The Cadillac Converj concept caused quite a stir at 2009′s Detroit auto show—it was sporty, sleek, and, perhaps most buzz-worthy of all, used the Chevrolet Volt’s extended-range plug-in hybrid powertrain. Indeed, the two-door Converj concept was essentially a Volt in more dapper duds, and today GM announced it will go into production as the ELR. Cadillac had previously made a similar pronouncement, only to cancel those plans some time later. Adapting the Volt tech to a pricier—and therefore cost-amortizing—model makes a lot of sense, though, and GM appears to agree.
Other than the new Caddy nomenclature-friendly name, the Volt-cum-Cadillac won’t deviate much from the Converj’s formula. The car still will be powered by an electric motor juiced by T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack. As in the Volt, the battery will be charged either via a wall plug or by an onboard four-cylinder engine/generator to allow extended operation. In case you were worried, the 2+2 ELR should also maintain the Converj’s aggressively cab-forward, wedge-shaped good looks.
Cadillac says it has just started development of the ELR, so further details must wait. In the meantime, fans of the wreath and crest should tune in tomorrow, as we’ll be with Cadillac at Pebble Beach, where the company will reveal a new concept car.
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