Buick officially took the wraps off the Invicta Concept today at the Beijing Auto Show.
The midsize sedan concept features a name that Buick first used in 1959 and is a preview of the next-generation LaCrosse sedan that we should see in about a year. Buick describes the design of the Invicta concept as a "four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline." The overall design also draws styling cues from past Buick concepts such as the 2004 Velite convertible and the 2007 Riviera coupe. The Invicta was designed through a collaboration between GM designers in the US and China (Buicks two largest markets are the U.S. and China).
The Invicta concept is powered by a 250 horsepower 4-cylinder engine that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
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PRESS RELEASE:
Buick Evolves Global Design Inspiration Into Invicta Show Car
BEIJING – 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.
"Buick's global appeal created an opportunity for GM Design Centers to elevate our collaboration to new levels. Using our virtual reality centers in Warren and Shanghai, designers fused the best ideas from both cultures during the development of the Invicta," said Edward T. Welburn, vice president, General Motors Global Design. "The result will set a new design standard for Buick, and it couldn't have been achieved by one studio working in isolation. The Invicta represents another significant design milestone in Buick's history."
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.
BUICK INVICTA SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle type: four-door, five-passenger luxury show car sedan
Wheelbase (in / mm): 114.5 / 2908
Length (in / mm): 194.2 / 4932
Width (in / mm): 73.8 / 1874
Height (in / mm): 57.7 / 1466
Track (in / mm): 64.4 / 1635 front; 64.5 / 1637 rear
Engine: 2.0L DOHC, direct injection turbo
Horsepower (kW): 250 / 186
Torque (Nm): 220 / 298
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Suspension: MacPherson strut, front; independent, rear
Brakes: four-wheel anti-lock disc
Wheels: polished aluminum, 20 in. x 8.5 in. with milled Buick emblem
Tires: P245/40R20
Comments (46)
Well its about damn time...Nice job Buick
- You finally made something that doesn't come with a social security check and a bag of hard candy...
Posted by gilly | April 19, 2008 12:27 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 12:27
If GM does not build this car and actually allow it to look like this, they will be telling the world they don't care about cars. This is the first Buick EVER that I would actually want to buy. Beautiful...
Posted by Mazda6 Guy | April 19, 2008 12:53 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 12:53
all they need are some door handles then they would be good to go.
Posted by John | April 19, 2008 1:07 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 13:07
That thing kicks butt! I love the styling. Now, if only Buick could offer the car to the public and keep the price affordable. This car looks better than most of the high scale Japanese and the rest of the competition.
Posted by John C | April 19, 2008 1:41 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 13:41
Looks kinda like a copied LS460
Posted by John | April 19, 2008 1:48 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 13:48
Emphatic YES this is the best looking Buick since the 1995~1999 Riviera, or possibly even further back.
Posted by Travis | April 19, 2008 1:59 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 13:59
I agree, this car has some nice lines and will look terrific stalled in the middle of an intersection waiting for a tow truck.
Posted by Tommy Boy | April 19, 2008 3:30 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 15:30
I must say I agree with the majority here. The best Buick by far, and one of the best looking American cars right now. The 4-cylinder sounds good, but a V-6 option would be really nice. I wonder how much it will cost.
Posted by Mike M | April 19, 2008 4:05 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 16:05
This is the best looking Buick I have seen in years and I hope it comes off the assembly line looking like this, but do not forget the LaCross and other great looking GM Concept Cars (Alero). GM usually sends them through some kind of conservitave styling machine and out comes a plain rather un-interesting vehicle. The LaCross was fantastic as a concept and came out as a senior citizen special that looked half a kin to a Taurus with a Buick grill. They have to build the Invicta and keep it looking like the concept.
Posted by Ozric | April 19, 2008 4:47 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 16:47
wow the two worst car desingng countries in the world desgned a car i would actually buy that ccar is hot i love it
Posted by o | April 19, 2008 5:43 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 17:43
Decent looking car. Odd name, though. Here's a potential conversation when you tell your friends that you bought one:
Hey guys, I got an Invicta!
Oh, did your girlfriend give you that? I think antibiotics might help with that.
Posted by wymer100 | April 19, 2008 7:08 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 19:08
nice drawings. Looks like buick is going the way of chrysler.
Nice drawings, horrible cars, and finally bust.
When this car hits the streets in 2014, it will not look special.
But for a Geely.....who knows...
Posted by the torque retard | April 19, 2008 8:46 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 20:46
I doubt the production car will look anything like this. And GM being slow as only GM can be (see Camaro), this car won't even be on sale by 2015.
Posted by Sphere | April 19, 2008 8:49 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 20:49
What a deception:
the rear 3/4-ers are a 100% copy of the Opel Insignia (4 posts back), the side view is Opel as well.
The front has the buick-typical geriatric dentures.
Great job, buick, you just looked over the fence in the GM design studio and nicked opels lines. I see that you adapting well to your new environment...
Posted by waldorf and statler | April 19, 2008 8:56 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 20:56
This thing will look great when it finally comes out decked out by dealers with a vinyl roof, fake wire wheels and wood grain paneling on the side.
Posted by frank | April 19, 2008 10:15 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 22:15
wow maybe its because underneath it is and insignia and the insignai is a good looking i dont like the headlights though.seeing as it already looks produciton ready for a concept it will lokked really waterd down when it hits the market and invicta is better than lacross
Posted by o | April 20, 2008 12:10 AM
Posted on April 20, 2008 00:10
Yes it is good looking, but what really sells today and next year is how reliable and fuel efficient is the car. GM. Ford, or Chysler all go for the looks because that is all they are about, the bean counters and marketing people do not care about how it works after the sale. No big three car company, car, can get past 100K miles without major repairs. They never learn, a Honda may not look as good, but it will keep on running when I need it and is a lot more green and fuel efficient. Learn more from the new opel and honda. get some smarts.
Posted by Donald F. Ford | April 20, 2008 9:02 AM
Posted on April 20, 2008 09:02
Buick should come in Europe. The European would be fond of this luxurious brand. Buick is well present in China and in Israel too. Why not in Europe?
Posted by paul | April 20, 2008 9:34 AM
Posted on April 20, 2008 09:34
GM will find away to mess this concept up when they put it into production.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | April 20, 2008 3:23 PM
Posted on April 20, 2008 15:23
looks nice,how do you open the doors?
Posted by Patrick | April 20, 2008 4:01 PM
Posted on April 20, 2008 16:01
Finally, a japanese copy.
Posted by R3TNIAP | April 21, 2008 5:45 AM
Posted on April 21, 2008 05:45
Cadillac DTS rear 1/4 panel, Acura TL headlights, Toyota corolla tail lights, Lexus LS exaust, malabu side windows. It does look good though.
For the production LaCross however they will remove the ground effects and it will just be black below the doors. Remove the LED taillights and replace them with standard bulbs. Wheels will go to 16" for a cushy ride.
I see this design (closer to how it looks here) going to Cadillac by placing a different grill on it.
Posted by Austin814 | April 21, 2008 5:57 AM
Posted on April 21, 2008 05:57
Not a bad concept....though I'm still not a fan of GM's chop-top fad lately.
Posted by WS | April 21, 2008 6:44 AM
Posted on April 21, 2008 06:44
This is going to be built at the Fairfax plant in Kansas. Concept models are already there.
Posted by Derek | April 21, 2008 7:08 AM
Posted on April 21, 2008 07:08
200hp... wonder if it is as heavy as a "buick"?
Posted by WVO | April 21, 2008 7:51 AM
Posted on April 21, 2008 07:51
I don't really like it at all, but I think I'm in a minority. There's too much flash, it'll look outdated in a month.
This press release doesn't even tell us if it's FWD, AWD, or RWD. The platform it's on (which I had to look up elsewhere) is apparently FWD or AWD w/ FWD bias. The proportions make me think it's front.
We have pictures and engine specs. What a crappy post. Give us more info.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 21, 2008 9:31 AM
Posted on April 21, 2008 09:31
Its WAY too much body... it looks like a tank.. not very sleek.. the lines are closer to a loomis armored truck than anything else. uggggllyy.
Posted by blargh | April 21, 2008 9:56 AM
Posted on April 21, 2008 09:56
Plain and simple...I like it!
Posted by D! | April 21, 2008 11:02 AM
Posted on April 21, 2008 11:02
It does have some kind of Armored Truck look to it in that color, blargh, but imagine it in silver, black, or beige.
I too like it, now give it a good powertrain ( they'll need to start from scratch there) and DONT give it door handles. I'd actually like some kind of clever way of avoiding handles to be done here. Of course a manual opening, not just key FOB, is nessicary, but it'd be a little bit of a treat.
Posted by Allen | April 21, 2008 12:50 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 12:50
Allen: I think its way too boxy though.. it almost looks like a light SUV too me because the body is so tall, the front end and rear end are each cut at almost a 90 degree angle from the side.. add to this the long, narrow windows means it does look like an armored truck to me. way too bulky imo.. of course its just a concept.. and Its just my opinion :c )
Posted by blargh | April 21, 2008 1:15 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 13:15
Looks exactly like a Toyoda Avalon.
Posted by Bob | April 21, 2008 2:35 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 14:35
I dont care of it has more horsepower then the next Vett.
its a Buick and it will fail. Not even Tiger Woods can save the Buick brand from its codger image.
Posted by LBB | April 21, 2008 2:39 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 14:39
I'm willing to bet this is designed by Mazda....
Posted by Mike | April 21, 2008 2:45 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 14:45
Needs more than looks. How about a turbo diesel with 50 MPG.
Posted by Donald Ford | April 21, 2008 3:01 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 15:01
The last buick l liked was in the 70's.If they they don't build this they might as well close up shop and start making bicycles.
Posted by ken | April 21, 2008 3:52 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 15:52
Umm, Mazda's owned by Ford... So while the headlight looked like they drew some inspiration from Mazda. I also BMW 3 series queues as well.
It looks nice though and GM will have no problems bringing it to market on time. The Camaro was never a race to production and was always scheduled for a 2009 release.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | April 21, 2008 5:52 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 17:52
I see most of the styling queues that you guys have mentioned, but I was wondering - does anyone see the Lexus IS in the front half?
It's a nice styling effort from Buick, though. Hopefully, they're on their way back - well designed cars are good for the entire industry.
Posted by Chris O. | April 21, 2008 6:49 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 18:49
Only one thing, get rid of that ugly grill
Posted by Marty | April 21, 2008 7:49 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 19:49
GM steals third base.
Complete ripoff of a Lexus... it even looks like my Scion TC (very similar look to a lexus on a much cheaper scale), it just has a different front end.
Anyways, I have no qualms about GM stealing Japanese ideas... hell everyone in the auto-industry is a thief anyways.
Posted by upl8n8 | April 21, 2008 8:40 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 20:40
This is an outstanding vehicle, a well-executed, modern interpretation of the Buick theme, including the necessary portholes and semi-sweepspear. But like those Mopar fans who were disappointed when the 4-door Dodge Charger was introduced and had to wait for the Challenger, I'm STILL hopeful that Buick will bring back a true SPORT COUPE in the tradition of the '64 Wildcat and the '87 Grand National. In fact, memo to the Buick execs...call the NEW coupe Wildcat. The original 'Cat was a variant of the original Invicta, so continue the good karma! Get r done and bring the under-50 crowd into the showrooms! And put Buick back above the Benz-wannabee Lexuses, Maximas, and other Japanese ersatz, where it belongs. I'd really rather have this Buick!
Posted by Lou | April 21, 2008 10:08 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 22:08
This is an outstanding vehicle, a well-executed, modern interpretation of the Buick theme, including the necessary portholes and semi-sweepspear. But like those Mopar fans who were disappointed when the 4-door Dodge Charger was introduced and had to wait for the Challenger, I'm STILL hopeful that Buick will bring back a true SPORT COUPE in the tradition of the '64 Wildcat and the '87 Grand National. In fact, memo to the Buick execs...call the NEW coupe Wildcat. The original 'Cat was a variant of the original Invicta, so continue the good karma! Get r done and bring the under-50 crowd into the showrooms! And put Buick back above the Benz-wannabee Lexuses, Maximas, and other Japanese ersatz, where it belongs. I'd really rather have this Buick!
Posted by Lou | April 21, 2008 10:09 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 22:09
Imaginary quote from a designer at Buick: "Oh man, our business is in the crapper. Lexus is doing well, let's just copy their design because we couldn't design anything even if it meant our lives..."
Sure, imitation is the ultimate flattery, but holy cow. It's still a Buick. It's an old people car, the last car you ever buy, i.e. a coffin car just like the grand marquis, crown vic, etc...
It's like they just bought a Lexus shell, put a GM driveline in it, called it a day, and patted themselves on the back for their "originality".
Posted by Dan | April 22, 2008 6:21 AM
Posted on April 22, 2008 06:21
Good job Buick, it's about time you looked forward.
Posted by harryo | April 22, 2008 8:58 AM
Posted on April 22, 2008 08:58
Not bad looking at all. I like the photo of the headlight and turn signal. This way we can imagine what it would look like with an AARP member driving this for 50 miles with the damn turn signal on! The interior still has the same GM look. Boring.
Posted by Rich | April 24, 2008 10:03 AM
Posted on April 24, 2008 10:03
What are you talking about Dan. Lexus was the biggest copycat styling company ever.
S-Class, LS 400, who could tell the difference
ES250 they barely even bothered to differentiate it from the incredibly boring camry (i think they pulled a TSX on us and just imported a foreign camry with the top-of-the-line interior)
SC, well let's just say "Steely Dan" although with the straight six it didn't vibrate well enough to earn the reputation.
GS totally a rip-off of the Mark series jaguar (25 years removed but they still ripped the lights)
It took 10 years before they started to make differentiated product and 2 or 3 more to make them attractive...
Although, I do agree that this car is very Lexus-like, the sincere form of flattery would be copying Lexus' styling department, not their style.
Posted by Daninnator | April 24, 2008 8:18 PM
Posted on April 24, 2008 20:18
From the main picture, it looks just like the 2010 Taurus spy pic.
Posted by Tyler | July 3, 2008 12:36 PM
Posted on July 3, 2008 12:36