The Cadillac Ciel convertible concept was unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance last week. Ciel, which means “sky” in French, is clearly setting a new limit for Cadillac. Maybe this car will be the new range-topping flagship of the automaker and news is out that, many of the top position holders in the brand like GM global design director Ed Welburn are pushing for the prototype. If produced, this car will be a rival to models of several luxury car manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and BMW.

Meanwhile, the Cadillac lineup consists of only three models at present: the Escalade SUV, the CTS midsize sedan family and the SRX crossover. Two new models will join the lineup next year: the XTS large sedan and the ATS. Cadillac marketing Chief Don Butler revealed that the XTS large sedan will be produced at General Motors’ plant in Oshawa, Ontario, while the production of the ATS will start in late summer in Lansing.

Also, the automaker plans to launch an extended-range electric car called the ELR in 2013. A big, rear-wheel-drive flagship is also being developed to compete with the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Ciel Convertible concept may be a possible hint towards this car. Another sedan may also be considered in the lineup and will be placed between the XTS and the flagship. According to Butler, although the possible flagship, which may be derived for the Ciel, is not due for another couple of years; the Ciel will have an important role in the design of future cars from the automaker.

The automaker is also launching a new advertisement campaign themed around the line, “We don’t just make luxury cars. We make Cadillacs”, for the upcoming models.

via detroitfreepress