The Excelle XT will include a six-speed automatic transmission with sport-shifting capability, with a choice of three gasoline-sipping four-bangers:

• 1.6 liter high-output turbo. Delivers 181 hp (113 hp per liter) and 173 lb-ft of torque (235 Nm). Buick says that this is the most powerful series production engine in its displacement class
• 1.6 liter naturally aspirated with a two-stage variable intake manifold. Delivers 116 hp (85 kW) and 114 lb.-ft (155 Nm) of torque
• 1.8 liter with double continuous variable cam phasing. Delivers 138 hp (103 kW) and 130 lb-ft (175 Nm) of torque.

The Excelle XT will go on sale in China sometime in 2010 and will slot in between the Regal and the Excelle (basically a Buick-badged Daewoo Lacetti). Buick North America is expected to get the new Opel Astra sometime in 2011 for the 2012 model year. By that time, we hope a sedan version of the Astra will be released to appeal to the sedan-loving tastes of the U.S.

Check out the Excellle XT gallery below, with the full press release available after the break.

2011 Buick Excelle XT – Chinese Market

PRESS RELEASE

Shanghai GM Introduces Buick Excelle XT
Five-Door Coupé-Like Sedan Offers New Standard for Performance & Refinement

11-24-2009

Shanghai – Shanghai GM introduced the new Buick Excelle XT five-door coupé-like sedan today at the Guangzhou Auto Show. The premium compact hatchback was designed, engineered and executed to set a new standard for performance and refinement in its class. It goes on sale across China in 2010.

“The Excelle XT is Buick’s first coupé-like sedan in China that is based on GM’s all-new front-wheel-drive compact vehicle architecture,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “Developed as a collaborative effort by GM’s global team, the model was tailored for the domestic market by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) automotive engineering and design facility in Shanghai.”

“The Excelle XT carries the same self-confident air as its sibling, the popular Buick New Regal sedan,” said Shanghai GM Vice President Terry Johnsson. “When people see this car, they’ll notice its presence, stance and proportions. When they get inside, they’ll recognize its craftsmanship and attention to detail. And when they get behind the wheel, they’ll appreciate its responsiveness and excellent handling.”

The Excelle XT incorporates Buick’s new design language and sets a new visual standard for its class, both inside and out.

Stylish Exterior

Inspired by the Buick Riviera concept vehicle, the new Excelle XT’s assertive, self-confident exterior is enabled by dynamic lines combined with sophisticated sculptural surfaces. The overall execution clearly speaks to Buick’s new design language, yet provides an expression that is appropriate for the compact segment.

A strong cab-forward silhouette with a deeply raked windshield and falling rear roofline adds excitement to the hatchback format, while also improving ease and versatility of use. Artistry is further reflected in free-flowing forms, such as the prominent but softly styled shoulder line, while precision can be seen in the visual balance of the four-window side graphic.

With a bold new “face” and a hood line that culminates in narrow three-dimensional-effect headlampunits, the Excelle XT looks dynamic and purposeful without being aggressive or brash.

Roomy, Fashionable Interior

The free-flowing forms and contours exhibited on the outside are carried forward inside. The interior is clearly up to Buick’s premium standards, with crafted flowing lines, low-gloss surfaces, and premium appointments throughout.

A signature feature is the wraparound wing-shaped instrument panel that arcs into the top of the door mouldings. It embraces occupants, offering a warm and welcoming ambience.

Four interior trim levels provide a wide choice of decor. The base trim, for example, offers the choice of a red or blue finish for the instrument panel, door panels and seats. The center stack, outer air vents and door grab handles are finished in a piano-black lacquer or grey or matte chrome trim, adding upscale, precision quality to the interior.

The Excelle XT offers a host of innovations and technologies. They include a class-leading choice of infotainment and communication systems, including three audio packages and two on-boardnavigation systems; Bluetooth wireless connectivity and USB and personal device connectivity; a tire pressure monitoring system; dual-zone electronic climate control; heated front seats; and electronic parking assist.

The Excelle XT’s design and overall proportions maximize occupant space. The cab-forward windshield and raked center stack add to the roomy feeling. There are ample onboard storage facilities in front and back. The Excelle XT also has a separate under-floor stowage compartment. The three-level moveable Flex-Floor in the rear cargo area puts the deck height at bumper level for the easy loading and unloading of goods.

Choice of Efficient Powertrains

Excelle XT buyers have a choice of three lightweight powertrains that offer high specific power output, low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions:

- A high-output 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 135 kW, a specific power output of 84.4 kW per liter, and 235 Nm of torque between 1,980 and 5,400 rpm. The most powerful series production engine in its displacement class, it was developed for customers whose priority is sporty performance. Its Superboost function can briefly unleash up to 266 Nm of torque for quick and safe overtaking.

- A naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with a two-stage variable intake manifold that delivers 116 horsepower (85 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 155 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

- A 1.8-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with double continuous variable cam phasing (DCVCP) that delivers 138 horsepower (103 kW) at 6,300 rpm and 175 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm.

A six-speed automatic transmission with sporty feature is standard in all models.

Excellent Ride and Handling

The Excelle XT has a fun-to-drive character with high levels of steering precision and ride comfort.

The chassis incorporates the proven McPherson strut layout in front. In back, Buick has applied a new suspension system for the Excelle XT – a compound crank rear axle with a Watts link. The result is greater wheel camber stiffness and compensation in body roll, with a constant track width in jounce. It also adds enhanced lateral stability for both improved handling and greater ride comfort.

The speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering system is electrically powered to save fuel. The electric motor is mounted on the steering rack rather than at the base of the steering column to give improved driver feel when turning the steering wheel. The Excelle XT is also equipped with the dual-circuit braking system, which features three brake disc combinations.

Advanced Safety and Security

With a maximum five-star NCAP safety rating anticipated, the Excelle XT’s body structure along with its restraint systems are designed to exceed crash safety standards around the world.

Its high structural integrity is reflected in its solid, on-the-road feel and the suppression of unwanted noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) inside the cabin.

The Guangzhou Auto Show is open to the public from November 24-30. Shanghai GM is showcasing 26 vehicles from Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac on its 3,000-square-meter stand.

Shanghai GM is a joint venture between GM and SAIC that was formed in June 1997. It operates vehicle and powertrain manufacturing facilities in Shanghai; Yantai, Shandong; and Shenyang, Liaoning. Shanghai GM builds, imports and sells a comprehensive range of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Saab products. In 2008, the joint venture sold domestically 445,709 vehicles. In the first 10 months of 2009, Shanghai GM sold domestically 548,708 vehicles.

The SLS is a vehicle manufactured exclusively for the Chinese market, although it is basically a stretched version (201 inches long) of the U.S.-spec Caddy STS (196 inches long), only with more luxurious amenities. The updates to the SLS are very much cosmetic, with the grille, headlights, fog lights, and the lower grille opening having been redesigned. To us, these changes are welcomed.

Powertrain

The Sigma-based sedan will be available with a choice of two direct-injected 6-cylinder engines mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. The base model is powered by the 3.0 liter SIDI making 272 hp and 300 Nm of torque, while the range-topper gets GM’s 3.6 liter SIDI making 310 hp and 300 Nm of torque. Both engines improve fuel economy by nine percent.

More details about the technology and pricing of the new SLS after the break!

Gallery – 2011 Chinese-market Cadillac SLS

OnStar

The “new SLS,” as the revised car is being called, is one of the first vehicles in China to feature GM’s OnStar telematics service. OnStar will go live in China in December and will provide the driver with information as well as communicate vehicle-related data from the car to maximize safety and comfort (read: the date flows both ways).

Technology

On the technology front, the SLS features MagneRide, an electromagnetic active suspension system, and Air Quality Control, a system that automatically recirculates cabin air if the vehicle’s sensors detect too many pollutants in the outside air. From what we’ve heard so far, the Air Quality Control system is a necessity in some of China’s commercialized cities.

Pricing

The new SLS will range in price from RMB 448,000 to 689,000 ($65,500 to $100,000 USD at the current exchange rate).

PRESS RELEASE

Shanghai GM Unveils Cadillac New SLS
Luxury Sedan Merges Elegance and Technology

11-24-2009

Shanghai – Shanghai GM unveiled the Cadillac new SLS today. It is one of two new models – along with the Buick Excelle XT – that is making its global debut on the automaker’s stand at the Guangzhou Auto Show.

The new SLS is the next generation of Cadillac’s luxury business sedan that was first introduced in China in 2006. It combines the American luxury brand’s traditional elegance with cutting-edge technologies and is specifically tailored for business elites. It is the first model from Shanghai GM equipped with OnStar.

The new SLS comes in four variants that are priced between RMB 448,000 and RMB 698,000. Shanghai GM began taking orders today.

Choice of Fuel-Efficient SIDI Engines

The new SLS comes with a choice of two new world-class Direct Injection engines mated to a six-speed automatic-manual transmission. The 3.0-liter SIDI engine offers 272 horsepower with 300 Nm of torque, while the 3.6-liter SIDI engine generates maximum power of 310 horsepower and 374 Nm of torque. In addition to providing impressive power, the engines reduce fuel consumption by 9 percent and generate lower hydrocarbon emissions compared to similar powerplants.

OnStar Safety, Security and Information Service

The new SLS features GM’s OnStar in-vehicle safety, security and information service, which goes live in China in early December. With the press of a button, SLS owners will instantaneously become connected with the OnStar Call Center for service 24 hours per day/365 days per year.

OnStar will initially offer 14 services: Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Automatic Air Bag Deployment Response, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, On-Demand Diagnostics, Good Samaritan, Stolen Vehicle Location, Remote Door Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights, Roadside Assistance, Hands-Free Calling, Point of Interest, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Destination Download.

Redesigned Exterior

The exterior design of the new SLS follows the evolutionary styling of the Cadillac brand. The vehiclehas a simple look with a well-proportioned, dynamic body. It has been thoroughly redesigned, giving it a more energetic and younger appearance.

Diamond-cut-like design elements appear in the new shield-shaped grille, headlights and tail lights, fog lights, turn signals and side skirts on the fender, adding to the luxury appearance.

The new SLS has a wheelbase that extends beyond 3,000 mm. Together with its wide doors, this provides greater convenience and roominess for passengers.

The SLS comes in a choice of five body colors: Black, Titanium Silver, Golden, Space Gray and Platinum Gray. In addition, Shanghai GM offers a choice of two interior colors: Champagne and Ebony.

Finely Crafted Interior

Fine craftsmanship defines the interior of the new SLS. Genuine leather is applied throughout the interior, accentuating the elegance and luxury of the new SLS. The “cut and sew” technique ensures the highest quality. The cabin also makes liberal use of Sapele Pammele, a wood that is normally used for crafting violins. The 360-degree wrap-around lights in the SLS give the interior a luxurious look at night.

All seats are ergonomically designed and wrapped with leather. The front seats feature 8-way poweradjusted with four-way lumbar support. The rear seats are power adjusted with 4-way lumbar support, and heated, ventilated and the unique massages function.

Cadillac has adopted a range of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) engineering advances to keep noise out of the cockpit for a quiet and pleasant driving experience.

The new SLS is equipped with a number of hi-tech amenities, including high-precision three-phase independently controlled air conditioning with temperature memory function; the Air Quality System (AQS), which automatically switches between air quality detection and inside circulation; an available independent three-screen entertainment system with six-disc DVD/CD and TV function; and the BOSE 5.1 acoustic system with 15 hi-fi speakers. In addition, the new SLS is equipped with an intelligentnavigation system, remote engine start and a host of other functions to provide a unique and luxurious experience to owners.

Human-Oriented Safety Technologies

The new SLS, which was put through extensive road testing in North America, offers a high level of active and passive safety.

More than 80 percent of the body of the SLS uses high-strength steel plate. The hydraulic anti-collision column shrinks while absorbing energy in the event of a crash for the safety of all passengers.

Individual front and rear-suspension systems with Cadillac’s MRC (MagneRide) Electromagnetism Active Sensing Suspension System, the power steering with speed sensitive, variable assist system and the Active Air/Control Auto Leveling System ensure smooth handling and control under all driving conditions.

Dual HID headlamps with AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) change their lighting angle according to different road conditions, while the SBZA system and rear view advanced parking camera watch out for blind spots, alerting the driver of any abnormal situations in the rearview mirror. Electronic stability control and the tire pressure monitoring system come standard.

During the unveiling of the new SLS, Han Sanping, President of China Film Group Corporation and a leading figure in China’s movie industry, joined Shanghai GM President Ding Lei to announce that Cadillac products will be featured in 20 upcoming movies.

Shanghai GM is a joint venture between GM and SAIC that was formed in June 1997. It operates vehicle and powertrain manufacturing facilities in Shanghai; Yantai, Shandong; and Shenyang, Liaoning. Shanghai GM builds, imports and sells a comprehensive range of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Saab products. In 2008, the joint venture sold domestically 445,709 vehicles. In the first 10 months of 2009, Shanghai GM sold domestically 548,708 vehicles.