Cadillac is gearing up for what’s anticipated to be probably the most important transformation within the automaker’s 120-year historical past. For its flagship EV, Cadillac will carry again considered one of its most iconic symbols, first reserved for its most prestigious fashions, main the model into an all-electric future.

The Cadillac Goddess reemerges within the EV period

The Cadillac Goddess first appeared in 1930 alongside the automaker’s Heron mascot. The unique Goddess design was touted as “the very spirit of unsurpassed swiftness and energy,” with lengthy sweeping traces representing the model’s “trendy magnificence and fleetness.”

At first, the Goddess was solely obtainable on probably the most highly effective and prestigious Cadillac automobiles, however in 1933 grew to become a staple throughout its lineup.

Because the auto business developed, the Goddess acquired a number of variations, after which marking the top of an period, the image was “retired” in 1956 regardless of making just a few appearances since.

Cadillac is now gearing up for a brand new, all-electric period. The corporate is reintroducing the Goddess to pay homage to the efficiency and craftsmanship behind Cadillac’s flagship EV, the CELESTIQ.

Govt director of Cadillac Design, Bryan Nesbitt, explains:

CELESTIQ is the start of the longer term for Cadillac, conveying the inventive innovation the model is bringing to luxurious electrical automobiles. We wished this flagship EV to embody the numerous heritage of the model in a very significant approach, with the Goddess representing absolutely the pinnacle of bespoke craftsmanship from Cadillac.

Since hood ornaments have largely been phased out for a extra trendy, aerodynamic look, the brand new Cadillac Goddess will seem on the CELESTIQ’s entrance quarter panel on a “hand inbuilt Detroit” plaque. The plaque is elegantly milled from billet aluminum as its polished, brushed, tinted, after which encased in glass.

The new Cadillac Goddess may also be discovered inside the CELESTIQ EV’s multi-function controller on the middle console, which is backlit and encased in glass.

Common Motors design sculptor Richard Wiquist was tasked with resurrecting Cadillac’s new Goddess for the corporate’s subsequent technology of automobiles, “main the model into its all-electric future.”

At the moment’s Goddess is fully sculpted by hand. She seems solely on the CELESTIQ, representing the hand-built high quality of every automobile and pointing to a greater future, showcasing her head held excessive and torso projected ahead with confidence.

The Cadillac CELESTIQ is already seeing important curiosity regardless of a price ticket of upwards of $300,000. Manufacturing of the CELESTIQ is anticipated to start in December 2023 and is just obtainable by waitlist.

Electrek’s Take

Cadillac’s flagship electrical automobile would be the first manufacturing automobile constructed by hand on the GM International Tech Middle in Michigan, sparking a brand new period for Cadillac.

As Cadillac prepares for an all-electric future, bringing again an iconic image just like the Goddess is thrilling to see, fusing collectively its outdated legacy and the corporate’s new course. We’re seeing a number of Legacy automakers infusing previous symbols as they gear as much as compete within the new period of electrical automobiles.

Ford transformed its best-selling F-150 to electrical with the Lightning pickup whereas carrying the Mustang legacy within the Mach-E. Hyundai included components of its first distinctive mannequin, the Pony, to design the IONIQ 5.

As new electrical automobiles hit the market over the following a number of years, you’ll be able to count on to see extra of this, with automakers tapping into their previous to attempt to get a leg up on the competitors. Nonetheless, seeing Cadillac reintroduce considered one of its most iconic symbols for its flagship EV highlights the auto business’s course and the way automakers are reimaging themselves within the EV period.