Increased performance for the Park Avenue Ultra VIP begins with nearly a 15 percent boost in engine output to 270 horsepower over a standard Park Avenue Ultra of 240 horsepower at 5200 rpm. The versatility of the car extends from its roof-mounted bicycle rack to its space-efficient trunk design featuring custom-fit leather luggage, twin Buick golf bags, and special compartments for a composite archery bow and tournament arrows and a pair of tennis racquets.

The Park Avenue Ultra VIP is designed to commemorate the Park Avenue brand team's sponsorship of the National Senior Games Olympic series of athletic competitions. Regional and state competitions include events such as golf, cycling, tennis, archery, track and field, softball, swimming and basketball for amateur athletes over 50 years of age. The qualifying competitions, which began in January nationwide, lead up to the Senior Olympics to be played next year in Baton Rouge, La.

The Park Avenue Ultra VIP offers a blend of classic American sedan with an athletic flavor. To give the car an aggressive, muscular stance, it is lowered three inches and equipped with a set of custom aluminum MAS Saggita (Italy) 18-inch wheels coated with bright silver highlighted with polished outer edges and Michelin 255/50ZR18 performance tires.

Body color on the VIP is Mica Red which is applied in a three-coat paint process. The body color extends inside to the front center console and select areas of the instrument panel and the fascia plates on the front doors.

Considerable attention is directed to efficient packaging of sports equipment for the Park Avenue Ultra VIP. A roof-mounted bicycle rack accommodates a Trek road bike. A custom one-piece wind faring located on the front of the bicycle rack conceals half of the bike to improve aerodynamics.

"The trunk in the Park Avenue Ultra VIP is much like a sports locker," said Annette K. Smith, Park Avenue brand manager. "We've packaged lots of sports and athletic equipment in the car so it's easy to access without having to unpack everything to retrieve one item. Even with the considerable number of items we've placed in the trunk there is still extra room."

Located in the trunk are two matching Buick golf bags complete with Titlest clubs. Two tennis racquets are concealed in an unobtrusive sliding tray located beneath the rear package shelf. Mounted securely on the underside of the trunk lid is a competition compound bow with tournament arrows. Custom leather sports luggage is designed to fit within the inner quarter panels of the trunk. A softball bat, ball and glove are also included. Spotlights mounted in the trunk lid illuminate the entire trunk area.

Front and rear seat headrests and floor mats feature embroidered National Senior Games Association logos. A custom designed center console houses a removable Palm PDA and provides two cup holders and an electrical power source.