BUICK
VELITE: A NEW EXPRESSION OF PREMIUM AMERICAN STYLE
Restrained extravagance. Two seemingly incompatible words that
nonetheless convey the spirit of the Buick Velite – a four-seat
convertible that envelops its passengers in a rich, elegant
environment while forging new ground in the exclusive territory of
expressive, upscale rear-drive mid-size automobiles.
The Velite is the first American demonstration of GM’s all-new
Zeta global vehicle architecture, featuring a premium
rear-wheel-drive chassis. Buick will unveil the Velite concept at
the New York Auto Show.
|
Specifications |
|
Engine |
|
V6,
Twin-turbo |
|
HP |
400 HP@
6200 rpm |
|
Displacement |
3600cc (219 cu. in.) |
|
Torque |
400 lb-ft @
3200 rpm |
|
Weight lb (kg) |
3450 (1565) |
|
Acceleration 0-62 mph |
-- |
|
Top speed |
-- |
|
Driveline |
-- |
|
Price (approx) |
-- |
Named
for an elite class of quick-moving soldiers in Napoleon’s army,
the Velite was designed at GM’s Advanced Studio in Warren, Mich.
and assembled at renowned coachbuilder Stile Bertone’s studio in
Italy. Its sister car, the Opel Insignia, debuted the Zeta
architecture at the Frankfurt International Auto Show last year.
“Velite is a new expression of Buick’s longstanding heritage in
understated yet sophisticated design,” said Anne Asensio,
executive director – GM Advanced Design. “While certainly an
expression of premium American style, the Velite’s impressive
stance and overall presence emphasize a sumptuous driving experience
that further pushes Buick on to the center of the world stage of
luxurious touring cars.”
Indeed, Buick’s global presence is widening, particularly in Asia.
Recently introduced products in China, for example, have been warmly
received with demand exceeding supply. The upscale aura of these
vehicles is enhanced with the rear-drive Velite – its athletic
proportions and aggressive stance emphasizing a bold, contemporary
design, while readily identifiable heritage cues are worn with an
international flair and understated elegance.
Designers pored over Buick’s extremely rich design history while
also studying trends in global cultures and contemporary design.
Modern furniture and even the atmosphere of trend-setting lounges
influenced the color, mood and shape of the Velite’s exterior and
interior. Heritage cues can be found in the Velite’s long
dash-to-axle proportions, which convey power and a sporting elegance
– a theme reinforced by 20-inch front wheels, 21-inch rear wheels
and short overhangs. Its long, sculpted clamshell hood introduces a
bold new look for Buick’s signature waterfall grille design. It is
finished in a jewel-like luster and creates a three-dimension visual
effect that blends seamlessly with the body when viewed from
different angles.
Other secfications:
| Configuration: |
Twin-turbo
60-degree V-6 |
| Vehicle
Type: |
2-door
convertible, concept car |
| Valvetrain: |
VVT,
Variable intake manifold, 2-step variable valve actuation |
| Displacement: |
219.6 CI /
3599 CC |
| HP/L: |
111.1 BHP
per Liter |
| HP/LB: |
8.6 LBS
per BHP |
| Induction: |
Twin-Turbo,
air-to-air Intercooler |
| Drive
Wheels: |
RWD |
| Curb
Weight: |
3450 LBS
1564.6 KG |
| Length: |
186.0 IN /
4724 MM |
| Width: |
75.6 IN /
1920 MM |
| Height: |
52.0 IN /
1321 MM |
| Wheelbase: |
114.7 IN /
2913 MM |
| Front
Track: |
65.0 IN /
1651 MM |
| Rear
Track: |
66.0 IN /
1676 MM |
| Materials: |
Body frame
integral, stamped steel, aluminum |
| Front
Brakes: |
Disc, ABS |
| Rear
Brakes: |
Disc, ABS |
| Front
Tires: |
Pirelli
P265/40 R20 |
| Rear
Tires: |
Pirelli
P265/40 R21 |
| Front
Suspension: |
High arm
SLA |
| Rear
Suspension: |
Five link |
| Transmission: |
Hydra-Matic
6L80-E 6-speed automatic |
Velite Romantic
environment:
Contemporary design also is reflected in the Velite’s passenger
compartment, which uses sumptuous materials and the warm glow of
indirect lighting to harmonize with the vehicle’s exterior design
voice. It’s a tangible expression of a jazz lounge atmosphere,
including an inviting rear seat that wraps around the interior like
a comfortable lounge loveseat. Rear HVAC controls allow rear-seat
passengers to adjust the climate to suit their moods.
Subdued lighting radiates a warm glow throughout the cabin, and is
complemented by leather of three shades: Bronze Pearl, Iceberg Blue,
and Woven Tan. The look of Gold Leaf Lacquer, in place of wood, is a
statement of richness in many Asian cultures; it accents the
interior, including the door handles and shift knob. All seating is
leather-covered and the materials used throughout the interior were
selected for their reassuring tactile feel.
“Everything from the colors to the shape and feel of the
upholstery was designed to provide a rich, relaxing and romantic
environment,” said Bryan Priebe, interior designer. “The Velite
is a respite from the outside world and invites human
interaction.”
The Velite’s warm interior lighting glows from the backs of
instrument panel controls and gauges. The subdued look includes a
panel over the XM Satellite Radio and OnStar controls, allowing a
smooth, uninterrupted appearance of the dashboard and center
console.
An “E-lock” security system allows the Velite’s driver to
unlock or lock the vehicle without fumbling for a key fob. The
system, which uses a proximity signal for vehicle function commands,
allows starting and driving without the need for a traditional
ignition key.
Power to move the Velite comes from Buick’s experimental
twin-turbocharged, intercooled global V-6 engine. Four hundred
horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque are derived from its DOHC
design and 3.6-liter displacement. The engine features fuel-saving
variable valve timing technology, which is available on some of
GM’s four-, five-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. Through the
use of variable engine valve timing, valve lift and duration is
continuously varied to improve fuel economy, horsepower and torque,
while reducing emissions.
The V-6 is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L80-E six-speed,
rear-wheel-drive automatic transmission equipped with manual
tap-shift gear selection. A pair of large, oval exhaust outlets
provides an aural reminder that performance is very much a part of
the vehicle’s character.
“The strength of the powertrain is the necessary complement to the
Velite’s powerful design statement,” said Tom Peters, Buick
Velite’s chief designer. “It’s premium performance to go with
a contemporary, muscular presence.”
Although a concept, the Velite affirms GM’s vision for Buick as a
global manufacturer of premium, elegant vehicles. It shows the
exciting possibilities of the all-new Zeta vehicle architecture and
an expressive new direction for Buick.
“There’s an edge to the vehicle, more than is reflected in its
sculpted bodywork,” said Peters. “It’s a forward-looking
vehicle that not only stands for Buick in America, but how American
style, performance and prestige resonates in a contemporary, global
form.”
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