Futuristic ‘Estill’ concept car is one crazy-looking Cadillac

A quick scan  of the current crop of Cadillacs and it’s clear the luxury automaker’s Art and Science design language manages to turn a lot of heads. It’s edgy, out there, and far from dull.

Of course, one look at the Cadillac Estill concept and it’s easy to see that Cadillac’s penchant for radically shaped exteriors has been ratcheted up a few thousand notches – not an easy task to say the least.

But it’s not Cadillac’s boys in the Detroit – or even anyone from the storied Shield – who are responsible for this crazy-looking Caddy.

The Cadillac Estill is a futuristic supercar concept penned by Cailfornia-based designer Ondrej Jirec. Jirec created the Estill concept to serve as a glimpse into the future of Cadillac’s design.

According to Jirec, it was important the Estill follow three design criteria: One: the car had to pay homage to the Cadillacs of yore but not appear outwardly “retro”. Two: The Estill concept had to be instantly recognizable as Cadillac. And three: it had to appear conceptual and futuristic without appearing too much like something ripped straight from a videogame or sci-fi movie.

With its vertical head and taillamps reminiscent of the 2013 ATS and Cadillac’s own Ciel concept, I’d say Jirec managed to hit most of his marks. But while it’s definitely futuristic, the Estill looks like something Tom Cruise or Will Smith could be driving around in their next sci-fi blockbuster.

Part of that is due to the Estill’s proportions: The supercar concept looks almost as flat as a pancake, with nothing but a thin slice of sheet metal jutting out above its all-glass roof. The side panels also appear razor thin, providing cover to the wheels and giving the impression of a suspended cockpit.

Speaking of the cockpit, the interior appears to have a staggered seating arrangement, with the passenger sitting slightly behind the driver. Not exactly your typical setup.

According to Jirec, the Cadillac Estill would be powered by an unspecified mid-engine drivetrain, but no word on whether that would run on gasoline, electricity or a combination of the two. Given that the Estill looks like it could comfortably roll out to show floors in the year 2113, I’d say an all-electric range of 1000 miles on a single charge sounds about right.

Would you mind driving around in the Cadillac Estill ? Do you think we will see cars like this in the future? Sound off in the comments section below.