New York 2008: Buick Sketches Out Invicta Concept Car

I’m just back from a luncheon that was kindly hosted by Buick in preparation for the New York Auto Show, where General Motors Global Design VP Ed Welburn gave a hint at the next Buick concept car.

The new concept is set to be called Invicta, and will draw inspiration from the styling of last year’s Riviera concept. Invicta will make its world debut at this year’s Beijing Motor Show in April, and is said to embody the “global appeal” that Buick is attempting to nurture.

While attendees were only given one sketch of the upcoming concept, the silhouette seems to define a long and low coupe, or perhaps yet another in the line “four-door-coupes” that seem to be so popular these days. Read Buick’s short press release below the jump and tell us what you think of the sketch, in comments.

NEW YORK – Buick took another step to bolster its global design presence with a sneak peek at a luxurious show car it plans to reveal in China at the Beijing Motor Show on April 19. Named Invicta, Buick’s show car reflects the way General Motors utilizes design and engineering talent around the world to execute a premium vehicle with international appeal.

The Invicta, which is Latin for “invincible,” evolves Buick’s global design direction from the Riviera concept introduced last year in Shanghai. The Invicta show car was co-developed by GM design centers in North America and China to meet customers’ expectations equally in the world’s two largest automotive markets.

“Buick’s global appeal created an opportunity for GM Design Centers to elevate our collaboration to new levels. Using our virtual reality centers in Warren, Mich. and Shanghai, designers fused the best ideas from both cultures during the development of the Invicta, “said Edward T. Welburn, vice president, General Motors Global Design.”The result will set a new design standard for Buick, and it couldn’t have been achieved by one studio working in isolation. The Invicta represents another significant design milestone in Buick’s history.”

Invicta draws inspiration from the Riviera concept with a modern and graceful exterior design matched by a sumptuous interior. Invicta pays homage to Buicks of the 1940s through the 1970s with its nostalgic sweepspear design cue, a curved line running the length of the car. The exterior also features Buick’s signature vertical chrome waterfall grille and a new look to its portholes. The Invicta interior will share Riviera’s ambient lighting feature and lavish design.

Buick returns the Invicta name after a 45-year hiatus. Buick originally introduced the Invicta in North America as a production vehicle from 1959 to 1963. It is the first time the nameplate has appeared on a Buick in China.