With the Cadillac Converj Concept General Motors unveiled a furtherrnglimpse at the potential of electric propulsion, this time in the formrnof luxury transportation. The Cadillac Converj was developed as arnwell-appointed grand touring coupe with a bold design and a host ofrninteractive technology.
The four-passenger Cadillac Converjrnconcept is intended to show how GM's revolutionary electric propulsionrntechnology - called Voltec - can power a luxury coupe with a typicallyrnCadillac "no compromises" design. The technology enables up to 40 milesrnof gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-rangerncapability of hundreds of miles.
Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman ofrnGlobal Product Development, said the Cadillac Converj concept hasrnproduction substance. "It's a logical extension of our plan to reinventrnthe automobile," he said. "It clearly shows what a Cadillac electricrnvehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxuryrncustomers can have a car that has both strong design and electricrnpropulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles."
Cadillac'srnextended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body stylernthat is an evolution of the brand's traditional Art and Science designrntheme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation forrnthe sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is alsornintended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials,rntechnology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand.
Voltec - innovative propulsion technology
ThernCadillac Converj's Voltec electric propulsion system is made up of arn16-kWh, T-shaped battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinderrnengine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drivernthe car.
A thermally managed battery pack contains more than 220rnlithium-ion cells that provide the primary power to drive the CadillacrnConverj electrically up to 40 miles without using fuel or producingrntailpipe emissions. The battery is integrated into the CadillacrnConverj's chassis and stores electricity from the grid when the vehiclernis plugged in. It takes less than three hours to recharge the batteryrnat 240V, or about eight hours from a 120V outlet.
When thernbattery's energy is low, the Cadillac Converj seamlessly switches tornextended-range mode. During this secondary level of operation,rnelectricity needed to power the vehicle is created on-board by arnflex-fuel-powered engine that operates much like a home generator torncreate electricity. The engine-generator ensures a constant supply ofrnpower for hundreds of miles until the car is refueled or plugged in tornrecharge the battery. This extended-range mode eliminates the rangernanxiety that comes with driving pure electric vehicles that offer nornbackup power when the battery charge is low.
Whether in electricrnor extended-range mode, the Cadillac Converj is propelled all the timernby an electric drive unit. It converts electrical energy from thernbattery or the engine-generator into mechanical energy to drive thernfront wheels. It also delivers 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque,rnfor a quick launch, and 120 kW of power. The top speed is 100 mph.
Therernis no compromise in vehicle performance in either mode of operation. Tornenhance the ride feel, the Cadillac Converj Concept also features GM'srnMagnetic Ride Control; and for even greater efficiency, energy duringrnbraking is captured and stored in the battery.
Pure Cadillac design
There'srnno mistaking the Converj for anything but a Cadillac, according tornLutz. "An aggressive, forward-leaning profile hints at a new,rnprogressive theme and proportion in Cadillac's design evolution," hernsays. "The new proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision ofrna personal luxury 2+2."
The overall shape is reinforced by arnprominent, sweeping body line with large, 21-inch (front) and 22-inchrn(rear) wheels pushed to the edges of the body. The Cadillac Converjrnexterior is painted a dark silver tri-coat that GM designers dubbedrn"Reaction."
An all-glass roof incorporates solar panels that helprnoffset power drain from the vehicle's accessories. Additionally,rnseveral aerodynamic and design efficiencies were incorporated tornenhance the driving range, including:
- A full under-vehicle cover (belly pan)
- Minimal grille openings that reduce drag at the front of the vehicle
- Low-profile rearview cameras replace conventional outside mirrors to reduce drag
- Wheels are shaped to push air outward for smoother body side airflow
The Cadillac Converj also incorporates vertical headlamp and taillamp elements, with light pipe technology.
"Verticalrnlamps are Cadillac signatures and the Cadillac Converj builds on thernbrand's light pipe technology with bolder light emitting diode (LED)rnand high-intensity discharge elements front and rear," said Clay Dean,rnglobal design director for Cadillac. "There is also a unique daylightrnlight 'spear' at the top of the headlamps."
Luxury meets technology inside
ThernCadillac Converj's interior has advanced features and luxuriousrnappointments blending efficiency and environmental consciousness. Thern2+2 configuration is trimmed in contrasting Winter White syntheticrnsuede - including the top of the instrument panel - and Midnight Blackrnleather, with polished aluminum and wood grain accents. Renewablernmaterials are used throughout such as wool-blend carpeting, a headlinerrnmade from silk, suede made from post-industrial content and more.
A technologically advanced driver center increases efficiency and reduces the draw on the battery. Features include:
- New, organic light-emitting diode technology used on reconfigurable instrument cluster
- Touch-screen navigation, climate, center-stack controls and audio systems
- Adjustable, overhead white ambient lighting
- Unique "power on" sequence featuring blue-lit console graphics
- Screen displays for features including regenerative braking, battery charge level and power output
- Norninside rearview or outside mirrors; cameras provide surrounding imagesrnon a screen placed high on the instrument panel for a full, panoramicrnview
- Push-button ignition and power-folding front seats
