12 Jan 09 12:53
Video: Cadillac Converj
The Converj uses a similar extended-range electric powertrain to the Chevrolet Volt prototype.
It features a four-cylinder petrol engine but it's used only as a generator to charge the car's lithium-ion batteries.
A four-seater GT coupe, the Converj can go up to 40 miles in electric-only mode, but once the engine kicks in, it has a range of hundreds of miles between refuelling stops, always driven only by the 120kW motor.
It can be plugged into a domestic power supply for recharging, and can be fully recharged in less than three hours from a 240V supply or eight hours from a 120V outlet.
The electric motor drives the front wheels, and delivers 273lb-ft of torque from start-up. Top speed is 100mph and, according to GM product development chief Bob Lutz, urban commuters may never use 'a single drop of fuel'.
All the usual Cadillac luxuries are present, including magnetic ride control, and the Converj is appropriately blinged-up with huge wheels (21" up front, 22" to the rear) and tri-coat silver paint.
It also gets solar panels within its glass roof, to capture energy for auxiliary functions, and a smoothed-off exterior for optimum aerodynamics. Rear-view cameras replace door mirrors.
The interior is trimmed in white synthetic suede and black leather, with polished aluminium and wood-grain detailing, wool carpets and silk headlining - all renewable-source materials, says GM, including the mock-suede which is made from 'post-industrial content'.
There are energy-saving LED displays, with touch-screen navigation and audio controls, and displays for regenerative braking, battery-charge levels and power outputs.
Check out the rest of our Detroit Motor Show coverage.
