Cadillac showcases next chapter of electric luxury convertibles

July 23, 2024

The concept car is not for sale. Image credit: Cadillac

U.S. automaker Cadillac is presenting a bespoke vision of the future.

Pushing the boundaries of the luxury sector, the General Motors-owned brand is showcasing Sollei, its latest luxury concept car. Announced this week, the one-of-one electric convertible aims to display the company’s “ultimate expression” of an open-air vehicle, with several touches attributed directly to consumer desires.

“Sollei reimagines the discovery of travel, envisioning a personalized driving experience that connects one with the natural world around them,” said Erin Crossley, design director at Cadillac, in a statement.

“The concept celebrates Cadillac’s pedigree of elegant convertibles in a modern form by cultivating high luxury through design expressions and experiences.”

Driving change
The model’s name, Sollei, nods to Cadillac’s ideal luxury lifestyle, with “sol” meaning sun in Latin and “lei” being short for leisure.

Together, the brand’s inspiration of comfortable relaxation under the sun guides the design of the bespoke automotive creation.

Cadillac presents Sollei, its latest concept car

The concept car’s body takes on a form dissimilar to Cadillac's modern, signature vehicles, instead focusing on a free-flowing, elongated design, allowing for more space inside to unwind. Instead of resembling recent releases, the one-of-one unit looks to the brand’s archives for inspiration, taking on elements of 1950s-era Cadillacs, including its “Manila Cream” colorway.

Merging past and future, the car also includes state-of-the-art technology, such as a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen, dual front seat and rear command consoles, integrated drink coolers in the doors and 126 distinct color options in the vehicle’s several interior ambient lighting zones. This retro-meets-future look is a key portion of the company’s “art of travel” design philosophy.

It also places sustainability at the forefront, as the elements of the center console and interior door pockets are crafted from fine mycelium, a leather forged from mushrooms and a creation of California-based biomaterial technology company MycoWorks. The material’s inclusion comes as a part of a wide-ranging partnership with Cadillac’s parent company, General Motors.

The car’s retro-future aesthetic is expanded upon in the film released to unveil it. Image credit: Cadillac

“MycoWorks’ collaboration with General Motors to incorporate Fine Mycelium in Cadillac’s Sollei concept car is an enormous step forward in the global new materials revolution, demonstrating the vast potential and applications for Fine Mycelium in the automotive industry,” said Matt Scullin, CEO of MycoWorks, in a statement.

Way of life
Unveiled at the Cadillac House at Vanderbilt in Warren, Michigan, the concept car serves as the high-end automotive segment’s latest appeal to the greater luxury lifestyle sector.

In recent months, British automaker Bentley (see story) and Toyota Corp.’s Lexus (see story) have made passes at contacting consumers interested in other prestige goods, such as homeware and art.

Sustainability and lifestyle appeals are core pillars of luxury’s future success. Image credit: Cadillac

With its unveiling of Sollei at the experiential retail center, the American automaker is likely attempting to make strides in this arena, joining its fellow high-end automakers across the pond.

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Cadillac showcases next chapter of electric luxury convertibles

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