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.

---

---

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.

---

---

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.

---

---

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?

2016 Kia Rio Sedan and Hatchback: They’re Nevertheless Here – Official Pictures and Information

2016 Kia Rio Sedan and Hatchback: They’re Nevertheless Here – Official Pictures and Information

S-Max Headroom: Ford Launches All-New S-Max MPV, We Want It Was Coming Here

October 2, 2014 at 10:02 pm by Jens Meiners | Photography by Marc Urbano

America’s affection for minivans might be on the wane, but in Europe the tall-roof household mover (or MPV) segment is as powerful as ever. At the Paris auto show, Ford launched the second generation of its S-Max MPV, which is provided in 2 distinct body types with space for 5 or 6 passengers. Visually, the new S-Max is an evolution of the outgoing model, but this vehicle is totally new: It stands on a different platform and does not share a single body panel with the first S-Max.

What’s more, it now sports the grille that reminds us of a specific British sports-vehicle maker that when belonged to Ford’s “Premier Automotive Group.” The lighting design and style is particularly impressive, with dynamic LED headlights and beautifully executed taillights.

The preceding S-Max ranked amongst the more refined men and women movers, and the second generation raises the bar from there. Ford says handling and comfort both have improved, a claim we’ll verify from behind the wheel subsequent year. The S-Max will use electric power steering whose ratio varies according to road speed at times that technology makes for greater steering, despite the fact that it often only improves fuel efficiency.

Ford says the new variety will include many effective gasoline and diesel engines. Diesels contain a 1.5-liter generating 104 horsepower and a 2.-liter with 118, 148, or 177. Gasoline-burning 1.5- and 2.-liter engines will create 158 and 237 horsepower. For the first time, the S-Max will provide all-wheel drive.

---

---

Accessible bells and whistles consist of a heated steering wheel and heated and cooled front seats with a massage function. And the assistance systems contain speed-limit recognition. The new S-Max will hit European markets subsequent year. As to a U.S.-market launch—don’t hold your breath. But perhaps the “One Ford” technique will at some point sweep this car onto our shores.

Other Stories You May well Like

---

S-Max Headroom: Ford Launches All-New S-Max MPV, We Want It Was Coming Here

If 3D-Printed Carbon Fiber is the Future, It’s Already Here

At the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan suggested an idea at once futuristic and intuitive: Automotive components should be quickly and easily replaceable with the help of a 3D printer. The IDx NISMO concept featured removable fenders that could be hypothetically upgraded with the proper conceptual hardware. One obvious implication was that a tech-savvy track rat could print fattened fenders to fit thicker aftermarket rubber; long-term, it promised a world with everything from suspension components to wheels printed on demand. It sounded great. It also sounded like vaporware. Just how realistic is it?

From a production standpoint, 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping, has myriad advantages over pieces created by computer-numerical-control (CNC) machine work. The latter requires tremendous time and brain power to design the milling process. Most notably, material cost plummets when you’re not cutting shapes from excess material, as you do with any CNC setup. But plastic, the customary media for modern rapid prototyping, lacks the necessary strength-to-weight ratio for most automotive components. So the fiction-to-fact turning point for car parts is the advent of 3D-printable carbon fiber.

READ THIS: Get a crash course in 3D printing from Christian von Koenigsegg

Right now, that’s actually possible with the brand-new MarkForged Mark One printer, which can print parts from continuous carbon fibers. Previously, only short fibers could be used in 3D printing, which limits strength and stiffness. The Mark One means the 3D-printing process can now create finished parts, not just prototypes, that match the strength and durability of those molded or machined from high-performance composites.

The man behind MarkForged, MIT-educated aerospace engineer Greg Mark, comes from the racing world. His first company, Aeromotions, built carbon-fiber wings for motorsport the old way: laying up material by hand, with huge delays between engineering and manufacturing. And given that every wing was built specifically for each model, the material waste and long delivery time line ensured that even expensive wings barely turned a profit.

But once you can print carbon fiber, the cost model shifts. Manufacturing time evaporates, and iterating and troubleshooting become almost immediate. Schedule a track test, capture data, then build new ground-effects components or bodywork right at the track—just hit “print” and come back 4 hours later.

READ THIS: You can 3D print these free Honda concept car models at home

That potential has drawn the interest of several Formula 1 teams. “Imagine how quickly they could experiment with different downforce models between races,” Mark notes, without naming the interested parties. That nimbleness could also benefit automakers. “You could build an entire car frame in just a week or print suspension components to update a vehicle during its life cycle,” Mark says.

---

---

Working parts are trickier, but the potential is huge because printed carbon allows for precise construction with a far higher carbon-to-resin ratio. And mass-production applications won’t have to make identical parts: With a set of fixed body dimensions and mounting points, manufacturers could build custom interiors while still using factory assembly, by printing bespoke parts right at the line.

For now, buying a replacement fender is still cheaper than printing your own. But 3 years ago, Mark didn’t know he could 3D-print carbon fiber. Who knows what will be possible in 2017.

READ THIS: Print yourself a 3D Porsche Cayman

This story originally appeared on roadandtrack.com

If 3D-Printed Carbon Fiber is the Future, It’s Already Here

If 3D-Printed Carbon Fiber is the Future, It is Already Here

At the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan recommended an thought at after futuristic and intuitive: Automotive elements must be quickly and easily replaceable with the support of a 3D printer. The IDx NISMO idea featured removable fenders that could be hypothetically upgraded with the suitable conceptual hardware. One apparent implication was that a tech-savvy track rat could print fattened fenders to match thicker aftermarket rubber lengthy-term, it promised a planet with every little thing from suspension components to wheels printed on demand. It sounded great. It also sounded like vaporware. Just how realistic is it?

From a production standpoint, 3D printing, also identified as additive manufacturing and fast prototyping, has myriad positive aspects over pieces designed by personal computer-numerical-handle (CNC) machine perform. The latter requires tremendous time and brain power to design the milling method. Most notably, material price plummets when you are not cutting shapes from excess material, as you do with any CNC setup. But plastic, the customary media for modern rapid prototyping, lacks the required strength-to-weight ratio for most automotive elements. So the fiction-to-fact turning point for automobile components is the advent of 3D-printable carbon fiber.

Read THIS: Get a crash course in 3D printing from Christian von Koenigsegg

Correct now, that’s actually attainable with the brand-new MarkForged Mark One particular printer, which can print components from continuous carbon fibers. Previously, only short fibers could be utilised in 3D printing, which limits strength and stiffness. The Mark 1 signifies the 3D-printing approach can now develop completed parts, not just prototypes, that match the strength and durability of those molded or machined from higher-efficiency composites.

The man behind MarkForged, MIT-educated aerospace engineer Greg Mark, comes from the racing planet. His 1st business, Aeromotions, constructed carbon-fiber wings for motorsport the old way: laying up material by hand, with large delays amongst engineering and manufacturing. And provided that each and every wing was built specifically for every single model, the material waste and long delivery time line ensured that even pricey wings barely turned a profit.

But when you can print carbon fiber, the price model shifts. Manufacturing time evaporates, and iterating and troubleshooting become nearly immediate. Schedule a track test, capture information, then construct new ground-effects elements or bodywork right at the track—just hit “print” and come back 4 hours later.

Read THIS: You can 3D print these free of charge Honda concept automobile models at home

That possible has drawn the interest of numerous Formula 1 teams. “Imagine how rapidly they could experiment with different downforce models in between races,” Mark notes, with no naming the interested parties. That nimbleness could also advantage automakers. “You could build an entire vehicle frame in just a week or print suspension elements to update a automobile throughout its life cycle,” Mark says.

---

---

Operating components are trickier, but the potential is enormous due to the fact printed carbon allows for precise construction with a far higher carbon-to-resin ratio. And mass-production applications will not have to make identical parts: With a set of fixed body dimensions and mounting points, producers could construct custom interiors whilst nevertheless employing factory assembly, by printing bespoke components appropriate at the line.

For now, getting a replacement fender is nevertheless cheaper than printing your personal. But 3 years ago, Mark didn’t know he could 3D-print carbon fiber. Who knows what will be achievable in 2017.

Study THIS: Print your self a 3D Porsche Cayman

This story initially appeared on roadandtrack.com

If 3D-Printed Carbon Fiber is the Future, It is Already Here