Buick Enspire Concept Unveiled As An Electric Crossover With 550 HP


China is one of Buick’s most important markets so it comes as little surprise the company is using Auto China to introduce the new Enspire concept.

Looking far sleeker than the Envision and Enclave, the Enspire has a bold front fascia with a wide grille that is flanked by sporty air intakes. The concept also has slender headlights and a sculpted hood.

The sporty styling continues further back as the crossover has dynamic bodywork, a sloping roofline and muscular rear fenders. We can also see aerodynamic side skirts, side camera mirrors and a floating roofline.


The rear of the Enspire echoes the front as the model has slim taillights which are connected by a thin strip of chrome trim. Designers also installed a ventilated rear fascia, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a contrasting lower bumper.

Buick only released one interior photo but the company says the concept has a spacious cabin which combines “exquisite craftsmanship” with “simple yet elegant colors.” The photo also shows a digital instrument cluster, a massive infotainment system and a lower display which controls settings such as the heated seats.


Given the company’s luxury aspirations, it’s not surprising to learn the Enspire has natural wood trim and microfiber suede accents. Drivers will also find an ambient lighting system and a theater-style seating arrangement.

Motivation is provided by an electric powertrain that has two electric motors which produce a combined output of 550 hp (410 kW / 557 PS). This enables the all-wheel drive crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in four seconds flat.

Buick declined to mention battery details but said the concept can travel up to 600 km (372 miles) on a single charge. The Enspire also supports wireless and fast charging. Thanks to the latter technology, the crossover can be given an 80 percent charge in 40 minutes.


Besides showing the Enspire, Buick unveiled the new Velite 6. Previewed by the Velite concept, the model has a distinctive appearance as it features heavily stylized bodywork and black plastic body cladding.

The standard model has a plug-in hybrid powertrain which consists of a 1.5-liter engine, two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery pack and an electronically controlled variable transmission. Detailed specifications were not released but the company says the model will have a combined fuel consumption rating of 1.4 L/100 km (168 mpg US / 201 mpg UK) and an overall range of 700 km (435 miles).


Buick also has plans for an electric variant which will use a “new-generation pure electric drive system.” Little is known about the model but the company says it will have a “smooth, quiet and natural driving experience.”

Both versions of the Velite will have Buick eConnect technology which enables them to receive over-the-air updates. The company also said the models will have a digital key which enables users to unlock and start the car with their smartphone.

Carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more