Cadillac Converj reportedly approved for production *UPDATED
by Sam Abuelsamid on Apr 15th 2009 at 9:37AM 
At the Detroit Auto Show in January, Cadillac surprised the crowd with a gorgeous concept coupe called the Converj. Built on the same Voltec platform as the Chevy Volt, the Converj was seen as a potential way for GM to leverage the pricey ER-EV drivetrain in a vehicle that could sell at a premium price, hopefully recovering some of the development costs. According to Todd Lassa at Motor Trend, the Converj has been given the green light for production in 2011, a year after the Volt launches. When we talked to GM's Bob Kruse at the Detroit show, he indicated a production Converj would likely use exactly the same powertrain as the Volt although it could have different calibrations to allow somewhat higher performance than the Chevrolet.
If the Converj does move forward, the proportions might have to change a bit in order to use the same under-structure as the Volt. The more important stumbling block to building the Converj is money or rather the lack of it. Unless some kind of deal is struck between the Treasury and Energy departments that allows GM to tap into ATVM loans, there is unlikely to be enough cash available to build the Converj.
*UPDATE: GM spokesman David Darovitz told us "The status of the Cadillac Converj concept has not changed - it's still a concept vehicle undergoing a review that has not yet concluded. "
[Source: Motor Trend]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 10:07AM (4/15/2009)
Bob Lutz said that the Converj will "cost about as much as 2 Volts". The Volts are expected to cost $40K/ea., so the Converj will cost around $80K/ea.
Game changer or Toy for the Rich?
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oldraven 10:19AM (4/15/2009)
Both, I'd say.
GoodCheer 12:57PM (4/15/2009)
... well they have to pay for the development somehow, and Volt sales aren't going to do it any time soon.
DJ 4:27PM (4/15/2009)
Both . . . and that is fine with me. Bring it on. GM needs this profitable green car.
jharlan 1:45PM (4/15/2009)
This one they can make a profit on. People will pay big money for a luxury car.
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Rain 1:59AM (4/17/2009)
A fetish for the wealthy that could finance the Volt,if They keep the Exec bonuses and don't over advertise again.
A damn fine idea.
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greg berlin 1:05AM (4/22/2009)
ITS A ANOTHER GREAT CADDY IAM CONVINCED!!
styling and function in one , a higher end volt for shure better package
why not? iam a caddy specialist so two thumbs up!!!!!
GREG BERLIN RENO NV.
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