Three shades of leather, Bronze Pearl, Iceberg Blue, and Woven Tan, work together with Gold Leaf Lacquer highlighting the interior including the door handles and shift knob in place of wood, ironically more typical in Asian cultures than domestic luxury cars. Of course the Velite features leather seats, and Buick assures all other surface materials are of high tactile quality.
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| "The Velite is a respite from the outside world and invites human interaction." (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
"Everything from the colors to the shape and feel of the upholstery was designed to provide a rich, relaxing and romantic environment," stated interior designer Bryan Priebe. "The Velite is a respite from the outside world and invites human interaction."
Putting power to the rear wheels is an "experimental" twin-turbocharged, intercooled global 3.6-liter DOHC V6 that delivers a maximum of 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, similar to what Buick used in last year's Centieme. The sophisticated engine is derived from GM's new engine family, sporting variable valve timing for increased performance, enhanced fuel economy and better emissions.
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| An experimental twin-turbocharged, intercooled global 3.6-liter DOHC V6 engine gives the Velite 400-hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Unlike the Centieme that only featured a 4-speed automatic transmission, Buick connects a Hydra-Matic 6L80-E 6-speed, rear-wheel-drive automatic transmission to the Velite's powerful engine, sporting sequential tap-shift gear selection.
"The strength of the powertrain is the necessary complement to the Velite's powerful design statement," commented Tom Peters, Buick Velite's chief designer. "It's premium performance to go with a contemporary, muscular presence."