Following some earlier teaser shots, Buick has officially unveiled its Envision SUV concept at the Shanghai Motor Show. The Envision previews Buick’s future SUV design direction.
General Motors describes the Envision as merging Buick’s global design language with Chinese aesthetics. Although it remains to be seen if the Envision will make production, at least of its design elements will.
“The Envision has inherited Buick design DNA and taken the Buick global design language to a new height,” said Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design. “It makes a significant statement for Buick styling and technology, and will influence upcoming models from the brand.â€
Of course Buick’s signature waterfall grille is front and center, but the Envision introduces some new styling directions for the brand, including LED headlights inspired by Chinese patterns, pronounced body lines, a coupe-like silhouette, 22-inch wheels and scissor-style doors.
The interior of the Envision was created around the concept of luxury and technology, with the show car sporting a laundry list of high-tech features. A Bluetooth DUN Intelligent Internet system keeps occupants connected to the internet via a cell phone connection and critical driving information — such as speed, fuel consumption and navigation — is displayed on the vehicle’s windshield via a 3-D projector. Blind spots are also eliminated through the use of several exterior cameras.
The Envision’s drivetrain is just as high-tech as its interior, employing General Motors’ plug-in hybrid system. The system uses a 2.0L gas engine and two electric motors, sending power through an eight-speed transmission. The Envision’s batteries can be recharged through a typical outlet or the car’s roof-mounted solar panels. No specific figures were given, but the Envision should return good numbers thanks to its lightweight chassis made of carbon fiber, magnesium and aluminum.
