Presently, Cadillac has revealed the stunning SOLLEI concept vehicle, a visionary representation of a custom-crafted luxurious electric convertible. This innovative design experiment pushes the boundaries of potential bespoke projects, customized to mirror the individual passions and interests of its patrons.
SOLLEI envisions an all-electric, 2+2 convertible furnished with Cadillac’s iconic 55-inch screen spanning from pillar to pillar, extraordinary interior, exterior lighting choreography for arrivals and departures, and an intuitive front and rear control console.
Named after “sun” (‘SOL’) and “leisure” (‘LEI’), SOLLEI embodies Cadillac’s hopeful concept for an outdoor, relaxed lifestyle.
“SOLLEI revolutionizes the experience of journeys, imagining a tailored driving adventure that connects individuals with the natural world around them,” remarked Erin Crossley, Cadillac’s design director. “The concept honors Cadillac’s legacy of graceful convertibles in a contemporary form by fostering opulent luxury through design expressions and encounters.”
SOLLEI stands as Cadillac’s pioneering concept vehicle to feature an innovative bio-derived substance developed in collaboration with MycoWorks. Utilized in the charging mats on the console and door map pockets, Fine Mycelium™ by MycoWorks introduces a new era of opulent materials cultivated from mycelium (the renewable root structure of mushrooms). The material mirrors Cadillac’s commitment to spearheading renewable automotive resources.
Sleek exterior design, sophisticated style
The exterior of SOLLEI emanates emotion and embodies Cadillac’s unmistakable strong proportions. The elongated, low-slung body is highlighted by a broad stance and lengthy coupe door, enabling easy access to the expansive rear section.
The seamless surfaces and elongated A-line accentuate the vehicle’s length, while the low tail design creates dynamic yet refined proportions. The mid-body line seamlessly connects the headlamp to the taillight, uniting the car’s harmonious design. Traditional door handles are substituted with discreet buttons to maintain the clean profile line.
In homage to Cadillac’s legacy of vibrant colors, the exterior is finished in “Manila Cream,” a color originally used on Cadillacs back in 1957 and 1958. This resurrected finish was meticulously selected and hand-painted by Cadillac artisans.
Intricate interior design, expressive character
The interior of SOLLEI embodies Cadillac’s “art of travel” design philosophy, elevating the travel experience for both the driver and passengers. Features include a fully integrated beverage chiller with a powered glass door and crystal glasses seamlessly blending leisure with travel.
Craftsmanship lies at the core of Cadillac design. Every detail is purposely crafted to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Illuminated decorative accents and unique embellishments inject expression into the brand’s unparalleled aesthetics. The interior decor, enveloped in unstained wood veneers, celebrates natural color and grain pattern variations, while surfaces feature open pore finishes that are tactile. Each piece is meticulously hand-cut and hand-laid utilizing marquetry techniques, creating a captivating focal point that draws the eye from the front doors to the console, and into the rear compartment. The windshield is framed in milled brushed aluminum, continuing Cadillac’s use of natural materials.
Customization and connection to nature
Cadillac’s design integrates lighting as a layer of personalization across many of their products. SOLLEI elevates this feature with distinctive ambient lighting for complete customization, including multiple zones and 126 color options within each zone. The lighting can evoke specific moods and personalize the interior ambiance.
SOLLEI also caters to aficionados of bird-watching with a unique interior accessory. A tailored brushed metal and leather-wrapped case houses 3D printed acrylic bird calls, a leather-bound journal adorned with hand-painted bird illustrations, and a leather tool roll for pens and pencils, all uniquely matched to the vehicle’s interior, enabling enthusiasts to document their bird-watching exploits.
Celestial and optimistic design
SOLLEI commemorates the optimism of travel and the celestial atmosphere with its rich sensory engagement, unforeseen discoveries, and moments of celebration. Sun-inspired features are prominent in its color schemes, materials, and finishes:
- Distinct sunburst-themed lighting and graphic choreography.
- Sunburst motif perforation, quilting, and embroidery on seat patterns.
- Interior features Fine Nappa leather with a pink iridescent finish that produces a subtle color-changing sunrise effect.
- Charging mats on the console, door map pockets, and custom accessories are crafted from MycoWorks’ premium bio-based material created using their Fine MyceliumTM technology. This material exudes an iridescent finish in a soft hue color palette.
- Pink iridescent hue on the beverage chiller door and glass tray in the rear compartment that reveals varying exposures to sunlight.
- “Aurora” tint on primary metal finishes, with color shifts to mimic the solar winds’ interaction with the earth’s atmosphere.
- Convertible metallic roof fabric named “Daybreak”, with the name reflecting the functionality of the convertible roof; as it retracts, sunlight can cascade into the interior.
- Textured floormat material dubbed “Bask”, a boucle fabric adding delightful texture and subtle warmth, harmonizing with the roof material’s color to maintain a consistently light interior.
Continuing the legacy of tailored expression
The SOLLEI convertible endeavor embodies the brand’s vision to offer contemporary design, this time in an open-air format, inspired by iconic Cadillacs of yore.
The concept was officially presented at Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, a newly renovated, state-of-the-art establishment at GM’s Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan. This locale is devoted to delivering a unique design experience for Cadillac CELESTIQ clients.
SOURCE: GM
