Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, 2008

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, 2008

Having earned critical acclaim, industry awards and brisk sales, Cadillac CTS has moved into the vanguard of contemporary design. In doing so, Cadillac designers faced the question of what to do next. Their answer celebrates that design legacy with the exhilarating Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, which premiered at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe takes Cadillac's acclaimed Art and Science design language and adds more of both. More expressive, more technical and very personal, the Cadillac CTS Coupe extends the dramatic design of its sedan predecessor with all-new sculpted bodywork aft of the front fenders.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept has a classic 2+2 interior layout, highlighted by black leather and Alcantara microfiber trim that is complemented by yellow ochre-colored seat inserts and leather stitching. It is designed to accommodate a range of engines for the global luxury market, including Cadillac's popular 3.6L Direct Injection V-6, as well as a new 2.9L turbo-diesel currently in development.

Generated from the spark of the CTS design team's imagination, the Cadillac CTS Coupe casts a profile unlike anything else on the road. Its fast-rake styling - it has the same wheelbase as the CTS, but an overall height that is approximately four inches (101 mm) shorter - blends with hand-sculpted bodywork that bulges around the wheels, giving the vehicle a ready-to-pounce stance that is dramatic, powerful and sleek.

A design gem
Among the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept's signature design cues are a number of elements that suggest the look of a carefully cut diamond - particularly at the rear. These elements are seen in everything from the chrome header above the rear license plate holder to the indents that comprise the basic form of the rear fascia.
Although based on the sedan, the Cadillac CTS Coupe shares only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille with the production model. Unique elements include:

    * Classic hardtop styling, with no B-pillar
    * CTS production windshield laid at a faster angle to create a sleeker profile
    * Chrome, split seven-spoke wheel design; 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels
    * Sculpted lower front fascia with unique brake-cooling vents
    * Slim-profile outside mirrors
    * XLR-type hidden door handles with proximity remote opening
    * Unique front fender vents
    * Diamond-cut rear fascia with mesh lower grilles and center-outlet exhaust
    * Taillamps with a subtle fin profile and are highlighted with LED lighting technology with light pipes
    * Rear spoiler integrated into the center high-mounted stop lamp
    * Sculpted roof-mounted antenna for OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, etc.

The surfaces of Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept are complex, inviting careful inspection. The rear fenders, for example, were sculpted by hand in the design studio until they provided a perfect, muscular form that wrapped tightly over the wheels. At the top, the rear fenders are beveled - owing to the diamond-cut theme - and become part of a horizontal plane that runs from the leading edge of the taillamps and merges into the roof.

Personal passenger environment
A classic 2+2 interior environment enhances the Cadillac CTS Coupe's personal feel. It shares the hand cut-and-sewn instrument panel and center console with the CTS, but features unique front and rear seats, a continuous console running between the front and rear seats, and custom door panels.
Custom-trimmed sport seats from Recaro are located in all four positions. They support the grand-touring nature of the car and are covered in rich, black and suede-like microfiber material, with yellow ochre-colored inserts. The yellow ochre color provides dramatic contrast with the black surrounding trim, but is a subdued hue consistent with the interior's overall feeling of refinement. Yellow ochre stitching also is used throughout, including the seats, instrument panel, shifter knob and more.

Black microfiber fabric covers the front armrest, as well as an armrest located between the rear seats. The armrests are part of a continuous console that stretches from the instrument panel to rear seats. Carbon-fiber trim accents the console. The interior also features ambient lighting throughout, creating a distinctive environment at night.

Like the sedan, the CTS Coupe Concept's interior is home to a host of technologies, including a premium Bose audio system, 40-gigabyte hard drive and XM Satellite Radio. OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation enhances the vehicle's onboard navigation system, which - like the CTS - features a screen that rises out of the center of the instrument panel.

Performance-bred powertrain and suspension systems

As is the case with its design, the Cadillac CTS Coupe extends the acclaimed capabilities of the sedan in terms of performance technology. This includes the capability to support a broad engine range of gasoline and diesel engines.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe, of course, ascertains the sedan's 3.6L V-6 engines, including the 304-horsepower (227 kW) Direct Injection power plant. The Coupe Concept also is designed for a new 2.9L turbo-diesel being developed for international markets. This new engine, tailored for use in the CTS, will deliver an estimated 250 horsepower (184 kW) and 406 lb.-ft. of torque (550 Nm).

A six-speed manual transmission backs the engine, sending torque to an independently sprung rear axle. The CTS Coupe's sport-tuned suspension gives it a slightly lower ride height than a production CTS - a look enhanced by the car's rakish shape and large, 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.

Behind the chrome, split-spoke, aluminum alloy wheels is a set of high-performance brakes, featuring cross-drilled rotors. Six-piston calipers clamp down on the front rotors, while four-piston calipers grab the rear rotors. All of the rotors have a distinctive, yellow-painted finish.

CADILLAC CTS Coupe CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS

    * Vehicle type: two-door, four-passenger rear-wheel-drive coupe
    * Wheelbase (in / mm): 113.4 / 2880
    * Length (in / mm): 187 / 4750
    * Width (in / mm): 73.6 / 1870
    * Height (in / mm): 54.7 / 1390
    * Track (in / mm): 61.8 / 1570 (front); 62 / 1575 (rear)
    * Powertrain: 2.9L turbo-diesel; six-speed manual transmission
    * Suspension: four-wheel independent: MacPherson strut front; multilink rear, progressive rate coil springs, monotube shock absorbers
    * Brakes: four-wheel disc; crossed-drilled rotors
    * Wheels: cast aluminum; 20-in front, 21-in rear

Cadillac CTS, 2008

Cadillac CTS, 2008

Aggressive and elegant, expressive and sophisticated, the 2008 Cadillac CTS exudes a dramatic design presence. This all-new luxury sedan not only pushes Cadillac's acclaimed design theme higher, it aims to redraw the boundaries of the normally conservative luxury sedan category. Inside and out, the 2008 CTS contradicts many traditional design conventions. CTS' design expresses its serious performance intent, yet also is more elegant and luxurious. It's a sedan in the heart of the luxury market, yet reaches for the charisma of a sports car. CTS is thoroughly new and contemporary, even while it evokes the grandeur of classic Cadillac cars.

Since the inception of the first-generation car in 2002, CTS is about trend-setting design. The edgy form of the CTS initially created controversy. But from the moment it hit the market, its design also attracted lots of buyers, with design often noted as a top reason for purchase. The all-new 2008 edition extends that edgy and contemporary character, with an injection of elegance.

On the exterior, there's no mistaking the five-passenger sedan's stronger stance, thanks to a two-inch wider track. Additionally, the overall shape of the CTS features a faster profile with more rake, coupled with surfaces that add elegance and grace. Borrowing from Cadillac's legendary heritage, design cues include vertically shaped headlights and taillamps, signature light emitting diode (LED) exterior lighting, horizontal spline lines and its dihedral-shaped hood, all highlighted with many bright and jeweled accents.

Just as definitive of CTS' evolution in design is the dramatically new interior. Like the exterior, it expresses luxury and performance themes with appointments that are both purposeful and elegant. Advances in surface development, technology, materials and construction combine to make the CTS cabin a compelling blend of technical sophistication, precise tailoring and luxurious character.

Exterior: sporty sophistication meets substance
Coupled with a new overall shape, the most evolutionary dimension of the 2008 CTS comes in the form of a two-inch wider track as a result of the addition of the new, optional all-wheel-drive configuration. The wider stance gives the new model a more planted, capable and well-grounded appearance that's exemplified by much tighter tire-to-fender relationships.

The wider stance also enables more tumblehome - the vehicle sides are sculpted inward - delivering an appearance of rear-wheel-drive performance with a lower roof line, without compromising headroom or a roomy interior.

Additionally, a wider, tapering sail panel, lower, more sculpted hood, smoother wheel housing lips and a tighter wheel-to-body relationship help communicate the CTS' agility as well as its sophistication and substance.

Seven-spoke, 17-inch wheels or available nine-spoke, 18-inch wheels surround larger high-performance brake calipers and rotors. Both painted and machined finishes are available for the standard 17-inch wheels. The larger, 18-inch wheels are available in a premium multicoat finish or a high-polish finish.

Inspired by Cadillac's landmark Sixteen concept car, the CTS front appearance is immediately recognizable, yet also is new. The large, chrome dual-textured grille is significantly more vertical in shape, and is both aggressive and intricate. A large center-positioned wreath and crest add to the three-dimensional face. The front fascia is balanced with vertically stacked headlamps with bright bezels stacked in a staircase-like array. The lower air intake is flanked on both sides with fog lamps and brake duct intakes.

Side air extractors located forward of the front doors are a modern homage to Cadillac's grand heritage. Additional bright details include chrome molding surrounding the side windows, and three-inch chromed exhaust outlets.

Even on the rear of the car, where many sedans are ordinary, Cadillac designers injected charisma. The vertical taillamps are a Cadillac trademark. The roofline and rear backlight have a coupe-like profile. At the centerline, the decklid carries the angular and directional theme of the front.

Dimensionally, the 2008 CTS is 191.6 inches (4766 mm) long, 72.5 inches (1841 mm) wide and 58 inches (1472 mm) in height. Wheelbase is 113.4 inches (2880 mm) with a front/rear track of 61.8 / 62.0 inches (1575 / 1585 mm).

Interior: performance and elegance combine
The 2008 CTS represents a new design theme for Cadillac interiors, emphasizing technical precision with elegant, hand-crafted details. Dramatically different from the original, the interior design is decidedly more upscale, with added ornamentation, luxury and attention to detail. Strict attention to packaging, premium materials, surface development and comfort combine to meet the discriminating tastes of luxury performance sedan buyers.

Upper instrument panel and door trim surfaces are hand-cut, sewn and wrapped by expert craftsmen. Analog instrumentation that is tightly framed with a compact hood tri-tubular, chromed cluster, is defined by bright accents. An integrated center stack design, with either a satin metallic finish or genuine Sapele wood, blends into the lower instrument panel that sweeps forward and away of front-seat occupants. The hand-assembled center console leads seamlessly into the center stack, providing a sportier "cockpit" feel for the driver and passenger without compromising space.

Heated and ventilated seats incorporate new "thin-seat" technology for maximum occupant comfort and enhanced rear-seat leg, knee and foot room. A signature V-shaped medallion appears as a decorative touch on the backs of the front seats. French stitching is used throughout the interior, including the upper instrument panel, door inserts, seats and the shifter boot.

Clean, white ambient light emitting diode (LED) soft backlighting is positioned in the door pulls, foot wells and recessed between the upper and lower instrument panels. The result is a dramatic effect similar to recessed lighting used in contemporary homes.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes standard integrated controls for cruise and audio system.
Inside and out, the 2008 CTS exemplifies an evolution of Cadillac design that achieves a remarkable combination of luxury, technology and performance in a sedan aimed at creating the desire and head-turning quotient normally reserved for sports cars.

Cadillac BLS Wagon, 2009

Cadillac BLS Wagon, 2009

Cadillac reinforced its commitment to grow its brand in Europe by announcing it will add the BLS Wagon to its portfolio later this year.

Cadillac signature style
Clear, clean, crisp and sharply defined contours are Cadillac design signatures. An international team of designers, under the leadership of Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design, created a BLS Wagon with a striking wedge shape that is emphasized by the tapered lines of the side windows.

The BLS Wagon also features jewel-like headlamps, fog lamps integrated into the body-colored bumper and a wide air intake below the grille. A narrow chrome strip runs along the side windows and the latest LED technology is used in the center high-mounted stop lamp, which is prominently positioned in the rear spoiler. Vertical taillamps, another Cadillac hallmark, play a prominent role in defining the elegant rear proportions of the BLS Wagon.

Luxurious, flexible interior and state-of-the-art infotainment systems
The BLS Wagon interior is highlighted by a three-spoke leather steering wheel and an analog clock in the center stack. The circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background.

Flexibility and versatility define the rear seats and cargo area, which are designed to support a wide variety of luxury and leisure interests.

State-of-the-art infotainment systems include high-quality audio units from American sound specialist Bose, among others; a DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation; a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone system with a hands-free kit; and remote controls on the steering wheel.

Turbocharged diesel and turbocharged gasoline engines
The front-wheel-drive BLS Wagon is offered with a turbo-diesel and three turbocharged gasoline engines. The 1.9L four-cylinder diesel engine, with common-rail direct-injection technology, is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and delivers 110 kW (150 hp) of power. The range of gasoline engines includes two 2.0L four-cylinder versions (129 kW / 175 hp and 154 kW / 210 hp), and a high-tech, 2.8L V-6 (188 kW / 255 hp) that features a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts.

The BLS Wagon offers six-speed manual transmissions and five- or six-speed automatic transmissions, depending on engine. For BLS models equipped with an automatic transmission, a standard Sport Mode button allows the driver to select a sportier transmission shift pattern.

Comfort and driving dynamics
The chassis, which features MacPherson struts in front and a four-link rear axle, is designed to provide the agility customers expect from a luxury wagon. The chassis tuning ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort and load capacity.

Buick LaCrosse Super, 2008

Buick LaCrosse Super, 2008

Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick's most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.

The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW) 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM's Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super's chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick's renowned quietness inside.

The Lucerne Super adds a more powerful version of the legendary 4.6L Northstar V-8. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW), an increase of more than 6 percent over existing models. The Super has an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne 's Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling.

Buick Super: elevated design, power and performance
Design elements on the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super denote the new face of Buick. Design cues echo those seen on the popular Velite convertible concept vehicle - and recently introduced on the Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV - including a new waterfall grille and portholes. The LaCrosse Super is the first and only LaCrosse model offered with Buick's iconic portholes; there are four per side to highlight the V-8 engine.

In addition to distinctive design, the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super deliver leading-edge performance and refinement. The 5.3L and 4.6L V-8 engines are renowned for balancing performance and fuel economy. They are complemented by specially tuned suspension systems.

Like all Buick models, LaCrosse and Lucerne Supers are built with an exclusive engineering process called QuietTuning to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the interior. Laminated side window glass, sound-deadening material in the body structure, hydraulic mounts in the engine compartment and more reduce interior noise. Even exhaust nodes have been tuned for overall sound quality. These features contribute to a quiet, refined driving experience.

While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic, including:
    * Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
    * Powertrain enhancements
    * Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems for responsive and confident handling
    * Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick's exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort.

LaCrosse Super
The LaCrosse Super is distinguished from its sibling models with a new exterior appearance that is highlighted by a new waterfall grille, new hood and a new front fascia that incorporates a lower grille opening with chrome trim and chrome fog lamp bezels.

New portholes, rocker moldings, rear fascia with integrated park assist sensors, 3.5-inch-diameter dual chrome exhaust tips, rear decklid spoiler and a Super badge also make the LaCrosse Super instantly identifiable from any angle. LaCrosse Super is offered in four exterior colors: Black Onyx, Platinum Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Red Jewel tint coat.

Inside, the LaCrosse Super exudes comfort and style, including front seats with increased seatback bolstering. All of the seats feature new, woven-embossed leather inserts. A unique wood grain appearance accents the instrument panel, center console, doors and gear shift knob. There are also exclusive instrument cluster graphics - including Super identification - new front sill plates, a silver finish on the instrument panel center stack and Super-specific floor mats.

The LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine that has the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 323-lb.ft (438 Nm) of torque, Buick's new V-8 can propel the LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 5.3L small-block V-8 uses GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM), an engine technology that seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

Buick LaCrosse CXS, 2008

Buick LaCrosse CXS, 2008

 

 

 

Buick will freshen its 2008 LaCrosse line with the new face of Buick - a front-end design inspired by the Velite convertible concept - and an elevated list of standard equipment across all LaCrosse models.

Like the recently introduced Buick Enclave luxury crossover and Super models, the 2008 LaCrosse features a more distinctive front end. The new design brings the 2008 LaCrosse sedan in line with a common Buick family appearance. The fascia, hood and chrome waterfall grille are new. The 2008 model will also offer four new exterior colors, including Scarlett Red, Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Dark Slate Metallic.

Inside, the '08 LaCrosse continues to offer a well-equipped, comfortable and quiet interior. More comfort and convenience features are now standard for CX, CXL and CXS models for 2008. The LaCrosse CX, for example, is a richer entry-level car, adding a leather-wrapped steering wheel, theft deterrent system, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization and more. All trim levels now have a chrome exterior appearance package, factory remote start feature, XM Satellite Radio, telescoping steering wheel column, redundant steering wheel controls and dual-zone climate control as added standard equipment.

The LaCrosse line now offers three powertrains. The CX and CXL trims are powered by the 3.8L V-6, now in Series III form. With more than 25 million sold, it is one of the most proven and reliable engines in the industry. Rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW), the 3.8L features electronic throttle control to improve engine response and optimize fuel efficiency, along with upgrades for quiet operation.

The performance-oriented LaCrosse CXS has a standard 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing that delivers 240 horsepower (179 kW). The premium, all-aluminum engine features dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Its fully variable intake and exhaust valve timing achieves outstanding flexibility, delivering 90 percent of the engine's peak torque where it is most useful, between 1,500 rpm and 6,000 rpm. The 3.6L VVT delivers a market-leading balance of good specific output, high torque over a broad rpm band, fuel economy and first-rate noise vibration and harshness control.

The recently announced 2008 LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine and portholes to the LaCrosse lineup. With the fuel efficiency of a V-6, the new 300-horsepower (224 kW) 5.3L small-block V-8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology can propel LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. GM's AFM engine technology seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

Buick Enclave, 2008

Buick Enclave, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tiger Woods, the world's top-ranked professional golfer and long-time Buick partner, teamed up with Buick to introduce media to the brand's newest vehicle: the all-new 2008 Enclave luxury crossover SUV, on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Enclave was unveiled at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, one of the world's most prestigious art and design schools.

The Enclave is Buick's first luxury crossover SUV. It is purposely built on an all-new crossover architecture and motivated by one of GM's most powerful V-6 engines ever. The Enclave creates its own niche in the fast-growing crossover market by melding elegant interior and exterior design and a confident ride in a quiet, well-crafted roomy cabin capable of carrying up to eight passengers with space for gear. It arrives in dealer showrooms next summer.

"Enclave is the new face of Buick and everything we want in future Buicks," said General Manager Steve Shannon. "It's an absolutely stunning, high-quality crossover SUV that delivers all the product attributes that define the new Buick - a confident ride, relevant technologies, more luxury features, elegant design and a quiet, comfortable and well-crafted interior. These are the hallmark traits of future Buicks."

Enclave will be available in CX and CXL trim levels, with eight exterior and three interior colors, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, a new 275-horsepower V-6 powertrain featuring variable valve timing (VVT) and mated to Buick's first six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated dual-overhead camshaft engine based on GM's global V-6 architecture. It was jointly developed at GM technical centers in Australia, Germany, Sweden and North America. The engine uses full four-cam phasing, rapid data processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.

A host of innovative features that are uncommon or unavailable in competitors' vehicles adds to the Enclave's standout status in the segment, including a second-row seat console that unfolds to contribute to a flat load floor when the seats are folded. Also, the armrest slides back and forth. The center console storage area is equipped with a pull-out tray. When removed, the tray reveals a deep space for storing a pair of 16-oz. bottles or other tall items. Enclave also features a power-operated liftgate, Smart Slide second-row seat feature and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with one of the segment's largest display screens.

Peace of mind while maneuvering in the Enclave is enhanced with Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist and a rear back-up camera, which work integrally to provide not only a visual reference of objects directly behind the vehicle, but an audible warning of the objects' proximity. Displayed on the navigation system display screen, icons and audible chimes provide an easy-to-understand reference to items behind the vehicle. Enclave also is equipped with power-adjustable outside mirrors that automatically angle downward when the vehicle is in reverse, providing a view of the curb or parking lines. The mirrors can be programmed so that one, both or none of the mirrors provide this view.

The innovative and exclusive features mentioned above are only a few of Enclave's more than 45 standard and optional features. Highlights include:

    * Rear back-up camera
    * High-intensity discharge headlamps
    * Articulating Headlights
    * Power liftgate
    * Automatic Grade Shift Logic
    * Smart Slide second-row seat
    * Voice-activated and touch-screen DVD navigation
    * Second-row center console
    * Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
    * Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel
    * Power folding mirrors with integrated turn signal lights
    * Heated windshield washer fluid
    * Heated front leather seats
    * Tiffany-style analog clock
    * Bose 5.1 10-speaker surround sound system
    * Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
    * Factory-installed extended-range remote start
    * Large sunroof and skylight
    * XM Satellite Radio
    * OnStar with Turn-By-Turn voice-activated navigation and more

Buick Invicta Concept, 2008

Buick Invicta Concept, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

The sleek Buick Invicta show car revealed here in conjunction with Auto China 2008 is Buick's strongest statement yet of its deliberately international plans. The four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline presents bold direction for Buick's new generation of vehicles in the world's two biggest automotive markets - the United States and China.

Invicta has evolved from Buick concepts such as the 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe, both of which received accolades for their thoroughly modern adaptation of classic Buick themes. Invicta was designed collaboratively by GM centers of expertise in Warren, Mich. and Shanghai, China. The name, which is Latin for "invincible," returns to Buick after a 45-year hiatus in the United States.

Invicta is powered by Buick's first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum fuel efficiency.

Modern, sleek exterior
Invicta's designers drew inspiration from the Riviera concept. Invicta features modern and sleek proportions with exterior lines that flow uninterrupted around the vehicle. For example, Invicta's cat-eye headlamps transition into the Buick heritage-inspired sweepspear design cue, which flows seamlessly along the body sides and merges into the taillamps. Similarly, one can trace the top of the headlamp casing to the roofline and the rear of the vehicle without interruptions.

As with Riviera, Invicta features short overhangs with wheels pushed out to the corners for a well-planted stance. The overall appearance is sleek, thanks in part to a sweeping, low roofline and a front windshield that has an aggressive rake.

Up front, the Buick tri-shield is prominently displayed inside the Velite-inspired chrome vertical waterfall grille. Polished aluminum surrounding the headlamps, portholes, around the D-pillar and along the lower side of the vehicle on the lower doors accentuates the overall exterior design. Reminiscent of a number of historic Buick models, Invicta's portholes - three per side - are located on the hood rather than on the front quarter panels.

Invicta's wheelbase and high belt line give the vehicle more substantial proportions while visually reinforcing its premium appearance. Invicta's 20-inch polished aluminum wheels feature a milled Buick tri-shield in the center cap.

To signal its premium attributes while enhancing the vehicle's sleek proportions, Invicta's exterior is draped in a sumptuous AluStone color. Its warm beige tone contains wafer-thin flakes of aluminum that reflect light to emit a liquid gold appearance.

Flowing, crafted interior
The focus and attention to seamless transitions carry over inside Invicta. The doors merge to become one with the instrument panel, which morphs into the center console.

The wrap-around design of the interior and fluid design provide a spacious cabin for all passengers, especially those seated in the back of the vehicle. At nearly 100 cubic feet of interior space, Invicta delivers large-car comfort in a mid-size sedan. The sense of roominess is further accentuated by a full glass roof, which allows all passengers to enjoy the sights, day or night.

Invicta also showcases a high level of interior craftsmanship while creating an environment that is soothing, quiet, comfortable and inviting for all passengers.

The blending of premium materials - such as wood trim and polished aluminum accents, soft aniline leather, supple suede-like material and soothing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting technology - encase passengers in Buick luxury.

Beyond its sumptuous appearance, Buick created a show car for the senses. Authentic French seam stitching on the soft-touch instrument panel pad, door panels and steering wheel invites touch. Buttons, switches and door pulls are crafted to deliver a tactile quality experience. Soft and soothing Ice Blue ambient LED lighting on the instrument panel, around the central vehicle function controls, along the console and center storage, and in the front footwells provoke visual sophistication. Two discriminating "spotlights" also accent the center point of the front and rear seats.

Buick introduced the Invicta in North America as a production vehicle in 1959. The Invicta show car is the first time the nameplate has appeared on a Buick in China.

Breckland Beira, 2009

Breckland Beira, 2009

 

 

Norfolk-based Breckland - part of Hong Kong-based multi-national, Riche Holdings - is vastly experienced in the development and production of high-quality, low volume specialist cars and prototypes for an array of prestigious international clients, including Mosler, and has now employed its substantial skills in the making of its own limited-production supercar.
The Breckland Beira is a hand-built, two-seat roadster with unique styling cues, tuned to produce just a whisper short of 400bhp.

Tipping the scales at some 1,400kg, the Beira's impressive power-to-weight ratio ensures invigorating performance, with the promise of a sub-five second sprint to 100kph, coupled with tremendous torque and a governed top speed of 155mph.

Beira dynamics
Breckland Beira is based on the well-developed General Motors Kappa platform, on sale in the North American market.
Breckland Beira differs in many significant respects from the GM products however, the most radical departure being the installation of the potent, 6.0-litre, LS2 V8 engine, more commonly found in Corvette and Pontiac GTO models. It replaces the four-cylinder Ecotec engine and, by comparison, produces more than twice the power of the original unit.

The mighty, fuel-injected, aluminium V8 and Tremec six-speed manual gearbox are neatly packaged under the Beira's swooping bonnet, with a bespoke wiring harness and ECU, the latter being reprogrammed to allow the V8 to deliver close to 400bhp, combined with a dual-fuel capability.
Other key considerations involved significant attention to chassis dynamics, to ensure the car corners, steers and brakes effectively with the significant increase in engine output.

To satisfy this requirement, the fully independent suspension was entirely re-engineered by Breckland in association with KW Suspension, with uprated springs, dampers and bushes, plus thicker anti-roll bars front and rear. The result is slightly less suspension compliance, but a more focused ride and handling.
Stopping power is provided by impressive, 325mm ventilated discs on all four corners, the fronts being grasped by six-pot callipers, with four-pot at the rear, both from UK specialists, HiSpec.
Steering is via power-assisted rack and pinion, whilst the dramatically styled 18" cast alloy wheels are 8.5" front and 9.5" rears, shod with Bridgestone ultra-low profile tyres. Customer options include an upgrade to 19" diameter rims and tyres.

Exterior packaging
In order to make the Breckland Beira eye-catchingly different, save weight and liberate additional luggage space behind the passenger compartment, Breckland's design engineers have totally re-modelled both the front and rear body sections in-house, using lightweight composites instead of steel, the result being a highly distinctive nose section and pronounced fastback rear.

Bespoke interior
Breckland Beira features a custom-built interior, including electric windows, air conditioning, twin airbags - in the steering wheel and in the passenger dash - combined with clear, concise instrumentation, and hand-stitched leather/Alcantara seats and trim.

Affordability
The Breckland Beira is designed very much as a high-quality low-volume, affordable sportscar for enthusiasts, and follows the highly appealing tradition of installing an easily available, American-designed V8 engine in a small, nimble, two-seater chassis to produce an exhilarating, high-performance package. Although using a tried and trusted concept, however, Beira is very much a vehicle for the 21st century, and accomplishes this with both environmental and fuel efficiency concerns in mind.