Cadillac today introduced the Opulent Velocity concept vehicle combining advanced technology with bespoke luxury representing the future vision of electric performance for the General Motors luxury brand’s V-Series. Cadillac calls upon pioneering innovations in EV (electric vehicle) and self-driving technology to create two dynamic extremes—opulent and velocity—in the concept.

“Opulent Velocity is an experience-based design study,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director of Global Cadillac Design. “It’s the future vision of luxury performance, incorporating Cadillac’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification, and performance excellence. Opulent Velocity expresses the most artful integration of technology, luxury, and exhilaration characterized by Cadillac’s halo V-Series variants.”

“Opulent Velocity is inspired by the dynamic design cues of motorsports in a 2+2 aerodynamic body form,” added Magalie Debellis, Head of Cadillac Advanced Design. “It conceptualizes a holistic consideration of all elements and senses, showcasing a perfect marriage of hypercar personality with luxury execution and revered opulence. It’s a signal to the world that Cadillac intends to lead in electrified luxury performance.”

Said to draw from Cadillac’s V-Series.R hybrid racecar design, the concept features dramatically draped surfaces and a clean modern appearance in a low silhouette, with tucked-in fascia front and rear. Entry and egress for front and rear occupants are enabled by large butterfly doors and expansive openings.

Cadillac’s lighting signature is presented with crystal-fluted detailing on the taillamps, headlamps, and grille. The evolution of Cadillac’s illuminated badge features a 3D-lit grille meant to combine jewelry, sophistication, and technology. The light Gilded Pearl exterior paint is meant to be “soft and elegant.”

The spacious interior has a clean, uninterrupted flow enabled by wraparound draped surfaces that move from the rear to the front, with many elements appearing suspended. “Artful integration” of next-generation technology is focused on the 3D-information-enabled widescreen display, a fully digital cockpit, racing-inspired Y-shape steering wheel, voice command user experiences, and an intuitive infotainment system.

The interior was designed to be “meticulously crafted” with the latest developments in CMF (colors, materials, and finishes) similar to the just revealed Cadillac Sollei concept Futurride covered here. It melds the precision of digital fabrication with meticulous attention to detail in traditional craftsmanship and elegant tones complemented by vivid modern hues.

The “Selene” metallic dark blue is meant to signal track performance capability. Craftmanship is conveyed in the metal artistic brush finishes and hard torched painting techniques that create ombre color effects.

The decorative pattern used throughout the interior was created with 3D printing technology to represent precision and speed using a linear two-toned embroidery with prismatic embellishments, echoing the lighting choreography within the vehicle. The cool-toned flax fibers, which sit under a veil of tinted silver pearl flakes, capture the essence of the lightweight performance material with an opulent execution.

The Opulent experience imagines the personal freedom that autonomous mobility could enable with SAE Level 4 autonomous capability creating a hands-free immersive experience through multi-sensory modes that promote driving relief. These modes are accessible via a full widescreen display and an AR HUD (augmented reality head-up display). Cadillac explored scientific insight into sound and light waves during the concept’s development, applying the findings throughout the cabin with curated art, entertainment, and ambient light to immerse travelers in a sophisticated, individualized hands-free environment.

Triggered by a touch of the multi-functional controller, the concept transforms from autonomous mode to the Velocity experience, which is said to provide the user with the maximum thrill of a hypercar while keeping the sense of luxury familiar with the Cadillac V-Series. Once Velocity is activated, the steering wheel and pedals present themselves for user control. The concept’s front seats, straddling the cantilevered Y-shaped console and mated to the doors, help secure the driver and copilot for high-speed maneuvering.

Cadillac’s high-performance Blackwing production engineering inspired the Velocity track experience. A “Ghost Car” function displays on the HUD screen a competitive driving course that allows drivers to improve their lap times or compete against peers on various tracks. The mode also provides visual driving enhancements including road overlays, active information about road conditions, and control over the active aero and suspension damping settings.