Cadillac May Add Two Doors to Converj

While GM debuted three important production vehicles at the 2009 North American International Auto Show-the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, and the 2010 Cadillac SRX-it was a concept that stole the spotlight.  The Cadillac Converj 2+2 coupe had such a warm reception from the press that it may have been enough to put it on track for production-with a caveat.

Motor Trend is reporting that GM's management is considering a production version of the Converj, but not as a coupe.  Coupes are notoriously hard to sell; adding two doors to the concept would make it a more feasible prospect for production.  Either way, the Converj wouldn't be available earlier than 2013.

GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz says a production Converj would be as different from the concept model as the production Chevrolet Camaro is to its concept-not very.  This means the Converj sedan would have to keep the roofline from the coupe concept, creating a four-door coupe in the same vein as the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, Porsche Panamera and Audi A7.  The rear door handles would also probably be hidden.

The Cadillac Converj coupe concept is built on a version of the Voltec platform underpinning the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt.  The Voltec platform is powered by a 16-kW lithium ion battery and a 1.4-liter engine that recharges the batteries.  While GM has halted or cancelled several product plans due to its cash crunch, the Volt program has been full-steam ahead.  GM is betting high on the Volt, so the probability of a production version of the Voltec technology for Cadillac is no doubt linked to the Volt's success.

Source: Motor Trend