Cadillac Ciel Honors Carmaker’s Past

Cadillac on Friday unveiled the Ciel concept, an open-air grand-touring car inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast.

The convertible recalls the era when Cadillac was known as the Standard of the World and is another sign that Detroit continues to make a comeback.

The Ciel -- pronounced C-L, the French translation for sky -- is a four-seat convertible that General Motors says opens a new chapter in Cadillac's design and product ascent. The concept car, which might or might go into production, pushes the brand's Art & Science philosophy as well as giving a nod to the Caddy's historical grandeur.

Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future, said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey.

The elegant Ciel is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology.