Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

Say hello to the future of Cadillac! Gone are outlandish, gas-hog concepts like the Sixteen and in is a new future at the forefront of fuel-efficient cars. The Converj concept, with GM's range extending electric drive system, dubbed Voltec, previews a new chapter in Cadillac's "Art & Science" design theme.

 The Converj concept's proportions shows off a different twist for Cadillac and it's how it's design language is changing to meet the requirements for vehicles of the future. The long front overhang indicates this is a FWD vehicle.

Whether or not the vehicle sees production in this form, most likely we'll design elements from this car in another FWD vehicle, Cadillac's next-generation BLS.  The design is very progressive, yet still uniquely recognizable as a Cadillac.

Just look at those fins! The body line along the side of the Converj continues to morph into the taillights, which protrude out and above the trunk, creating a new take on the classic Cadillac fin.

I love how Cadillac's designers are bringing them back, but in a very modern way that really works in conjunction with the rest of the car. You can see a hint of fins displayed a bit in the tailights an already announced production vehicle, the Cadillac SRX.

In keeping with the electric drivetrain, the interior is made with sustainable materials and there is solar panels used to recharge the batteries integrated into the sunroof.

Converj was meant to be concept showing off how GM's Voltec system can power a no compromises luxury Cadillac, and it succeeds in doing that. The Converj is not simply a plug-in hybrid, it is a electric vehicle with a range extender, which means electricity is it's primary source of energy. The engine is used as a generator to provide power to the electric motors which are in use at all times.

The Converj is indeed the "Cadilac of Electric Vehicles".  Hopefully, GM will be able to produce it alongside the Volt. It might be just the car to help Cadillac expand share in it's home market as well as make headway in European markets key to it's future.