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| GM has given its Cadillac Converj concept the go ahead for production, a four passenger luxury coupe based on the platform and electrified powertrain underpinning the Chevy Volt. This sleek, chiseled model was first shown at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show to critical acclaim. Financial problems with the parent company shelved the deal, but GM has resurrected its plans to build what will most likely be a 2014 model when it goes on sale sometime in 2013. |
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| Naming Conventions The Converj name may not survive, which isn't surprising as Cadillac has adopted a three letter nomenclature for its newest models. The Escalade name also remains, but that too may give way to a new model name when its replacement shows up shortly after the Converj is introduced. |
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| Building the Converj makes sense for GM as it is based on its Voltec technology. That engineering has a lithium-ion battery pack paired with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, allowing the current Volt model to drive approximately 35 miles on electric power only before its gas motor kicks in. The Cadillac is expected to have an updated variation of the powerpack, with A123 Systems supplying that system. |
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| Cadillac Style Style-wise, the Converj shares some of the styling attributes of the Cadillac CTS coupe, but with a clean departure from the B-pillar on back. The Converj is more rakish with a nearly invisible C-pillar making for a hatchback like design. Likely, this vehicle will have a trunk which will house part of the battery system as well as offer a fair amount of storage. |
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| The Cadillac Converj will be fully equipped, offering such luxury touches and amenities as leather seating, wood trim, a navigation system, premium audio system, climate control, heated and cooled seats, and more. Safety features including ABS, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, active head restraints and side curtain airbags will also be featured. Converj Pricing Pricing will most likely begin north of $60,000, which is about $20,000 more than the base Chevy Volt. This will allow GM to spread its Voltec costs to more platforms and enable the company to tap a market it doesn't reach with the Volt at the moment, namely luxury car buyers. The Converj will compete against select Lexus, Infiniti and Lincoln models as well as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. |
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| Mostly likely, additional Voltec models will be introduced including a crossover for Buick and perhaps a utility vehicle for GMC. Opel already has the Ampera while Holden, its Australian subsidiary, may receive a Voltec model of its own. |
