Buick
Avenir Concept
GM
is still trying to figure out exactly what Buick is nowadays, and what they
should be building. They want to take them back upmarket, but then again they
can't really tread on Cadillac's toes. But on the other hand they've got a
lucrative niche selling rebranded Opel models in China under the Buick name.
They're even bringing the Opels to North America. But clearly GM have got
bigger and better things planned for Buick, at least for now.
The
Buick Avenir concept is a flagship sedan model designed to reinvigorate the
brand, as well as explore the future design direction of the company. The
Avenir is the creation of a global team of Buick designers and sculptors who
were inspired by historic Buick vehicles. Its name means "Future" in
French.
"Avenir
embodies Buick design, which centers on effortless beauty and presence without
pretense,"said Ed Welburn, vice president of General Motors Global Design.
"It demonstrates the growing international reach of Buick and offers an
exciting vision of where it can go."
One
of the most interesting features of the concept is a new grille design that
combines the traditional waterfall blades with wing-shaped elements emanating
from the central badge. The red, silver and blue Buick tri-shield insignia also
makes a return. According to Michael Simcoe, vice president of design, GM
International Operations, the grille was inspired by that used on the 1954
Buick Wildcat II concept.
Other
exterior design highlights of the Buick Avenir concept include sharply sculpted
wheel arches, an elongated wheelbase, sleek roofline and a boattail rear end.
The
interior is less adventurous than the exterior, but it's still pleasing to the
eye. The interior design of the Avenir was inspired by nature and sea waves
receding on a beach. It is a motif featured on the seats and carried through in
other trim components - even the carpet. In fact, a patterned insert for the
carpet carries the motif in silk and bamboo. The colors have been kept muted in
an effort to maintain an air of calm and relaxation.
Yet
despite its tranquil appearance, underneath all that soft-touch upholstery and
trim is a plethora of gadgets, which all spring to life the moment the car is
started, synchronizing information and devices within seconds. The Buick Avenir
instantly configures the instrument cluster and infotainment screen displays
based on prior customization while also recognizing the driver's music
preferences, calendar schedule and recently visited locations from a
cellphone's GPS.
Buick's
engineers are also looking at ways to integrate the Avenir's technologies with
smart home systems, which would allow accessing home security cameras or the
capability of turning on outside lights and closing a garage door that was
inadvertently left open.
Powering
the Buick Avenir is a direct-injected V6 engine which uses cylinder
deactivation and stop/start technology to reduce fuel consumption. The
transmission is a nine-speed automatic which sends power to the rear wheels.
