Cadillac has revealed SOLLEI, its concept, all-electric convertible and coachbuilt. It marks the revival of Manila Cream, a color that the car manufacturer originally utilized on Cadillacs in 1957 and 1958. The hue, carefully selected and hand-painted by Cadillac artisans, exudes a gentle appearance, almost softening the contours of the vehicle. The SOLLEI concept electric convertible boasts a striking and crisp exterior. Its broad stance and lengthy coupe door enhance its already low and elongated body.
This design approach allows for a capacious trunk, enabling drivers to store more items and gear. The concept car‘s design showcases sleek, uninterrupted surfaces and an elongated shape that creates the illusion of length. The rear of the car is lowered to impart a stylish and sporty appearance. A line runs along the middle of the car, connecting the headlights to the taillights, resulting in a cohesive design. Instead of conventional door handles, the car features concealed buttons, contributing to a clean exterior aesthetic.
The Manila Cream color of the SOLLEI is not the only eye-catching feature; the 55-inch display on the dashboard is also quite impressive. This expansive display shows important driving information like speed and battery status. Additionally, there is a secondary screen between the driver and front passenger that provides steering-related details. Cadillac goes the extra mile by incorporating exterior lighting choreography into the SOLLEI, which lights up the vehicle as a welcoming gesture when passengers approach the electric convertible.
Cadillac collaborates with the biotechnology company MycoWorks to integrate charging mats made from mycelium bio-based material into the console, door map pockets, and custom accessories of the SOLLEI. This unique material, specifically developed for the concept electric convertible, gives the interior a shimmering finish in a soft color palette. The name SOLLEI, a combination of “sun” (SOL) and “leisure” (LEI), reflects the car’s design philosophy. The decision to create the electric car as a convertible aligns with the idea of enjoying natural light and a relaxed drive in the open air.
SOLLEI’s design elements draw inspiration from the sun, such as the sunburst motif perforation, quilting, and embroidery on seat patterns, as well as the pink iridescent pigment in the Fine Nappa leather interior that creates a color-changing sunrise effect. The ‘Aurora’ tint metal finishes change color like the sun’s solar winds interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere. The electric convertible concept features a ‘Daybreak’ metallic roof fabric that lets natural sunlight flood the interior. The ‘Bask’ textured floor mat emits warmth and complements the roof material. The leisure aspect is evident in the beverage chiller in the rear seats, enclosed with a power glass door and crystal glasses, giving a sense of luxury travel. Wood veneers, natural colors, and open-pore finishes on surfaces reflect the hospitality industry’s style.
Cadillac has taken a step further in incorporating bio-based materials into their concept electric vehicle, the SOLLEI model. The open-pore finish of the vehicle allows users to experience its rawness through touch, as each piece is meticulously hand-cut and -laid using marquetry techniques. Natural materials, such as mycelium material derived from mushrooms, are used to enclose the charging mats and door map pockets. Additionally, the windshield is framed in milled brushed aluminum.
Cadillac also offers customizable ambient lighting with 126 color options in various areas of the car, allowing for personalized moods to be set for the interior and passengers. For bird-watching enthusiasts, the concept electric convertible comes with a kit containing bird calls, a journal with bird drawings, and a tool roll for pens and pencils, all designed to match the car’s interior. As of now, the SOLLEI remains a concept electric convertible by Cadillac.