Cadillac Electric CONVERJ Concept to Go Into Production as ELR - Watch Exclusive Video of its Original Introduction +VIDEO

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Cadillac just announced that they will be producing the Converj electric concept car that they introduced at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. ONLY TheAutoChannel.com gives you FREE access to the complete original Press Conference. If you want the real stuff, it's only at TheAutoChannel.com.

Cadillac ELR (nee Converj)

DETROIT - August 20, 2011: The innovative Cadillac Converj Concept, a dramatic luxury coupe with extended-range electric vehicle technology that was showcased at the 2009 Detroit (NAIAS) Auto Show, is moving forward as a production car that will be called the 'Cadillac ELR.'

Development of the ELR is just underway, so details on performance, price and timing will be announced later.

Watch TACH's exclusive coverage of the COMPLETE Converj unveiling at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show

The Cadillac ELR will feature an electric propulsion system made up of a T-shaped lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the battery’s energy is low, the ELR seamlessly switches to extended-range mode to enable driving for hundreds of additional miles.

“The concept generated instant enthusiasm,” said Don Butler, vice president-Cadillac Marketing. “Like other milestone Cadillac models of the past, the ELR will offer something not otherwise present – the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupe driving.”

Cadillac selected the name ELR to indicate the car’s electric propulsion technology, in keeping with the brand’s 3-letter international model naming convention.

The Converj Concept sparked the idea of combining the desirability of a grand touring coupe with electrification, said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design.

“There’s no mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2,” Welburn said.

Watch the Cadillac ELR promo video

Cadillac will reveal another new concept car on Thursday, Aug. 18, at a special event prior to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Cadillac also recently announced it will add two new vehicles to its product lineup in 2012, the XTS large luxury sedan and an all-new luxury compact sedan codenamed ATS.