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.
