The also-rans from General Motors had some intriguing vehicles to show, but not much excitement…
Buick Riviera Concept
The following conversation was overheard at the Buick Riviera Concept stand: “What are those funny looking letters on the trunk lid?” Reply: “They look like some kind of Chinese writin’ to me.” At this point in time, I jumped into the conversation, “It’s Chinese for ‘Riviera’. This car was designed and built in Shanghai by the GM design studio there.” The two gentlemen that I was having the conversation with could only shake their heads.
The Riviera Concept only proves that it is a new world out there. Even the Detroit 3 are looking outside the U.S. – not only for new markets, but for technology and inspiration to lead them into the 21st Century. The latest “Riv” is a stunning example of this collaboration. With body panels constructed from carbon fiber, the concept is also purported to be powered by some type of hybrid drivetrain (details are sketchy at this point).
Saturn Flexstreme Concept
Saturn is rapidly becoming the outlet for Opel cars in North America. Not only does the division sell the Vectra-based Aura, the Saturn Astra is a re-badged Opel Astra with mildly re-worked front and rear fascias to meet federal requirements.
If Saturn can re-badge a production car, why not re-badge a concept? Enter the Flexstreme. Originally introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September of 2007 as the Open Flexstreme, the Opel/Saturn is powered by an electric motor from a lithium-ion battery to give it a range of 34 miles. In addition, a 1.3 liter turbo-diesel engine generates additional electricity to extend the range an additional 410 miles. The Flexstreme’s real claim to fame, however, is a pair of Segway scooters resting in the cargo bay beneath the rear floor and accessed by lowering a ramp under the rear bumper.
2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode
Try saying that five times in a row. It makes me long for the days when I could say that I owned a Buick Skylark. In any case, aside from the name, the Vue 2 Mode is expected to deliver a fuel economy improvement that is estimated to be 50% better than the non-hybrid Saturn VUE XR.
Hummer HX Concept
A collaborative design effort by three recent graduates of Detroit’s Center for Creative Studies, the HX represents a number of firsts for Hummer including a standard front-mounted winch, removable fender flares and a 3.6 liter V-6. Power from the Cadillac-sourced engine is delivered through a full-time all wheel drive system to each of the 35” wheels. Based on its size, the HX would compete in the same market segment as the Jeep Wrangler – a niche below the current Hummer lineup.
Saab 9-4X BioPower
From the country that brought us The Ice Hotel and knackebrod (crisp bread) comes the 9-4X BioPower. The 9-4X is powered by a 2.0 liter, turbocharged, direct injection 4-cylinder engine that produces 300 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. With the ability to run on either gasoline or an E85 ethanol blend (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline); it features the XWD all-wheel-drive system recently launched in the 9-3. According to Saab Managing Director Jan Jonsson, the Concept “represents our commitment to take the Saab brand to new customer groups…”
Tags: , Concept Cars, Hummer, Jeep Wrangler, Saturn VUE
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