GM Takes The Wraps Off Of Cadillac’s Converj Concept

Among GM's seventeen new vehicle introductions is one that stands out – the Cadillac Converj., a dual mode plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that uses its all-electric drive for the first 40 miles of a trip, and then switches to a gasoline-powered generator that drives the hybrid electric drive train. The switch will extend the vehicle's range by several hundred miles, according to GM.

The vehicle was designed at GM's facility in Coventry, England and took just seven months to put together. The vehicle holds a 220-cell lithium-ion battery pack and recharges on 220-V house current. The Converj borrows heavily from the Volt, and uses the Voltec Propulsion System, which has been tweaked to match customer expectations for the Cadillac brand.

The concept sports 21-inch wheels in the front and 22-inch wheels in the back. It also incorporates solar panels into the roof to help power the accessories. The interior of the vehicle includes LED displays and touchscreen accessory controls. GM hasn't committed to producing the Converj, but will consider it if public demand for the vehicle increases.

EyesOn Design named the Cadillac Converj and the Audi Sportback the most significant concept design vehicles at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The Society of Automotive Engineers, Whirlpool Corporation, KPMG and Dassault Systems sponsor the design awards, and the prizes are handed out by the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology.