Buick’s new Invicta (Latin for invincible) concept brings back a vehicle nameplate not seen on a GM product in more than 45 years and previews a new four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline destined for sale in the world’s two biggest automotive markets – the United States and China. The Invicta is the latest evolution of previous Buick concepts including the 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe, and was designed collaboratively by GM centers in Warren, Michigan, and Shanghai, China.

As with the Riviera, the new Invicta features short overhangs with wheels pushed out to the corners for a well-planted stance. The overall appearance is sleek, thanks in part to a sweeping, low roofline and a front windshield that has an aggressive rake.

Up front, the Buick tri-shield is displayed inside a vertical waterfall grille. Polished aluminum surrounding the headlamps, portholes, around the D-pillar and along the lower side of the vehicle on the lower doors carry-on the now familiar Buick design themes.

The concept is powered by Buick’s first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250hp (186kW) and 220lb-ft (298Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for improved fuel efficiency.

It stretches 4.93m in length, has a wheelbase of 2.9m, measures 1.47m in height and has a 1.64m track. Up front there’s a MacPherson strut suspension set-up and an independent set-up is used in the rear.

The all-new LaCrosse, which debuts later this year in North America, will be Buick’s next example of global collaboration and is said to be previewed by the new Invicta.

2008 Buick Invicta Concept