General Motors may be struggling to meet the governments June 1st restructuring deadline, but an inside source has revealed the Detroit automaker has green lighted the Cadillac Converj Concept for production. The Converj – based on the Chevrolet Volt’s Voltec architecture – first appeared at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
According to Motor Trend, GM has given the Converj the production nod, with a target sale date of 2011 as a 2012 model. The sleek coupe will retain its two-door setup in production form, but will likely grow taller to accommodate the Volt’s firewall. The Converj’s body panels and interior will be completely unique, although it will likely share the Volt’s 1.4L gas engine. However, to give the Caddy more power and to differentiate it from the less expensive Volt, GM will equip the Converj with more batteries.
Additionally, Motor Trend speculates that GM has also green lighted a Voltec crossover. It remains to be seen when the range-extending EV crossover would hit the market, but GM’s Buick brand is reportedly the first in line for the electrified CUV. GMC is also in the running for the new CUV, which would also satisfy GM’s Pontiac-Buick-GMC dealers.
GM has yet to confirm that the Converj is headed to production but, given its theoretical 100 mpg rating and the government’s desire for fuel-efficient vehicles, it seems like a production version is likely – as long as GM can stay out of bankruptcy.
