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Cadillac Ciel Concept - 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance-

Cadillac unveiled its Ciel concept—a 4-seat convertible powered by a turbocharged V-6 engine coupled to a hybrid system with a lithium-ion battery pack—today at Pebble Beach. The setting is no accident. According to Cadillac, the beauty of the California coastline inspired the design of the Ciel.

he car has been built to represent a possible range-topping model for the American luxury brand. Even the name, French for “sky,” suggests that Cadillac’s design team was free to push the limits when it came to instilling this all-wheel-drive roadster with power and prestige.

“Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey.”

A 21st Century Cadillac

That journey will include fewer stops for gasoline, judging from the specs of the Ciel. Unlike a traditional fuel-guzzling American luxury car, this Caddy concept foregoes a big V-8 engine in favor of a powerplant more in keeping with today’s volatile fuel prices.

A twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 engine delivers 425 bhp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels. This is mated to a hybrid system powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Cadillac has said the hybrid system allows for an all-electric driving mode, though there has been no mention as to the Ciel’s range or mpg.

he sides are as unadorned as a jetliner’s fuselage, an effect that adds to the Ciel’s sense of size. A few nickel-plated bits of brightwork break up the slab-sided lines. There seems to be a definite hint of modern hot rod in the simplicity of the Ciel’s design. A slightly tapering tail and thin rear lights (which mimic the headlights) reduce the visual bulk and give the car a coolly sinister feel.

Inside, the cabin features Italian Olive wood, machined aluminum and all the leather you’d expect in a car of this class. A “floating” center console runs from the instrument panel to the rear of the interior. There are hidden connectivity ports for each passenger, though some of the best bits of concept car frivolity are saved for rear occupants.