Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Right here?

Nearly as quickly as Buick revealed the all-new Envision mid-size luxury crossover for the Chinese market, we had been of the thoughts that it would make an outstanding addition to the brand’s U.S. portfolio. Rumor has it that Buick is thinking the exact same point, and we now have further evidence that strategy is at least below consideration: this camouflaged Envision roaming our Ann Arbor, Michigan, environs.

For reference, the Envision is a 2-row mid-size crossover along the exact same lines as the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Nissan Murano, and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The vehicle has been on sale in China given that final year, and it rides on Basic Motors’ next-generation transverse-engine, front-drive-based Delta platform. (The identical architecture sits beneath the 2016 Chevy Volt, as nicely as the subsequent-generation Cruze.) It is a handsome-hunting thing, with a sturdy familial resemblance to other Buick items like the Regal and Verano.

Thanks to its larger footprint, the Envision’s overall aesthetic is more reminiscent of the 3-row Enclave than the stubby and cartoonish—but nice to drive—Encore. The prototype pictured right here appears identical to the Chinese-market place Envision, save for its stand-in lighting units, deleted Buick badges, and hodgepodge camouflage job. Amusingly, for all the disguise perform, Buick’s trademark VentiPorts weren’t removed from the hood.

In China, the Envision is powered by GM’s corporate turbocharged 2.-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive we wouldn’t be shocked if the exact same powertrain produced it stateside, although it’s highly likely that Buick would offer you a base front-drive version, possibly even with GM’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. A hybrid model is also a robust possibility.

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Because we haven’t heard much about the Envision since last year, we contacted Buick for an update but have been told only that there are no current plans to bring the SUV right here. It is also worth noting that significantly of the Envision’s engineering took spot on American soil, so seeing 1 parked in Ann Arbor doesn’t specifically indicate intent on Buick’s portion. But the brand could certainly use another crossover to fill the gaping hole between the Encore and the Enclave, and we wouldn’t be at all shocked to see it confirmed for the U.S. later this year as a 2016 model with a beginning price just above $ 30,000.

Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Right here?

Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Here?

Nearly as soon as Buick revealed the all-new Envision mid-size luxury crossover for the Chinese market place, we were of the thoughts that it would make an exceptional addition to the brand’s U.S. portfolio. Rumor has it that Buick is pondering the very same thing, and we now have further evidence that program is at least below consideration: this camouflaged Envision roaming our Ann Arbor, Michigan, environs.

For reference, the Envision is a 2-row mid-size crossover along the same lines as the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Nissan Murano, and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The car has been on sale in China since final year, and it rides on Common Motors’ next-generation transverse-engine, front-drive-based Delta platform. (The identical architecture sits beneath the 2016 Chevy Volt, as properly as the subsequent-generation Cruze.) It is a handsome-seeking issue, with a sturdy familial resemblance to other Buick products like the Regal and Verano.

Thanks to its larger footprint, the Envision’s general aesthetic is far more reminiscent of the 3-row Enclave than the stubby and cartoonish—but good to drive—Encore. The prototype pictured here appears identical to the Chinese-marketplace Envision, save for its stand-in lighting units, deleted Buick badges, and hodgepodge camouflage job. Amusingly, for all the disguise function, Buick’s trademark VentiPorts weren’t removed from the hood.

In China, the Envision is powered by GM’s corporate turbocharged 2.-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive we wouldn’t be shocked if the very same powertrain made it stateside, despite the fact that it’s extremely most likely that Buick would offer you a base front-drive version, possibly even with GM’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. A hybrid model is also a robust possibility.

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Because we haven’t heard significantly about the Envision considering that final year, we contacted Buick for an update but have been told only that there are no existing plans to bring the SUV right here. It is also worth noting that significantly of the Envision’s engineering took place on American soil, so seeing a single parked in Ann Arbor doesn’t specifically indicate intent on Buick’s component. But the brand could undoubtedly use one more crossover to fill the gaping hole between the Encore and the Enclave, and we wouldn’t be at all shocked to see it confirmed for the U.S. later this year as a 2016 model with a beginning value just above $ 30,000.

Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Here?

Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Right here?

Nearly as soon as Buick revealed the all-new Envision mid-size luxury crossover for the Chinese market, we were of the mind that it would make an excellent addition to the brand’s U.S. portfolio. Rumor has it that Buick is thinking the same thing, and we now have further evidence that plan is at least under consideration: this camouflaged Envision roaming our Ann Arbor, Michigan, environs.

For reference, the Envision is a 2-row mid-size crossover along the same lines as the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Nissan Murano, and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The vehicle has been on sale in China since last year, and it rides on General Motors’ next-generation transverse-engine, front-drive-based Delta platform. (The same architecture sits beneath the 2016 Chevy Volt, as well as the next-generation Cruze.) It is a handsome-looking thing, with a strong familial resemblance to other Buick products like the Regal and Verano.

Thanks to its larger footprint, the Envision’s overall aesthetic is more reminiscent of the 3-row Enclave than the stubby and cartoonish—but nice to drive—Encore. The prototype pictured here looks identical to the Chinese-market Envision, save for its stand-in lighting units, deleted Buick badges, and hodgepodge camouflage job. Amusingly, for all the disguise work, Buick’s trademark VentiPorts weren’t removed from the hood.

In China, the Envision is powered by GM’s corporate turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive; we wouldn’t be surprised if the same powertrain made it stateside, although it’s highly likely that Buick would offer a base front-drive version, possibly even with GM’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. A hybrid model is also a strong possibility.

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Since we haven’t heard much about the Envision since last year, we contacted Buick for an update but were told only that there are no current plans to bring the SUV here. It’s also worth noting that much of the Envision’s engineering took place on American soil, so seeing one parked in Ann Arbor doesn’t specifically indicate intent on Buick’s part. But the brand could certainly use another crossover to fill the gaping hole between the Encore and the Enclave, and we wouldn’t be at all shocked to see it confirmed for the U.S. later this year as a 2016 model with a starting price just above $ 30,000.

Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Right here?

Q&A: Buick Avenir Designer Gives Us Hope for a Rear-Drive Flagship

The Buick Avenir idea arrived at the 2015 Detroit auto show as a comprehensive surprise in a lot more than one way. First, its debut was so far off the radar that it surprised even the assembled media, who often know what’s behind the curtain prior to it lifts. Far more important, the Avenir suggests a future for the Buick brand that is a lot more—more thrilling, more luxurious, a lot more fitting of the brand’s history—than rebadged Opels. Curious about the Avenir’s origins and its possible as a future production vehicle, we sat down with lead exterior designer Warrack Leach, who oversaw the creation of the concept auto in Basic Motors’ Australian design studio.

Car and Driver: It’s fascinating to see a Buick idea coming out of the Australian design studio, contemplating the brand is only sold in America and China. Is that a challenge?

Warrack Leach: We do study up, but Buick is a international brand. It has a huge presence in China, and you have style studios in the U.S., Europe, China, and Australia operating on Buick. We’re a global design and style organization. Truly, the core values of Buick are universal. They’re pretty automobiles. As a designer, I really like functioning on Buick because there’s an expressive line and kind, really emotive design.

Obtaining stated that, we move around as designers. I’ve worked here [in the U.S.] and I’ve worked in China. Australia actually straddles these 2 cultures nicely. We have a automobile industry with 62 or 65 brands fighting over a million units, so it is the most dense and diverse vehicle industry anyplace and you’re exposed to all of these influences as well. That is beneficial when you’re functioning in international advanced studio when you’ve got that sort of factor going on around you.

C/D: The rear of the automobile virtually looks like a hatchback regardless of the robust preference for sedans in the American and Chinese markets. Why is that?

WL: It is a sedan and it opens as a conventional sedan would. What we’ve got here is a sedan format, with a coupe upper integrated into a boattail decklid. That’s a nod to the third-generation Riviera. It is a extremely striking style, a quite memorable design and style.

When you get handed a short for a Buick flagship, you do want to pay tribute to those standout, landmark Buicks that have been in the previous. At the identical time it’s about progressing the brand and forecasting the design remedy that we’ll be taking in our goods going forward.

C/D: Why not call it Riviera?

WL: We have constantly used a distinct name for a concept than what we might use for production. Avenir in French indicates “portending the future.” That’s what notion vehicles are about. It is forecasting what’s coming forward. I believe it is the excellent name for the auto.

C/D: Is it challenging to style a concept with rear-wheel-drive proportions when Buick production autos are based exclusively on front-wheel-drive architectures?

WL: On the contrary. When you’re performing a flagship vehicle for a brand, a rear-wheel-drive architecture is the ideal spot to start off. You have got that confident, dynamic stance, wheels out in the corners, a long dash-to-axle ratio. What it does it harks back to Buicks when Buick was performing actually impressive rolling style designs. It is about positioning the brand with one particular of these cars.

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C/D: Could this vehicle be constructed on the Omega platform, alongside the Cadillac CT6?

WL: It’s not primarily based on any particular platform. It is roughly the dimensions of a large rear-wheel-drive architecture. This one in particular has genuine packaging it is got true headroom in the rear seat. What you see right here is a fairly sincere proportion ought to we do it.

C/D: And will you create it?

WL: Honestly, I’d like to see it, but I have no concept at all. That’s the truthful truth.

Q&A: Buick Avenir Designer Gives Us Hope for a Rear-Drive Flagship

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible Revealed, Is Entirely Way Cooler than the Reatta

Official Pictures and Info

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GM’;s German arm gives Buick its initial droptop given that the Reatta.

Buick is letting its prime down for the 1st time considering that the 1st Bush administration. The 2016 Cascada convertible, which is currently sold in Europe as an Opel of the very same name, will reach Buick showrooms early next year. As opposed to the now largely forgotten Buick Reatta convertible, the Cascada is a 4-seater and is primarily based on the compact Opel Astra platform.

Though the package is lifted virtually totally intact from the German entry, the Cascada’s engine output has been elevated slightly for U.S. duty. In the Buick, the 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is rated at 200 horsepower (up from 197) with 206 lb-ft of torque, or 221 lb-ft on overboost. For now, the 1.6-liter engine is exclusive to the Cascada in the Buick lineup. The Cascada’s platform-mate, the Verano sedan, utilizes a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter (180 hp) and a 2.-liter 250-hp unit in the Verano Turbo. Whereas the Verano Turbo gives a stick, the front-wheel-drive Cascada comes only with a 6-speed automatic. GM’s HiPer Strut front suspension aids combat torque steer, however, and the Cascada rolls on 20-inch wheels.

Although the Cascada and the Verano are siblings beneath the skin, the 2 don’t share any body panels. The convertible rides on a fractionally longer wheelbase (106.1 inches) and is 1 inch longer and an inch wider overall. The Cascada’s length puts it midway amongst the (now-defunct) Chrysler 200 convertible and the (all-but-defunct) Volkswagen Eos. Its wheelbase, nevertheless, is closer to the Chrysler’s, which signifies the rear seats should be adequate for adults. They’re produced accessible by front seats that automatically scoot forward. Alternately, the rear seatbacks can be folded down to expand trunk space, which otherwise stands at 13.4 cubic feet with the best up and 9.8 cubes with the prime lowered.

That leading is a standard fabric roof—our preference more than a retractable hardtop, which nearly often outcomes in awkward proportions and hogs trunk space. Plus, fabric tops appear nicer. And as opposed to most retractable hardtops, the Cascada’s energy best can be lowered (in 17 seconds) whilst the automobile is on the move, at speeds up to 31 mph. Heated seats—and a heated steering wheel—allow the hardy to stretch the best-down motoring season.

We drove an Opel Cascada in late 2013, with a lesser (168-hp) version of the 1.6-liter turbo, and while it was pleasant, its performance was languid. With 200 horses beneath the hood, the Buick should enhance on that experience. We’ll see whether or not that’s enough to earn the Cascada a longer remain than the final Buick convertible, which stuck about for only 4 years.

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2016 Buick Cascada Convertible Revealed, Is Entirely Way Cooler than the Reatta

Signs Point to Yes: Return of Buick Grand National and GNX Imminent?

December 2, 2014 at 6:05 pm by Andrew Wendler | Photography by Manufacturer

Rumors that the Buick Grand National and its higher-overall performance GNX derivative are generating a modern-day comeback have been swirling for years, and now we have a tiny far more grist for the mill. According to GM Authority, Liberty Buick GMC in North Carolina has created a waiting list for each models in response to the high quantity of customer interest the dealership has received in the however-unconfirmed high-functionality Buicks.

So does this mean the cars are, effectively, confirmed? According to the exact same report, Liberty Buick GMC owner Scott McCorkle indicates that the first cars could hit his lot late subsequent year. Buick, of course, has no official comment.

We named out the return of both the Grand National and GNX models over a year ago, noting that they will be constructed on GM’s rear-drive Alpha platform that was introduced with the Cadillac ATS and serves as the backbone for the current Cadillac CTS as properly as the subsequent-generation Chevrolet Camaro. We’re expecting the Grand National to supply the decision of either a turbocharged 2.-liter 4-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V-6, while the GNX would come with a roughly 400-hp 3.6-liter V-6 huffing through twin-turbochargers. Automatic transmissions will be available leading to bottom, and the turbo models will most likely supply a manual as an alternative.

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When the original Grand National and GNX hit the scene in the 1980s, they stood out as anomalies in an otherwise bleak period for General Motors. In C/D testing, a 1987 GNX posted a 4.7-second -to-60-mph time on its way to demolishing the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds at 102 mph. (In each measures, the Buick smoked the 1988 Corvette.) Quick-forward to nowadays, and GM is flush with functionality across its portfolio, setting the perfect stage for a remastered Grand National/GNX duo. Will the new-age Buick muscle reside up to the hype? We’ll have to wait and see, but clearly a couple of Buick fanboys have enough self-assurance to place themselves on a waiting list.

UPDATE 12/2, 6:05 p.m.: The Buick dealer has issued a retraction. Owner Scott McCorkle stated, “We really like the idea of the Buick Regal GNX coming back to our showroom, but for now, it is only a notion. Bottom-line, the report was incorrect. Details were not checked and we sincerely regret releasing the data.” So, there’s that. Nonetheless, we’ve got our fingers crossed that it is all primarily based on truth.

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Signs Point to Yes: Return of Buick Grand National and GNX Imminent?