Buick Envision CUV displays full-frontal nudity

Tue, 22 Jul 2014

Earlier this month, Shanghai GM gave us a glimpse of the production version of the Buick Envision concept revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show back in 2011. And now it's released the first unveiled shot and initial details of the crossover to slot in the considerable gap between the Encore and Enclave.

The new Envision is set later this year to reach Chinese showrooms, where it will be called the Ang Ke Wei, after which we're expecting it to arrive Stateside. The production-ready Envision is about the size of the Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain, but is differentiated by a more upscale treatment and Buick's signature waterfall grille, flanked by Xenon headlamps and LED running lights and riding on 19-inch wheels.

Power comes from GM's familiar 2.0-liter turbo four with direct injection and stop/start ignition, driving 256 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. That's about all that GM's Chinese operation has announced at this point – it's not even clear what platform the vehicle is on – but you can check out the press release for yourself below.

Shanghai GM Offers Preview of New Envision
High-end midsize SUV goes on sale across China later this year
2014-07-22

SHANGHAI – Shanghai GM yesterday offered a preview of the all-new Envision, announcing its Chinese name as "Ang Ke Wei" (???), showing its specifications and the first official photos. The new high-end midsize SUV will go on sale across China later this year.

The Envision is a completely new model that represents a convergence of Buick's latest global design philosophy and cutting-edge technologies. It will set a new benchmark in its segment in China for styling, space, safety, performance and technology.

Elegant and Dynamic Exterior

The model carries forward the design essence of the Buick Envision concept vehicle, which made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2011.

The exterior blends artistic elegance with dynamic lines. Its front end is highlighted by Buick's signature waterfall grille along with wing-style intelligent xenon headlamps, boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and sleek outside rearview mirrors. The windshield with a one-piece chrome-plated frame gives the Envision an aggressive stance. Class-leading 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a luggage rack echo the stylish design.

The Envision measures 4,667 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width and 1,696 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, which contributes to its spacious interior.

Powerful Turbocharged Engine

Another highlight of the Envision is its 2.0T direct injection turbocharged engine, which was named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2013. The engine generates maximum output power of 191 kW and peak torque of 353 Nm. It includes stop/start technology, for better fuel economy.

A new-generation six-speed transmission offers smooth gear shifting while significantly reducing fuel consumption in city driving. Its all-wheel-drive technology ensures solid handling on all surfaces.

The Envision will complement the Encore and new Enclave in Buick's domestic SUV portfolio, providing a range of choices for SUV buyers across China.

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 10 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2013, GM sold nearly 3.2 million vehicles in China. More information on General Motors in China can be found at GM Media Online.

By Noah Joseph