What Is It?
Buick Centieme
What's Special About It?
Billed as a luxury sport-utility vehicle that doesn't sacrifice style in the name of utility, the Centieme is yet another tall wagon hoping to cash in on the American public's lust for sport-utility function combined with sedan ride and comfort. Three rows of two present plenty of comfort for six with both the front and second rows offering power-adjustable seats that can move forward to afford more room for those seated behind. Movable consoles slide between the front and second-row seats on floor tracks for maximum functionality and added "sociability," according to Buick. DVD monitors mounted on the backs of the front seats provide the entertainment while ambient lighting invokes a theaterlike atmosphere.
Mechanically the Centieme offers Versatrak all-wheel drive coupled with a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. The fully independent suspension uses struts up front and coil springs in the rear to provide spirited handling on all types of roads as well as exceptional ride comfort. Huge 22-inch aluminum wheels that house oversize 15-inch brake rotors give the Centieme its athletic stance while a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs further contribute to its performance-oriented design.
Why Should You Care?
Like many of its GM-affiliated siblings, Buick is attempting to drag itself out of obscurity by introducing stylish designs intended to attract customers who defected to European and Japanese makes long ago. The Centieme presents a promising design but its prospects as a future production model don't look so rosy. If upcoming Buick sedans can adopt some of the Centieme's athletic but understated style they should have a better chance of competing against the foreign competition but the translation from concept to production has never been one of Buick's strong suits. — Ed Hellwig
Buick Centieme
What's Special About It?
Billed as a luxury sport-utility vehicle that doesn't sacrifice style in the name of utility, the Centieme is yet another tall wagon hoping to cash in on the American public's lust for sport-utility function combined with sedan ride and comfort. Three rows of two present plenty of comfort for six with both the front and second rows offering power-adjustable seats that can move forward to afford more room for those seated behind. Movable consoles slide between the front and second-row seats on floor tracks for maximum functionality and added "sociability," according to Buick. DVD monitors mounted on the backs of the front seats provide the entertainment while ambient lighting invokes a theaterlike atmosphere.
Mechanically the Centieme offers Versatrak all-wheel drive coupled with a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. The fully independent suspension uses struts up front and coil springs in the rear to provide spirited handling on all types of roads as well as exceptional ride comfort. Huge 22-inch aluminum wheels that house oversize 15-inch brake rotors give the Centieme its athletic stance while a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs further contribute to its performance-oriented design.
Why Should You Care?
Like many of its GM-affiliated siblings, Buick is attempting to drag itself out of obscurity by introducing stylish designs intended to attract customers who defected to European and Japanese makes long ago. The Centieme presents a promising design but its prospects as a future production model don't look so rosy. If upcoming Buick sedans can adopt some of the Centieme's athletic but understated style they should have a better chance of competing against the foreign competition but the translation from concept to production has never been one of Buick's strong suits. — Ed Hellwig
Add A Comment »