New Reveal At Detroit: 2009 Cadillac Converj

Rumors about a new Chevrolet Volt-based Cadillac were true. Because today at the Detroit Auto Show, Cadillac took the wraps off a new concept based on the Chevy Volt's "Voltec" drivetrain. It's called the Converj.
This luxurious and sporty version of the Volt is drop-dead gorgeous. With styling that is instantly recognizable as Cadillac, the press conference showed that the car was designed to be aesthetically pleasing on its own. It's just a great shape that holds great promise. All the sharp edges and wide shoulders give it a distinctive look. GM gave the Converj a title of "Cadillac Of Electric Vehicles".
Inside, the Coverj's interior is purely Cadillac. So unlike the cheap plastics in any hybrid car, 2+2 Converj coupe Winter White synthetic suede and Midnight Black leather, polished aluminum and wood grain accents. The headliner made from silk and suede and a wool-blend carpeting are made from renewable materials. And in the center console, all the buttons operate by touching only.
Just like the Volt, Cadillac Converj’s Voltec system is made up of 16kWh, a T-shaped battery (made up of more than 220 lithium-ion cells), an electric-drive unit and a flex-fuel 4-cylinder engine-generator. That allows the Converj to produce a total of 161-hp with a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft working in 0 rpms. Working like a Extended-range electric-vehicle (E-REV) as the Chevrolet Volt, the Voltec technology allows the Converj to travel up to 40 miles on battery power alone. An onboard gasoline engine will allow it to travel hundreds of additional miles before it needs to be refueled or plugged in to recharge. Top speed is rated at 100 mph. GM says that it takes less than 3 hours to recharge the battery at 240V (about 8 hours from a 120V outlet). The Cadillac Converj also features GM’s Magnetic Ride Control which enhances ride-feel.
It's expect to hit the roads in its production form somewhere after the Volt, probably 2011. However, could this be the best electric car? Well from what appears, this Cadillac will surely make a fuss when it debuts in its production model.

Source: [Cadillac]