GM made headlines at the 2021 Virtual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) with its futuristic concepts including a boxy self-driving ride-share pod and a flying car, along with more practical - for the present - SUVs and traditional vehicles. Traditional Cadillac designs can be viewed at your local dealership. Today, let's consider the more far-fetched concepts presented at the virtual trade expo. We can't yet purchase, or even view in person, a vehicle that can take to the air, but the speed with which new technology becomes available makes us wonder if this GM design concept is poised to jump from the drawing board to production in the near future.
What Does a Flying Cadillac Look Like? - And How About Performance?
This wild idea resembles a mating between a drone and a helicopter. It appears to hold one or two passengers. Further, the personal aircraft is reported to hit speeds of 56 miles per hour. It features a panoramic view of the area over which it glides, including the congested highways it avoids.
Who didn't dream of a flying car as a child? Perhaps we will see one in our lifetime. Will we be ready for such a wild ride?
The Fulfillment of a Commuter's Wish - Cadillac's Autonomous Shuttle Concept
It doesn't fly but the white couch that surrounds the border of the pod's interior allows passengers to chat, read or text while sipping morning coffee or evening martinis. No need to keep eyes on the highway to stay abreast of what other drivers are doing. Groups of commuters or families and friends can spend quality time while traveling to a chosen destination. The view of the heavens through the big glass roof will help them relax as the vehicle's operational system sweeps them along safely.
No live model was available for the commuter pod shuttle either, but it shouldn't be long before GM rolls outlines of electric and autonomous vehicles. Plans for 30 all-electric models are in the works for release by the close of the year 2025. The company is fulfilling its promise to lead the way in the design of these new and necessary concepts by investing $27 billion in electric and autonomous vehicle design and development.
In addition to the whimsical, thought-provoking, imaginative plans for flying cars and luxury commuting pods, the not quite so far-fetched concept of the Cadillac Celestiq flagship sedan was released. They're not revealing the look of this one publicly yet either, but the description sounds elegant and accommodating. It may be available by 2023.
The plan for the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq was also revealed - a mid-size electric crossover. Here is a first look at the Lyriq.
Cadillac's Record of Innovative Design
Pioneering design is nothing new for Cadillac. The company's history includes such firsts as enclosed body sedans, electric starters, modern control layouts, synchromesh (which made for smoother, quieter shifting), climate control innovation, magnetic ride control, and now electric and autonomous vehicles. Who wouldn't want to support such a company, There's a reason Cadillac, a brand known for luxury, continues to enjoy record sales. In 2019, the company sold 390,458 vehicles worldwide, the highest annual total in the history of the company. Cadillac is only the second oldest brand in the country. Only fellow GM marque Buick has a long history.
Cadillac as a brand is being reborn, ready to thrive in the techno-savvy new millennium. Our dealership offers a full staff of Cadillac experts, at your service to help you line up the purchase of the best new or used Cadillac for sale in Bradenton for your particular needs. Contact us through our website, phone (941) 932-8852, or visit us at 4780 14th St. in Bradenton, Monday - Saturday.
