Concept-Buick Invicta Preview

• • Name returns to Buick lineup after 45-year hiatus in U.S.

• • Powered by Buick's first 250-hp, turbocharged, direct-injection 4-cylinder engine

• • 6-speed automatic transmission

• • 20-inch polished aluminum wheels

• • Full glass roof

• • Hood portholes-three per side-reminiscent of historic Buick models

• • 100 cubic feet of interior space

• • Premium interior materials: leather, wood trim, polished aluminum accents

• AluStone exterior color contains wafer-thin light-reflecting aluminum flakes

Introduction

Buick looks toward the future with an eye to the past with the world premiere of the Invicta Show Car in China. Invicta, Latin for "invincible," appears for the first time since 1963, when it was on a production Buick model sold in the U.S. (1959-1963). Buick says Invicta signals a bold new direction for their next generation of vehicles in the world's two biggest automotive markets: the U.S. and China. This new show car, a 4-door, 5-passenger midsize sedan with coup_-like roofline, evolved from the 2004 Buick Velite convertible and the 2007 Buick Riviera coup_, introduced at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. Powered by a 250-hp, turbocharged, direct-injection 4-cylinder engine-a first for Buick-mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, Invicta features premium materials inside and out. A full glass roof and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels round out the sleek, flowing design.

Design
The Buick Invicta concept, designed in tandem by GM design centers in Warren, Mich., and Shanghai, China, drew inspiration from two highly successful Buick show cars: the 2004 Velite convertible and the 2007 Buick Riviera coup_. The Riviera influence is clearly seen in the car's exterior: short overhangs, wheels pushed out to the corners for an aggressive stance, and sleek overall appearance from the sweeping, low roofline and raked front windshield. Invicta has three portholes on each side of the hood, reminiscent of historic Buick models.

Along with the 114.5-inch wheelbase and high belt line, Invicta features 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with a center cap insert of a milled Buick tri-shield. The color-AluStone-is a rich, warm beige that contains wafer-thin, light-reflecting aluminum flakes. The color looks like liquid gold in the light, adding to Invicta's luxurious appearance.

Inside, the Invicta features a Velite-inspired vertical chrome waterfall grille and other accents, like polished aluminum around the headlamps, lower door areas and D-pillar. There's nearly 100 cubic feet of interior space, creating the roominess of a full-size vehicle in a midsize sedan.

Passengers may benefit from the full glass roof as well as premium interior materials like wood trim, polished aluminum accents, soft aniline leather, suede-like material, French seam stitching on the soft-touch instrument panel pad, door panels and steering wheel. LED lighting completes the sedan's luxurious appearance.

Hardware

Power for the Invicta show car comes from the 250-hp, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbocharged engine-a first for Buick-with an estimated 220 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Suspension is MacPherson strut in the front, and independent in the rear. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes provide stopping power with the 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and P245/40R20 tires.