What is it?
Cadillac Vizón
What's special about it?
Blending sport/performance wagon and SUV into one slick package, the Vizón provides the looks, comfort and performance of the former with the functionality of the latter. It ends up being an SUV alternative that provides a more car-like driving experience - a concept we certainly don't have a problem warming up to.
Inside, the driver can reconfigure the dash display and tailor the information that appears on the instrument panel. The overall impression inside is calm, clean and pure, taking cues from modern home and furniture design. The Vizón's center console extends the entire length of the cabin and forms a long box for skis and other long-and-slender type cargo. The console also supports the front seating, eliminating the rails commonly found on the floor under the seats.
Outside, this cool concept Caddy has pure computer-generated body side surfaces, intersected by simple, precise wheel flares that contribute to the aggressive stance. Gills on the side of this wagon/SUV hybrid open when the engine is started and a two-piece sunroof allows you to let the big sky inside. The large roof opens two ways, with the front portion angling upward for venting and the larger rear panel retracting into the roof. The Vizón fits right into the luxury-performance wagon segment with a 120-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 190 inches.
Cadillacs these days are almost all Northstar-powered and this one fits the mold with its 4.2-liter version cranking out 300 horsepower. The all-wheel drivetrain uses StabiliTrak and the suspension height can be adjusted for various road and load conditions. While the features might say "SUV," the experience is more car-like as a result of these bits. A five-speed automatic transmission puts the engine's power down. There's also an adaptive cruise-control system that monitors traffic ahead and adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a safe following distance.
Looking at the practical SUV-type stuff, the Vizón has an electronically operated liftgate that rises to expose a rear storage area. The load floor in the rear also lifts to form a shelf or to reveal more storage space. An integrated roof rack provides additional space to carry skis, scuba gear or other equipment.
Other tricks include EZ Key that identifies the owner through a chip embedded in the key fob. The vehicle unlocks itself, and sets seating and mirrors to the driver's position. As the engine starts, a sliding cover on the dash panel opens to reveal the reconfigurable display, which allows the driver to choose how and where data about the vehicle is displayed. Finally, the Vizón is equipped with GM's OnStar system with navigation available through a satellite speakerphone.
Why should you care?
The Vizón is another spin in the emerging utility wagon segment pioneered by such machines as the Audi allroad. Think of it as a super-luxo spinoff of such cars like the Subaru Outback or the above-mentioned Audi. Are you really interested in something that drives and handles like a car, but need the practicality of an SUV? Then this possible look into the future should get your attention. Although it's only a concept right now, it's possible we might see the Vizón on the road some day. After all, many concepts become production models, don't they?
Cadillac Vizón
What's special about it?
Blending sport/performance wagon and SUV into one slick package, the Vizón provides the looks, comfort and performance of the former with the functionality of the latter. It ends up being an SUV alternative that provides a more car-like driving experience - a concept we certainly don't have a problem warming up to.
Inside, the driver can reconfigure the dash display and tailor the information that appears on the instrument panel. The overall impression inside is calm, clean and pure, taking cues from modern home and furniture design. The Vizón's center console extends the entire length of the cabin and forms a long box for skis and other long-and-slender type cargo. The console also supports the front seating, eliminating the rails commonly found on the floor under the seats.
Outside, this cool concept Caddy has pure computer-generated body side surfaces, intersected by simple, precise wheel flares that contribute to the aggressive stance. Gills on the side of this wagon/SUV hybrid open when the engine is started and a two-piece sunroof allows you to let the big sky inside. The large roof opens two ways, with the front portion angling upward for venting and the larger rear panel retracting into the roof. The Vizón fits right into the luxury-performance wagon segment with a 120-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 190 inches.
Cadillacs these days are almost all Northstar-powered and this one fits the mold with its 4.2-liter version cranking out 300 horsepower. The all-wheel drivetrain uses StabiliTrak and the suspension height can be adjusted for various road and load conditions. While the features might say "SUV," the experience is more car-like as a result of these bits. A five-speed automatic transmission puts the engine's power down. There's also an adaptive cruise-control system that monitors traffic ahead and adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a safe following distance.
Looking at the practical SUV-type stuff, the Vizón has an electronically operated liftgate that rises to expose a rear storage area. The load floor in the rear also lifts to form a shelf or to reveal more storage space. An integrated roof rack provides additional space to carry skis, scuba gear or other equipment.
Other tricks include EZ Key that identifies the owner through a chip embedded in the key fob. The vehicle unlocks itself, and sets seating and mirrors to the driver's position. As the engine starts, a sliding cover on the dash panel opens to reveal the reconfigurable display, which allows the driver to choose how and where data about the vehicle is displayed. Finally, the Vizón is equipped with GM's OnStar system with navigation available through a satellite speakerphone.
Why should you care?
The Vizón is another spin in the emerging utility wagon segment pioneered by such machines as the Audi allroad. Think of it as a super-luxo spinoff of such cars like the Subaru Outback or the above-mentioned Audi. Are you really interested in something that drives and handles like a car, but need the practicality of an SUV? Then this possible look into the future should get your attention. Although it's only a concept right now, it's possible we might see the Vizón on the road some day. After all, many concepts become production models, don't they?
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