Back in March, Cadillac released a short video teasing the upcoming Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept, a zero-emissions, battery electric performance coupe. That video showed a quick glimpse of the vehicle’s aggressive front end, only hinting at its full form. Today, Caddy has officially pulled the veil off the Opulent Velocity, showing it off in all its shark-like, opulently aggressive glory.
Not only is the Cadillac Opulent Velocity blisteringly fast, it’s saddled with self-driving technology for almost any driving scenario. Part of the V-Series bloodline of high-performance luxury vehicles, the Opulent Velocity hypercar concept features Level 4 autonomy for everyday cruising. By comparison, the luxury marque’s current Super Cruise is a Level 2 assist feature. Despite the advanced autonomous capabilities, the driver can take full control at a moment’s notice by using the multifunctional controller to activate “Velocity” mode. Once Velocity is active, the steering yoke and pedals are presented, ready for input as the driver tackles the track or winding road with incredible precision.
Cadillac says that the Opulent Velocity concept’s Velocity mode was inspired by the Cadillac Blackwing luxury super sedans. Its tech-forward head-up display (HUD) features “Ghost Car” mode, which displays a translucent overlay of a previous driver’s vehicle on the track, encourages the driver to improve their lap times alone or race against others by presenting them with a digital competitor to chase.
Beyond the technology packed inside the cockpit, the Cadillac Opulent Velocity features an exterior design inspired by the Cadillac V-Series.R race cars, which currently compete in IMSA and the FIA WEC. The body is defined by a low-slung profile with a tucked front fascia, designed to slice through the air with ease. Entry and egress is granted by way of butterfly doors with wide openings, while up front, the electric concept hypercar features the luxury marque’s signature vertical lighting elements on either side of the fascia. Also present is a 3D lit grille that boasts crystal fluted detailing in the taillamps, headlamps, and grille. The exterior is coated in an elegant hue known as Gilded Pearl; the cabin colorway is known as “Selene” blue.
“Opulent Velocity is an experience-based design study,” says Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “It’s the future vision of luxury performance, incorporating Cadillac’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification and performance excellence. Opulent Velocity expresses the most artful integration of technology, luxury and exhilaration characterized by Cadillac’s halo V-Series variants, and future electrification design expressions.”
At this time, Cadillac has not announced any plans to bring the Opulent Velocity to market as a production vehicle, though the concept will serve as a muse for future electric vehicles in the luxury marque’s lineup.
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