BREAKING: Detroit News says GM will build Cadillac Converj
by Chris Paukert on Nov 9th 2009 at 12:57PM 
2009 Cadillac Converj concept – click above for high-res gallery
After much hemming and hawing, General Motors will reportedly build a version of the Cadillac Converj, the gorgeous but awkwardly named extended-range coupe concept first shown at last year's Detroit Auto Show. According to The Detroit News, the Converj will probably take a few years to reach dealer showrooms, as GM will first direct its efforts on launching the Chevrolet Volt, the more affordable sedan with which it is likely to share much of its Voltec drivetrain architecture.
From where we sit, the Converj seems like a natural move for GM, as Cadillac's higher margins should help offset the research, development, and production costs of everything from the Volt's lithium ion batteries to its motors and control modules. For its part, however, Cadillac is still declining to comment on the story, and the DetNews story doesn't name a source.
Either way, GM vice chairman Bob Lutz has previously gone on record as a champion of a production Converj, and he has said that a serial version would look very similar to the 2009 showcar – in much the same way that the Camaro evolved from concept to production. As the concept was gorgeous, we're down with that – we only hope it doesn't take as long to build as the Bowtie's broad-shouldered muscle car.
Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj
Gallery: Cadillac Converj concept
[Source: The Detroit News]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
TKE 1:01PM (11/09/2009)
Hip Hip, and indeed, hooray.Not that I'll be able to afford one but I love that car.
Reply
Jung 1:19PM (11/09/2009)
Lovely car indeed. Just needs a new name.
Cadillac had some silly concept names and really cheesy spelling.
Evoq... Converj... Imaj.... all fine names for $99 cellphone. But not for an expensive car.
Rob 1:20PM (11/09/2009)
It's certainly good looking anyway. Let's just hope that it's more than a Volt in a new dress.
Dondonel 1:33PM (11/09/2009)
@Rob,
I wonder how hard can it be to move the electric motor in the back to make it RWD?
This way they can claim that it is not just a Volt. Besides, I think a RWD Converj would be an easier sell to Cadillac drivers.
Tool 1:51PM (11/09/2009)
The Converj is a great looking concept.
But then again so was the original Volt concept.
By the time reality set in, it came out looking very ordinary. Too bad, because design is where GM could have really out-Prius'd the Toyota Prius with a great looking vehicle
KeatMP 2:33PM (11/09/2009)
@ Tool
The reason the Volt changes so much between concept and production was because the concept was not aerodynamic at all. I think I remember Lutz saying the Converj would change very little from concept to production. Like the ride height would increase a little, wheel size would decrease and maybe it will gain another 2 doors with out changing the roof line very much.
But like you, I will reserve judgment until the production form is revealed.
Can't wait to see it though! Seems like a no-brainer on GMs part.
mitchw 2:49PM (11/09/2009)
I saw it at the New York Auto show. It is beautiful. It makes you feel good, looking at it. Magic.
Monica Dickey 5:10PM (11/09/2009)
Looks really sexy. Definitely hope someday I can afford a Caddy hehe.
The name is stuuupid though, I hope they change it to something that says classy instead of trying-to-be-cool-by-spelling-weird.
Enigmatic 9:54PM (11/09/2009)
I highly doubt they would switch to RWD, that's a major structural change and would cost GM more money than it's worth. Nonetheless, it looks awesome, but I wonder if they'll be able to make go as fast as it looks.
Taglane 2:15PM (11/10/2009)
Tool: The Converj was designed with Aerodynamics in mind- unlike the Volt Concept. I predict that the production Converj will look very similar to the concept :D
neoscape 1:01PM (11/09/2009)
Now that is a hybrid I could get behind.
Reply
Mike7 1:02PM (11/09/2009)
"Need more oil for GM Revolution or whatever" guy in 3...2...1...
Reply
Sea Urchin 1:03PM (11/09/2009)
Oil? You mean tax payer money.
You know i always was wondering what Autoblog never applied for TARP money.
Mike7 1:05PM (11/09/2009)
"Oil? You mean tax payer money."
Yes, but the new troll is confused.
Sea Urchin 1:02PM (11/09/2009)
Great, i love the way it looks, i just hope it will look almost the same as the concept.
Reply
Jimbo 1:30PM (11/09/2009)
Agreed. I really hope they keep this look instead of ruining it like they did in the trasition of the Volt from concept to production. I'd rather lose 2-3 miles of EV range and have it look good.
RayJ 1:03PM (11/09/2009)
This is proof the final piece that lets me know GM has it's head on straight!!
Reply
dasupersprint91 1:05PM (11/09/2009)
If they want to make a 6 series fighter out of it, I'd be happy
Reply
Chet 1:06PM (11/09/2009)
If the Volt's target is $40,000 at launch, I wonder what the Converj's target will be? $55,000? $60,000?
I'll be shocked if the Converj is on sale any sooner than the next Corvette.
So, how much smaller do you think the wheels will get? Less than the number of inches added to the ride height? Same as the inches added to the wheel well clearance? More than is added to the roof height? --That'd be an interesting photochop, the concept car adjusted for reality :)
Reply
Alex 1:07PM (11/09/2009)
You had to know this was going to get the green light. GM is spending a small nations fortune on the Volt's technology. The only way they are going to recoup that kind of money to by spreading the tech to as many of their brands as possible.
Reply