General Motors recently opened a window into its design past by showcasing new images from its design archive. Through a series of Instagram posts, GM Design revealed a previously undisclosed project, an unnamed vehicle referred to as an “expressive coupe.” This concept, which never progressed beyond the planning stages, was presented to the public for the first time at the annual Eyes on Design summer event in Southeast Michigan.
As noted by Carscoops, the public unveiling coincided closely with the release of the concept images, catching fans off-guard and igniting excitement just as the car appeared in person.
So what’s all the fuss about? The Expressive Coupe bears a striking resemblance to a CT5-based Camaro or possibly a Camaro-inspired CT5, prompting speculation and admiration from fans. Many expressed disappointment on social media, highlighting the car’s beauty and lamenting that it remains an unrealized vision; it even received an Eyes on Design award.
The design of the Expressive Coupe is sleek and athletic, featuring a long, airy hood that melds into a sharply-angled windshield, which transitions to a fastback roofline. The front end is both aggressive and welcoming, featuring a bold grille, prominent air intakes, and slender headlights. Its side profile reveals a muscular stance, highlighted by a thick C-pillar, a prominent shoulder line, and distinct rear styling, all complemented by wide wheel arches that extend to the corners.
This concept is likely the same design referenced in a Cadillac patent application reported six years ago, which depicted a two-door coupe with muscular dimensions akin to those seen in the Expressive Coupe. Despite the production of the CT5, the sporty coupe never made it to manufacturing, with GM Design stating that the sedan’s design was influenced directly by this exploration into coupe aesthetics.
GM Design explained via Instagram, “The coupe was created as an internal exploration of Cadillac aesthetics. It shaped a portfolio of products on the road today, including the CT5 and CT5-V Blackwing.” They further added that the coupe concept paved the way for a “new sculptural direction” in Cadillac’s design. Subtle influences of the Expressive Coupe can be observed in today’s models, but similar to past concepts like the Ciel, Elmiraj, and Escala, it seems set to join the ranks of unproduced dreams as enthusiasts contemplate the lost potential of this striking design..
