DETROIT – General Motors’ Cadillac brand announced it is turning a concept vehicle, the Cadillac Converj, into a production model called the Cadillac ELR. The automaker said development of the ELR is now underway but has not yet announced details on performance, pricing, or a timeline for availability.

The ELR will feature an electric propulsion system that consists of a T-shaped lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder “engine-generator.” Although the vehicle is designed to run primarily on electricity, it has the gasoline-fueled four-cylinder engine-generator to provide power when the battery’s charge gets low, similar to what GM’s Chevrolet brand has done with the Volt.

“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 added that it plans to reveal another new concept car on Thursday, Aug. 18, at an event prior to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.