Centieme's 400 horsepower 3.6 liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine!

[BUICK RACER]

Named with Buick's centennial in mind, the Buick Centieme concept is another one of those vehicles that strongly resembles a station wagon, but in this era of new genres, that old term is passe.

The Centieme can haul the family just like the old woodie, seating six in its three row configuration -- it just looks a whole lot better. Its soft curves gives the car a soft look of luxury styling that has been absent from Buick styling for decades.

Designed by Italian house Bertone, the Centieme has a low-side stance with flowing lines, and a long, 119.1-inch wheelbase.

Six-way adjustable captain's chairs are provided for front- and middle-row riders. A woven-leather floor is aimed at suggesting upscale home decor, GM says.

One thing hasn't changed. The kids will still ask "are we there yet?" The is there to provide the answer: "Soon."

Auto Insider

Check out the actual announcement at GM

[gungeey]

"Centieme"...Perhaps it's named after the Mexican town where it will be built, along side it's sister, the Rendezvous? Steve

[Guest]

"it just looks a whole lot better"

Is that a joke?

[BUICK RACER]

I had no idea it was designed by Italian's when I saw the sketches, what does that tell you? Can't wait to go see it in person next weekend, though, may even take the camera!

[rocketraider]

Ah druther have an early 70s Estate Wagon or Custom Cruiser. Even an 80s box wagon looks better to me. This thing looks like it has no headroom, and for a 6'3" guy like me, that is a very important consideration.

And there is no mistaking this thing's Aztek roots (where's the puke smiley when it's needed?).

[Dave@Moon]

Looks good. Practical. Good performance.

Would probably be a good competator to the nearly identical Chrysler Pacifica . It debuted at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show 2 years ago, and it'll be on the market in about 6 months.

Do you think that GM can get it out in the market by then? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

[Bill Stoneberg]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The Centieme can haul the family just like the old woodie, seating six in its three row configuration -- it just looks a whole lot better.</div></div>

Roberta, Please, the woodies had style and class, this just looks like any other Mom-mobile.

That said, I am glad that Buick is getting into the fight.

[Smartin]

Bill,

Roberta just took that from the press release she provided in her post...I agree with you though <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The aztek influence is definitely apparent here...let's not do that again.

Adam

[BUICK RACER]

Here's some more!

DETROIT - The 2003 Buick Centieme concept is a distinctive, luxurious vehicle that combines the best features of a sedan and sport utility vehicle. Commemorating Buick's 100th anniversary, the progressive design suggests a rolling piece of sculpture, embodying the romance of travel for which Buick is renowned.

The four-door Centieme seats six passengers in a three-row, dual seat configuration.

"We started with an inside-out design focus," said Anne Asensio, GM's executive director of design for interiors, quality and brand character. "Centieme is modeled for the Buick customer that seeks a premium American family vehicle without giving up style.

"We have the room and scale to make a very dramatic visual statement. We've taken what we do well and enhanced it in a different form of a vehicle, in a sleek, two-box format."

Style, grace and function

The low, wide-stance vehicle sports Buick's graceful flowing signature lines and classic grille. Combined with a relatively long wheelbase and tight overhangs, Centieme's form also projects a nimble and energetic appearance.

"Centieme conveys the essence of Buick beauty with an appeal to younger customers," said Gary Mack, the vehicle's exterior designer.

Centieme's sophisticated canyon mist metallic blue-red exterior tri-coat utilizes the texture of metallic flakes to drape this upscale, rugged vehicle in elegance.

A 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine - good for 400 horsepower and 400 lbs.-ft. of torque - complements the spirited design. It is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle.

Centieme also features General Motors' Versatrak all-wheel-drive system, advanced traction control that transfers torque from front wheels to rear, and from side to side, to maintain control on various road surfaces. The front end uses a strut configuration, while the rear employs an SLA independent suspension with coils for car-like performance and handling.

"Centieme is a vehicle that permits you to immerse yourself in its bold, luxurious car-like qualities," said Mack.

Built by famed Italian design house Bertone, the Centieme rides on 22-inch front and rear aluminum wheels with Michelin tires. The front brakes are six-piston calipers with 15-inch rotors backed up by four-piston calipers with 14.75-inch rotors in the rear.

Interior luxury and technology

Inside, "captain's chair" seating in the front and middle rows give the spacious cabin a look of comfort and security. Armrests are located on the adjacent doors and integrated in the seats for perfect symmetry and enhanced comfort. The front and middle-row seats power-adjust in six ways for individualized coziness. The middle seats also slide forward for easy access to the power-folding, flat-load third row. Ease of entry and egress for rear passengers is aided by wide-opening rear doors.

"A porcelain-colored leather covers the seats and the lower doors. The 'dusk' colored leather on the third-row seating and upper doors contrasts nicely against the lighter hue of the first and second rows, giving the cabin a premium passenger-car ambience," said Yan Huang, interior designer. Porcelain soft-touch suede covers the headliner.

The woven-leather floor is custom made, and suggests contemporary upscale home décor.

The center consoles for the front and middle seats are service areas that also slide forward on tracks submerged in the flat floor for extra utility. This exemplifies the heart of the vehicle, allowing more social interaction. The movable consoles provide more cabin space, linking front and rear occupants.

The steering wheel, consoles and interior trim feature olive ash burl accents. The cluster gauges have aluminum accents that feature a dazzling engine-turned pattern.

Advanced lighting in the headliner provides the passenger compartment with soft, ambient illumination and gives occupants a protected feeling. The luminescence harmonizes with the spaciousness for a luxurious atmosphere.

Technology is advanced but understated, such as with the steering-wheel-mounted electronic shift controls. The back panels of the front seats also incorporate DVD entertainment centers for rear occupants.

The Buick Centieme is family transportation with American style, drama and security.

"This vehicle rewards both sides of the brain - the side that demands practicality and functionality, and the side that demands style," said Asensio. "It's a family vehicle and an image vehicle.

"A crossover in style, Centieme is a fitting vehicle to celebrate a century of Buick heritage while fulfilling contemporary values. Sleek, romantic lines accentuate full sculptural forms, and shroud necessary practicality to create a preview of future Buick designs."

[NTX5467]

Thanks for this information, Roberta.

I'm not that "in love" with all of those curves, but it does look pretty nice. Visuals can be a little deceiving, though, as to interior room. Main issue might be the rake of the windshield A-pillar and how it interacts with your head as you get into the front seat.

Hopefully, that new turbo 3.6L engine will find its way into other GM/Buick vehicles too as the horsepower wars are kicking in again . . . Still like the feel of the old high cubic inch torque of the earlier V-8s, though.

Enjoy!

NTX5467

[Smartin]

a factory 400hp 400ft/tq V6 is a pretty mean machine. That puts my LeSabre 350 to shame <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I wonder if it really feels like 400 horses though...time for a test drive!

Adam

[rocketraider]

Dave@Moon's signature line "Don't believe the hype" is very appropriate here! Come on- 22" chromes, two tone leather interior with leather headlining and <span style="font-weight: bold">FLOOR?!</span> There is no denying the market this thing is aimed at and it isn't yer typical upscale suburbanite.

I don't think Land Rover has a thing to worry about.

[NTX5467]

I never figured the bigger wheels would make it into production on the Impala SS, bu they did. I you consider that these vehicles might reflect trends at the time of their "predicted" production, which is about 3 years out, 22" chrome plated aluminum wheels might be pretty common. Dodge has 20" chromed aluminum wheels on their current production Ram trucks (by the way, the 5.7L Hemi Ram 1500s are on the lots now . . .) and with the way the customizers are heading toward that 1" tall sidewall, then it's possible. Don't know what real good it will be other than cosmetics, but they will happen sooner or later.

Enjoy!

NTX5467

[AK Buickman]

The name "Centieme" sounds too close to the word "Centipede"

Then again, looking at the car, maybe "Centipede" would fit perfectly!

My dictionary defines the word centipede as follows; "Any of a group of animals with a wormlike body divided into many segments..." Hmmmm-"wormlike"

AK Buickman.....

[Guest Reatta1]

I just can't quite swallow the 'grace and style' description of that rig. Give me the 50's and 60's for grace and style. As for hauling six passengers in comfort, it don't compare to the Estate Wagon for six in comfort with two seats and a ton of cargo space to boot and with the nine passenger option was even better. I had a 70 Estate Wagon and it was like a rolling motel. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Redrob]

Hey, any Buick that isn't aimed at my Grandpa is a step in the right direction!

This one isn't exactly my cup of tea yet, but it's getting there! Buick is waking up, is the main point. Automobile also said much the same thing, Buick is starting to 'get' it again, which is terrific!