Cadillac Converj Cadillac XTS Platinum Yesterday GM unveiled a plugin hybrid version of its next generation Cadillac flagship, the XTS platinum. Its fairly certain that the gas-version of the car will go into production but whether the plugin hybrid will isn’t clear. GM has been developing the 2-mode plugin hybrid drivetrain since 2006, and I even had the chance to drive a mule version ( see post ) last summer.  Originally destined to appear in the Saturn VUE, and transiently slotted for a  Buick SUV, where this drivetrain will finally make its retail appearance is not known. GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz did tell reporters at the Auto Show that GM will build a plugin hybrid and said that car will arrive prior to the Cadillac XTS, possibly in 2011. “There will be others that will launch before this,” he said about the plugin Cadillac. “That technology can and will be moved to something else. Think possibly Equinox or Terrain, but we’re not ready to announce that or say when it’s coming out.” Lutz indicated that GM plans to offer a portfolio of electrified vehicles. “One thing’s for sure,” he said.  ”We will have a wide array of plug-in hybrids.” Converj? Bob Lutz also was quoted as saying the Converj would be built, however later Cadillac global product director John Howell called the statement premature. Howell told reporters GM still needed to develop a business case for the Converj and determine if the Voltec drivetrain would be powerful enough and operate smoothly enough for the Cadillac experience. “We want it to be a true luxury driving experience,” Howell said.

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