…the Cadillac Sixteen.

More than any other unmade concept, the Sixteen has been recurring topic of discussion.  It both hearkened back to a glorious past and showcased potential for the future.  Had it not been for outside circumstances, a Caddy could have earned the title of “Standard of the World.”

The Sixteen was all about old-world extravagance.  The outside was bold, but the inside was bolder.  The interior composed of premium hand-stitched leathers, woods, and chrome, but managed to be classical minimalist.  The engine was a naturally aspirated 13.6 L V-16 capable of producing 1,000 hp.  About the only thing to disapprove of was the meager 4-spd. A/T.

But in a decade of four bucks a gal. gas, climate change, and bankruptcies, the Sixteen never stood a chance.

The story doesn’t end on that sour note.

The recent Converj, a stylish coupe evoking the Sixteen’s style with hybrid technology, is on its way to production–assuming GM lasts that long.  At least with that, there is a bright spot in this story.

Buzz has spread on the Web about GM vice-chair Bob Lutz’s statements regarding his company’s two upcoming hybrid-electric vehicles.  Lutz has mentioned performance variants of the Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac Converj are possible in order to appeal to a wider demographic.  Gas-electric cars aren’t noted for their speed, but that is changing with the oncoming of the Honda CR-Z and Fisker Karma.

Our take is that cost-cutting General Motors won’t take the leap unless it gets its fiscal situation in check.  CEO and Chairman Fritz Henderson has said GM is performing better than expected, but we have yet to see a competitive compact and sub-compact hit the Chevy division.  GM’s made lavish promises before.

We’ll believe it when we see it.

The Southeast Automotive Media Organization has handed out awards for the best concepts of 2009.  Award winning vehicles are held as positive examples of the future of the industry.  Concepts are to be more than design studies, but practical works that will be applied to the road.

The Fisker Sunset earned the Production Preview Vehicle Award.  The Fisker, which we briefly covered awhile ago, uses a special Q-Drive plug-in hybrid system.  Mileage is targeted to be as high as 100 mpg, with a 50 mile all-electric starting range.  The Sunset itself will be a four-passenger hardtop convertible, estimated to retail in the neighborhood of $100,000.

VW’s BlueSport won the award for best concept car overall.  The BlueSport is a diesel-powered roadster intended to bring excellent fuel economy to a nimble and sporty ride.  The BlueSport was rumored to have been canceled, but recent reports have since hit the Web stating development has resumed.

The Kia Soul’ster won Concept Truck of the Year.  The Soul’ster is an open-air, off-road variant of the recent Soul hatchback.  Akin to the Wrangler, the Soul’ster aims to bring outdoor roadgoing pleasure at a reasonable price.

The Cadillac Converj finished the run with the Specialty Concept Vehicle Award.  The award may sound like a consolation prize, but its purpose is to honor an example of outstanding technology for the future.  The Converj is a luxury coupe borrowing the GM Voltech extended-range hybrid system.  That will amount to a 40 mi. all-electric range (where then the gas/electric system steps in) and a 100 mph top speed.  The Converj’s beautiful shape and favorable impressions have allowed it to move into the early stages of development.