What is it?
Cadillac Cien
What's special about it?
Created to celebrate Cadillac's 100th anniversary (hence the name, Spanish for "100"), the Cien is the latest evolution of the "art and science" design philosophy that debuted with the Evoq roadster. Designer Simon Cox took cues from high-tech stealth aircraft to create the Cien's dramatic look. Tall stacked headlights dominate the front, while dual retractable air inlets, scissor-style doors and a piercing fender line liven up the profile. The rear treatment looks every bit a Cadillac with Eldorado-like taillights, a crease down the centerline and a full-width center-mounted brake light.
But there's more to the Cien than striking sheetmetal. A thundering 750-horsepower V12 rests just behind the driver underneath a sheet of blue-tinted glass for proper display. As much a work of art as the carbon fiber that surrounds it, the 7.5-liter Northstar XV12 is an experimental engine that combines the power of a 12-cylinder with the size and fuel economy of a V8. GM's Displacement on Demand technology allows the engine to run on just six cylinders during light load situations, and direct gasoline injection provides not only increased power, but reduced emissions, as well.
Not surprisingly, the Cien's interior features all the high-tech gadgetry they could cram into a two-seat sportscar. LCD screens display information for the navigation and rearview cameras, while a Night Vision sensor nestled between the headlights gives driver's that extra advantage at night. Aluminum and carbon fiber accents bring the high-tech look of the exterior right into the cabin.
Why should you care?
Upon first sight of the Cien, we were thrilled. We couldn't help but stare at it and think, "That is one wicked Cadillac." Here was a car that enthusiasts would covet and school kids would plaster up on their bedroom walls, dreaming of the day when they might actually get behind the wheel for the ride of their lives.
Normally, our fascination would have ended there, but a subsequent speech by GM Chairman of Product Development, Bob Lutz, gave us a little hope. He didn't confirm production; in fact, out of all the concepts shown, the Cien is the least likely to be built, but he did promise that General Motors will be more aggressive in the future when it comes to turning concept models into production drivers. Only time will tell if GM has the guts and ambition to build a car like the Cien, but if it does, it'll be well on its way to returning Cadillac to the world class manufacturer it once was. — Ed Hellwig
Cadillac Cien
What's special about it?
Created to celebrate Cadillac's 100th anniversary (hence the name, Spanish for "100"), the Cien is the latest evolution of the "art and science" design philosophy that debuted with the Evoq roadster. Designer Simon Cox took cues from high-tech stealth aircraft to create the Cien's dramatic look. Tall stacked headlights dominate the front, while dual retractable air inlets, scissor-style doors and a piercing fender line liven up the profile. The rear treatment looks every bit a Cadillac with Eldorado-like taillights, a crease down the centerline and a full-width center-mounted brake light.
But there's more to the Cien than striking sheetmetal. A thundering 750-horsepower V12 rests just behind the driver underneath a sheet of blue-tinted glass for proper display. As much a work of art as the carbon fiber that surrounds it, the 7.5-liter Northstar XV12 is an experimental engine that combines the power of a 12-cylinder with the size and fuel economy of a V8. GM's Displacement on Demand technology allows the engine to run on just six cylinders during light load situations, and direct gasoline injection provides not only increased power, but reduced emissions, as well.
Not surprisingly, the Cien's interior features all the high-tech gadgetry they could cram into a two-seat sportscar. LCD screens display information for the navigation and rearview cameras, while a Night Vision sensor nestled between the headlights gives driver's that extra advantage at night. Aluminum and carbon fiber accents bring the high-tech look of the exterior right into the cabin.
Why should you care?
Upon first sight of the Cien, we were thrilled. We couldn't help but stare at it and think, "That is one wicked Cadillac." Here was a car that enthusiasts would covet and school kids would plaster up on their bedroom walls, dreaming of the day when they might actually get behind the wheel for the ride of their lives.
Normally, our fascination would have ended there, but a subsequent speech by GM Chairman of Product Development, Bob Lutz, gave us a little hope. He didn't confirm production; in fact, out of all the concepts shown, the Cien is the least likely to be built, but he did promise that General Motors will be more aggressive in the future when it comes to turning concept models into production drivers. Only time will tell if GM has the guts and ambition to build a car like the Cien, but if it does, it'll be well on its way to returning Cadillac to the world class manufacturer it once was. — Ed Hellwig
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