Switched on again, the Cadillac Converj hybrid is Chevrolet Volt based.
In the ongoing battle of green car press releases, Cadillac has just made another foray by releasing an admittedly attractive teaser sketch of its Converj Concept, a hybrid electric vehicle in a luxury coupe package. The on again/off again Converj program is now switched on, and in keeping with the ecological theme, the name is recycled from a hybrid concept first shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show as General Motors was hurtling toward bankruptcy.
Development of the Chevrolet Volt-based Converj is just now underway, so details on performance, price and timing will be announced later, Cadillac said. However, this sure looks like one winning version of some of the design themes that could also used be on the upcoming small Cadillac due next year – at least let’s hope so, even though the cars are from two different platforms and will have two different stances. (See Cadillac to Introduce New Small and Large Cars in 2012)
Converj will have an electric drive system made up of a T-shaped lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the battery’s energy is low, the ELR – as the production version will be called – switches to extended-range mode – ala Volt – to enable driving for hundreds of additional miles.
The Converj Concept sparked the idea of combining the desirability of a grand touring coupe with electrification, said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design.
“There’s no mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2,” Welburn said.
Cadillac will reveal another new concept car tomorrow at a special event prior to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
