First Drive: Buick Centieme Concept
Harley Earl would have been proud
By Steven Cole Smith
We recently had a chance to test drive where Buick has been, and where it may be going. The first was the '38 Buick Y-Job, regarded as the first modern "dream car" and the definitive example of what legendary GM design chief Harley Earl could accomplish. The other was the Buick Centieme, a handsome crossover concept that made its debut at the 2003 Detroit auto show. Buick says the Centieme (French for 100th; pronounced sen-tee-em) could be built or at least foreshadow future products, but it also said that about the Blackhawk concept, the Cielo, the LaCrosse, the Bengal...
Our time behind the wheel of the Y-Job (which is powered by its original 141-horse straight 8, cornering on tiny 13-inch wheels nestled under a body 10 inches longer than a Cadillac Escalade's) was magical. Speed was limited to 35 mph, but we only needed to go 35 mph. Elegance is best savored slowly.
The Bertone-built Centieme was impressive, too. With 400 horsepower from a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 powering all four wheels though a Versatrak system, it has modern credentials and maintains an unmistakable Buick presence.
The Centieme suggests that it could make for an impressive premium people-mover. Seating is for six in three rows, Chrysler Pacifica-like, but nicer. The third-row seats fold flat at the touch of a button.
Unlikely to make production are a bunch of concept-exclusive features, such as the woven-leather floor and 22-inch wheels, but in most other aspects, the Centieme is entirely buildable.
Only about half the advertised 400 horses seemed to be present, but that was enough to tease us. Weighing in at just under 4000 pounds, the Centieme was reasonably light on its feet. The up-high seating position felt right, and we can see this as a versatile daily driver.
Buick, happy 100th birthday. But if you want to celebrate many more, turn loose what's left of Harley Earl's spirit.