Buick Velite: Back to Rear-Wheel-Drive

GM's Buick division has been struggling for a number of years, unable to trade on its heritage, forced to play the conservative cousin. The Buick Velite, revealed at the New York Auto Show, represents a change of direction. With this concept, Buick sees a way to present itself as a global manufacturer of premium cars. Built on a new rear-drive platform first shown in Frankfurt with the Opel Insignia, it was designed in Michigan and built by Bertone of Italy. Design heritage is evident in the grille and fender portholes. The hood tilts forward like some historical GT cars, and the rear is reminiscent of boattail designs used by Buick in the 1930's.