New Buick Convertible Coming to New York Auto Show Next Month
New Zeta Architecture Underpins Buick Velite Convertible
When General Motors announced that Oldsmobile was to be fazed out of production, a common joke being bantered about the office went something like this: While none of us would be able to buy our fathers Oldsmobiles anymore, at least wed still be able to purchase our grandfathers Buicks.
Now that a couple of years have passed, for some unexplained reason its still possible to buy a new Oldsmobile, and despite new SUV and crossover models bearing the Buick badge its still the nameplate of choice by the octogenarian set.
But these same customers were those who once saw the GM division as one of the most desirable domestic brands, back when Roadmasters, Rivieras and Wildcats ruled the roadways.
Attempting to generate the same emotional pull that such classic models did in the 1950s and 60s, Buick was one of the first GM divisions to show a concept roadster in recent years, back in 2002. The Bengal was a gorgeous styling exercise, causing a great deal of interest from the press and show-going consumers alike.
As it seems the on-again, off-again roadster is now definitely on-again, having been slightly restyled, as depicted by the vague artists rendering GM recently supplied.
Now a much more practical four-seat convertible will be soon be revealed at the New York International Auto Show next month. Up an extra set of rear seats over the concept roadster, Buick will reportedly call the new model the Velite.
"Velite is a new expression of Buicks longstanding heritage in understated yet sophisticated design," stated Anne Asensio, Executive Director GM Advanced Design. "While certainly an expression of premium American style, the Velites impressive stance and overall presence emphasize a sumptuous driving experience that further pushes Buick on to the center of the world stage of luxurious touring cars."
No doubt Buick was influenced away from a two-seat design because of poor past sales of its ill-fated and now collectible Reatta coupe (1988 to 1991) and convertible (1990 to 1991).
While reports of a new Buick convertible based on GMs Kappa architecture have been milling around since Pontiac introduced its upcoming Solstice roadster, the truth of the matter is the new car will be underpinned by GM of Australias Zeta platform, initially developed the Holden VE Commodore sedan.
A car such as the Velite, joining a rejuvenated lineup of new models that should shortly include a revised Rendezvous based on the Centieme concept car, as well as the recently unveiled LaCrosse midsize sedan that replaces the current Regal and Century, sees Buick directly targeting Toyotas upscale Lexus brand.
Isnt Cadillac GMs upscale Lexus killer? Partially true, but Cadillacs new-edge design philosophy directly targets Audi and BMW rather than conservative Lexus.
But as enticing as the new Velite is, dont expect it to do battle with Lexus SC 430 roadster anytime soon. According to sources within the company, Buick wont be able to bring the Zeta based convertible to market until 2007 at the earliest, as a 2008 model.
Before that a large luxury sedan will roll out on the Zeta platform, while a new Pontiac Grand Prix and GTO are scheduled for the following year. Either 2008 or 2009 will see a new rear-wheel drive Chevrolet coupe and convertible everyone hopes will be the next-generation Camaro, while a new Impala is expected in 2009. The next year an all-new Monte Carlo will be based on Holdens Zeta architecture.
While Zeta has been designed primarily for rear-wheel drive applications, it also features an optional all-wheel drive configuration. It also has the ability to accommodate both V6 and V8 drivetrains, and various wheelbase lengths.
Where will the new Zeta cars be built? Word has it up to 400,000 units could be produced each year, with more than 200,000 built at GMs Oshawa, Ontario, Canada facility that currently produces the Buick Century and Regal models. In 2002 a total of 215,727 units made it to the end of the Canadian plants assembly line. The new models are expected to begin production in late 2006.