Buick
Envision Concept
The
Buick Envision Concept vehicle, which represents a convergence of future ideas
and technology for Buick in the market, made its global debut today in . It
appeared on the Shanghai GM stand at Auto Shanghai 2011.
The
Envision merges Buick's global design language with Chinese aesthetics for the
SUV segment. Inheriting the essence of Buick's "fluid dynamics and
peaceful comfort," it incorporates GM's world-leading PHEV plug-in hybrid
system. Its forward-looking and people-oriented technology and equipment are
destined to change people's perceptions of SUVs.
The
Buick Envision features a two-layer traditional Buick waterfall grille, which
regulates air intake to meet the demand of the power system and achieve
optimized aerodynamic performance. The front-end design also incorporates
Buick's tri-colored shield insignia, reinforcing the Buick Envision's refined
and forceful sense of styling. Headlamps and fog lights are inspired by
traditional Chinese patterns. Porcelain-like daytime LED lamps house five
"Chinese pillar-like" LED bulbs for a reserved elegance with bright
illumination.
Sharp
lines start from above the headlamps, spreading out and submerging into the
body of the vehicle. They reappear at the rear, running powerfully through the
taillamps and showcasing the traditional Buick double sweep spear. Wheel arches
above powerful-looking 22-inch tires offer a strong contrast. The one-piece
roof is shaped like an arching bridge. It allows the continuous flowing side
lines to form a graceful curve above the windows before being integrated in the
back end. The Buick's rearview mirror and side window trims are lined up across
from the A-pillar and C-pillar, serving as the perfect finishing touches for
the side view of the vehicle. The Buick Envision has scissor-style doors with
sensors, adding a sense of luxury while making entry and exit more convenient.
The
Buick Envision has a people-oriented, comfortable and high-tech interior.
Buick's signature 360-degree all-around integrated design and unique asymmetric
central console bring out the best in each other. The front cabin has the
appearance of a floating sculpture. It achieves a perfect balance between
physical comfort and aesthetics. Spiral gauges offer an exciting futuristic feeling.
The
color of the car door is inspired by the "yin and yang" concept.
Together with the two-toned high-quality galaxy-blue and sand-beach white
Italian leather and high-class maple and metallic materials with a velvety
texture, it offers a visual effect of peace and elegance. The shared armrest
runs from the front to the back, with a storage function and crafted hidden
air-conditioning vents. The flat floor feels like the deck of a yacht and
contributes to the spaciousness and comfort of the interior.
In
addition to Buick's classic ice-blue lighting, the interior also features
optional orange "casual" lighting and red "sportive"
lighting, giving off a soft radiance that matches the mood of the surroundings.
The
Buick Envision is equipped with GM's breakthrough PHEV plug-in hybrid system,
which offers unprecedented high-efficient performance that sets a benchmark for
future hybrid technology. The 2.0-liter SIDI intelligent direct injection
turbocharged engine is complemented by a pair of electric motor generators in
the Envision's dual automatic/manual eight-speed transmission. A
high-performance lithium battery and a solar energy roof with optical equipment
serve as an alternative energy source independent from the engine.
The
plug-in hybrid system, which effectively leverages standard fuel as well as
electricity, can produce more power than pure electric cars or gasoline
vehicles. When the vehicle is being started, parked and running at low speeds,
the Buick Envision runs solely on electric power. When the vehicle needs more
power or the battery is running low, the engine automatically kicks in to
provide a Smart Charge for the battery. When greater power is required, such as
during sudden acceleration and uphill driving, the engine serves as the main power
source, with the generator providing additional power. The vehicle can be
plugged into a standard outlet to recharge the battery. Additional electricity
for the battery is produced by the solar roof.
The
Buick Envision's compact, lightweight chassis is composed of carbon fiber,
magnesium and aluminum. Mounted on an MRC electromagnetic suspension with the
energy-recycle function, it offers one of the fastest magnetic ride control
systems in the world. Damping can be actively regulated according to road conditions
to optimize handling. With the Buick Envision's intelligent all-wheel-drive
system, the torque output of each wheel can be adjusted at any time for
all-weather driving pleasure.
