Buick Velite

Infobox Automobile

name = Buick Velite
manufacturer = Buick
parent_company = General Motors
production = 2010-
predecessor =
class = Sports car
successor =
body_style = 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
assembly =
platform = GM Zeta platform
layout = FR layout
related = Holden Commodore
Pontiac G8
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Impala
Buick Park Avenue
Holden Statesman
transmission =
engine =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
weight =

The Buick Velite is a roadster concept car designed by the Buick division of American automaker General Motors and built by Bertone. It was first presented to the public at the 2004 New York International Auto Show.

In 2002, Buick showed a roadster concept car that they called the Bengal. It was widely thought to be an impressive exercise in styling, but it was never considered to be a viable production vehicle. With the Velite, a much more practical design is put forth.

Originally speculated to utilize the Kappa platform ( the basis that underpins the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky roadsters), in actuality the Velite makes use of the Zeta platform — which is shared with the Holden Commodore/2008 Pontiac G8, as well as the forthcoming Chevrolet Camaro .

The Velite features styling cues that show its Buick heritage. The "waterfall" front grill, triple fender portholes, clean elegant lines, and subdued sophistication. Its engine is an experimental twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6, rated at convert|400|hp|abbr=on, mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission.

Rumored Production

It has been confirmed that Buick will make a production version of the Velite concept in sedan and convertible forms. It is however unknown if the production version will keep the Velite name. If built, it will utilize the aforementioned Zeta RWD platform and be the only RWD drive model in Buick's North American lineup. [ http://www.leftlanenews.com/buick-velite-concept.html

Links

* [http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Buick/concept/2004-buick-velite-concept/590/ Automobile.com: Buick Velite Concept]