Cadillac is finally set to become a truly flagship sedan, a modern standard in the world.
Yes, the new flagship, which will be called Celestiq, will not simply replace the old CT6 flagship sedan. It will be a technology showpiece designed to go against cars like the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the former Bentley Mulsan.
Don’t look for the luxuries of the old world, though. Celestiq has been described as a large and daring fastback built on General Motors’ Ultium electric vehicle platform, and it features high-tech gadgets such as a four-panel glass roof that will enable drivers and passengers to set levels individually. Clarity, as well as a dash-wide digital display with active components that can darken part of the screen to prevent driver confusion.
Cadillac has not said when Celestiq will be available, but a near-production concept will be unveiled in late July, the automaker said last week. The teaser shot hints at some design details for the car.
Cadillac Celestic teaser
Cadillac Celestic teaser
Cadillac Celestic teaser
The impressive detail would be another calling card for the Celestiq that would be more like a coach-built car than a regular production model. Cadillac will invest $ 81 million in GM’s extensive global technical center in Warren, Michigan, to help produce Celestiq. This is the site where GM designs and develops its vehicles and recently expanded with a battery R&D center.
The vast majority of Celestiq’s investment in the site will be used to add equipment for low volume production, such as 3D printers. Cadillac says Celestiq will have more 3D-printed components (structural and aesthetic) than any GM product so far. Cadillac says Celestic will be churned at a rate of just 1.2 cars per day. The automaker also said it would be priced, with rumors pointing to a base price of around $ 200,000.
For mechanical, we only know that it will be fully electric, and features both all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering. We also know that the Ultium platform supports a range of more than 400 miles and a power output of up to 1,000 hp.
“Cadillac’s future as a flagship sedan signals a new, revived era for the Celestic brand,” said Mark Reus, president of GM, in a statement. “Each of our historic technology centers will be hand-crafted by an amazing team of craftsmen on campus.”