The 2011 Ciel is a hybrid electric that is powered by a twin-turbo 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 engine producing 425 hp and lithium-ion technology. The 4-door convertible has rear suicide doors and a smooth wood dashboard with a simple gauge complement. “Ciel” is French for “sky”. It was followed by the Elmiraj in 2013 which is a coupe version of a similar design.

The rakish Coupe concept was developed based on the existing CTS sedan, but was far different from the A-pillar aft. A true hardtop with no B-pillar, it premiered at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Although it shares most dimensions with the sedan, it is two inches lower. It incorporated Recaro seats, remote-opening door handles, and 7-spoke wheels, 20 inches in front and 21 inches in the rear. The Coupe appeared as a production model in 2010.

The 1953 LeMans was designed by Harley Earl and named for Cadillac’s participation in the 1950 24 Hours LeMans in France. Shown at the 1953 GM Motorama, the fiberglass-bodied roadster is just 51 inches high and 196 inches long overall. It previewed the wraparound windshield and a 250 hp version of the 331 cubic inch V-8 that first appeared in the 1955 production Cadillacs.

Three Cadillac concept cars will grace the showfield at the 2018 Cadillac Fall Festival and Concours d’Elegance courtesy of GM Design. The three – the 1953 LeMans, the 2007 CTS Coupe Concept, and the 2011 Ciel 4-door convertible – trace the evolution of Cadillac design from the 1950s to the 21st century.