2016
Buick Envision
Report
from Automotive News says that GM has given the plan the green signal. The
China-made Buick Envision has been confirmed for Summer 2016 U.S. launch.
The
Buick Envision will be launched in the U.S. market with a 252 hp 2.0-liter
turbocharged engine linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission and stop-start
system. It should be the same SIDI unit offered in China. In the Eastern
market, a 1.5-litre SIDI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 166 hp and 250 Nm is also offered. This smaller engine
won’t be available stateside.
All-wheel
drive will be standard initially, but a 2WD model with another engine could be
launched in the future. The AWD system to be offered in the
Envision will be a “twin clutch” setup from GKN Driveline that will be
available also in the 2017 Buick LaCrosse that goes on sale around the same
time. This AWD system can control the amount of torque sent to each rear wheel,
something very useful in extreme weather conditions.
The
U.S.-spec 2016 Buick Envision will come loaded with many premium features
including a 360-degree panoramic camera, automatic park assist and sliding and
reclining heated rear seats. It will be imported from Shanghai GM’s plant in
Shangdong province in China and be priced lower than the Audi Q5 which starts
at US$ 40,900, around the Acura RDX which starts at US$ 35,270.
