Here's the face of the next-generation Buicks in China... and by default, the United States. Buick's press release for the Envision hybrid concept, which debuted today at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, makes frequent mention of various styling elements meant to appeal to Chinese customers, even descending into such minutiae as DRLs. "Porcelain-like daytime LED lamps house five 'Chinese pillar-like' LED bulbs for a reserved elegance with bright illumination." Yes, yes, we can picture that.
Otherwise, though, the regional influences are lost on us, as the Buick Envision looks like a lot of crossover concepts we've seen recently. Which is probably fine, as we expect the concept, and its dreamy carbon-fiber chassis with magnetorheological dampers, will segue into a production vehicle -- the Verano-based compact crossover SUV that we've been ancticipating for some time.
The concept has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain involving a direct-injected, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors built into the housing of an "automatic/manual eight-speed transmission." In addition to plug-in capability, the concept reportedly has solar panels capable of recharging is lithium-ion battery pack. A more likely production drivetrain could involve either GM's D.I. 2.4-liter or the 2.0-liter turbo with a six-speed automatic.
In addition to Bluetooth, the Envision is said to be able to summon The Cloud (at least in China) for internet access. Also, now that blind spots come standard on nearly every crossover SUV, the Envision has "microcameras" that show you what various pillars and mirrors are blocking. Neat.
rsholland says:
05:19 PM, 04/18/11
Pretty slick looking. A solid thumbs up. :)
mtakahashi says:
05:30 PM, 04/18/11
Is it just me, or does this look more like a Mazda design?
zoomzoom22 says:
05:53 PM, 04/18/11
^ Agreed. It looks a lot like the CX-5 (Minagi) concept.
Still, both designs are very slick.
stovt001 says:
06:22 PM, 04/18/11
No thank you.
kandeemann2001 says:
08:54 PM, 04/18/11
I sense a smidge of resemblance to the Hyundai Tucson. Great design though.
inlinesix says:
11:26 PM, 04/18/11
Kinda like they stole a few design cues from 3-4 other cars or manufacturers.
Including the back of the x6:
http://www.bmw.com/_common/highend/templates/individual/experience/x6/x6/2007/phase_1/x6_firefox_lowband.jpg
throwback says:
06:45 AM, 04/19/11
Buick's Equinox?
jfold says:
03:59 PM, 04/19/11
I do find this concept interesting although the sides especially in the first pic appear to have been T-boned. From the front and back this car appears to suffer the same affliction as that poor Renee Zellweger first diagnosed by Tracey Ullman: Chronic Narcissistic Squint.