Cadillac reveals new 'Opulent Velocity' high-performance electric vehicle concept

DETROIT — General Motors A new all-electric concept car from Cadillac was revealed Friday, designed to show how the automaker plans to keep its high-performance V-Series vehicles relevant to electric vehicles.

The vehicle is called the “Opulent Velocity.” True to its name, Cadillac claims it’s a balance of luxury and performance for the V-Series, which is best known for its cars with high-performance engines like the 6.2-liter Blackwing V8, with over 600 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque.

“What we're really looking for is the best of both worlds: the ultimate high-performance machine of the future, combined with ultimate luxury,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director of global design for Cadillac, during a press conference.

Electric vehicles can offer solid performance in terms of acceleration, such as 0-60 mph times in three seconds or less, but automakers still face challenges on how to differentiate the vehicles and create the same thrill that comes with the sound or “roar” of a traditional performance vehicle.

Nesbitt and other Cadillac officials stressed that EV performance isn’t just about 0-60 mph times. They said it’s about handling as well as in-vehicle technologies, including interior features like biometrics and driver-assistance technologies like GM’s Super Cruise.

“The intention with all of this is to continue to elevate the brand,” Nesbitt said.

Cadillac has released few details about the concept vehicle, which is typically used by automakers to gauge customer interest or show the future direction of a vehicle or brand. The vehicles are not intended to be sold to consumers.

The concept car is a sleek, futuristic sports car. It features “scissor” doors that swing vertically on a fixed hinge at the front of the door. It was unveiled at Monterey Car Week and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Car Show in California.

Much like Cadillac’s $300,000 custom Celestiq car, the concept is meant to take Cadillac to a more upmarket level to compete against brands like Lamborghini and electric vehicle startup Rimac rather than traditional competitors like Ford’s Lincoln brand.

Cadillac sales fell 1.7% during the first half of the year compared with the first six months of 2023. All of its vehicles experienced sales declines except for its all-electric Cadillac Lyriq crossover.