Cadillac is not represented in the grand touring coupe market. This could be an opportunity to fix that.
According to a patent filing, Cadillac is considering what a large and grand touring coupe might look like in its lineup. This design is inspired by the Escala sedan idea, but it has a sleeker roof to give it a more elegant silhouette.
Although the patent description is brief, it doesn’t give much information about the machine. It reports that “CLAIM” describes an ornamental design for a vehicle’s exterior. The styling is credited to Jae Hoon Lee, a General Motors designer.
Frontal styling is the most prominent feature of the Escala. They have the same narrow headlights with trapezoidal grille. It is not clear if the trim around the corner intakes will be used as LED running lights, or merely for trim.
The coupe profile looks very much like the Escala concept design sketches. Cadillac emphasizes the sedan’s low roof and length. The coupe looks attractive from the side, with a prominent crease running along the shoulders and another that follows the roof’s curve.
The design takes on a more refined look at the back. However, the lower fascia is a bit odd. Although there is a large rear diffuser, it’s hard to see what’s happening in the middle. Although the four pieces appear to be exhausts, the cutout in diffuser isn’t big enough to expose the pipes.
Cadillac’s only coupe is the two-door ATS. However, this model seems to be bigger than it. This design could compete with the Lexus LC or BMW 8 Series. Grand touring coupes may be rare, but stylish vehicles can be great flagships to show what a brand can do when practicality is not a concern.
This coupe is unlikely to be on the roads anytime soon. Cadillac’s product roadmap states that there will be three crossovers and three sedans in the Cadillac lineup by 2022. However, the company has not mentioned building a large coupe.