Cadillac Converj Named Best Concept Vehicle of 2009 Detroit Show

Despite fewer automakers on hand showing new products and concepts, plus fewer concepts shown amongst those attending the North American International Auto Show in its 21st year as an international event, Cadillac’s dramatic new Converj series hybrid sports coupe still deserves top honors by the Eyes On Design Awards as Best Concept Vehicle… it’s that good.

The Converj uses the same series hybrid setup as Chevy’s Volt production car, a flexible architecture GM now dubs Voltec that can provide 40 miles of pure-electric commuting between recharging, and the capability to drive longer distances via a small four-cylinder engine that recharges the lithium-ion battery pack via an on-board generator.

In what could be one of the sportiest hybrid cars to date, if produced, the Converj points to a brighter future for GM and its Cadillac brand, and simultaneously shows that an environmentally friendly car doesn’t have to look overtly aerodynamic, jellybean-shaped and just plain weird to get noticed. Rather, the Converj combines sharp lines and creases inspired by Cadillac’s Art and Science design language, true to the brand’s identity, into one of the most enticing cars to roll across a Detroit auto show stand since the same GM division teased onlookers last year with its gorgeous CTS Coupe.

Converj Design Team Leader Simon Cox was on hand to receive the trophy, as was Executive Director of Advanced Design David Rand and design team members Jeff Perkins, Robin Kreig, Brian Smith, David Leary, James Gasparotto and Ben Walsh.