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New Buick Convertible Coming to New York Auto Show Next Month

New Zeta Architecture Underpins Buick Velite Convertible

When General Motors announced that Oldsmobile was to be fazed out of production, a common joke being bantered about the office went something like this: While none of us would be able to buy our fathers Oldsmobiles anymore, at least wed still be able to purchase our grandfathers Buicks.

Now that a couple of years have passed, for some unexplained reason its still possible to buy a new Oldsmobile, and despite new SUV and crossover models bearing the Buick badge its still the nameplate of choice by the octogenarian set.

GM is set to reveal a practical four-seat Buick convertible at the New York International Auto Show next month, dubbed the Velite. (Photo: General Motors)

But these same customers were those who once saw the GM division as one of the most desirable domestic brands, back when Roadmasters, Rivieras and Wildcats ruled the roadways.

Attempting to generate the same emotional pull that such classic models did

Based on fond memories from the 1950s and 60s, Buick was one of the first GM divisions to show a concept roadster in recent years. The new car shows some strong similarities to this Bengal concept that first showed up in 2002. (Photo: General Motors)

in the 1950s and 60s, Buick was one of the first GM divisions to show a concept roadster in recent years, back in 2002. The Bengal was a gorgeous styling exercise, causing a great deal of interest from the press and show-going consumers alike.

As it seems the on-again, off-again roadster is now definitely on-again, having been slightly restyled, as depicted by

After the ill-fated two-seat Reatta, GM is set to reveal a practical four-seat Buick convertible at the New York International Auto Show next month. (Photo: General Motors)

the vague artists rendering GM recently supplied.

Now a much more practical four-seat convertible will be soon be revealed at the New York International Auto Show next month. Up an extra set of rear seats over the concept roadster, Buick will reportedly call the new model the Velite.

"Velite is a new expression of Buicks longstanding heritage in understated yet sophisticated design," stated Anne Asensio, Executive Director GM Advanced Design. "While certainly an expression of premium American style, the Velites impressive

The Velite will be joining a rejuvenated lineup that should shortly include a revised Rendezvous based on the Centieme concept car. (Photo: General Motors)

stance and overall presence emphasize a sumptuous driving experience that further pushes Buick on to the center of the world stage of luxurious touring cars."

No doubt Buick was influenced away from a two-seat design because of poor past sales of its ill-fated and now collectible Reatta coupe (1988 to 1991) and convertible (1990 to 1991).

While reports of a new Buick convertible based on GMs Kappa architecture have been milling around since Pontiac introduced its upcoming Solstice roadster, the truth of the matter is the new car will be underpinned by GM of Australias Zeta platform, initially developed the Holden VE Commodore sedan.

A

The Velite will also join the recently unveiled LaCrosse midsize sedan that replaces the current Regal and Century. (Photo: General Motors)

car such as the Velite, joining a rejuvenated lineup of new models that should shortly include a revised Rendezvous based on the Centieme concept car, as well as the recently unveiled LaCrosse midsize sedan that replaces the current Regal and Century, sees Buick directly targeting Toyotas upscale Lexus brand.

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