MotorTrend.com is running a story that GM executives are considering production alternatives for the Converj concept.

The Converj, as you no doubt remember, was a 2-door concept based on the same technology beneath the Chevy Volt. However, we still hold that the Converj is much more likely a styling preview of the Alpha-chassis, sub-CTS model that is expected in a couple years, much like the Provoq concept was a thinly veiled version of the new SRX.

Apparently, Bob Lutz has promised that a production car based on the Converj would be as close to the styling of the concept as the Chevy Camaro is to its concept – i.e. not much visible change at all.

As part of the decision, GM must also decide if a 2-door is a good bet in the market or if a 4-door coupe with the same shape. We wouldn’t mind seeing both.

Expect a production car to be a 2012 or 2013 model, and likely to be rear-drive and 4-cylinder and v-6 powered.

MotorTrend.com: Cadillac Converj – 2 doors or 4?

Categories: News, Rumored Models
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Rumor has it that GM has decided to cease production of the XLR and XLR-V roadsters this spring. This is the latest in a series of cost-cutting measures.

The XLR has never been a great seller, though it did bring Cadillac’s new Art & Science design theme, first shown on the Evoq concept, to production form. It and it’s supercharged, V sibling both served as halos for the Cadillac brand.

We would have loved to see what a second generation XLR would have been like – though with the recent delay of the C7 Corvette on which the XLR is based, it would have been several years of potentially ever decreasing sales.

Categories: News, V-Series, XLR
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Cadillac has announced that the CTS Coupe, which was supposed to debut at the 2008 LA auto show, has officially been pushed back to 2010.

This will end up making the CTS Coupe a 2011 model when it goes on sale around mid-2010.

Categories: CTS, News
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Every year, designers from all over the auto industry converge at the Detroit auto show to pick the best designs in both concepts and production cars that deuted at the NAIAS.

This year, top concept honors went to the Cadillac Converj concept as well as Audi’s Sportback.

The Converj combines Cadillac luxury with GM’s Voltec extended range electric architecture – first shown on the Chevy Volt.

Way to go Simon Cox and the Cadillac design team.

Categories: Awards, Concepts, News
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Let’s take a quick look at the Converj vs. the Chevy Volt to determine if they are indeed the same platform (as some have conjectured):

Wheelbase:
Volt – 105.7
Converj – 108.0

Length:
Volt – 177
Converj – 182

Width:
Volt – 70.8
Converj – 74

Height:
Volt – 56.3
Converj – 55

Power:
Volt – 150 kW
Converj – 120 kW

Torque:
Volt – 273 lb-ft
Converj – 273 lb-ft

So, it appears that the powertrains are mostly the same, but the platform they are built on differs significantly in the hard-points of wheelbase and width.

Given that the upcoming Alpha chassis is rumored to be a 110 inch wheelbase and coupes often are cut down a bit…it isn’t impossible to think that the chassis could be based on the Alpha rather than the Volt’s Delta. Countering this is the belief that the Alpha is a rear-drive platform, and the Converj concept is clearly a front-driver.

However, this could all be indicative of a concept that is truly a one-off rather than based on an upcoming product. However, that would make this the first concept in the last 3 that is not related to a production vehicle (after the CTS Coupe and the Provoq which ended up being the new SRX).

Categories: Concepts, News, Rumored Models
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General

Vehicle type:
2-door, front-wheel-drive 2+2 coupe

Category:
extended-range electric vehicle

Chassis:
independent McPherson struts, front magnetic ride, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering

Seating capacity:
four

Performance

Top speed (mph / km/h):
100 / 161

EV range, city and highway (miles):
Up to 40, based on EPA cycle

Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm):
108 / 2742

Length (in / mm):
182 / 4620

Width (in / mm):
74 / 1883

Height (in / mm):
55 / 1386

Battery system

Type:
lithium-ion (w/ liquid-controlled thermal management system)

Energy (kWh):
16

Charge time:
Less than 3 hours at 240V/8 hours at 120V

Electric drive unit

Power (kW):
120

Torque (lb-f t / Nm):
273 / 370

Exterior

Tire size:
specially developed low rolling resistance tires on 21- and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels

Categories: Concepts, News, Rumored Models
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Update: Press photos of the Converj in the CaddyEdge Image Gallery

Update 2: Press photos of the Converj reveal at the NAIAS in the Converj Image Gallery

It was confirmed this morning at GM’s North American International Auto Show press conference that Cadillac has a version of the Chevy Volt architecture in their Converj concept coupe.

Putting the Volt’s electric powertrain (now branded ‘Voltec’) into a Cadillac 4-passenger coupe, smaller in size than the CTS coupe, the Converj has the same 40-mile electric-only range before engaging the 4-cylinder ‘range extender’ engine.

In addition to Volt’s basic drivetrain, the Converj does bring Cadillac levels of technology and luxury to the party with magnetic ride control, all-glass roof with solar cells, silk headliner, leather seating, wool carpeting, aluminum and wood dash accents, organic LED dash graphics, and standard Navigation system w/ touch controls.

As expected, the size and styling of the Converj likely preview a sub-CTS sized model to come (perhaps even with available Voltec powertain).

Show me more… »

Categories: Concepts, News, Rumored Models
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