Every great athlete seems to have a comeback story, and it appears as though that same might be true for cars. After being thrown to the bin in early 2010, Cadillac has reportedly revived its Volt-based Converj coupe.
As a quick history reminder, the Cadillac Converj concept debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show to much fanfare. Soon thereafter the Converj was approved for production, but then it was just as quickly canceled in early 2010 because of performance concerns – both on the road and in the showroom.
However, GM has apparently sorted out both of those roadblocks — according to Green Car Reports — with the Converj back on the production path.
The Converj concept was a bit on the hefty side and was packed with the typical luxury amenities you’d expect to find in a Cadillac. While that’s not a major problem in a conventional vehicle like the CTS, it put a huge strain on the Converj’s Volt-based electric drivetrain.
In order to solve that power issue, the Converj will reportedly launch with a “Generation 1.5 Voltec†powertrain. While details on that system remain unknown, it will likely pack more juice in order to run all of the Converj’s accessories while still maintaining an all-electric range of about 40 miles.
On the sales front, the Chevrolet Volt has proven that people are willing to pay a premium to become an early adopter. GM is completely sold out of the Volt, with some dealers getting well above sticker. The Converj would allow GM to ask for a higher sticker price for essentially the same technology, which would help reduced the losses associated with the first-generation of Voltec technology.
If all continues as planned, the Converj – which could receive a typical three-letter Cadillac name by the time it rolls off the assembly line — should launch in 2013 as a 2014 model. No word on pricing but something near the $60,000 mark isn’t out of the question.
References
1.’Cadillac’s Volt-based…’ view
