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Welcome to designbivouac’s inspiration collection.
Exploring design and innovation.
Over 30 years of collaboration, designbivouac has uncovered lasting insights. Inspirations is a curated collection of inspirational objects and ideas shaping a continuous journey of creative exploration.
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Just Ship It Series: Cadillac Cien
Although debuting way back in 2002, once the ELR starts shipping in January, kindly return your attention to the Cien, please, Cadillac.
Although debuting way back in 2002, once the ELR starts shipping in January, kindly return your attention to the Cien, please, Cadillac. The design of the Cien is a seamless fusion of aerodynamics and luxury. Its dramatic, angular lines and distinctive vertical headlamps make it visually striking. The cockpit blends innovative technology and refined materials with features like a heads-up display and premium leather surfaces. The gullwing-style doors add a touch of drama and accessibility. One in hybrid or BEV form would be an excellent "halo" vehicle for the brand.
The Cien, which means "one hundred" in Spanish, was created to celebrate Cadillac's centenary and to showcase the brand's innovation, performance, and design capabilities. The Cadillac Cien is a mid-engine, two-seat supercar that blends cutting-edge technology with elegant design. Its most notable feature is a 7.5-liter V12 engine that produces an impressive 750 horsepower. This powerplant is complemented by a hybrid system featuring a rear-mounted electric motor, which enhances the car's performance and efficiency. The Cien can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 200 mph, underlining its supercar status.
While it is understood that the Cadillac Cien was never intended for production, it serves as a bold statement of Cadillac's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology. Many luxury performance car enthusiasts would love to see an updated version shipping from the luxury brand. Perhaps the Corvette C8 platform could prove worthy.
The Cadillac Cien powerfully demonstrates the capabilities of General Motors Design Studio.
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Cadillac ELR: Faithful to the Concept
With the release of the production version of the Cadillac ELR at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past week, General Motors proved that the resurgence of the American automotive industry continues.
With the release of the production version of the Cadillac ELR at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past week, General Motors proved that the resurgence of the American automotive industry continues. Cadillac has stayed faithful to the 2009 Converj concept car that inspired the ELR, deserving high praise. Audi came close to this when they introduced the production version of the TT. However, with respect to the Cadillac ELR, it is a rare instance where the shipping car looks better than the concept car.
GM also deserves credit for moving into the luxury Extended Range Electric Vehicle luxury niche before other large-scale luxury vehicle manufacturers. They are introducing new driving affordances unique to this type of vehicle, such as steering wheel-mounted paddles that allow drivers to induce regenerative braking on demand. While we will have to wait and see how the ELR performs, on paper, things look promising. And if you are a fan of Cadillac's "Art and Science" aesthetics, on the showroom floor, things are looking great.
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Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept
Cadillac's Urban Luxury Concept, which debuted this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is just the kind of product that will continue to fuel General Motor's emergence from bankruptcy.
Cadillac's Urban Luxury Concept is the vehicle that could help continue General Motors's transition to a battery-electric vehicle fleet with zero emissions. The original concept, which debuted a few years back at the Los Angeles auto show, was not a BEV but still offered an impressive estimated fuel economy rating of 56 mpg city/65 mpg highway.
The size and styling of the Urban Luxury Concept could be resurrected and applied to the company’s new Ultimum electric platform. With room for four and several innovative features in store beyond the scissor-style doors, this could be a cutting-edge "Art and Science" vehicle.
Back to the Future
Not sure just what is going on over at Cadillac headquarters these days, but let's hope they keep it up!
It is uncertain what is happening at Cadillac headquarters, but let's hope they keep it up! Ed Welburn and his design team continue to successfully explore the edged aesthetic reminiscent of some of Syd Mead's vehicle designs, which inspired many to think about what the future of vehicle design might hold. The CTS Coupe concept is another successful design exercise in that regard. Thanks to the folks at Cadillac for bringing back that feeling of future thinking once again. Now, if only we could start seeing more vehicles like this on the road, ideally with a hybrid power plant.
