Cadillac channels 1960s futurist design with an all-electric off-road coupe called Elevated Velocity – featuring air suspension, giant wheels and a surprise in the boot.
Electric Cars
Premium US car brand Cadillac has taken the wraps off a fully-electric, off-road concept car that wouldn’t feel out of place in a 1960s science fiction story.
The Elevated Velocity concept is a forward look at where Cadillac’s V-Series performance brand could be heading, by showcasing high-performance capability and future design elements.
The name is said to combine an ‘Elevated’ luxury experience with the ‘Velocity’ of high-performance off-road racing. It’s worth noting that the concept, on enormous 24-inch wheels, has air suspension that allows it to physically elevate as well.
Finished in Vapour Blue, with a Morello Red and Cerise interior, Elevated Velocity has been designed to explore the style cues seen in the Lyriq and Celestiq production vehicles, as well as expanding on some of the details shown in the 2024 Opulent Velocity concept car.
With gullwing doors and a two-plus-two seating layout, Elevated Velocity presents with three distinct operation modes.
In Welcome Mode, the car lowers (for easy ingress) and provides a soft, white backlighting to the interior of the car.
Once inside, the driver can select Elevate Mode, which sets the car into an autonomous driving state, where the steering wheel and pedals retract, and the lighting and interior functions encourage recovery and comfort for the occupants.
Here, the lighting changes to red and pulses in time with the optimal breathing pace of those on board. Yes, really.
Velocity Mode returns control to the driver, raises the car’s suspension, and projects augmented reality information in the head-up display. This can be used in conjunction with a number of terrain-specific drive modes that offer everything from peak performance to night-vision functionality.
For the full sci-fi concept car experience, there is even a feature that vibrates the exterior of the car to keep it clear of dust and dirt.
Not content with all of this, Cadillac has added a matching red desert polo set, complete with gloves, helmet, and mallet, should you come across a game during your ‘elevated’ adventures.
The Elevated Velocity concept is on display at The Quail as part of the annual Monterey Car Week event.
Electric Cars Guide
With over 20 years of experience in digital publishing, James Ward has worked within the automotive landscape since 2007 and brings experience from the publishing, manufacturer and lifestyle side of the industry together to spearhead Drive's multi-media content direction.
