| Make
|
Buick |
| Model |
Business
Concept |
| Concept
year |
2009 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
hybrid |
The Buick Business Concept which was unveiled at the 2009
Shanghai Auto Show was a six-seat MPV which was designed
and developed by GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center
(PATAC) based in China.
Cao Min, Chief Designer at PATAC, the designers wanted
to create a modern global design for Buick, yet at the
same time introduce a subtle Chinese styling essence.
To achieve this the designers drew some of their inspiration
from outside the automotive industry, and looked at
classic shapes, art and ancient Chinese relics.
Aside from the Chinese influence, the Business Concept
takes some of its inspiration from the Buick
Riviera concept which was shown at the Shanghai
show two years before. The concept also uses influences
from other GM products, - namely the Opel Meriva concept
- and the two vehicles share a similar stepped side
window line which improves visibility for the rear seat
passengers. Helping to increase the feeling of space
and fill the cabin with light is a glass roof which
is split into four windows. Overall the Buick Business
Concept is a well thought out design which manages to
be stylish and desirable while still maintaining the
versatility and space of an MPV.
"This vehicle was inspired by the grace and
gesture of great Buicks. PATAC designers have cleverly
incorporated other design cues from traditional Chinese
art, such as applying a huiwen motif on the turn signals
and fog lamps," Cao Min said. The Zitan Purple
exterior color is found in rare zitan wood used for
sculptures and fine Chinese furniture.
Entry to the Buick Business Concept is through conventional
front doors and sliding rear doors. Due to the lack
of any B-pillars
entry and exit to the interior is completely unhindered.
The interior of the Buick Business Concept is trimmed
in a contrasting burgundy suede and cream leather which,
according to the designers, is intended to represent
the earth and wood? Either way the the chosen colors
do elicit a feeling of luxury and grandeur fitting for
an upmarket MPV.
Interior trim and features include a power central console
with a deployable tablet for writing or to hold a laptop
computer. The console can be moved up and down the two
rows of rear seats. The second row of power captain’s
chairs slide on hidden rails and swivel 225 degrees,
enabling them to be adjusted to an infinite combination
of orientations.
Powering the Buick Business Concept is a next-generation
GM Hybrid System which previews the system which will
be used in production vehicles sold in China.
Similar and related vehicles:
Buick Velite
Buick Riviera
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