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Hmmm... I have always had mixed thoughts about the Buick Cielo.
ReplyDeleteOn the one hand it brought to market several innovative features including digital display panels that would pop up when needed, then quietly be concealed when not a center of focus. It had voice activation, auto tinting of all windows and mirrors that adjusted to the amount of UV and bright light and eliminated the need for sunshades or glasses. It perfected automatic headlights and wipers, that (even though they had been around for a while) used new technology for more accurate and sensitive timing and transitioned from an analog to a digital solution for activation. Then of course, there was that unique folding roof that still left you trunk space while neatly concealing the top in the trunk.
But... it's appearance was a problem. Trying to ride Pontiac's "Wide-Track" format, the Cielo was a squashed, widened out form that made it's proportions look odd. The front end of the car tried to emulate a classic Buick image of the large, rounded front grills from the 30's and 40's, while the back was more modern and "new." Since the windows supports and frames didn't disappear when the roof was down, it gave the car an proportionally unbalanced look from the side. I don't know many people that saw it that would call this car attractive at all.
But the real killer was all that innovation and technology - using multiple displays and roof panels based on 1990's early computer technology and mechanics introduced a massive amount of failure points to the car that if mechanically failed - would be an incredibly expensive and long-term maintenance nightmare for both the owners and the dealers.
The Cielo - as a concept car - was fantastic. But like so many concept cars, it was doomed to never go into production. I guess the good news though is that a lot of the technology and automation has been improved and incorporated into more realistic models with a higher ROI due to lower maintenance costs.
Thanks for the memories, Rick!
RBrysco - You are very welcome.
DeleteCielo, the Spanish and Italian word for sky/heaven. GM also produced a concept Cadillac Ciel that didn't make it to production. A huge 4-door convertible, it made a brief appearance in the movie "Entourage." It will be interesting to see if GM has more luck with the concept Cadillac Sollei(sun/leisure) convertible, which is a 2-door drop-top based on their ultra-expensive Celestiq. A handmade beauty estimated to set you back upwards of $350,000.00. I did the math, one won't be sitting in my garage :-) :-(
ReplyDeleteAnon@7:24pm - Thanks for the chuckle.
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