Cadillac has shown its possible face of the future with the Elmiraj concept. Unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance the two-door coupé is said to "showcase a new vision for luxury driving and the top of the brand's expanding range."
Exterior
The Elmiraj (should we be worried that the name sound distinctly like 'The Mirage'?) follows on from 2002's Cien concept that inspired much of the current Cadillac range, including the recently introduced ATS and CTS models.
While it has not been mentioned whether or not the Elmiraj will inspire a production model directly, some of the design features are likely to make it to future Cadillacs. The short overhangs, rakish roofline and long bonnet would suit the classic GT car formula while the 22-inch alloy wheels, arrow-like front end and vertical-strip LED lights do not scream of the usual 'concept frippery.'
Interior
The Elmiraj features an opulent interior that mixes leather, wood and titanium with bucket seats that automatically slide backwards for easier ingress. The driver focused cabin is epitomised by transparent instruments that reside in front of a wide screen, high resolution display, which projects driver information and the output of a front-mounted camera.
Mechanicals
The Elmiraj is based on a lightweight development chassis that Cadillac says is destined for future rear-wheel drive performance models. The platform is an advancement of the one currently used in the 3 Series rivalling ATS saloon and forthcoming CTS. The show car's engine is also related to that of the CTS, but whereas the smaller model has to make do with a twin-turbo V6 the Elmiraj gets a V8 version that is said to deliver 450hp.
Anything else?
As well as showing off a possible new corporate look the Elmiraj debuts the newly designed Cadillac logo. The loss of the traditional wreath around the shield has caused much consternation amongst Caddie fans but it is not the first time the logo has appeared wreathless having gone from the mid-thirties till 1982 when it made a comeback.