Cruising, the art of driving slowly through cities so you could see and be seen, was popular in the 90s. So popular in fact that jurisdictions nationwide passed ordinances banning the practice, which could create traffic woes. In a new video, General Motors and its Cadillac brand look to bring back cruising, this time in what appears to be a gussied up version of the Cruise Origin autonomous vehicle.
The structure of the Cadillac Halo portfolio concept vehicle looks like the shape of the Cruise Origin. This people mover, however, wears fancier clothes complete with exterior chrome design treatments and Cadillac badging. Its body is white while glass that appears clear from the inside is tinted black to eliminate some outsider peeping. The whole rig rides on large black wheels and is lighted by thin LED strips at the corners that follow vertical body lines.
The vehicle’s cabin has luxe accommodations.Photo courtesy of General Motors
There’s a front window, rear window, and expansive glass roof. On one side, instead of side windows there are wall spaces with ambient lighting and wraparound hard plastic.
The video makes the Cadillac personal autonomous vehicle look like a living room on wheels. Occupants face each other on what looks more like a wraparound sofa than a traditional car seat and share legroom. There is also one recliner-like captains chair at the back that sits alongside a chaise lounge-like seat whose bottom fades into the rest of the bench seating.
The entire cabin is finely appointed with what looks like real wood and metal accents, sculpted seating, and flattering ambient lighting. The five-seater has seat belts for every passenger.
At the front of the vehicle is a long, horizontal screen that is raised, but can be lowered to near-flush showing what appears to be vehicle drive information. A larger screen that appears to be in the same location (which may just be a computer-generated error o GM’s part) shows destination, time, occupant, weather, and climate zone control information.
A large screen shows a picture of the occupants along with vital information.Photo courtesy of General Motors
When the screens are nested in the cabin, a hologram-like fire graphic can (apparently) be displayed.
There’s an infotainment touch screen screen that illuminates on an embedded piece of plastic next to a seat that allows occupants to control navigation.
Voice control and gesture control are both included.
Though unseen, the video alludes to the fact that the vehicle is capable of “aromatherapy and light therapy”. Many luxury cars allow buyers to add a fragrance to their vehicle so the aromatherapy aspect isn’t too far out in left field. The vehicle’s biometric sensors monitor vital signs to adjust humidity, temperature, lighting, aromatics, and ambient noise, according to a presentation by GM.
Though just a concept, it would be very GM-like for the company to be looking for ways to rebrand and reuse current platforms and mobility solutions.
