The concept Cadillac SOLLEI convertible exercise represents the brand’s vision to offer modern design this time in an open-air format, inspired by iconic Cadillacs from the past. // Photo courtesy of Cadillac[/caption]
Cadillac today introduced the SOLLEI concept vehicle, a coach-built luxury electric convertible, a design exercise that the automaker states pushes the boundaries of future bespoke commissions.
SOLLEI conceptualizes an all-electric, 2+2 convertible equipped with the brand’s signature 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen, spacious interior, exterior lighting chorography for arrival and departure, and intuitive front and rear command console.
Defined in its name sun (‘SOL’) and leisure (‘LEI’), SOLLEI represents Cadillac’s optimistic inspiration for an open-air, leisurely lifestyle.
“SOLLEI reimagines the discovery of travel, envisioning a personalized driving experience that connects one with the natural world around them,” says Erin Crossley, design director at Cadillac. “The concept celebrates Cadillac’s pedigree of elegant convertibles in a modern form by cultivating high luxury through design expressions and experiences.”
SOLLEI also is Cadillac’s first concept vehicle to incorporate an innovative bio-based material developed in collaboration with MycoWorks. Used in the charging mats on the console and the door map pockets, Fine Mycelium by MycoWorks is ushering in a new era of luxury materials grown from mycelium (the renewable root structure of mushrooms). The material reflects Cadillac’s mission to pioneer renewable automotive resources.
The SOLLEI’s exterior exudes emotion and embodies Cadillac’s bold proportions. The low, elongated body is accentuated by a wide stance and long coupe door, facilitating easy access to the spacious rear.
The uninterrupted surfaces and stretched A-line emphasize the vehicle’s length, while the low tail design creates dynamic yet elegant proportions. The mid-body line seamlessly connects the headlamp to the taillight, unifying the car’s harmonious design. Conventional door handles are replaced with discrete buttons helping to enable the clean profile line.
Celebrating Cadillac’s heritage of bold colors, the exterior is finished in “Manila Cream,” a color originally used on Cadillacs in 1957 and 1958. This revived finish was meticulously curated and hand-painted by Cadillac craftsmen.
The interior of SOLLEI channels Cadillac’s “art of travel” design philosophy, elevating the travel experience for both the driver and the passenger. Features include a fully integrated beverage chiller with a power glass door and crystal glasses seamlessly blending leisure with travel.
Illuminated décor and unique embellishments add expression to the brand. The interior decor, wrapped in unstained wood veneers, honors natural color and grain pattern variations, while surfaces feature open pore finishes that can be felt by touch.
Each piece is 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. The windshield is framed in milled brushed aluminum continuing Cadillac’s use of natural materials.
Cadillac design utilizes lighting in many of our products as a layer of personalization. SOLLEI elevates this offering with distinguished ambient lighting for true customization, including multiple zones and 126 color options in each zone. The lighting can evoke specific moods and personalize the interior ambiance.
SOLLEI also caters to bird-watching connoisseurs with a unique interior accessory. A custom brushed metal and leather-wrapped case houses 3-D printed acrylic bird calls, a leather-bound journal with hand painted bird illustrations, and a leather tool roll for pens and pencils, made to custom match the vehicle interior, allowing enthusiasts to capture their bird-watching experiences.
SOLLEI celebrates the optimism of travel and the celestial environment with hat the automaker describes as “rich sensory engagement, unexpected discoveries, and sense of occasion.” Sun themed features includes:
- Unique sunburst-themed lighting and graphic choreography.
- Sunburst motif perforation, quilting, and embroidery on seat patterns.
- Interior Fine Nappa leather featuring a pink iridescent pigment that creates a subtle color-changing sunrise effect.
- Charging mats on the console, door map pockets and custom accessories are made from MycoWorks’ premium bio-based material created using their Fine Mycelium technology. This material is in an iridescent finish in a soft hue color palette.
- Pink iridescent hue on the beverage chiller door and glass tray in the rear compartment that reveals different sunlight exposures.
- “Aurora” tint on primary metal finishes, which includes color shifting to reflect the phenomenon of the sun’s solar winds reacting with the earth’s atmosphere.
- Convertible metallic roof fabric called “Daybreak”, whose name ties to the functionality of the convertible roof; as the roof pulls back, sunlight can pour over the interior.
- Textured floormat material named “Bask,” a boucle fabric adding beautiful texture and subtle warmth, matching the color of the roof material keeping the whole interior very light.
The SOLLEI convertible exercise represents the brand’s vision to offer modern design this time in an open-air format, inspired by iconic Cadillacs from the past.
The concept was officially unveiled at Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, a newly restored, state-of-the-art facility at GM’s Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan. This location is dedicated to providing a bespoke design experience for Cadillac CELESTIQ clients.
