Cadillac celebrates 20 years of the V-Series with the Opulent Velocity concept

Cadillac has introduced a new hypercar concept today at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. A 2+2 high performance coupe that Cadillac says “combines advanced technology with bespoke luxury,” it represents “the future vision of electric performance for the Cadillac V-Series.”

Inspired by the V-Series performance Cadillacs of the past two decades, and, in particular, the V-Series R hybrid racers, the Opulent Velocity presents a definite track-inspired aesthetic, while also embracing a vision of a futuristic personal luxury coupé. It is the second concept revealed in a matter of months, following the equally-opulent Sollei Cabriolet.

The name Opulent Velocity represents the two sides of the experience of driving/riding in the car. “Opulence” is the experience of traveling on the street, with Level 4 autonomy allowing a hands-free riding experience with an advanced full widescreen display and an augmented reality heads-up display.

Cadillac has researched sound and light waves during the development of the car, incorporating their findings into systems that allow for bespoke art, entertainment and ambient lighting to create an individualised interior travel environment.

The interior colour is called “Selene”, a metallic dark blue that Cadillac claims “signals track performance capability.” Certainly true if you are a Red Bull fan, we’re not so sure if Ferrari is your favourite livery. Still, it is an intense color on interior surfaces including the futuristic thin seats, an unusual feature for Cadillac which has a reputation for plush seating, not Recaro-like racing seats.

When you are ready for a day at the track, you can, using the multi-function controller shift into “Velocity” mode and the Y-shaped, race-inspired steering wheel emerges from the dash, the pedals emerge from the firewall. The seats are mated directly into the door and greater stability during track maneuvering.

The Velocity mode allows an authentic track experience by conceptualizing a “Ghost Car” function that Cadillac says “will be displayed on the HUD screen serving as the vehicle user guide. This mode presents a competitive driving course that allows drivers to improve their lap times or compete against peers on various designated tracks.”

Additionally, Cadillac notes, “Velocity mode visualises the capability to dictate driving enhancements, including road overlays, active information about road conditions, and complete control over active aero and suspension dampening settings.”

After a drive, or ride, exit the broad butterfly doors – which allow easy access to front and rear compartments – and you get a sense of the exquisite crafting of the exterior with folded steel and carbon-fibre that “drapes” over the wheels and forming vents to keep all that electric horsepower cool.

The coupé form is very strong with long curving fastback and cab-forward architecture, echoing some of the from and lines of its cousin the Celestiq. The long hood of the days of yore has morphed into more mannered sculpting that extends into the sides of the car.

The front mask is particularly handsome, with the hood folding into the mask, somewhat reminiscent of the eighth generation Eldorado of 1967-1970. An illuminated badge at the center of the mask assures the passer-by that this indeed a Cadillac. The illuminated grille and vertical light signatures speak of Cadillac’s current design language, here slightly modified to integrate into the Opulent Velocity’s sculptural form.

The overall aspect of the car, as noted, vaguely recalls the eighth generation Eldorado without being in any way a throwback or a derivative of that classic design. It is even painted in a gold called “Gilded Pearl” – a very mid-century colour name. Cadillac describes the design of the Opulent Velocity concept as “a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when we embrace the convergence of past, present, and future.” We couldn’t agree more, and hope that Cadillac will put the Opulent Velocity into (limited) production.