This concept shown here was the direct inspiration for the later Cadillac XLR model, which was manufactured and sold by Cadillac from 2003 until 2009. This is the 1999 Cadillac Evoq Concept, which was first ever revealed during the 1999 Detroit Auto Show after being styled by automotive designer, Kip Wasenko. The car’s design work was overseen by then General Motors chief, Wayne Cherry, and was intended to be a ‘bold statement’ from Cadillac. It’s quite clear that a number of the Evoq’s design cues were later translated into the production XLR model, and the concept was constructed in 1998 by ‘Metalcrafters’, a California-based company. The project was overseen by the-then General Manager of Cadillac, John Smith. The Evoq notably featured the first ever Northstar engine to be designed for rear-wheel drive use, and an interior packed with technological innovations such as night-vision, rear view cameras, a voice activated multimedia systems, navigation and much more. Notably, the car’s ‘night vision’ feature enables the use of thermal-imaging technology in order to potentially detect a dangerous situation even far beyond the car’s headlamp range. The image of what’s ahead is then projected onto the cars HUD (heads up display), which appears on the front edge of the car’s hood. The car was designed with the idea that electronic technology can be ‘expressive as well as functional’, and it’s certainly a head-turner. The Evoq’s body panels were constructed using steel and are painted in a pewter color known as ‘Argentanium’. The car lacks traditional door handles which are instead replaced by a remote keyless entry fob, which not only just unlocks the doors but also opens them as well. Also operable by the push of a button is the Evoq’s hardtop retractable roof system, which is also present on the production Cadillac XLR.
How many made? 1
Engine: 4.2 litre Northstar V8 developing 405 bhp
Debut: 1999 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
Top Speed: n/
•0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: cambridge06
Research: @rarecarsonly