GM unveils plug-in hybrid technology on Cadillac Converj
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 13 January 2009
General Motors has unveiled the Cadillac Converj Concept - a four-passenger high-end coupe with GM's Voltec plug-in hybrid tech, as seen on the Chevy Volt.
The technology enables up to 40 miles of electric-only driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles with a flexfuel combustion engine back-up to power the car.
GM VC of product Bob Lutz indicated that the technology on the Caddy coupe indicates that luxury models have an alternative-fuel future
The extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept is intended to stand up to scrutiny as a Cadillac model as far as styling,quality and driving dynamics are concerned, says GM.
The Cadillac Converj’s Voltec electric propulsion system is made up of a 16-kWh battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator.
The battery pack can be recharged from mains outlets and contains more than 220 lithium-ion cells that power to drive the Converj electrically up to 40 miles. The battery pack takes less than three hours to recharge the battery at 240V, or eight hours from a 120V outlet, reckons GM.
When the battery’s energy is low, the Converj switches to extended-range mode using a flex-fuel-powered engine that generates electricity to power the electric drive system, extending range by hundreds of miles. The Converj also features regenerative braking.
The Converj converts electrical energy from the battery or the engine-generator into mechanical energy to drive the front wheels – delivering 273lb-ft of instant torque and 161bhp of power resulting in a top speed is 100 mph.
The Converj also features GM’s Magnetic Ride Control for improved ride comfort, dark silver 'Reaction' tri-coat, all-glass roof incorporating solar panels and aerodynamic styling.
Inside there's Midnight Black leather, with polished aluminium and wood grain accents, renewable materials and drivers centre, which includes LED technology; touch-screen navigation, climate, centre-stack controls and audio systems; overhead white ambient lighting; screen displays for regenerative braking, battery charge level and power output; panoramic cameras instead of interior mirrors and push-button ignition.
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