Just yesterday I wrote about the manliness of new Mercedes-Benz GLA compact crossover. I concluded that it is very manly because it’s stylish, efficient, and versatile – capable of doing most anything you ask it to do. And what’s manlier than that?
While I haven’t in any way changed course on my conclusions surrounding the manliness of the GLA, I have found something that is much manlier, but in very different ways.
I present to you the new Cadillac Elmiraj concept.
The Elmiraj is the latest iteration in Cadillac’s Art & Science design language. Modern Cadillacs before the Elmiraj have been good looking, sure, but they’ve been exceedingly boxy. The Elmiraj is broad, confident, and just the right amount of round-y.
Up front we find the distinctive vertical Cadillac headlights and a new grille proudly wearing a new Cadillac emblem. I had heard rumors that Caddy was considering losing the wreath around its iconic logo but I didn’t think we’d see it so soon. Cadillac wants to take on BMW and I think the new badge – sans wreath – is just the symbol to do the job. It turns the Cadillac brand into something new without losing its identity. It looks light and stylish, just like the Cadillacs of late.
Behind that new Caddy logo, underneath the chiseled hood, is a 500-horsepower 4.5-liter V8 that has been fitted with twin-turbochargers. This new engine is based upon the 420-horsepower twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 that powers the 2014 CTS Vsport. I had hoped that Caddy wouldn’t give up on the V8 and, delightfully, it looks like it hasn’t.
The Elmiraj rides on custom 22-inch rims backed by ceramic brakes fitted with monoblock calipers, ensuring the large coupe can stop as fast as it goes.
On the interior, Cadillac designers aimed for bespoke levels of luxury. The camel-colored leather has been well matched to the fallen Brazilian Rosewood, which was handpicked by Cadillac craftsmen. The Elmiraj seats four in a 2+2 seating arrangement with four bucket seats. Cleverly, even the rear buckets can recline, ensuring comfort for all passengers.
In the dash, designers have affixed a transparent analogue speedometer and tachometer that, when not in use, allow the driver to view a large, high-res screen displaying driver information or even the image from a front-mounted camera.
Cadillac revealed that a new, lightweight rear-wheel drive chassis that is slated for production underpins the Elmiraj. Although Cadillac probably won’t build a production version of the Elmiraj, we could likely see something very similar.
Where did the idea for Elmiraj come from? Specifically, the 1967 Eldorado inspired Cadillac designers. I think it is high time that Cadillac return to its routes and build some world-class, hulking grand coupes. The time is right, too. Mercedes has plans to replace its CL-Class with a new S-Class based coupe. How fabulous would it be to see full-size coupe battle between Mercedes and Cadillac?
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