Cadillac Converj

Cadillac fans were treated to a shock new arrival at the Detroit Motor Show, as the firm unveiled a new luxury coupé, the electric Converj.

The car is based on GM stablemate the Chevrolet Volt, and uses a development of its drivetrain. With a handsome body that mimics the CTS Coupé and hints at Cadillac’s future design language, the Converj was the undoubted star of the GM show stand.

Underneath the striking body lies a reworked version of the E-Flex system, now renamed Voltec, which consists of an electric motor assisted by a small petrol engine. Like the Volt, the Converj can run solely on electricity for 40 miles and then travel an additional 200 miles using the petrol unit.

GM boss Bob Lutz told show visitors: “It proves electricity can be used for compact cars and luxury cars, too.” A launch date for the Converj has still to be decided, but with the Volt scheduled to arrive at the end of next year, it is unlikely it will make an appearance until 2011.