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Cadillac Elmiraj
Cadillac Elmiraj
Cadillac Elmiraj
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Cadillac Elmiraj
Cadillac Elmiraj shown at the 2013 LA Auto Show
Overview
ManufacturerCadillac (General Motors)
Production2013 (Concept car)
DesignerNiki Smart
Body and chassis
ClassConcept car
Body style2-door, 4-seat hardtop coupe
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel drive
RelatedCadillac Ciel
Powertrain
Engine4.5 L twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission8-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length5,207.0 mm (205 in)
Width1,930.4 mm (76 in)
Height1,397.0 mm (55 in)
Curb weightapprox. 1,814 kg (4,000 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorCadillac Ciel
SuccessorCadillac Escala

The Cadillac Elmiraj is a concept car created by Cadillac and presented at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 15, 2013.[1] It continues the development begun by the Cadillac Ciel concept car.

The concept was reportedly named after El Mirage, a dry lake bed in California that was used for high speed runs, as well as recalling Cadillac's historic Eldorado nameplate.[2][3]

Overview

[edit]

The Elmiraj is a 2-door, 4-seat full-size luxury coupe. The concept runs and drives, and is reportedly powered by a 4.5-liter twin turbocharged V8 engine producing an estimated 500 hp (373 kW) and 500 lb⋅ft (678 N⋅m) of torque. It features a pillarless hardtop profile, a body style abandoned by U.S. automakers since the late 1970s. The design of the Elmiraj was inspired by the 1967 Cadillac Eldorado.[4]

The Elmiraj is rear-wheel drive and was "constructed with chassis and structural elements of an ongoing Cadillac vehicle development project slated for future production".[1] According to a blog article claiming to be informed by an insider, this platform is under development by the name of Omega, to underpin future top-of-the-line Cadillac cars to compete with the European premium class like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.[5]

One of the inspirations for the interior of the Elmiraj, according to the interior design team, was mid-century modern furniture, such as the Eames Lounge Chair. Like early versions of that chair, the seat backs in the car, as well as multiple trim pieces, are made from Brazilian rosewood, which Cadillac claims was sourced from "already fallen" wood.[6] Other interior materials include black and tan leather for the upholstery, and titanium for the rest of the trim pieces.[7] Features of the interior include a digital gauge cluster screen, which still retains an analog speedometer and tachometer, and a retractable 10 inch center touchscreen.

Niki Smart, lead exterior designer on the Elmira J project, said “We wanted a mature statement for Cadillac where simplicity and subtle adornments create a purposeful presence.” [6]

“Elmiraj advances Cadillac’s provocative modern design and performance, contrasted with bespoke craftsmanship and luxury,” said Mark Adams, Cadillac's design director at the time. “It explores performance driving, as well as how we’re approaching elevating the Cadillac range and new dimensions of Art & Science philosophy”.[1]

The Elmiraj was shown at the 2013 IAA (Internationale Automobilausstellung) in Frankfurt, Germany.[8]

[edit]
  • Front view
    Front view
  • Rear view
    Rear view
  • Lateral view
    Lateral view
  • Three quarters rear view
    Three quarters rear view
  • Dashboard
    Dashboard

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cadillac Elmiraj

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Elmiraj is a luxury developed by and unveiled on August 15, 2013, at the Pebble Beach , embodying the brand's vision for a high-performance grand touring with and seating for four passengers. Measuring 205 inches in length, 76 inches in width, and 55 inches in height with a curb weight of approximately 4,000 pounds, the Elmiraj draws inspiration from 's heritage of elegant s like the Eldorado while incorporating modern Art and Science design philosophy through its long hood, taut fender lines, and minimalistic exterior with vertically stacked LED headlights and tailfin-inspired taillights. Powered by a newly developed 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged producing 500 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of , paired with an eight-speed , the highlights Cadillac's exploration of exhilarating performance and refined luxury at the pinnacle of its range. The interior features a seating arrangement with sliding rear bucket seats upholstered in camel-colored leather, Brazilian rosewood trim, a single-piece , and a 10-inch pop-up , all designed to blend driver-focused sportiness with opulent comfort. Although never intended for production, the Elmiraj influenced subsequent designs, signaling potential directions for the brand's flagship vehicles and underscoring themes of innovation in luxury automotive engineering.

Development

Conception and Inspiration

The Elmiraj concept car was unveiled on August 15, 2013, during a special event at the Pebble Beach in . This presentation marked a significant moment for the brand, as the Elmiraj served as a design study to explore 's potential in the luxury grand segment. The vehicle's name derives from "El Mirage," referencing the El Mirage Dry Lake in California's , a historic site renowned for high-speed tuning and land speed record attempts organized by the Southern California Timing Association since the mid-20th century. Strategically, the Elmiraj was conceived to push the upper boundaries of Cadillac's luxury offerings and revive the marque's legacy of bold, full-size coupes that emphasize driving enjoyment and brand expansion into premium territories. It drew primary inspiration from Cadillac's heritage, particularly the 1967 Eldorado, a personal luxury coupe celebrated for its dramatic styling and contrast to contemporary designs, thereby underscoring the brand's tradition of grand touring vehicles. The project was led by Cadillac's design chief Ed Welburn, who oversaw the integration of diverse influences to craft a distinctly American aesthetic. Key contributions came from British designer Niki Smart, who handled the exterior styling, and French designer Gael Buzyn, responsible for the interior, blending international perspectives with Cadillac's core philosophy. This collaborative approach under Welburn's direction aimed to mature the brand's visual language while honoring its roots in innovative luxury.

Design Process and Unveiling

The Cadillac Elmiraj concept was conceived during 2012 and 2013 as part of Cadillac's strategic shift toward more elegant and fluid styling, moving away from the brand's earlier extroverted, angular Art & Science aesthetic to emphasize subtle luxury and performance. This evolution was driven by the Cadillac design team based in , led by then-GM of Global Design Ed Welburn, in collaboration with international designers including British stylist Niki Smart and French interior designer Gael Buzyn, who incorporated global influences into the vehicle's proportions and craftsmanship. The process focused on integrating lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum for the body structure to enhance agility while maintaining grand touring poise, alongside elements like hand-stitched leather and custom wood veneers to evoke artisanal luxury. The prototype was constructed on a custom rear-wheel-drive chassis incorporating structural elements from Cadillac's upcoming Omega platform, an architecture designed for larger luxury vehicles to support scalable performance and weight reduction. This build process highlighted iterative refinements in and material integration, aiming to preview a non-production that balanced provocative modern design with refined elegance, without direct ties to immediate plans. The Elmiraj made its public debut on August 15, 2013, at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in , where it was presented during a private evening event followed by live demonstrations on the show field. Ed Welburn provided on-site commentary, discussing the concept's role in redefining Cadillac's luxury direction, with the vehicle showcased alongside interactive displays of its innovative features. The unveiling underscored the Elmiraj's inspiration from classic Cadillac grand tourers like the 1967 Eldorado, signaling a bold yet uncommitted exploration of the brand's future.

Design

Exterior Styling

The Cadillac Elmiraj embodies a 2-door grand body style designed for four passengers, characterized by a long hood, short rear deck, and pillarless profile that evokes a classic yet contemporary silhouette. This configuration measures 205 inches in length, 76 inches in width, and 55 inches in height, creating a poised and proportional stance that emphasizes luxury performance. The roofline integrates seamlessly with the fuselage-like cabin, blending taut lines for a sense of motion even at rest. Key exterior elements include vertically stacked LED headlights that form a distinctive signature graphic, flowing into sculpted fenders with taut lines that spline across the body for dynamic visual tension. The front grille features a streamlined, wreathless Crest in conceptual form, framed by satin chrome trim that extends upward along the hood, enhancing the vehicle's commanding road presence without ornate excess. Functional vents on the bulging hood aid engine cooling while contributing to the aggressive yet elegant profile, complemented by 22-inch aluminum wheels fitted with large brakes and monoblock . These details draw subtle inspiration from the 1967 Eldorado's proportions, updated for modern aesthetics. The design adheres to Cadillac's Art and Science philosophy, merging sharp, angular edges—such as the vertical headlight elements—with fluid, organic surfaces on the fenders and roofline to achieve a premium, purposeful appearance. Lightweight construction incorporates aluminum and carbon fiber in the body structure, reducing mass while maintaining structural integrity and a feel. Aerodynamic efficiency is supported by the long dash-to-axle ratio, clean side profiles, and underbody integration, though specific drag coefficients were not disclosed in specifications. The Elmiraj debuted in a rich metallic finish with polished aluminum accents and subtle Vsport badging, underscoring its exclusive, handcrafted character.

Interior Features

The Cadillac Elmiraj's interior adopts a grand layout, featuring high-performance bucket seats in both the front and rear to balance spirited driving support with long-distance comfort. The front seats prioritize driver engagement, while the rear buckets incorporate a mechanism: the front seats slide forward 10 inches, and the rear seats shift 4 inches forward and recline to ease ingress and egress before returning to their original positions. This configuration underscores the concept's emphasis on accommodating all passengers with executive-level convenience in a driver-centric environment. Premium materials define the cabin's aesthetic, including rich camel-colored on the upper sections, hand-cut veneers of fallen Brazilian for sustainable wood accents, and backlit trim that elegantly curves from the instrument cowl to , visually dividing the from the wood. Cadillac Studio artisans handpicked and crafted the rosewood to ensure precise grain alignment, highlighting meticulous and a fusion of modern luxury with natural elements. These choices position the Elmiraj as an ultra-luxury tourer, evoking influences through its tailored craftsmanship. Technological integrations enhance the interior's functionality without overwhelming its opulent character. The instrument panel comprises a seamless single-piece upper expanse, with transparent analog and dials overlaying a high-resolution digital display that delivers essential driver data, including real-time footage from a front-mounted camera. A retractable 10-inch in the center stack manages , , and connectivity, retracting when not in use to maintain a clean, performance-oriented . Ambient backlighting from the elements further refines the space, adapting to create an immersive yet unobtrusive atmosphere.

Specifications

Powertrain and Performance

The Cadillac Elmiraj is equipped with a 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged , utilizing Cadillac's double overhead (DOHC) architecture derived from the twin-turbo V6 in the 2014 CTS V-Sport. This powerplant delivers 500 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, enabling strong low-end response and high-revving capability. The engine pairs with an eight-speed featuring paddle shifters for manual control, sending power to the rear wheels in a rear-wheel-drive configuration optimized for dynamic handling. Estimated performance metrics highlight the Elmiraj's sporty potential, with 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 186 mph. Direct injection and contribute to a balance of power delivery and engine refinement.

Dimensions and Chassis

The Cadillac Elmiraj measures 205 inches (5207 mm) in length, 76 inches (1930 mm) in width, and 55 inches (1397 mm) in height, establishing its grand touring proportions as a full-size luxury . Its spans 121 inches, contributing to a poised stance and spacious four-seat cabin layout. With a curb weight of approximately 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg), the Elmiraj balances presence with relative lightness for its class, supporting agile handling in a rear-wheel-drive configuration.
DimensionMeasurement (inches/mm)
Length205 / 5207
Width76 / 1930
Height55 / 1397
Wheelbase121 / 3073
The Elmiraj's draws from an ongoing Cadillac development project for future rear-wheel-drive production vehicles, later identified as the Omega platform, emphasizing lightweight construction to enhance dynamics and efficiency. This architecture incorporates aluminum components for reduced mass while maintaining structural integrity suitable for grand touring. It rides on 22-inch aluminum wheels fitted with performance tires, paired with large ventilated disc brakes featuring monoblock for confident stopping power and aesthetic appeal. The suspension setup prioritizes a blend of comfort and sporty response, though specific tuning details were not disclosed in concept specifications.

Reception and Legacy

Public and Critical Reception

The Cadillac Elmiraj concept garnered enthusiastic public acclaim upon its debut at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where crowds were described as "jaw-dropped" by its stunning design and commanding presence, evoking the brand's storied heritage of grand coupes like the Eldorado. Displayed prominently in Cadillac's pavilion and during dynamic demonstrations on a local , the Elmiraj became a centerpiece of the event, drawing praise for blending modern luxury with nostalgic American proportions in a four-seat configuration. Media outlets provided overwhelmingly positive coverage, with lauding the Elmiraj as a "big step in the right direction" for , highlighting its fluid cabin shaping and elegantly resolved surfaces that set it apart from European luxury competitors. echoed this sentiment, noting the concept's role in signaling a tonal shift toward subtle elegance and , moving away from the brand's earlier angular and chrome-heavy toward more graceful, production-viable forms. Some observers, however, pointed out its overtly conceptual elements—such as expansive proportions and features—as potentially challenging for full production adaptation. Industry leaders, including GM's vice president of global design Ed Welburn, emphasized the Elmiraj's strong reception as a boon for Cadillac's luxury positioning, with Welburn stating it had been "so well received wherever it has been shown" and positioning it to rival high-end marques like Rolls-Royce. Comparisons to the Rolls-Royce Wraith underscored its intent as a sporty , further elevating Cadillac's image in premium segments. The concept's exposure extended to , where Welburn provided an in-depth walkthrough at Pebble Beach, amplifying its visibility and contributing to Cadillac's revitalized prestige that year.

Influence on Cadillac's Lineup

The Cadillac Elmiraj introduced design elements that contributed to the evolution of Cadillac's and design language, particularly through its bold grille and vertical lighting motifs. Strategically, the Elmiraj signaled Cadillac's shift toward ultra-luxury positioning, helping to reposition the brand as a viable rival to European marques like and Rolls-Royce. This vision influenced the development of premium vehicles, adopting refined luxury cues and spacious interiors inspired by the concept's craftsmanship. The Elmiraj also informed Cadillac's broader luxury strategy, which extended to vehicles like the Celestiq by emphasizing handcrafted materials in a premium package. In terms of production considerations, the Elmiraj's twin-turbocharged 4.5-liter , producing an estimated 500 horsepower, served as an early showcase for Cadillac's pursuit of high-output, DOHC V8 technology. This exploration continued with the Escala concept, which directly previewed the 4.2-liter Blackwing V8 introduced in 2019 for models like the CT6-V, marking Cadillac's first such engine in decades and emphasizing performance luxury. Although no direct coupe successor to the Elmiraj entered production, its elements underscored 's commitment to rear-wheel-drive platforms with potent V8 options. The Elmiraj's broader legacy lies in its role in rebranding as a heritage-driven luxury contender, with 2025 retrospectives still hailing it as a "gorgeous" benchmark for grand design. It inspired fan concepts and ongoing media discussions about reviving large, elegant coupes, reinforcing 's narrative of innovation rooted in classics like the 1967 Eldorado. This cultural resonance has sustained interest in 's potential for bold, statement-making vehicles.

References

  1. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/08/this-is-the-cadillac-elmiraj-concept/
  2. https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/cadillac-elmiraj-concept-first-look
  3. https://www.motortrend.com/news/2013-cadillac-elmiraj/
  4. https://www.wardsauto.com/news/archive-wards-cadillac-elmiraj-concept-signals-new-range-for-gm-luxury-brand/783529/
  5. https://mojaveproject.org/dispatches-item/el-mirage-land-speed/
  6. https://archive.nytimes.com/wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/30/the-cadillac-elmiraj-concept-a-little-british-a-little-french-a-lot-american/
  7. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/08/jay-lenos-garage-features-the-cadillac-elmiraj-concept-video/
  8. https://www.netcarshow.com/cadillac/2013-elmiraj_concept/
  9. https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewdepaula/2013/08/31/cadillac-elmiraj-concept-previews-toned-down-design-approach/
  10. https://thedetroitbureau.com/2013/08/is-cadillacs-elmiraj-for-real-this-time/
  11. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/08/sources-cadillacs-elmiraj-concept-utilizes-upcoming-omega-vehicle-architecture/
  12. https://www.motortrend.com/news/2013-cadillac-elmiraj
  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7Oav10YJGc
  14. https://www.carbodydesign.com/2013/08/cadillac-elmiraj-concept/
  15. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cadillac-elmiraj-concept-offers-potential-glimpse-into-automakers-future-220573431.html
  16. https://www.topcarrating.com/2013-cadillac-elmiraj-concept.php
  17. https://www.naplesillustrated.com/cadillacs-elmiraj-concept/
  18. https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/cadillac-elmiraj-concept-first-look/
  19. https://www.supercars.net/blog/2013-cadillac-elmiraj-concept/
  20. https://www.mlive.com/auto/2013/08/gm_unveils_2013_cadillac_elmir.html
  21. https://www.autoweb.com/cadillac-elmiraj-concept-wows-pebble-beach-crowds
  22. https://www.motortrend.com/features/by-design-cadillac-elmiraj
  23. https://driventowrite.com/2019/02/25/denied-cadillac-elmiraj-2013/
  24. https://www.autonews.com/article/20140526/OEM04/305269988/no-decision-on-elmiraj-but-welburn-says-reviews-are-great/
  25. https://carbuzz.com/cadillac-elmiraj-concept-rolls-royce-comparison/
  26. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/01/the-cadillac-escala-previewed-the-blackwing-twin-turbo-v8/
  27. https://www.dailyrevs.com/cars/2013-cadillac-elmiraj-concept
  28. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/07/next-level-cadillac-v-series-vehicles-to-use-blackwing-name/
  29. https://www.autoevolution.com/news/cadillac-unveils-stunning-elmiraj-concept-at-pebble-beach-videophoto-gallery-65145.html
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