Category Archives: GM News

CONVERJ: THE “CADILLAC” OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

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Luxury coupe concept continues GM’s leadership in the electrification of the automobile

Cadillac ConverjDETROIT – General Motors unveiled a further glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion today, this time in the form of luxury transportation, with the Cadillac Converj Concept. The Cadillac Converj was developed as a well-appointed grand touring coupe with a bold design and a host of interactive technology.

The four-passenger Converj concept is intended to show how GM’s revolutionary electric propulsion technology – called Voltec – can power a luxury coupe with a typically Cadillac “no compromises” design. The technology enables up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles.

Bob Lutz, GM’s vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Converj concept has production substance. “It’s a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile,” he said. “It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles.”

Cadillac’s extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body style that is an evolution of the brand’s traditional Art and Science design theme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation for the sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is also intended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials, technology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand.

Voltec – innovative propulsion technology

The Cadillac Converj’s Voltec electric propulsion system is made up of a 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car.

A thermally managed battery pack contains more than 220 lithium-ion cells that provide the primary power to drive the Converj electrically up to 40 miles without using fuel or producing tailpipe emissions. The battery is integrated into the Converj’s chassis and stores electricity from the grid when the vehicle is plugged in. It takes less than three hours to recharge the battery at 240V, or about eight hours from a 120V outlet.

When the battery’s energy is low, the Converj seamlessly switches to extended-range mode. During this secondary level of operation, electricity needed to power the vehicle is created on-board by a flex-fuel-powered engine that operates much like a home generator to create electricity. The engine-generator ensures a constant supply of power for hundreds of miles until the car is refueled or plugged in to recharge the battery. This extended-range mode eliminates the range anxiety that comes with driving pure electric vehicles that offer no backup power when the battery charge is low.

Whether in electric or extended-range mode, the Converj is propelled all the time by an electric drive unit. It converts electrical energy from the battery or the engine-generator into mechanical energy to drive the front wheels. It also delivers 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, for a quick launch, and 120 kW of power. The top speed is 100 mph.

There is no compromise in vehicle performance in either mode of operation. To enhance the ride feel, the Converj also features GM’s Magnetic Ride Control; and for even greater efficiency, energy during braking is captured and stored in the battery.

Pure Cadillac design

There’s no mistaking the Converj for anything but a Cadillac, according to Lutz. “An aggressive, forward-leaning profile hints at a new, progressive theme and proportion in Cadillac’s design evolution,” he says. “The new proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2.”

The overall shape is reinforced by a prominent, sweeping body line with large, 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) wheels pushed to the edges of the body. The Converj exterior is painted a dark silver tri-coat that GM designers dubbed “Reaction.”

An all-glass roof incorporates solar panels that help offset power drain from the vehicle’s accessories. Additionally, several aerodynamic and design efficiencies were incorporated to enhance the driving range, including:

  • A full under-vehicle cover (belly pan)
  • Minimal grille openings that reduce drag at the front of the vehicle
  • Low-profile rearview cameras replace conventional outside mirrors to reduce drag
  • Wheels are shaped to push air outward for smoother body side airflow

The Converj also incorporates vertical headlamp and taillamp elements, with light pipe technology.

“Vertical lamps are Cadillac signatures and the Converj builds on the brand’s light pipe technology with bolder light emitting diode (LED) and high-intensity discharge elements front and rear,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “There is also a unique daylight light ‘spear’ at the top of the headlamps.”

Luxury meets technology inside

The Converj’s interior has advanced features and luxurious appointments blending efficiency and environmental consciousness. The 2+2 configuration is trimmed in contrasting Winter White synthetic suede – including the top of the instrument panel – and Midnight Black leather, with polished aluminum and wood grain accents. Renewable materials are used throughout such as wool-blend carpeting, a headliner made from silk, suede made from post-industrial content and more.

A technologically advanced driver center increases efficiency and reduces the draw on the battery. Features include:

  • New, organic light-emitting diode technology used on reconfigurable instrument cluster
  • Touch-screen navigation, climate, center-stack controls and audio systems
  • Adjustable, overhead white ambient lighting
  • Unique “power on” sequence featuring blue-lit console graphics
  • Screen displays for features including regenerative braking, battery charge level and power output
  • No inside rearview or outside mirrors; cameras provide surrounding images on a screen placed high on the instrument panel for a full, panoramic view
  • Push-button ignition and power-folding front seats

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 34 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

2010 Cadillac SRX Advanced AWD System Delivers High Stability in all Driving Conditions

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VIDEO: 2010 SRX AWD Animation
VIDEO: 2010 SRX AWD Driving
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  • 2010 Cadillac SRX Overview
  • Haldex system offers class-leading performance – up to 100-percent front-to-rear torque transfer
  • Pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimize traction at take-off
  • Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) transfers up to 85 percent of torque between rear wheels
  • New rear sub-frame and suspension geometry
  • Available summer 2009

DETROIT – Using cutting-edge technology, the 2010 Cadillac SRX is launching with an advanced all-wheel-drive system (AWD) that delivers best-in-class levels of driver control. The intelligent, active system continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles, delivering optimum handling, stability and grip in all driving conditions – from fast corners to slower curves, in dry or wet weather.

“The 2010 SRX will deliver excellent, balanced driving dynamics in all types of weather,” said Bob Reuter, SRX global vehicle chief engineer. “The all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited-slip effectively transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also along the rear axle. This system sets a new benchmark for all all-wheel-drive systems, giving the driver control and confidence on any road surface.”

In honing the integration and performance of the system, Cadillac engineers completed more than 600,000 miles of testing in all weather conditions across some of the most challenging roads in Europe, as well as test tracks in Italy and Spain and the famed Nürburgring circuit in Germany, where Cadillac has developed and validated new vehicle features in recent years. The result is an active, all-wheel-drive system specifically tuned for the SRX. It fully exploits the power of the vehicle’s new, 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine that delivers 265 horsepower (198 kW) at 6,950 rpm and 223 lb.-ft of torque (302 Nm) at 5,100 rpm.

To optimize traction at take-off, the system incorporates an innovative, pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, this system eliminates the need to detect front wheel slip before rear drive is activated and sets a new benchmark in all-wheel-drive performance.

Perfect balance

On the road, the AWD system operates seamlessly and is programmed to help the driver keep the car stable, splitting drive torque to counteract oversteer or understeer situations when cornering.

The electronic control unit receives data inputs 200 times every second from more than 20 sensors in the vehicle, including those for the ABS and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) systems. The data processed includes vehicle speed, wheel rotation speeds, lateral acceleration, throttle setting, engine torque, yaw rate and the steering angle. Those inputs are used to continually adjust the torque distribution in response to the driver’s input of steering and throttle, the traction that is available at the individual corners of the vehicle or the intended versus the actual path of the car.

For example, on dry pavement during wide-open throttle, 50 percent of the torque is delivered to the rear, providing acceleration with no wheelspin. On slippery surfaces, torque is delivered to the tires with traction, up to 100 percent in cases where one end of the vehicle is on glare ice. Highway cruising conditions will reduce torque delivery to the rear to 5- to 10-percent, decreasing driveline drag and optimizing fuel economy. In most other driving conditions, the torque varies between 20 percent and 50 percent to the rear axle.

While offering sure-footed handling in low-grip conditions, the SRX AWD system also rewards the enthusiastic driver. The precise balancing of the drive torque reduces ESC throttle and braking interventions, providing smoother and more predictable performance.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of this system, however, is the addition of an active rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). The eLSD can transfer up to 85 percent of maximum rear torque between the rear wheels, to whichever has more grip. Under hard cornering, or when completing a high-speed maneuver, such as a lane change, the application of more or less torque to either wheel helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

The new 2010 SRX’s AWD system is integrated with completely new chassis settings and revised self-leveling rear suspension geometry that delivers a 50-percent increase in camber stiffness. Springs, dampers and the steering system have been specifically tuned for pleasing ride dynamics and good feedback. In addition, the 2010 SRX features tires with a higher speed rating.

How it works

The SRX all-wheel-drive hardware consists of a power take-off unit (PTU) in the front final-drive that transmits engine torque through a prop-shaft to the rear drive module (RDM) that includes a torque transfer device (TTD) and the optional eLSD. Both are wet, multi-plate clutch units from Haldex.

The TTD is activated as soon as the vehicle is placed in gear. RDM clutches are applied and ready to transfer torque before acceleration begins. This pre-emptive function leapfrogs many current technologies that require the detection of wheel slip or driveline rotation before the rear drive is activated. The enhanced functionality provides maximum traction immediately for smooth, strong acceleration from a standstill without the possibility of any drivetrain hesitation. During driving, torque delivery between the axles is varied by a valve in the TTD, which increases or reduces the hydraulic pressure on the wet clutch plates to progressively engage or disengage rear drive. The degree of slip determines the amount of torque transmitted. The eLSD, located alongside the RDM, operates on the same principle as the larger TTD. The electronic control unit functions in concert with the engine, transmission and ABS/ESC control modules.

The 2010 SRX’s AWD system requires the factory installation of a specific rear sub-frame to carry the RDM, as well as the revised rear suspension geometry and new wheel hubs for the drive shafts. The three-piece prop-shaft runs through two bearings with constant velocity joints for smooth running with minimal “wind up.” With the AWD system, the SRX’s wheelbase and rear track dimensions are unaltered from FWD models.

About GM

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world’s largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 244,500 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

GM’s Take: Bridge Loan to Domestic Auto Industry

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GM is aggressively planning to make the most of this opportunity:

We appreciate the President extending a financial bridge at this most critical time for the U.S. auto industry and our nation’s economy.  This action helps to preserve many jobs, and supports the continued operation of GM and the many suppliers, dealers and small businesses across the country that depend on us.

This will allow us to accelerate the completion of our aggressive restructuring plan for long-term, sustainable success.  It will lead to a leaner, stronger General Motors, a GM that is:

*dedicated to great products, exciting design, and world-class quality

*fully committed to leading in energy-saving vehicles and technologies,

*responsive to the needs of our customers, our stakeholders and the communities we live in and serve.

We know we have much work in front of us to accomplish our plan.  It is our intention to continue to be transparent as we execute our plan, and we will provide regular updates on our progress.  We again thank the Administration for this important support of our industry at this challenging time, and we look forward to proving what American ingenuity can achieve.