GM Vice President Bob Lutz unveiled the four-seat Converj Concept today to thunderous applause and described it as a showcase of GM's electric vehicle technology. The car, while built on the same electrically-driven platform as the Chevrolet Volt, has been seriously restyled using Cadillac's "Art and Science" design theme inside and out. After emerging from the car, Lutz hinted that the Converj is a look at the possible evolution of Cadillac design. Lutz also announced that the technology underpinning the Volt and Converge has now been named "Voltec."
Mechanically, the Converj appears to be the same as the Volt. It can travel 40 miles on electricity from its 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack before a small four-cylinder flex fuel engine kicks on to generate more electricity to drive the wheels. Lutz said that with the range-extender, the car can travel "hundreds of miles" on a single tank of gas, all the while getting far better fuel economy than if it were gasoline powered and having far-better range than a pure electric car. Putting power to the ground is a 120kW (161 hp) electric motor that generates up to 273 lb-ft of torque at all speeds. It's powered by a 220-cell lithium-ion battery pack hidden under the rear seats and rear center console. The Converj can reach a top speed of 100 mph. The battery will recharge from a 120-volt electrical outlet in eight hours, or just three hours when connected to a 240-volt outlet. The battery can also be partially recharged by the regenerative brakes.
To maximize efficiency, the underbody is covered by a belly pan, the wheels are designed to push air outward, the grille has minimal openings and all three rear-view mirrors have been replaced with cameras, all to reduce drag.
Inside, the Converj is trimmed in Winter White sythetic suede and Midnight Black leather with aluminum and wood accents. The suede is made from recycled material, while the headliner beneath the all-glass roof is made from silk and the carpets are a wool-blend, all to minimize its ecological footprint. Passengers are treated to a reconfigurable instrument cluster that uses organic LEDs, a touch-screen system to control the navigation, climate control and audio systems, blue-lit console graphics, power-folding front seats for easy accesss to the rear and a push-button ignition. For comfort, the Converj rides on GM's Magnetic Ride Control shocks.
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cadillac converj concept
cadillac converj concept
cadillac converj concept
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