Chevy Orlando based: Buick Business MPV concept

[coolmazda5]

This hauler for the Chinese market is a pretty polarizing design, but in a sea of boring and derivative shapes, we don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. In any case, these new shots and accompanying press release from the GM mothership show the new concept in much better detail.

One of the most controversial design elements are the shoulder-level dips about halfway into the rear sliding doors. These were reportedly added to give the MPV a distinctive look and to incorporate the rail guides for the power sliders. Up front is a large toothy grille done up in chrome that looks typical for a Chinese Buick.

Inside, dual second-row captain's chairs slide for and aft and are capable of swiveling 225 degrees. A power sliding center console houses a writing tablet or laptop computer and is accessible from both the second and third rows.

Under the short front hood sits 2.4-liter four cylinder engine mated up with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is equipped with the latest version of GM's belt-alternator-starter mild hybrid system, which reportedly improves fuel efficiency by up to 20%.

 

[coolmazda5]

Source:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/gm-shows-off-buick-business-mpv-concept-with-new-images/

 

[coolmazda5]

Those Chinese love Buicks, but I see a six seater with sliders (naughty)

 

[FYF]

Man, that's fugly.

Also, unless those seats are sized for the average Chinese, that thing's gotta be a heck of a lot bigger than the 5.

 

[coolmazda5]

Buick GL8

Buick has released an all-new version of its popular GL8 in China. Developed by Shanghai GM, the executive people-mover wears a freshly redesigned exterior with sculpted body lines and a new front fascia. Inside, GM has thrown the luxury book at the van with tricks like blue ambient lighting, a 10-speaker sound system and two-tone leather seats. An attractive seven-inch touch dominates the dash, though it looks like Buick has managed to hold on to the excessive amount of buttons on the center stack that have become the brand's trademark as of late. Rear passengers, meanwhile, get the benefit of a 10.2-inch HD display for movies and the like.

Under the hood, GM has fitted a 3.0-liter V6 as the GX8 flagship mill, though a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is also available for the fuel-conscious buyers of the People's Republic. A six-speed automatic gearbox takes care of cog-swapping duties.

 

[coolmazda5]

[Autoblog]

 

[coolmazda5]

That is definitely minivan size, AKA Chevrolet Uplander

 

[DKaz]

Too bad. The original back seats were baller, I would've made any excuse for my wife to drive just so I could hang out back there. Now it's just a nice but typical minivan.