Independent brand, power shortcoming, who is stronger
In recent years, domestic independent brands have occupied a place in the domestic automobile market by virtue of their outstanding cost performance and continuous improvement of product strength. The powertrain has always been regarded as a shortcoming of independent brands. Compared with joint venture brands, there is a certain gap between independent brands in terms of engine technology and power output, which has also become a major concern for consumers when choosing independent brands.
When it comes to power performance, the two major brands of SAIC Roewe and Buick/Chevrolet are undoubtedly the most worthy opponents at the moment. As a representative of its own brand, how does Roewe perform in terms of power? And how will the old Buick/Chevrolet joint venture brand play?
First of all, from the perspective of SAIC Roewe camp, although its Roewe 950 uses a 2.4L large-displacement naturally aspirated engine, due to relatively backward technology, the power output can only barely meet the needs of daily use, and it is often necessary to pull the engine to a higher speed range if you want to get enough power. This will undoubtedly affect the fuel consumption performance and also bring certain inconvenience to driving.
In recent years, SAIC Roewe has also been actively introducing new technologies, such as the 1.5T engine installed on the Roewe RX5 model, which is derived from General Motors' 1.5T LFV engine. This makes the power output and fuel economy of the Roewe RX5 significantly improved, and it can compete with the same class models under the joint venture brand.
Buick/Chevrolet, as GM's main brand, naturally has a natural advantage in power technology. Taking Buick Yinglang as an example, the 1.5L turbocharged engine not only has a maximum power output of 184 horsepower, but also a peak torque of 300 Nm, and the overall power performance has won unanimous praise from industry insiders.
In addition to the technical strength of the engine itself, Buick/Chevrolet has also put a lot of effort into the matching and tuning of the powertrain. For example, Buick Envision Plus adopts General Motors' Quiet Tuning technology, through the optimization of multiple systems such as engine, gearbox, chassis, etc., so that the NVH (noise, vibration, hardness performance of the whole vehicle has reached the industry-leading level, thus winning the reputation of "driving quality star".
From the point of view of power performance, the Buick/Chevrolet brand does occupy a certain advantage. In terms of chassis technology, SAIC Roewe also has its own uniqueness.
SAIC Roewe's chassis technology is mainly derived from the famous British car company Rover. As a veteran car company with a history of 100 years, Rover has accumulated rich experience in chassis design and tuning, especially in off-road vehicle chassis.
This British-style chassis design concept has also permeated many of SAIC Roewe's models. Taking Roewe W5 as an example, it adopts a traditional frame-type chassis structure, which not only gives the vehicle excellent off-road performance, but also makes the handling and chassis rigidity of the vehicle reach a fairly good level.
SAIC Roewe is also constantly learning and absorbing new technologies. For example, on the Roewe RX5 model, a new modular longitudinal engine chassis architecture is adopted, which further improves handling performance and fuel economy by optimizing the chassis layout and reducing the weight of the vehicle.
Buick/Chevrolet, as the main brand of General Motors, naturally derives its chassis technology from GM's technical reserves. As the world's top automotive group, General Motors has rich experience and advanced technology in chassis design and NVH performance.
In the case of the Buick Envision Plus, it uses General Motors' Quiet Tuning technology. Through the optimization of multiple systems such as engine, gearbox, chassis, etc., the NVH performance of the whole vehicle has reached the industry-leading level, and has won the reputation of "star of driving quality".
From the perspective of the comparison of power performance and chassis technology, the two major brands of SAIC Roewe and Buick/Chevrolet have their own strengths. If you look at it purely from the perspective of power output, Buick/Chevrolet has a certain advantage with General Motors' strong technical strength. But if you take into account the off-road performance and handling feel, SAIC Roewe has shown its own unique charm with the help of the technology of the British Rover.
This difference also reflects the difference in product positioning between the two brands. Buick/Chevrolet focuses more on providing consumers with a high-quality daily travel experience, so it has high requirements for power performance, fuel consumption performance and vehicle quietness and comfort. SAIC Roewe, on the other hand, pays more attention to bringing sporty and off-road style driving pleasure to consumers, and has made great efforts in handling and chassis strength.
In the long run, both SAIC Roewe and Buick/Chevrolet will continue to increase investment in power and chassis technology to meet the increasing needs of consumers. For SAIC Roewe, in the future, it may further improve the power output and fuel economy of the engine while retaining its own characteristics; Buick/Chevrolet, on the other hand, is likely to add more sporty handling experience to the sporty model on the basis of enhancing the quiet comfort.
The battle between SAIC Roewe and Buick/Chevrolet in terms of power and chassis technology has only just begun. With the continuous introduction of new technologies and the changes in consumer demand, the comparison of strength between the two sides will also produce new changes, bringing more and better choices to consumers.