Buick Cielo

The Sky's the Limit with Buick Cielo Concept

DETROIT - If we told you that one of the most refreshing concepts on display at this year's Detroit show was from Buick, you might think the bitter cold had frozen our brain cells. But amid all the SUTs, two-seat roadsters and hybrids under the spotlights was a strikingly unique Buick show car called Cielo (pronounced see-A-low), which means "sky" in Spanish.

Sky is what you see when Cielo's three-panel roof sections slide back along arched roof rails and into the trunk. Which is to say that Cielo is a retractable convertible of sorts, a four-door midsize car that offers the open-air enjoyment of a ragtop with the safety of a family sedan. The rear window is power-operated (Remember the old Mercury "Breezeway" back glass?) and can be adjusted for ventilation or lowered into the rear compartment along with the roof panels.

Cielo's curvy body sports a rounded nose with hidden headlamps and a bold, chrome waterfall grille similar to the one worn by Detroit's first-ever concept car: the 1938 Buick Y-Job. The signature Buick portholes -- first seen on the famed '49 Roadmaster -- are moved from the sides of the front fenders to the tops, while the hunched rear quarters give the car an athletic stance. The whole package rides on custom 245/40-R Michelins, mounted on 20-inch 10-spoke alloys.

A modern-day rendition of some of the great Buick convertibles of the past, Cielo features suicide doors that open wide to seat five full-size adults. The interior is a retro blend of leather and chrome; advanced electronic voice-operated controls and an onboard personal computer work in harmony alongside a 1950s-style push-button transmission.

Doors and ignition can be operated by a new, totally keyless system GM is developing for production that adds remote starting of the engine to a keyless locking fob. Cielo also features roof-rail-mounted airbags to protect back-seat passengers. Power comes from GM's supercharged 3.8-liter V6, which whips up 240 horsepower.

"Cielo's combination of permanent roof rails and retractable top panels answer all the concerns about convertible ownership," said Buick Marketing Manager Roger Adams. "The top panels disappear to offer convertible openness. But with the panels in place between the permanent roof rails, the Cielo delivers the body strength, security and comfort of a sedan."

Buick officials would not say if the Cielo concept is destined for production. But Adams pointed out at least three good reasons why it should be: 1) Buick has a heritage of great convertibles, 2) Buick does not have a convertible in its current lineup, and 3) Buick is looking for several new potential products to expand its market appeal.

Here's a fourth: It's a cool concept and would go a long way to help spark fresh interest in Buick's stodgy image. We say build it, Buick, before somebody beats you to it.