!NEW! Shanghai GM Launches Buick Envision SUV

Marks brand’s entrance into China’s premium midsize SUV segment

Shanghai GM launched the Buick Envision premium midsize SUV on August 28 in Chengdu.

Shanghai GM officially launched the Buick Envision premium midsize SUV today in Chengdu. Four variants are being offered – the AWD Elite, AWD Luxury, AWD Versatile Flagship and AWD Versatile Sporty Flagship.

New Buick Envision SUV participated in a “water show.”

All four variants have a stylish design, premium and comfortable interior, outstanding safety configuration, class-leading features, and smooth handling.

New Buick Envision premium midsize SUV complements the Enclave and Encore in Buick’s SUV portfolio.

"The Envision is a versatile SUV and an important component of Shanghai GM's SUV strategy," said Wang Yongqing, President of Shanghai GM. "Designed for social elites, it offers an unmatched experience in the premium midsize SUV segment. It complements the Enclave and Encore in Buick’s SUV portfolio."

Buick’s “Route Awakening” China Culture Tour led by the Buick Envision team headed off for Tibet.

Dynamic and Premium Design

The Envision carries forward the design essence of the Buick Envision concept vehicle, reflecting Buick's modern design language. The design is stylish and sporty. It comes with a new intelligent drag-reducing grille, wing-style front and rear lights with LED lamps inside, curved flank lines, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, an aluminum alloy luggage rack and a wing-shaped spoiler.

It is offered in five exterior colors: Snowy White, Glacier Silver, Pearl Black, Topaz Brown and Sky Purple.

The Envision adopts Buick's signature 360-degree integrated interior design. With its driver-friendly center console, all controls are within easy reach. Customers have a choice of a Burgundy or Swallowtail Black interior. Black piano accents create a premium effect. French-style dual stitching further accentuates the model's elegance.

The Envision measures 4,667 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width and 1,696 mm in height, and rides on a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. This gives it a roomy interior. Its split rear seats fold flat and can slide forward or backward to provide up to 1,550 liters of space for carrying cargo. In addition, there are 24 storage compartments.

Powerful and Efficient Powertrain

The Envision comes with GM’s latest-generation 2.0T Direct Injection turbocharged engine. The engine was named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2013. It generates maximum power of 191 kW at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 353 Nm at 5,300 rpm, with power per liter reaching 95.5 kW/L. The capable powerplant takes the Envision from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds.

The engine is mated to GM's all-new six-speed DSS intelligent transmission, which is smooth, responsive and efficient. The Envision is the only vehicle in its segment that comes with the engine start/stop system as standard across its lineup. It supports class-leading combined fuel economy of 8.8 L/100 km.

Buick Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

The Envision also comes with a new, intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which provides a variable front-to-rear torque split and a 0:100~100:0 rear torque split. Offered for the first time by GM, this system features two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches in the rear axle automatically distribute torque from the front to rear wheels and between the rear wheels as needed. This makes it more responsive, flexible and efficient, and provides a more exceptional driving experience with enhanced ride comfort and dynamics than conventional all-wheel-drive systems.

The Envision's chassis consists of a MacPherson strut front suspension, an optimized and fully independent four-link rear suspension, and a full front subframe. This gives the SUV exceptional rigidity and precise handling. The class-leading FlexRide system provides four selectable driving modes – Normal, Tour, Sport and Off-Road – for a personalized driving experience.

High-Strength Structure and All-New Intelligent Safety System

In line with Buick’s focus on safety, 75 percent of the Envision's body is made of high-strength steel, with 13 percent made of ultra-high-strength steel. Key areas such as the A-pillar, B-pillar, roof and driver's foot fender are made of ultra-high-strength hot-pressed steel. Door plates are four times stronger than those made of ordinary steel.

The Envision comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping Assist, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, Collision Mitigation Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and intelligent Xenon headlights.

It also comes with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, a traction control system and Hill Start Assist as standard across the line. Options include Hill Descent Control, OnStar and the Automatic Parking Assist system.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Customer-Friendly Amenities

The Envision is equipped with an advanced connectivity system, which is a human-computer interactive platform specifically designed for Buick. The system connects the vehicle with people and their smartphones. It includes an eight-inch high-definition touchscreen, multifunctional buttons on the steering wheel, a touchpad and voice control.

The Envision is the first vehicle in its segment in China to come standard with Active Noise Cancellation technology, which reads sound waves through microphones inside the vehicle and produces an opposite sound wave from speakers to counteract it. The vehicle also employs Buick's state-of-the-art Quiet-Tuning® technology, which reduces, blocks or absorbs noise. These technologies include the use of liquid applied sound dampers (LASD). Compared with traditional sound insulating pads, LASD are not only lighter and greener, but also deliver better sound-proofing and shock-absorbing performance.

High-tech elements can also be seen in the Envision's amenities and functions. For example, the all-new intelligent drag-reducing intake grille shuts automatically to lower wind drag and reduce fuel consumption when the vehicle starts or operates at high speeds. The rear power liftgate can be completely or partially opened by adjusting the opening height in three levels. The top-of-the-line Envision variant features a foot-sensing function to allow hands-free opening of the liftgate.

Other amenities include a standard large panoramic sunroof; front power seats with heating, cooling and ventilation functions; and a heated sport steering wheel.

!NEW! Buick Envision SUV to Debut in China Soon

Shanghai GM announced that the all-new Buick Envision will be unveiled in Chengdu, China on 28. August. It is one of the most significant models to be introduced to the SUV market this year in China. Leveraging GM's vehicle engineering and design expertise, the Envision is a completely new model that represents Buick's latest design philosophy and cutting-edge technologies. The Envision will complement the Buick Encore and new Enclave in Buick's domestic SUV portfolio, helping the brand make a splash in the Chinese mainstream SUV market.

The Envision carries forward the design essence of the Buick Envision concept vehicle, reflecting Buick's new design language that emphasizes "dynamics, smooth ride, tranquility, and comfort." The overall design is not only sporty and elegant, but features SUV styling cues. The front end is highlighted by the brand's signature waterfall drag-reducing grille, wing-styled HID automatic headlamps, LED daytime running lights, all of which give the Envision an aggressive stance. An aluminum alloy luggage rack and class-leading 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels echo the stylish design. The Envision measures 4,667 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width and 1,696 mm in height, and rides on a segment-leading wheelbase of 2,750 mm. Meanwhile, the model features adjustable seats as well as rear seats that can slide forward or backward within a maximum range of 180 mm, giving it a distinct advantage in the midsize SUV segment. Its flexible, spacious interior satisfies customers' expectations for comfort, convenience, and functionality from an SUV.

Another highlight of the Envision is its 2.0T Direct Injection Turbocharged engine, which was named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2013. The engine generates maximum output power of 191 kW and peak torque of 353 Nm. Sporting the stop/start technology for the first time, a new-generation six-speed DSS intelligent transmission offers smooth gear shifting while significantly reducing fuel consumption in city driving. Unlike traditional AWD systems that distribute power after detecting tire slippage, the Envision's new all-wheel-drive technology can automatically distribute power between front and rear wheels as well as between two rear wheels in a faster manner. This helps significantly enhance steering stability and drive capability to ensure a superb ride. With its advantages in styling, space, safety, performance, and technology, the Envision is ready to meet consumers' requirements for urban SUVs.

!NEW! Shanghai GM Offers Preview of New Buick Envision SUV

High-end midsize SUV goes on sale across China later this year

Shanghai GM yesterday offered a preview of the all-new  Buick Envision, announcing its Chinese name as “Ang Ke Wei” (昂科威), showing its specifications and the first official photos. The new high-end midsize SUV will go on sale across China later this year.

Shanghai GM Offers Preview of New Buick Envision SUV

The Envision is a completely new model that represents a convergence of Buick's latest global design philosophy and cutting-edge technologies. It will set a new benchmark in its segment in China for styling, space, safety, performance and technology.

Elegant and Dynamic Exterior

The model carries forward the design essence of the Buick Envision concept vehicle, which made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2011.

Buick Envision concept (2011)

The exterior blends artistic elegance with dynamic lines. Its front end is highlighted by Buick’s signature waterfall grille along with wing-style intelligent Xenon headlamps, boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and sleek outside rearview mirrors. The windshield with a one-piece chrome-plated frame gives the Envision an aggressive stance. Class-leading 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a luggage rack echo the stylish design.

Headlights in wing-style with intelligent Xenon headlamps, boomerang-shaped LED DRLS

The Envision measures 4,667 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width and 1,696 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, which contributes to its spacious interior.

Powerful Turbocharged Engine

Another highlight of the  Buick Envision SUV is its 2.0T Direct Injection Turbocharged engine, which was named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2013. The engine generates maximum output power of 191 kW and peak torque of 353 Nm. It includes stop/start technology, for better fuel economy.

A new-generation six-speed transmission offers smooth gear shifting while significantly reducing fuel consumption in city driving. Its all-wheel-drive technology ensures solid handling on all surfaces.

The Envision will complement the Encore and new Enclave in Buick’s domestic SUV portfolio, providing a range of choices for SUV buyers across China.

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 10 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2013, GM sold nearly 3.2 million vehicles in China.

LEDs in headlamps offer high differentiation potential for automakers

• Light color even closer to daylight
• Strong increase in LED signal functions in headlamps
• In future, it will be possible to implement intelligent lighting functions without mechanisms

Hella Adaptive Full LED headlamp prototype in Opel Signum

Article of 22.03.2007

March 2007. These days, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are used as light sources at the vehicle rear and, increasingly, also at the vehicle front, for signal functions. In the coming years, this trend will grow considerably. The first full LED headlamps, which will generate low beam and high beam, will be on the market in 2007 and 2008. They open up new, far reaching styling options and therefore great differentiation potential for automakers. At Hella, the next LED headlamp generation is already being developed: from about 2012, freely addressable LED arrays (assemblies) will make new, active lighting functions possible.

Extremely long service life (up to 10,000 hours), a high level of reliability, low package space, rapid switch-on behavior and, depending on the function, up to 80 percent less power consumption: these advantages have now secured LEDs a firm position on the vehicle rear. Consistently, these advantages are being used especially in the case of central high mounted stop lamps, but also more and more in combination rear lamps. For at least six years, LEDs have been offered which generate white light. The first applications in the front-end area are the position light and daytime running light. The rapid development of their performance now makes them usable for low beam and high beam as well.

In relation to this, the light color of the white LEDs (color temperature approx. 5,500 kelvin) approaches that of daylight (approx. 6,000 kelvin) considerably more than xenon light (approx. 4,000 kelvin). This fits in with what humans are used to seeing. Car drivers do not tire as quickly and are more relaxed when driving. In addition, the white LEDs are also a convincing choice thanks to their fast response time, and it is possible to cover two functions (such as position light and daytime running light) using a single light source. Their luminous efficiency is increasing rapidly: while today it is over 40 lm/W, there are already prototypes in research institutes with approximately 130 lm/W (in comparison with xenon light: approx. 90 lm/W, halogen light 20 lm/W).

 

LED headlamps have a modular design

As high luminous power is required for low beam and high beam, Hella chooses multi-chip LEDs for the LED headlamp. Special chip arrangements and housing geometries make it possible to generate the cut off line without additional mechanical shading. This allows compact headlamp systems to be realized. The light distribution is designed in an almost modular manner:

• A symmetrical basic light distribution with large dispersion provides homogeneous illumination of the close range in front of the vehicle.
• In the central area close to the cut off line, a field with high illuminance overlaps this basic light distribution and generates the range of the low beam on the left hand side of the road (oncoming traffic).
• The long range asymmetrical "light finger" on the right hand side of the road provides the necessary long range orientation for the driver.
• The addition of further optical modules makes it possible to realize AFS lighting functions, such as town, country, motorway and adverse weather light. Triggering takes place by means of electronic control units which then switch on or switch off further light sources according to the current driving situation.

The different light distributions are generated by means of different optical modules that are matched to each other. Variation possibilities with regard to the arrangement and number of the modules open up new, far reaching styling options and therefore great potential for differentiation for automakers.

LED low beam is close to the Xenon values

Thus, the full LED headlamp prototype from Hella has been realized in an Opel Signum using different transmissive optical elements. Six optical units generate the low beam. Three further units are added for the high beam, a special module is sufficient for the cornering light. Daytime running light/position light and direction indicator with LEDs complete the full LED headlamp, which, in the case of low beam, is already very close to the Xenon values. With reference to the number of LEDs and their performance, these and other prototypes are designed in such a way that luminous power similar to a Xenon headlamp can be achieved in 2008. With regard to this, the Hella lighting specialists take into consideration the continuously increasing performance of white LEDs which is to be expected by then. 

Hella Adaptive Full LED headlamp in Opel Signum

LED - Array

Hella is working with LED arrays (assemblies) as light sources for future headlamps. They consist of several individually addressable LED chips which are arranged in accordance with a predefined pattern onto a carrier substrate. The individual chips are triggered by means of pulse width modulation. This allows, on the one hand, the switching on and switching off of individual LED chips and therefore the generation of different cut off line geometries, on the other hand, it also allows an intensity modulation in the light distribution. In addition to the implementation of AFS lighting functions without mechanisms, LED arrays make possible, in conjunction with forward looking vehicle sensor technology and intelligent triggering electronics, the realization of active lighting functions such as marker light or glare free high beam. 

Approval situation for LEDs in headlamps:

In the USA, headlamps with LEDs for the main lighting functions are already permitted according to the SAE standards valid there. In Europe, or in the scope of application of the ECE regulations, corresponding approval can be expected by 2008. Signal functions in the headlamp (direction indicator, side marker light, position light and daytime running light, as well as cornering light) with LEDs are today permitted both in the ECE and SAE scope of application.