The Chevrolet Bolt hasn't exactly set the sales
chart on fire but General Motor's next electric vehicle could be a different
story. According to Inside EVs, the company could be developing a Buick
crossover that is based on the Bolt.
Citing a "very trusted/known source" who
reportedly attended a focus group in California, the publication says the model
will largely be a badge-engineered crossover with unique exterior styling. That
doesn't sound too promising but the source noted the model resembled something
like a next-generation Buick Encore.
The styling differences appeared to be enough that
some people in the focus group couldn't tell the two models were related. As
the sourced noted, "Some completely trashed [the] Bolt EV and loved the Buick,
so I guess the designers did a good job."
Speaking of the design, the model reportedly has
aggressive LED headlights and a floating roof. The overall dimensions largely
carryover but the crossover is rumored to have additional rear seat legroom.
The interior is similarly mysterious as insider said
the model had a flowing dashboard and a large touchscreen infotainment system.
Other highlights are said to include dashboard stitching and a push-button
transmission.
The crossover will
reportedly use the same front-wheel drive powertrain as the Bolt. However, it
will reportedly take 0.4 seconds longer than the Bolt to accelerate from 0-60
mph. If everything pans out, the Buick EV will cost US$ 3,000 more than the Bolt. This means pricing would start around US$ 40,495 before
incentives.
