The forthcoming
Buick Velite looks almost identical to the existing
Chevy, save for the badges and nameplate. But the accompanying details suggest
there are some mechanical or electrical changes afoot beneath the skin.
GM says the Velite will employ a 1.5-liter
internal-combustion engine paired with a permanent-magnet electric motor – just
like the Volt. The powertrain is also specified to use an “electronic
controlled intelligent variable transmission” – which is different terminology
from the Chevy's complex Voltec transaxle, and could indicate a different
transmission is in store.
Either way, the Velite is already boasting increased
range over the Volt – over 100 kilometers on electric power alone,
and 750 km with the range-extender kicking in, compared to the 53
and 420 miles respectively quoted for the Chevy. Whether that comes down to a
difference in local standards or an upgrade in equipment, we don't know. But if
there's some improvement here, we wouldn't be surprised to see it integrated
into an upgraded Volt for other markets (like North America) as well.
Buick refers to the Velite 5 as an “extended range
electric vehicle,” and says it plans to introduce “plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles” (as well as battery electric vehicles) in the coming two years in
China. That leaves us scratching our heads a bit since the extended-range and
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