2004 Buick Velite Concept review

Buick Velite Concept review:

The new Buick Velite was designed at GM's Advanced Studio in Warren, Mich. and assembled at renowned coachbuilder Stile Bertone's studio in Italy. The car is a four-seat convertible with an elegant environment and big extravagance. Buick will present the Velite concept at the New York Auto Show and will be the first demonstration of GM’s all-new Zeta global vehicle architecture.

The designers of the Buick used a rich design history and modern furniture and even the atmosphere of trend-setting lounges influenced the color, mood and shape of the Velite's exterior and interior. 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.

Environment

Contemporary design also is reflected in the Velite's passenger compartment, which uses sumptuous materials and the warm glow of indirect lighting. 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.

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.

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.