FYI: Cadillac has unveiled the SOLLEI concept, the pinnacle of luxury in a custom-built electric convertible, offering a mesmerizing blend of design, sustainability, and an unmatched driving experience.
Cadillac Unveils the SOLLEI Concept: A Modern Luxury Electric Convertible
Cadillac has introduced the SOLLEI concept vehicle, a groundbreaking coach-built luxury electric convertible that redefines the boundaries of bespoke automotive design. This visionary vehicle is a testament to Cadillac’s dedication to reflecting the unique passions and interests of its clientele through custom commissions. The SOLLEI embodies an all-electric 2+2 convertible, boasting Cadillac’s signature 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen, sophisticated interior and exterior lighting choreography, and an intuitive front and rear command console.
The SOLLEI’s name, derived from the Latin words for sun (‘SOL’) and leisure (‘LEI’), captures Cadillac’s inspiration for an opulent, open-air lifestyle. “SOLLEI reimagines the discovery of travel, envisioning a personalized driving experience that connects one with the natural world around them,” stated Erin Crossley, design director at Cadillac. “The concept celebrates Cadillac’s pedigree of elegant convertibles in a modern form, cultivating high luxury through design expressions and experiences.”
Innovative and Sustainable Materials
In a pioneering move, SOLLEI features an innovative bio-based material developed in collaboration with MycoWorks. This material, Fine Mycelium™, is used in the charging mats on the console and the door map pockets. Grown from the mycelium, the renewable root structure of mushrooms, this material represents Cadillac’s push towards renewable automotive resources.
Exterior Design: Elegance in Motion
The exterior design of the SOLLEI is an epitome of emotion and boldness, with unmistakable Cadillac proportions. Its low, elongated body, wide stance, and long coupe door facilitate easy access to the spacious rear seats. The uninterrupted surfaces and elongated A-line accentuate the vehicle’s length, while the low tail design offers dynamic yet elegant proportions.
Conventional door handles are replaced with discrete buttons, maintaining a clean profile. The exterior is finished in "Manila Cream," a color originally used on Cadillacs in 1957-1958, meticulously hand-painted by Cadillac craftsmen.
Interior: The Art of Travel
Inside, the SOLLEI channels Cadillac’s “art of travel” philosophy, elevating the experience for both driver and passenger. Features such as a fully integrated beverage chiller with a power glass door and crystal glasses seamlessly blend leisure with travel. The use of unstained wood veneers, hand-cut and hand-laid using marquetry techniques, adds to the artistry of the design.
The windshield is framed in milled brushed aluminum, continuing Cadillac’s tradition of integrating natural materials. Illuminated décor and unique embellishments provide a personalized touch, while customizable ambient lighting with 126 color options in multiple zones allows for individual mood setting.
A Nod to Bird-Watchers
Cadillac caters to bird-watching enthusiasts with a bespoke interior accessory package. This includes a custom brushed metal and leather-wrapped case housing 3D printed bird calls, a leather-bound journal with hand-painted bird illustrations, and a leather tool roll for pens and pencils, blending functionality with elegance.
Celebration of Travel and Celestial Themes
The SOLLEI’s design emphasizes the joy of travel and celestial themes through unique color and material choices. Notable features include:
- Sunburst-themed lighting and graphic choreography
- Seat patterns with sunburst motif perforation, quilting, and embroidery
- Interior Fine Nappa leather featuring a pink iridescent pigment for a sunrise effect
- Charging mats and custom accessories made from bio-based MycoWorks material with iridescent finishes
- “Aurora” tint on metal finishes, reflecting the sun’s solar winds
- Convertible metallic roof fabric named “Daybreak”
- Textured floormat material named “Bask,” matching the roof’s interior hue
A New Era in Convertible Design
The SOLLEI concept represents Cadillac’s vision for future luxury vehicles, blending modern design with features inspired by iconic models from the past. Unveiled at the Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, this concept showcases Cadillac’s commitment to personalized luxury and sustainable innovation.
Conclusion
The Cadillac SOLLEI concept is more than just a car; it’s an experience. It blends luxury, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology in a package that is both innovative and timeless. As Cadillac continues to push the envelope in automotive design, the SOLLEI stands as a testament to what the future of luxury transportation can be.
William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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