Cadillac unveils gorgeous Sollei concept

CADILLAC has unveiled its stunning Sollei concept vehicle this week, the 2+2 coach-built all-electric convertible an “imaginative design exercise” the American luxury brand says “pushes the boundaries of future bespoke commissions”.

Named for the sun (Sol) and leisure (Lei), the concept model combines elements of the brands past with forward-looking technologies and includes such highlights as Cadillac’s 55.0-inch pillar-to-pillar screen, a heritage-inspired colour palette and upholstery materials grown from mycelium – the root structure of mushrooms.

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

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

The exterior of the Sollei is said to exude emotion and embodies Cadillac’s unmistakable bold proportions. The low, elongated body is accentuated by a wide stance and long doors, facilitating easy access to the spacious rear.

Cadillac says the uninterrupted surfaces of the body and stretched A-line emphasise the vehicle’s length, while the low tail design creates “dynamic yet elegant proportions”. The mid-body line seamlessly connects head- and tail-light, while the door handles are replaced with “discreet buttons” to further promote a clean profile line.

In a nod to Cadillacs past, the Sollei is finished in Manila Cream, a hue from 1957-58 model years that was “meticulously curated and hand-painted” by Cadillac craftsmen.

Moving inside, and in addition to the ultra-wide screen, we find high-end features including beverage chillers with crystal glassware, illuminated décor in 126 shades, a milled aluminium windscreen frame, and even a bird watching kit finished in leather and brushed metal.

Inlays are of wood veneer with open pore finishes Cadillac says are “hand-cut and hand-laid using marquetry techniques creating a beautiful focal point that draws the eye from the front doors to the console and into the rear compartment”.

Elsewhere, the décor is inspired by the sun with a sunburst motif found in the fine Nappa leather upholstery, which is finished in a soft iridescent pink tone that is said to create a “subtle colour-changing sunrise effect”.

The solar theme continues across the Sollei’s metal finishes which utilise an “Aurora” colour-shifting mechanism to mimic the phenomenon of the sun’s solar winds reacting with the atmosphere.

The convertible top is finished in a metallic fabric called daybreak, while the textured floor mat material, dubbed Bask, is said to match the tone of the convertible roof with “subtle warmth”.

GM officially unveiled the Sollei concept at the newly restored Cadillac House within the GM Global Technical Centre campus in Warren, Michigan. GM says the state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to “providing bespoke design experiences for Cadillac Celestiq clients”.