Buick is finally putting the “Velite” name to use after years of dormancy. However, it won’t be for a Zeta platform-based convertible as the 2004 show car imagined.
Instead, the Buick Velite 5 will be heading to China as a reskinned version of the 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The brand confirmed the vehicle’s existence and stated the Velite 5 would be “launched shortly” in the country. The production vehicle follows a second Velite concept, which debuted last year, previewing the Velite 5.
The Buick Velite 5 will share an identical powertrain to the Volt, too. A 1.5-liter gasoline-powered, four-cylinder engine is mated to a lithium battery pack. The combination will provide around 466 miles of range combined. The electric drive mode will be capable of moving the Velite 5 for about 62 miles.
Velite 5 is said to be the next chapter in PHEV and extended range electric vehicle technology for Buick in China. The brand’s “Buick Blue” strategy will continue to bring fuel efficient technology over the next couple of years and began with the introduction of the LaCrosse Hybrid.
Buick will launch two all-new, small-displacement engines this year and has plans for additional PHEVs and a pure battery electric vehicle in the next two years.
Comment
General Motors’ decision to allow Buick of China to offer a version of the Chevrolet Volt points out that Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen is a MORON because some things take time to adopt especially when the ELR is a totally unknown vehicle when it was introduced; people in China will embrace the Buick Velite’s ability to drive for over 50 miles on battery while having the ability to extend range by going to any gas station.