General Motors->ke1024 has unveiled the Envision at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. While the concept itself won't be put into production, the company says it "represents a convergence of future ideas and technology for Buick in the market."

The Envision Concept was developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), and according to GM, integrates global design with local aesthetics for the China market, adhering to Buick's "dynamic, fluid, quiet and comfortable" design essence.

The Envision has inherited Buick->ke17 design DNA and taken the Buick global design language to a new height. It makes a significant statement for Buick styling and technology, and will influence upcoming models from the brand," said Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design.

And, in trend with all the latest concept cars, the Envision incorporates GM’s world-leading PHEV plug-in hybrid system.

Updated 04/18/2011: This review has been updated with the official images and details on the new Buick Envision Concept. Hit the jump to read the full details.

2011 Buick Envision Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Buick Envision Concept
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Buick Envision Concept is defined by dynamic lines, sharp angles, and curved shapes. Up front there is a two-layer traditional Buick waterfall grille with large air intakes, a Buick tri-colored shield insignia, headlamps and fog lamps inspired by the traditional Chinese patterns, and LED technologies.

The side features sharp lines, powerful wheel arches, a one-piece roof, and a set of 22" doubled-layered aluminum alloy wheels. A very important feature of the concept are the scissor-style doors with sensors. At the rear it gets slim, sharp porcelain-like tail lamps integrated with gleaming LED lights.

Interior

On the interior, the Envision gets a 360-degree all-around integrated design and unique asymmetric central console. The general look is a combination of high-quality galaxy-blue and sand-beach white Italian leather with high-class maple and metallic materials with a velvety texture.

The list of technologies includes the next-generation Bluetooth DUN Intelligent Internet system and three micro-cameras replacing the rear view mirrors.

Engine

Under the hood of the Envision, Buick has placed GM’s breakthrough PHEV plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-liter SIDI intelligent direct injection turbocharged engine with a pair of electric motors and an automatic/manual eight-speed transmission. The electric motors are powered by a high-performance lithium battery and a solar energy roof with optical equipment.

When Can I Buy One?

Buick said that the Envision itself will not be put into production, so do not expect to see this on the road. However, design elements and technologies will be used in future models.

Competitors

A production version of the Envision with the exact same look as the concept would have plenty of success on the market, but since this car isn't being produced and GM brings cool cars to every other market, but USA, we're not going to be seeing it anytime soon. We know there are already lots of hybrid crossovers out there, but the Envision has something that catches our eye; it's a combination of sporty and elegant, a combination that should have been used for all GM models.