Concept of the Week

Cadillac Converj: A Luxury Plug-in Hybrid

Cadillac Converj

By Stuart Schwartzapfel

At this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, General Motors (GM) showed off this upscale plug-in hybrid concept bearing the Cadillac name. Dubbed the Converj, the concept is a luxurious sister vehicle to the 2010 Chevrolet Volt. Like Volt, the Converj can travel up to 40 miles on electric power, producing no emissions, before a small backup gasoline engine kicks in. At first blush, the Converj looks a lot like the upcoming Cadillac CTS coupe, its body awash in sharp angles. The glass roof incorporates solar panels to help recharge the Converj's batteries. GM says the vehicle's top speed is roughly 100 mph. Bob Lutz, GM's vice-chairman of global product development, said the Converj concept has "production substance," a coy suggestion that the concept could become reality.

The Verdict: The Volt's seductive sibling.

Stuart Schwartzapfel is a regular contributor to BusinessWeek.com. He has studied the automotive marketplace and works as an advertising and marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works.

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