egmCarTech

• •  It’s a luxurious Caddy version of the Chevrolet Volt.
• •  Voltec-system along with 4-cylinder engine produces 161-hp.
• •  Travels 40 miles on battery-power; Top speed of 100 mph.
• •  Takes 3 hours to recharge at 240V.

GM has unveiled the much talked about E-REV Caddy concept. The new Cadillac Converj Concept made its debut today at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show showing off bold design and a range of interactive technology. Nothing has been said about a production version of the Converj but GM says that the concept is “intended to show how GM’s revolutionary electric propulsion technology – called Voltec – can power a luxury coupe with a typically Cadillac ‘no compromises’ design.”

Cadillac Converj’s Voltec system is made up of 16kWh, a T-shaped battery (made up of more than 220 lithium-ion cells), an electric-drive unit and a flex-fuel 4-cylinder engine-generator. That allows the Converj to produce a total of 161-hp with a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft. Working like a Extended-range electric-vehicle (E-REV) as the Chevrolet Volt, the Voltec technology allows the Converj to travel up to 40 miles on battery power alone. An onboard gasoline engine will allow it to travel hundreds of additional miles before it needs to be refueled or plugged in to recharge. Top speed is rated at 100 mph. GM says that it takes less than 3 hours to recharge the battery at 240V (about 8 hours from a 120V outlet). The Cadillac Converj also features GM’s Magnetic Ride Control which enhances ride-feel.

Click through for more details and the high-res image gallery.

2009 Cadillac Converj Concept:

Besides its sharp and aggressive good looks on the outside, the 2+2 Converj features Winter White synthetic suede and Midnight Black leather on the inside. The interior also has polished aluminum and wood grain accents. A headliner made from silk and suede and a wool-blend carpeting are made from renewable materials.

Technology found inside the Cadillac Converj:

- New, organic light-emitting diode technology used on reconfigurable instrument cluster
- Touch-screen navigation, climate, center-stack controls and audio systems
- Adjustable, overhead white ambient lighting
- Unique “power on” sequence featuring blue-lit console graphics
- Screen displays for features including regenerative braking, battery charge level and power output
- No inside rearview or outside mirrors; cameras provide surrounding images on a screen placed high on the instrument panel for a full, panoramic view
- Push-button ignition and power-folding front seats

2009 Cadillac Converj Concept: