The GL8 flagship concept car may herald a new production truck, while the Smart Pod is the level of the minority report in the future.

Isn't it a little cute?

Last week, the Los Angeles Auto Show ended and the Guangzhou Auto Show kicked off on the weekend, bringing two new concept cars from Buick. The brand maintains an idol-like status in the country, showing off the GL8 flagship concept and the Smart Pod concept. The former has a good view of future production trucks. The latter may be a quick design study, nothing more.

Therefore, we will start with the GL8 flagship, which retains the name of the mass-produced car currently sold in China. This van takes a brand new and bold direction designed by Buick, a brand new interpretation of the brand’s iconic “winged” LED lights and a completely huge grille. Compared with Buick’s tame waterfall grille elements produced today, it feels quite Lexus. The mixed exterior colors accentuate all parts of the wild design, as well as the wide shoulders that extend from the headlights to the C-pillar. At the same time, the rear exudes more Toyota vibe, especially the Sienna minivan, with a concave sweep and a downward-flowing light bar on the tailgate. 

According to the brand, inside, everything becomes more futuristic with casual seating and designs inspired by Chinese landscapes. The futuristic leisure seats are also very flexible. The GL8 Flagship concept car is even equipped with a tea tray to sip drinks and integrate audio into the headrest. When there is no driver around, the truck can drive completely autonomously. This is simply a fantasy, but for a new GL8, its 30-inch large screen and full head-up display are not that weird when it expires.

Turning to Smart Pod, Buick said that this futuristic van allows people to see the services that tomorrow's "world-class" comfortable automatic pod vehicles can provide. Although it is very forward-looking, it is actually based on GM's Ultium electric vehicle platform and the automaker's new VIP electrical architecture. It's impressive to see today's production elements help create something so wild. The appearance is the same as the GL8 flagship, providing another Buick Wing design element, such as headlights, but they use micro LED technology. Buick said the technology is completely fluid, so the lights can provide welcome messages and various other animations. 

Inside, the interior is basically a mobile hotel with space for work and sleep. When you need a nap, the "sleeping seat" can be fully reclined, and there are hidden tables in each area to find the best place to complete the work. Smart Pod also includes noise reduction technology, ambient sound to enhance the travel experience and a 50-inch retractable LED screen for entertainment or work. Honestly, this sounds much better than a typical $100 motel room.

Although the GL8 Flagship will definitely be available in the United States, the Smart Pod may herald something that can be incorporated into GM's future product portfolio. We won't know until the technology of the fancy van is truly ready for mass production-if at all.

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