GENEVA, Switz: A considerable look at the future of Cadillac design suggests that it's the most exciting styling vision we're likely to see over the next decade.
This opinion is based on artistic renderings or actual pre-production versions of four vehicles that will definitely go on sale in the next three years, and on exposure to two concept vehicles -- the Evoq roadster last year and the Imaj luxury sedan at the recent auto show here.
Some roadster that looks considerably like the Evoq will definitely arrive in the next couple of years.
As for the Imaj, well, in fairly specific terms it describes what the shape of GM's luxury division's sedans will be for the coming decade. Indeed, I would not be surprised if the next Seville looked surprisingly like this concept vehicle when it debuts in a few years.
Imaj is also likely to be a harbinger of Cadillac technologies to come, since John Smith, Cadillac's general manager, says it "extends the division's core technical values of precise all-weather-control, active safety and infotainment to an ultra-luxury sedan."
In the view of Wayne Cherry, a GM vice-president and director of its Design and Portfolio centers, "Imaj would be very exclusive and limited, much like the fashion industry's 'signature label' products. It's designed to be a high-end flagship for both Cadillac and General Motors, pushing the limits of performance, comfort and communications technology."
But more on the technology in a minute. First a few words on that styling, which will indeed take some getting used to.