Envision (United States of America, 2011)

Buick revealed the Envision SUV concept vehicle at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. With a plethora of new technology from the manufacturer, as well as a plug-in hybrid system, the Envision was planned to influence forthcoming Buick SUV's.

The Envision took design inspiration from traditional Chinese aesthetics, which could be seen in the LED headlamps and fog lights that surround the customary Buick ‘waterfall’ snout. Numerous sharp lines run from the front and rear into the body of the vehicle, which then meld into flowing curves in the middle around the scissor-doors. 22 inch doubled-layered aluminium alloy wheels and silicon sports tires round out the features of the ‘ice-peak silver’ exterior.  

Inside the Envision housed a ‘yin and yang’ colour scheme comprised of ‘galaxy-blue and sand-beach white Italian leather’. The flat floor is said the feel like the deck of a yacht, while ice-blue, ‘casual’ orange and ‘sportive’ red lighting create ambience to match the mood.

Powering the Envision was a 2.0 litre SIDI turbocharged engine and two electric motors that form part of GM’s PHEV plug-in hybrid system. The roof also acts as a solar energy source which provides additional electricity for a separate lithium battery, which in turn serves as another energy source for the main batteries. The drivetrain is all-wheel-drive which also allows torque output for each wheel to be adjusted at any time, while the carbon fibre, magnesium and aluminium chassis sits on MRC electromagnetic suspension. Transmission is a dual automatic/manual eight-speed.