This hybrid car design is entitled as The Buick Envision. It was designed by Shanghai GM together with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC). The exterior of this Buick Envision is characterized by global language with aesthetical touch of Chinese identity. This futuristic hybrid SUV variant was showcased at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. The design reminds us about the Buick’s tradition by combining sharp angel, dynamic line and curved shape on its exterior.
Official Press Release:
The Buick Envision was developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC).
According to Shi Hong, Director of Buick Marketing at Shanghai GM, “it introduces the development direction for Buick’s future SUV products for the market.”
According to Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design, “The Envision has inherited Buick design DNA and taken the Buick global design language to a new height. It makes a significant statement for Buick styling and technology, and will influence upcoming models from the brand.”
Exterior Design
The design carries forward Buick’s tradition blending it with dynamic lines, sharp angles and curved shapes.
Its dynamic coupe-like body and multifunctional space offer a hint of Buick SUVs to come for the Chinese market.
The Envision features a two-layer traditional Buick waterfall grille, which regulates air intake to meet the demand of the power system and achieve optimized aerodynamic performance.
The front-end design also incorporates Buick’s tri-colored shield insignia, reinforcing the Envision’s refined and forceful sense of styling.
Headlamps and fog lights are inspired by traditional Chinese patterns. Daytime LED lamps house five “Chinese pillar-like” LED bulbs.
Sharp lines start from above the headlamps, spreading out and submerging into the body of the vehicle.
They reappear at the rear, running powerfully through the taillamps and showcasing the traditional Buick double sweep spear. Wheel arches above powerful-looking 22-inch tires offer a strong contrast.
The one-piece roof is shaped like an arching bridge. It allows the continuous flowing side lines to form a graceful curve above the windows before being integrated in the back end. The Buick’s rearview mirror and side window trims are lined up across from the A-pillar and C-pillar.
The large, single scissor-style doors are equipped with sensors and allow for an easy access to the front and rear seats.
At the rear, multiple ridge lines form layers like a modern sculpture. Slim, sharp porcelain-like taillamps are integrated with gleaming LED lights. The design is applied to the rear fog lights and exhaust as well. The ice-peak silver body color reflects the athletic pose of the car.
The 22-inch doubled-layered aluminum alloy wheels and are combined with silicon sports tires with an asymmetrical unidirectional tread that reduces resistance, noise and energy consumption.
Interior Design
The people-oriented interior features Buick’s signature 360-degree all-around integrated design and asymmetric central console.
The front cabin has the appearance of a floating sculpture while the spiral gauges offer a futuristic feeling.
The color of the car door is inspired by the “yin and yang” concept.
Together with the two-toned galaxy-blue and sand-beach white Italian leather and maple and metallic materials with a velvety texture, it offers a visual effect of peace and elegance.
The shared armrest runs from the front to the back, with a storage function and crafted hidden air-conditioning vents. The flat floor feels like the deck of a yacht and contributes to the spaciousness and comfort of the interior.
In addition to Buick’s classic ice-blue lighting, the interior also features optional orange “casual” lighting and red “sportive” lighting, giving off a soft radiance that matches the mood of the surroundings.
Technology
The Bluetooth DUN Intelligent Internet system allows users to connect to the Web with their cell phones. Using cloud servers, the system enables virtual community interaction and the sharing of information with other vehicles. Information can be displayed on the OLED touch-screen interface on the Flex-touch central console or on the windshield.
Traditional rearview mirrors have been replaced by three micro-cameras to catch and relay images of the road to the dashboard.
When the car is moving, speed, fuel consumption and navigation details are projected onto the windshield in 3-D so that the driver does not have to take his or her eyes off the road. The OLED touch screen is aided by an auxiliary speech function. Users can easily toggle between real-time information, the in-car navigation system and the entertainment system. The system can be adjusted to the height of the driver.
With micro-cameras and transmitting sensors, the Envision addresses blind spots. The area blocked by the A-pillar can be projected above the A-pillar, enhancing safety while lowering drag coefficient.
Technical Features
The Envision is equipped with GM’s PHEV plug-in hybrid system, that combines a 2.0-liter SIDI direct injection turbocharged engine with a pair of electric motor generators and a dual automatic/manual eight-speed transmission.
A high-performance lithium battery and a solar energy roof with optical equipment serve as an alternative energy source independent from the engine.
The Envision’s compact, lightweight chassis is composed of carbon fiber, magnesium and aluminum. Mounted on an MRC electromagnetic suspension with the energy-recycle function, it offers a fast magnetic ride control system.
Damping can be actively regulated according to road conditions to optimize handling. With the Envision’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the torque output of each wheel can be adjusted at any time depending on the road conditions.
