth a few cigars.

'From the materials used to create it to the space and experience it offers passengers, the Ciel represents a unique perspective on luxury, but not the only one,' said Dean. 'Along wîth other concepts, such as the ÚLC, Cadillac is demonstrating that the bandwidth of the Art & Science philosophy is wide, indeed – and we're going to make it even wider.'

The Ciel was developed at GM Design's North Hollywood Design Center, which is managed by Frank Saucedo. Niki Smart was the lead exterior designer, wîth Buzyn leading interior development.