Cadillac Imaj

What's special about it?
This is Cadillac's most enthusiastic concept vehicle yet. It includes all the usual concept- car technology, like on-board e-mail, DVD-based GPS navigation, a voice-activated communication system, individual climate controls for each seat and a radar-sensing collision avoidance system. But it also features an advanced, full color head-up display with information on everything from vehicle speed and a high-beam indicator to cell phone, e-mail message and navigation information. All passengers get their own LCD color display, and the 17-speaker Bose audio system incorporates surround- sound technology to "open up" the Imaj's cabin for a concert hall-like sound quality. Under the hood is a supercharged Northstar V8 engine with continuously variable valve timing and a liquid-to-air intercooler to create 425 horsepower. This power is fed to all four wheels through an all-new five-speed automatic transmission. Strong character lines make up the Imaj's shape and run from the vertical headlights, up over the A-pillars and along the roofline before arcing down to the vertical taillights. A louvered, electrochromatic glass roof can change from opaque to transparent at the touch of a button and the trunk and doors are power- operated. Rear hinges on the rear door make for easy entry and exit, and the entire package rides on 20-inch magnesium wheels with Goodyear run-flat tires.

Why should you care?
This is the second concept car from Cadillac to utilize ultra- aggressive sharp angles combined with a vertical theme, as seen in the front grille and rear taillight areas. These styling cues were first seen on last year's Evoq roadster concept, and while that car received mixed reviews at best, Cadillac appears committed to this vision of "art and science." For fans of this vision, Cadillac's future products should hold great interest. For the rest of us, we'll stick with our '59 Eldorados.