2011 Ford Edge

Style and technology – the hallmarks of Ford Edge since it took the midsize crossover segment by storm starting in 2006 – come together in an all-new way, offering customers even more of what they love for the 2011 model year.

"Customers told us how much they like Edge's design and dynamic driving quality," said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president of The Americas. "We listened and made sure the new 2011 Edge delivers that and more – including fuel economy leadership, unexpected levels of quietness, a strong new design with quality materials, and MyFord Touch driver connect technology that will change how people experience their vehicles."

Customers made the Ford Edge the No. 1-selling vehicle in its segment in its first full year on the market, and more than 330,000 have been sold since its launch in late 2006. The 2011 Ford Edge now aims to redefine the segment with a wide-ranging scope of improvements.

"The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford has become more than just a few design and interior tweaks," explainsElaine Bannon, chief engineer. "We have taken every element of the Edge and completely reworked it, including three new powertrains, two new transmissions, a bold new exterior design and a completely new interior. If you add in our industry-exclusive MyFord Touch system, you have a vehicle that will continue to stand out above all the competition on the road."

Improved power; expected to be a fuel economy leader

In addition to delivering customer-focused technology, the new Edge also showcases Ford's impressive drive to bring new powertrain options to the customer. Both the Edge 3.5-liter V-6 and Edge Sport 3.7-liter V-6 use advanced engine valvetrain technology (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing, or Ti-VCT) and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels. This beats competitors such as the BMW X5, Lexus RX350 and Audi Q5, all while delivering unsurpassed fuel economy of 27 mpg (3.5-liter V-6 highway).

The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 253 ft.-lb. of torque while the 3.7-liter V-6 delivers 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque – all on regular fuel. Edge's unsurpassed fuel economy is not at the expense of power and performance. For example, the 3.5-liter V-6 with Ti-VCT technology delivers highway fuel economy that is 15 percent better than the Nissan Murano but produces 20 horsepower more.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The SelectShift Automatic™ transmission is standard on the 2011 Edge SEL and Limited series, with class-exclusive paddle activation of the SelectShift standard on the 2011 Edge Sport.

In addition, the arrival of the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine in the months ahead will give customers still more choice and will deliver class-leading fuel economy with impressive power and torque.

The new EcoBoost I-4 will be mated to a six-speed transmission that will help channel the impressive performance from the new EcoBoost engine. With the introduction of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4, fuel economy on the new Edge will be 30 percent better than it was in 2006. Plus, Ford's newest EcoBoost engine will deliver on the promise of 15 percent fuel economy improvements versus the Edge's current 3.5-liter V-6 engine while offering the performance feel of a six-cylinder.

In all, the Edge will go from one engine and one transmission to three powertrains – all delivering what's expected to be class-leading or unsurpassed fuel economy and class-leading power and torque for a real win-win for the customer.

A more connected driving experience

New 18-inch tires, standard on the Edge SEL and Edge Limited, and new wheels that are one-half inch wider than the outgoing product provide a more engaging steering feel. Twenty-inch tires with new wider wheels are optional on the Edge Limited while the Edge Sport has class-exclusive 22-inch wheels standard.

Complementing the new tire and wheel lineup is a retuned suspension. Shocks, springs and stabilizer bars were adjusted to tighten handling. The shocks now feature a high-flow piston, which allows engineers to tune for both road loads and driving dynamics, without compromising ride for handling or vice versa. The result is a flatter response through turns and over hills while still providing a comfortable ride.

New four-wheel disc brakes provide enhanced stopping power. Key brake system upgrades include steel pistons, larger rear rotors, revised brake friction materials, revised brake booster gain and revised pedal ratios, all of which enable more initial bite and a firmer, more confident feel when customers press on the brake pedal.

The 2011 Edge offers several new brake-related features: Hill Start Assist, which reduces rollback on hills; Trailer Sway Control, which provides greater towing stability when equipped for trailer tow; Hydraulic Brake Assist, which provides greater braking force in emergency stops; and available segment-first Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support, which helps reduce speed and automatically pre-charges brakes and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly when the system detects a collision is imminent.

New subframe mounts enhance drivability, help reduce road noise

The original Edge set numerous benchmarks in overall quietness, and that tradition continues as the 2011 Ford Edge has better wind noise than many premium vehicles such as the Lexus RX350, Audi Q5 and Acura MDX. Both the front and rear subframe mounts have been upgraded, adding to the increased tunability of the suspension and improving NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). The larger rear subframe bushing's rubber volume was increased by more than 500 percent compared with the outgoing bushings, improving the isolation between the subframe and the body, which in turn helps decrease road noise.

Both road noise and wind noise are significantly decreased in the 2011 Edge because of improvements found throughout the interior and exterior, including powertrain. Here's a look at some of the other actions:

• Sound pack and acoustic glass: A more absorptive sound pack is found throughout the interior, which reduces high-frequency noise more effectively than material that acts merely as a barrier. The result is an improved articulation index, which measures how easy it is to hear and understand someone in the vehicle. The 2011 Edge also features an acoustic headliner, and the microphone for the SYNC® system has been relocated so it is closer to the driver for improved voice recognition. The windshield also is thicker and now acoustic-laminated on all Edge models. Finally, baked-on expandable foam baffles in the fenders and D-pillars help seal out unwanted road noise.
• Powertrain NVH improvements: Three main actions contribute to a quieter 2011 Edge from a powertrain NVH perspective. One is the more robust engine cover. The intake and exhaust systems have been completely retuned for a crisper note corresponding to Ford powertrain DNA. Finally, a "tighter" torque converter reduces engine rpm on launch and tip-in events, reducing engine noise.
• Aerodynamic improvements: Both the lowered front fascia and new underbody shields contribute to improved wind noise.

Bold, flowing design makes Edge the can't-miss crossover

The bolder, more seamlessly flowing exterior design freshening is mirrored by a complementary interior, characterized by increased craftsmanship, improved materials and overall better execution. Improved fit-and-finish, softer touchpoints, and flexibility in terms of stowage in the cabin and throughout mark the 2011 Ford Edge.

"To me, craftsmanship isn't just fit-and-finish," said Bannon. "It's also the layout and the ergonomic experience. It's where we put the material – the stitching, the cutlines – and all the attention to detail to give the customer a great experience."

Increased presence is announced through a bolder grille and a chin spoiler that appears more crafted. The A-pillar flows into the hood, which adds subtle undulations to create a heightened sculptural quality. The wrapping lines emphasize both the front end and the new wheel lineup.

2011 Edge Sport adds more power, distinctive look

The 2011 Edge Sport is powered by a 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine that produces 305 horsepower and is similar to the one added to the 2011 Ford Mustang. The 2011 Edge Sport includes all of the content found on Edge SEL as well as a specially tuned suspension, paddle shift transmission and its own unique style.

The Edge Sport's class-exclusive 22-inch polished aluminum wheels have distinctive Tuxedo Black spoke accents. Other unique styling cues include a Tuxedo Black grille, smoked headlamp and taillamp treatment, body-color rocker moldings, oval chrome exhaust tips, body-color door cladding and revised body-color lower front and rear fascias.

Key interior differentiators are liquid silver smoke appliqués that are echoed in the silver smoke metallic leather seat inserts, aluminum pedals and class-exclusive paddle shifters, which activate the six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission to give customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience.

In SelectShift mode, the transmission doesn't second-guess the driver, offering total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

When the system is in manual mode, engine speed matching provides faster and smoother downshifts, and customers get the gear they request within the limits of the rev limiter.

When a lower gear is selected while descending a long downhill grade, the 2011 Ford Edge Sport in SelectShift mode will hold that gear until the driver manually upshifts or returns to the fully automatic setting. To ensure safe shifting, the transmission will downshift to the lowest acceptable gear, based on a calculated maximum speed. That means if a vehicle were traveling at highway speeds, the driver could not downshift to first gear in SelectShift mode.

"The 2011 Ford Edge Sport, with its exceptional powertrain, specially tuned suspension and unique style, offers a driving experience not seen in other crossovers, and really appeals to the driving enthusiast," said Bannon. "Like the rest of the 2011 Ford Edge lineup, it perfectly blends technology and style."

MyFord Touch ushers in new era of interaction

The industry-first MyFord Touch driver connect technology provides a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. It replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way controls like those found on cell phones and MP3 players.

Standard on the 2011 Edge Limited and 2011 Edge Sport, the MyFord Touch system displays information using two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking an analog speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel crossbar controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch-screen tap.

The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where the driver's hand falls as he or she grabs the wheel. The five-way buttons feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player.

Like the song? You can tag it

Also new on the 2011 Ford Edge is the world's first use of iTunes® Tagging in an available factory-installed HD Radio™ receiver. iTunes Tagging provides customers with the ability to "capture" a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase from iTunes. With a simple push of a "TAG" button on the MyFord touch-screen display, the song information will be stored in the radio's memory.  

Once a song is tagged and customers dock their iPod to the SYNC system, the tagged song information will transfer to that iPod. Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. Customers then can preview, and if they desire, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store.

One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission – FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like today's FM broadcasts. Unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren't susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues.

2011 Ford Edge brimming with standard and class-exclusive technologies

MyFord driver connect technology headlines the list of 12 class-exclusive standard and available features and technologies for the 2011 Ford Edge, joining SYNC; Easy Fuel® (standard); SecuriCode keyless entry keypad; Blind Spot Mirrors (standard); MyKey™ (standard); AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™, standard); Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support; Cross Traffic Alert; and 22-inch wheels and paddle activation on the 2011 Edge Sport.

Here's a closer look at some of the technologies:

• Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support allows the driver to set the vehicle's speed and maintain it without using the accelerator pedal, and warns the driver of a potential collision risk. It also helps reduce speed and automatically pre-charges brakes and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly when the system detects a collision is imminent.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert is a feature that can help detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving and traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots.
• MyKey is designed to allow parents to encourage teenagers to drive safely and more fuel efficiently, and increase seat belt usage. The standard MyKey feature allows owners to designate keys that can limit the vehicle's top speed and audio volume.
• Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler System is a standard Ford-exclusive feature that uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door to eliminate the need for a fuel tank screw cap.  

"You can jump in the 2011 Ford Edge and bring your technology – your lifestyle – with you and have everything at your fingertips," said Bannon. "The 2011 Ford Edge gives you all the capability and flexibility you want along with great style."

The 2011 Ford Edge will be built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada, and will be available in dealers this summer.

Renault 'Wing' Coupe Convertible Revealed

In a World Première at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March, Renault will unveil its brand-new coupé-roadster - Wind.

Wind is a two-seater coupé-roadster of 3.83 metres in length which features a highly innovative way of opening up. With its novel electric roof that pivots open in just 12 seconds, Wind brings a completely different take on a car for drivers who enjoy open top motoring.

Wind is aimed at motorists who lust after a car that is not only distinctive and compact, but also convertible yet practical enough for everyday use.

Although Wind's compact dimensions make it a nimble machine in and about town, it is the only car of its class to provide just as much luggage space (270dm3 VDA) whatever the position of the roof.

True to Renault's brand signature "Drive the Change", Wind makes passion affordable for everyone.

Wind will be unveiled at a press conference on the Renault stand at the Geneva Motor Show at 4:15pm on 2 March.

Rendering Speculation: 2012 BMW M5

BMW Released the 5 Series and now most adrenalin junkies are looking for the hardcore M5.  Well, a rendering by Nick Wilcox previews what might be the definitive uber executive sedan and possibly regain the crown of  best performance sedan in the world from Cadillac's own CTS-V.

 It will be a no brainer to take the 4.8-litre V8 used in the current X6M but besting it by adding between 570-600 hp and replacing the SMG transmission with the Double Clutch Transmission (DCT)  giving it a seven- speed advantage.  If the rendering is an indication of what is to come, we are in for a future battle royal!

Photo Illustration by Nick Wilcox, automotiverenderings.blogspot.com

Spyker Confirms Acquistion, Gives Plan For Future Models

SPYKER PROVIDES FURTHER DETAILS ON SAAB ACQUISITION

In advance of the General Meeting of Spykershareholders, to be held on 12 February 2010, and which was convened on 28 January 2010, Spyker Cars N.V. (“Spyker”) provides further strategic and financial details regarding its acquisition of SaabAutomobile AB (“Saab”).

ACQUISITION RATIONALE AND SAAB BUSINESS PLAN

Spyker believes that through the purchase of Saab it has a rare opportunity to acquire and rebuild a global car brand which will be repositioned towards an independent performance-oriented niche car company with an industry-leading environmental strategy. Saab’s brand DNA is unique and rooted in its aeronautical heritage, innovative and independent thinking and its Swedish origins. Spyker fully supports Saab’s Business Plan which will be implemented by Saab management. The Business Plan, drawn up by Saab management over the past ten months, was analysed by Spyker in assistance with Booz & Co and KPMG Transaction Services, advisors to Spyker. The Business Plan has also been analysed and supported by several advisors to the Swedish Government and the EIB.

At the General Meeting, Spyker Cars N.V. intends to adopt a resolution to change its name to Saab Spyker Automobiles NV (“Saab Spyker”). This entity will operate Spyker and Saab as two separate operating companies, each focused on its distinct target markets with their respective vehicle lines. As previously stated, Saab Spyker is committed to execute the Saab Business Plan. It is the intention to enhance it in several areas. The highlights of Saab’s strategy will be:

- Saab will be a stand-alone niche manufacturer with three to four model lines: 9-3 (sedan, hatchback, sports estate, X and convertible) and 9-5 (sedan, sports estate and X) and the 9-4X for both the US and European markets. In addition, Saab will investigate the potential of adding a fourth smaller car line (“9-1″) in due course provided that the positive development of the smaller car segment continues. However, this model is currently not envisaged in the Business Plan so if the outcome of the investigation is positive, additional financing to develop this model could be required.

- Saab’s product portfolio will be renewed completely, beginning with the launch of the new 9-5 early this summer, the new 9-4X in early 2011 and the new ‘all Saab’ 9-3 in 2012.

- Saab will continue to be repositioned against other brands such as Audi (A4/A6) and BMW (3/5 series) as a premium brand, leveraging its strong and unique brand heritage.

- Saab’s Technical Development Center in Trollhättan has full capability in developing complete vehicles and will continue to do so. In areas such as safety, environment, driving characteristics, practicality, turbo technologies and several other innovations, the Saab brand is among the best in the industry.

- With Trollhättan as one of the most efficient mid-size car plants in Europe, production and sales volumes are aimed to be rebuilt to recent pre-crisis levels of about 100,000 to 125,000 vehicles including the 9-4X built in Mexico.

- The current dealer network will be re-energized with a new sales and distribution approach in certain markets, which will be implemented during 2010.

- The economies of scale of the on-going collaboration with GM after Closing the acquisition (February 2010) will continue to be leveraged in sourcing via ancillary agreements, with independent sourcing gradually increasing to reduce GM dependency and obtain improved access to other suppliers and the co-development of unique innovations.

- Saab Spyker believes that its two brands, both deeply rooted in aeronautical and automotive history, will benefit from sharing certain assets and technology services. Examples include but are not limited to:

- Saab’s extensive global network of 1,100 dealers.

- The extensive engineering know how and innovative technologies available at Saab.

- Sharing of activities in marketing & sales: i.e. merchandising, promotion & sponsorship activities, etc.

In the future, the two brands will be able to share certain parts and components and expect to obtain access to supplier and partner resources not available to Spyker or Saab individually today.

FUNDING OF SAAB

The Saab Business Plan requires approximately $1 billion in peak funding for Saab in advance of the return to profitability, forecast to occur by 2012. The funding is provided in part by GM, through $326 million Redeemable Preference Shares (“RPSs”), and in part through other contributions, which concern various substantial contributions to the funding of Saab’s Business Plan on favorable terms for supplies by GM to Saab and deferred payments from Saab to GM. The remaining amount, apart from cash at bank, is to be provided by a EUR 400 million loan from the European Investment Bank for certain R&D projects at Saab. Securing this EIB loan is a condition precedent to closing of the Saab acquisition (“Closing”).

With this financing in place, the business plan does not envisage any future funding being required, neither from Spyker or elsewhere, for Saab to return to profitability. The business plan targets car production and sales at or below historical levels of 100,000 to 125,000.

Explanation on the two sources of funding:

Redeemable Preference shares

At Closing, GM will convert USD 326 million of pre-closing receivables on Saab into RPSs in Saab. The issue of the RPSs will therefore NOT cause any dilution for the shareholders in Spyker. The voting rights attaching to these RPSs constitute 0.0005% of the total voting rights in Saab. The other 99.99% of the voting rights (100% of the ordinary shares) will be held by Spyker. Since the RPSs are capital and not a loan, no interest is due at any time by Saab. The RPSs carry no dividend from Closing until December 31, 2011. A dividend entitlement of 6% starts from January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014 and increases over time to 12% as from July 1, 2014 until the scheduled redemption date of December 31, 2016. The dividend over 2012 will be added to principal, but as from fiscal year 2013 the dividend is payable in cash. Should Saab have insufficient distributable reserves to pay the cash dividend it will be added to principal increased with a penalty factor of up to 4%, but such that the total dividend entitlement will never exceed 12%.

In the period 2010-2016, the average dividend payable is about 4%, which is considerably below the average interest on a comparable subordinated loan.

The RPSs qualify as equity and therefore, if Saab cannot pay dividends or redeem the RPSs, Saab will not be in default but the RPSs will simply continue to accrue. Also, the RPSs cannot be redeemed as long as the EIB loan is not yet fully repaid. The Saab Business Plan envisages redemption of the RPSs starting in 2016 out of retained profit, without additional funding (from Spyker or anyone else) being required.

EIB loan

The Share Purchase Agreement is subject to the execution of a EUR 400 million loan agreement between Saab and the European Investment Bank (“EIB”), for which a guarantee was obtained from the Swedish Government on January 26, 2010. This loan will be issued to Saab. All amounts payable by the EIB are specifically earmarked to the Euro for designated Saab projects and capital expenditures and represent 50% of these projects or capital expenditures. The projects mainly relate to increasing fuel efficiency and clean car technology. The remaining 50% is funded by Saab itself pursuant to its Business Plan. Spyker will not have any access to the EIB funds which are completely ring-fenced nor will it pay any part of the Purchase Price with proceeds from the EIB loan. The guarantee is subject to approval by the European Commission. Saab and the Swedish Government have provided all required information to the EC prior to the issue of the guarantee so the decision by the EC is expected very soon.

FUNDING OF SPYKER

Spyker’s existing bank loans in the aggregate amount of EUR 57 million are refinanced by Tenaci Capital B.V. (“Tenaci”). The terms and conditions of this loan will mirror those of the existing loans it repays, including the right to convert EUR 9.5 million into ordinary shares at EUR 4.00 per share. The term of the loan is 12 months and the interest 10 percent above Euribor. After payment of the last instalment of the Purchase Price, Tenaci has the right to collateralize the loan on terms and conditions identical to those on which the existing loans were collateralized.

The Purchase Price of Saab amounts to USD 74 million (EUR 53.23 million at the current exchangerate of 1:1.39). The first instalment of USD 50 million, to be paid on Closing, will be paid as follows: USD 25 million is borrowed from Tenaci at the same interest rate as the other funding extended by Tenaci, without the right to convert into shares. This amount is currently already in escrow with General Motors.

The other USD 25 million is financed through a share issue, largely through a commitment from GEM Global Yield Fund Ltd under an equity facility concluded between Spyker and GEM. Spyker currently does not intend to draw in excess of USD 25 million under this facility.

The second instalment, USD 24 million, will be payable on July 15, 2010. Spyker has been approached by various investors to fund this instalment. Spyker intends to finance this amount primarily through senior debt (senior to the debt owed to Tenaci), but does not rule out other alternatives. Spyker has committed to pledge its assets to GM as security for this final tranche.

FUNDING OF TENACI

Tenaci’s equity is wholly owned by Investeringsmaatschappij Helvetia B.V., the personal holding company of Mr. Victor Muller. Tenaci obtains its debt funding from sources that wish to remain anonymous and with which Tenaci has entered into non-disclosure agreements. The terms and conditions of Tenaci’s own financing do not impact Spyker or Saab in any way.
Tenaci has successfully bought Mr. V. Antonov’s current shareholding in Spyker consisting of 4.6 million ordinary shares, subject to closing of the Saab acquisition. Currently Tenaci has no plans to make a public offer on all of the issued shares in Spyker.

BMW M3 'CSL' Returns, Sort Of

Lamenting in sack clothe and ashes the fact that BMW will not bring bring back the CSL at this present time, many enthusiast will have to settle, yes settle for the M3 Competition Package.  This is the closest "us mortals" will be able to get to such a beast of the original. 

BMW is making another hardcore M3 coupe. The Competition Package will be launched in March and will doubtless be seen as a modern-day M3 CSLby many people.
And we’re inclined to count ourselves among them – there are a number of dynamic tweaks that should make this sharper and more dynamic than the regular V8-engined E92 M3, and a much more dynamically-honed carthan the recent M3 Edition.



There’s a 10mm suspension drop and new electronic damper control, the combination of which ‘improves upon the standard car’s already agile handling making for a more exciting and dynamic drive’, according to BMW sources. Sounds like grand news to us. As does improved stability control, which we’d expect to make the rear-drive M3 even more playful when in Competition spec.

Sadly the engine will be untouched, with power, torque and acceleration identical to those of the regular 4-litre M3 two-door. That means 414bhp (at a heady 8300rpm) and 295lb ft of torque alongside a 4.8sec sprint to 60mph and a limited 155mph top speed.

There aren’t any pictures of the new car just yet, it being based on the refreshed M3 that’s still due to be revealed. We’ve been told there’s a new, lighter set of 19in alloy wheels, which BMW says are inspired by the E46 CSL, while some subtle aerodynamic adornments are expected.

Specifying a Competition Package M3 will add £3315 to the Coupe’s price, the regular car costing £52,730. That means a £56K M3. The E46 CSLcost £58K when new, but justified its near-911 price tag with upped performance and significant weight shedding. We’ll see if the M3 CP can win us over too when it gets its likely Geneva motor show unveil in March.

What do you think? Should BMW just give in and make us a new CSL? Or is the combination of Competition Package and supercar-like M3 GTSenough? 




 Find original article at EVO

A Buick For The Masses: Buick Excelle XT Released In Shanghai

Shanghai GM officially began sales today of the Buick Excelle XT across China. Five variants of the compact five-door coupé-like sedan – which was named Most Attractive New Car during its global premiere at November’s Guangzhou International Auto Show – are available. Prices range from RMB 134,900 (US$19,800) to RMB 185,900 (US$27,200).

“With its stylish exterior, innovations and outstanding quality, the Excelle XT offers a dynamic driving experience,” according to Joseph Liu, Executive Vice President of Shanghai GM. “It sets a new standard for performance and refinement in the premium segment.”

Dynamic Styling 

The front-wheel-drive Excelle XT embodies Buick’s new design language. It has an assertive, self-confident stance. Dynamic lines are complemented by sophisticated sculptural surfaces. A strong cab-forward silhouette with a deeply raked windshield and falling rear roofline, and a softly styled shoulder line give it a sporty coupé look. Six exterior colors are offered.

The exterior design language carries into the finely crafted interior. A signature feature is a wraparound wing-shaped instrument panel that arcs into the top of the door mouldings. The Sporty Version of the Excelle XT features a black and red interior with human-engineered seats and a dual-color sports-style instrument panel.

The Excelle XT’s design and overall proportions maximize occupant space. There are numerous onboard storage areas. The Flex-Floor in the rear cargo area makes moving goods very convenient.


Efficient Performance

The powertrain lineup for the Excelle XT includes three engines that offer high specific power output, low fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions and minimized weight: highly efficient Ecotec D-VVT engines with displacements of 1.6 and 1.8 liters and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.

The turbocharged engine delivers 180 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. It comes with the unique Superboost function, which gives the engine 235 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful series production engine in its displacement class and the perfect powertrain for those whose priority is sporty performance.

The Excelle XT is built on GM’s newest global architecture. It features a solid chassis. In back, Buick has applied a new suspension system – a compound crank rear axle with a Watts link. The result is improved handling and greater ride comfort.

Advanced Safety

The Excelle XT is equipped with a dual-circuit braking system and high-performance tires as well as electronic stability control, traction control and other integrated active safety functions. The Excelle XT’s sturdy body structure along with its restraint systems are designed to exceed crash safety standards around the world. A maximum five-star China NCAP safety rating is anticipated.

“The launch of the Excelle XT enriches the Buick portfolio in China, bridging the gap in the whole product portfolio of Buick,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “The trio of models, introduced within the space of 13 months, will ensure that Buick remains the first name in premium vehicles for discerning car buyers.”