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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
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