The Buick Avenir Concept Car
The Buick Avenir Concept is the result of a collaboration of over 100 designers, sculptors and fabricators in Warren, Michigan and Melbourne, Australia. Contributions from each of General Motor's Buick design centers were coordinated across 10,000 miles, communicating via electronic conference during the middle of the day in the United States and at the beginning of the following day in Australia.
The result is a sleek, trim-lined sedan that has that sports car appeal. Providing seating for four adults, the classic Buick design elements are still present in the concept, but hve been molded into a new, exciting form.
In Australia, the designers worked to create the Avenir's rear-wheel drive and the car's exterior, while designers in the United States worked to create the car's interior. Australia's lead designer, Warrick Leach, took the classic boat tail design of Buick's 1971-73 Riviera and combined it with a low riding, slim-lined body to create the unique form of the Avenir.
Lead Creative Designer Blake Allen's interior sculpting was supported by his team and creates a classy, space-age styling. Drivers will enjoy the unique combination of two-tone interior moldings and trim lines that create the space. The front is equipped with two bucket seats divided by a central console.
The car was constructed in Australia and then shipped back to the United States for it to be the big surprise in a showcase reveal, staged in an Eastern Market warehouse in Detroit, the night before the Detroit Auto Show.
According to Car and Driver, the Buick Avenir Concept car took center stage, flanked by two 2016 Cascada convertibles, one top down, one top up. The dramatic reveal occurred after the two convertibles were in place, making the reporters and distinguished guests wonder what the show piece would be. The concept car was pulled onto the center platform and quickly stole the show, as the audience thought the center spot would be occupied by an SUV.
Attendees were wowed by the design, but thought the name was too close to avenue. But nothing could be further from the truth. The car carries the French word for, future. Mark Reuss, GM's product development chief mused that the Avenir, "provides definite cues of what to expect from Buick in the future."
Not only is the car a hit with onlookers for its pleasing exterior, what is known about its engine has them happy as well. The car sports a V-6 equipped with cylinder deactivation as well as auto start and stop. The transmission is a nine speed with paddle shifters. The car is capable of all-wheel drive, and has suspension damping controlled by driver selection. The car is equipped with 21-inch wheels. Longer and wider than both the Cadillac CTS and the Chevrolet SS, the car is set to dominate the class in both performance and style.