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.
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.
The hood integrates portholes – three per side – in a romantic,
yet contemporary nod to Buick’s heritage. The hood tilts forward
when opened, creating a dramatic look that evokes a bygone era of touring
cars. A complementing clamshell deck lid opens in the opposite direction
to swallow the Velite’s folding soft top. When retracted, the
top is completely covered by the rear deck for an integrated, contoured
look reminiscent of Buick’s dramatic boattail designs of the 1930s.
Decidedly upscale yet subtle appointments underscore the Velite’s
aura of refined sophistication, including its Dark Tarnished Bronze
Metallic exterior color. The rich-looking hue complements the vehicle’s
relaxed, sophisticated mood, and is a reflection of the color’s
emergence in modern design around the globe.
The color contrasts with crystalline headlamp lenses, which combine
with X-Beam technology to create a distinct, superior lighting system.
Using the same halogen light source, X-Beam enables the use of a smaller
lens while creating 44 percent greater luminous intensity than traditional
reflector headlamps. Cooling vents for the lights are slotted next to
the lenses, creating a unique and purposeful styling element. X-beam
technology also is used in the taillamps, which blend into rearward
sheetmetal designed with a nod to the 1938 Y-Job – Buick’s
first concept vehicle and first convertible.
“The Velite has a presence that conveys confident power,”
said Sang Yup Lee, exterior designer. “It’s a fresh, contemporary
design that not only hints at Buick’s design direction, but speaks
the language of modern design trends around the globe – a statement
of strength through elegance, not extravagance.”
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.”
# # #
2004
Buick Velite Vehicle Specifications:
Powertrain |
Engine: |
3.6L twin-turbo 60-degree V-6 |
Turbo |
air-to-air Intercooler |
Technologies |
variable valve timing, variable intake manifold,
2-step variable valve actuation |
Engine displacement (cu. in / cc): |
219 / 3600 |
Horsepower maximum (hp / kw): |
400 / 297 @ 6200rpm |
Torque maximum (lb.-ft. / Nm): |
400 / 542 @ 3200rpm |
Transmission: |
Hydra-Matic 6L80-E 6-speed automatic |
Body/chassis structure: |
body frame integral |
Body material: |
stamped steel |
Chassis material: |
aluminum / steel |
Suspension |
|
Front: |
high arm SLA |
Rear: |
five link |
Wheels: |
20-in chrome
front
21-in chrome
rear |
Tire size |
|
Front: |
P265/40 R20 |
Rear: |
P265/40 R21 |
Tire
manufacturer: |
Pirelli |
Brakes: |
four wheel disc
w/ABS |
Dimensions |
|
Height (in / mm): |
52 / 1318 |
Length (in / mm): |
186 / 4716 |
Width (in / mm): |
75.6 / 1921.5 |
Wheelbase (in
/ mm): |
114.7 / 2915 |
Track |
|
Front (in / mm): |
65 / 1651
|
Rear (in / mm): |
66 / 1676 |
Weight (lbs /
kg): (estimated) |
3450 / 1565
|
Source: Buick Motor Division
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