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    Detroit Auto Show Reveal: 2015 Buick Avenir Concept

      Avenir means "Coming Soon" in French, and we certainly hope so with this stunning surprise Buick concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit


    At the North American International Auto Show, Buick surprised us all with this stunning concept vehicle, the Buick Avenir. Avenir in French means "Coming Soon" or "In the near future", and we certainly hope so.

    The Avenir is a large sedan that visually can stand with the likes of the Bentley Mulsanne or the Mercedes Benz S-class, yet it does so with entirely Buick looks. Classic visual cues like the boat-tail trunk, the sweep spear, the large waterfall grille, and the 3-port fender vents merge with more modern cues like the check mark light pipes in the front and rear light clusters, and the hockey stick design element in the front doors to bring together old and new without looking over-wrought.

    2015 Buick Avenir Concept 006

    Power for the Avenir comes from a next-generation 3.6 liter V6 that features cylinder deactivation mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission which sends power to all 4 wheels through a twin-clutch AWD system. The new 3.6 also features start-stop technology to power down the engine when at red lights. The driver can select multiple suspension dampening modes to his or her taste.

    One element that stood out to us was the return of colors to the Buick tri-shield emblem. I asked a Buick spokesperson if this means we might see a return of the tri-color tri-shield and they were noncommittal, saying only "There are many style and design features on this car that will be seen in future Buicks."... One can hope...

    Press Release on Page 2

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    Buick Explores Future with Avenir Concept

    New design proportion, device integration, rejuvenating interior push brand forward

    DETROIT – Buick introduced the Avenir concept today in advance of the North American International Auto Show – a flagship sedan exploring progressive design with new levels of passenger well-being and technology integration.

    The Avenir – French for future – is distinguished by its premium sports proportions and all-new interpretations of traditional Buick cues. It is the creation of a global team of Buick designers and sculptors who were inspired by historic Buick concepts, which pushed traditional boundaries, shaped future Buick models and influenced the entire auto industry.

    “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.”

    The Avenir’s sculptural surfacing, expressive proportion and Buick’s signature sweep-spear bodyside visually cue an exceptional driving experience that awaits inside.

    “The interior is designed with the driver and passengers’ comfort and well-being in mind,” said Welburn. “Technology is seamlessly integrated and builds on the features that have become hallmarks for today’s production models – helping drive a new generation of customers to Buick.”

    Additional vehicle highlights:

    • Personal seating for four
    • Full light-emitting diode (LED) exterior lighting
    • Twenty-one-inch wheels
    • Next-generation direct-injected V-6 engine with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and stop/start technology
    • Nine-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission
    • Driver-selectable suspension damping
    • Twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system
    • Next-generation Buick IntelliLink infotainment with large, 12-inch-diagonal color touch screen
    • Driver-recognition features that automatically sync infotainment preferences
    • Ionic cabin air filtration
    • Mobile device wireless charging
    • OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot.

    A new design direction with a nod to the past

    A long hood, wheels-at-the-corners stance and a sloping, rear deck that pays homage to historical models, such as the Riviera, distinguish the Avenir’s proportion.

    “Simply put, Avenir is a beautiful piece of sculpture, delivered on a premium proportion that acknowledges the Buick design heritage in a very progressive way,” said Michael Simcoe, vice president of design, GM International Operations. “The vehicle remains unmistakably Buick with a modern take on the traditional Buick cues such as the sweep spear and boattail. The result is a piece of artistry that is precise in its character, beautifully proportioned. It really takes your breath away.”

    The most striking departure from contemporary Buick models is a new grille design that puts a new face on the brand. It features a large opening accented by a return to the three-color – red, silver and blue – Buick tri-shield insignia, accented by wing-shaped elements. The grille is flanked by bold headlamps featuring full LED lighting.

    “The new grille is a modern interpretation of a design introduced on the landmark 1954 Wildcat II concept, which shattered expectations of what a Buick was supposed to be,” said Simcoe. “On the Avenir, it represents a break from convention and progressiveness in technology.”

    Sculptural surfaces, taught lines, short overhangs and a broad-shouldered stance stretches 204.5 inches (5,195 mm) in length and 76 inches (1,931 mm) in width. Its reimagined sweep-spear element complements the long body lines and conveys a sense of motion, as does tapered rear-end styling.

    Avenir’s sophisticated color palette, including a Crystalline exterior color and strained use of bright work accent the Avenir’s body lines and sets up the interior for a combination that takes Buick’s contemporary style to a higher level.

    “It’s a sculpted design with a lot of snap in the character lines – with a classic long, low proportion,” said Simcoe. “Its length enables exceptional spaciousness inside, but just as importantly, a presence that speaks to luxury and the importance of style. In short, it’s the befitting proportion for a Buick flagship.”

    A soothing environment with unprecedented integration

    The Avenir’s four-place interior rewards the senses, makes managing technologies easier and enhances the feelings of personal space and well-being.

    “A flowing, sculptural quality in the interior forms, deco trim, premium leather and ambient lighting, create an environment that is inviting and comfortable,” said Liz Wetzel, Buick interior design director.

    Interior surfaces - inspired by nature and sea waves receding on a beach - flow seamlessly through the cabin. 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.

    “There’s an almost-three-dimensional or bas-relief effect to the design motif that adds depth and heightens the sense of place,” said Wetzel. “Layered and floating elements such as the center console enhance the perception of lightness, efficiency and dynamism.”

    A color palette of light and natural tones blended with oiled and buffed wood trim, and Galvano satin-chrome accents, enhance the Avenir’s ambience.

    “They’re rich, premium materials and warm colors innovatively executed to enhance the soothing effect of the interior environment,” said Wetzel.

    Functionality is manifested in the Avenir’s device-integration technologies, which are designed to lift the user’s mood and make the details associated with daily life a little easier. It starts the moment the vehicle is started, synchronizing information and devices within seconds. The Avenir instantly configures gauge cluster and infotainment screen displays based on prior customization while also recognizing the user’s music preferences, calendar schedule and recently visited locations from a cellphone’s GPS. It can even pick up a podcast the user was listening to at the moment it was interrupted.

    Buick’s user experience designers are also pushing the Avenir’s technologies for home integration, 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.

    “The Avenir’s integration features build on the technologies already available or coming soon in smartphones and streamline them in a system that makes accessing and interacting with them easier,” said Wetzel.

    Personal connectivity extends to rear-seat passengers, where USB ports and video screens allow occupants to plug in to their favorite media and slip into complete relaxation, arriving at their destination refreshed and rejuvenated.

    “The use of color, material, form and amenities can affect a person’s mood and feeling,” said Wetzel. “The Avenir is a showcase of thoughtful and modern design with the capacity to anticipate and facilitate the personal needs of its occupants. It’s absolutely its own getaway destination.”

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Now that is a Buick.

     

    This car is headed for production and what you see is about 90% from what I can see. Note it has the crush space with the high nose for over the engine and other little details not normally put into a show car.

    This is also the car Mark Reuss spoke of about being a more dramatic Panamera. Also if you look back at the Holden ad that spoke of Holdens future they had a Holden version of this on the screen on the designers desk.

    I see this car as a Buick, Opel and Holden it will replace the Zeta so this may be a 2018 or mid year 2017.

    What I see here is a Bentley and Panamera.  I have asked for an automaker to take on the Bentley scalped styling and it looks like Buick has stepped up. Whole the A & S Cadillac is not bad this styling could age it fast.

     

    I expect the greatest changes to take place to the interior as it is the most show car like as there are things that will need to be added but other than that. Wow!

    Hell I was never a big fan of the big Waterfall but they have made me love this one with the Opel V in it.

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    I like everything back to the C-pillar. The front fascia & lighting details are VERY nice, but a shorter rear overhang than the front is not something I would gravitate toward. I see a number of other details I would have refined differently, tho overall on the exterior I'd give it a 8.5/10.

    Hope to hell Buick slots something in this tier for production.

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    Buick was kind of the doctor's car when GM owned 50% of the US market: elegant non-flashy luxury compared with the more excessive Cadillac... Can the two coexist, or does this show that GM really doesn't need Cadillac if they can build up the Buick brand to its former glory?

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    As for the name this car deserves better than an old name. Also if you want people to know you have changed you better not rehash the past.

     

    Do not count Cadillac out as they are not to where they are going. The Buick will fill the gap left by Cadillac. You need to let GM finish the whole picture before you get too judgmental.

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    As for the name this car deserves better than an old name. Also if you want people to know you have changed you better not rehash the past.

     

    Do not count Cadillac out as they are not to where they are going. The Buick will fill the gap left by Cadillac. You need to let GM finish the whole picture before you get too judgmental.

    If this picks up the current 'value-oriented' Cadillac buyers, fine. If Cadillac fails to move upmarket enough, I see trouble ahead. No strategy is without risks, of course; just trying to point the risks out.

    Edited by ZL-1
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    I actually quite like it, although from the side it looks a bit like a Tesla Model S with a longer hood.  I don't like short rear decklids or a Panamera style rear end, this isn't too bad, but from behind the C-pillar I think it could be better.  They did well in front of the C-pillar, I question if there is a market for it, I think sales numbers would be like Kia K900 or Hyundai Equus.

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    @ZL-1

     

    That is just it Cadillac is on a mission that it can no be let to fail. Hence the investment and complete buy in by GM to give them what ever it takes to build the cars and engines of their own  they need to make it.

     

    Buick will do fine in its segment and fill in very nice for where Cadillac has been. But they will not get their own engines and options as Cadillac will get. The full buy in by GM will bring things we could not imagine a year ago. Hell did you ever think they would get their own powertrains again? That is only a hint at what is coming.  

    Hell few people saw this coming to Buick and wondered whey they were saved in the first place. Yet GM hid this car in plain site in the Holden add last year and Mark spoke openly about it.

    The bottom line is this is not the old GM and for once the people who are not the problem within are winning control.

    Edited by hyperv6
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    The concept is on an amalgamation of older platforms. This exact car is a styling exercise, but one that could be built on coming platforms. Dont be surprised if certain elements of the next Lacrosse remind you of this car.

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    @ZL-1

     

    That is just it Cadillac is on a mission that it can no be let to fail. Hence the investment and complete buy in by GM to give them what ever it takes to build the cars and engines of their own  they need to make it.

     

    Buick will do fine in its segment and fill in very nice for where Cadillac has been. But they will not get their own engines and options as Cadillac will get. The full buy in by GM will bring things we could not imagine a year ago. Hell did you ever think they would get their own powertrains again? That is only a hint at what is coming.  

    Hell few people saw this coming to Buick and wondered whey they were saved in the first place. Yet GM hid this car in plain site in the Holden add last year and Mark spoke openly about it.

    The bottom line is this is not the old GM and for once the people who are not the problem within are winning control.

    Hope GM delivers on those promises. The talent is surely there t just needs proper Management.

     

    I think this Buick car can (maybe together with a NG FWD LaCrosse) effectively replace the XTS in terms of target demographics and independenttly of the wheels driven being front or rear. Maybe even go a little beyond what the XTS offers to 'soft' luxury buyers today.

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    I actually quite like it, although from the side it looks a bit like a Tesla Model S with a longer hood.  I don't like short rear decklids or a Panamera style rear end, this isn't too bad, but from behind the C-pillar I think it could be better.  They did well in front of the C-pillar, I question if there is a market for it, I think sales numbers would be like Kia K900 or Hyundai Equus.

    This is just like all the coupe style MB auto's with short deck lids. You should love it no matter what since they praise MB by building a coupe short deck auto.

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    This car is intended for the Omega and on one web site they posted GM info on the use of Aluminum in the construction and that is would share its construction with the CT6. The only unanswered questions was would it also carry the aluminum exterior panels as the CT6.

     

    If you note the body on this car is very producible and even the nose incorporates the needed height to meet the engine to hood crush space. If this were only as show car that would have never been put in.

     

    I expect this car with in two years with only the major changes coming to the interior . No 12" Video screens in the seats etc.

     

    Z GM has always had the talent just not the system that enabled them. Lutz opened that door when he was her and today Mark and Mary both are continuing to keep those doors open and opening more.

    Now if they can just finish off the infighting of those who remain that want to return to the old ways. That faction is getting smaller and weaker as GM has been succeeding with new product. The fight over Cadillac's path has been the most difficult but with their move to set them apart this will remove the fight in the other side. This is what NYC is all about for Cadillac. It keeps the enemies from within farther away.

    The Buick here and new Lacrosse will not replace the XTS. These cars will suppress anything the XTS would have ever accomplished.

     

    The real need right now is a good solid Marketing Plan for all the division. They have some great product out there and coming that people need to know about. Right now Cadillac Marketing is piss poor and Buick is only a little better but needs to be built on to move them forward.

     

    Also I had an Aussie say they are getting word of an Holden RWD V8 coupe any one have news on this. I am not surprise to hear this but would like detail.

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    The Avenir looks more like the Model S or almost Panamera shape at the back. I like the car overall but would prefer more trunk. The CLS I think looks good, but my favorite Mercedes designs have always been E and S class which are more 3 box design.

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    Panamera is distinctly dowdy in appearance, it cannot get past the 'limo builder' look of an obviously stretched 911. In other words; it's a terrible adaptation- the tiny front & rear clips of a sports car tacked onto a fat sedan body. It has no fluidity. A LaCrosse looks more cohesive and frankly, more upscale. Panamera is not remotely a stylistic comparison. Avenir is galaxies above the Panamera.

     

    CLS is a very sleek design- that should have been the s-class all along but the roofline gives 3" less headroom front & rear than the S, and that's crucial for livery service.

     

    I'm reading comments attributed to GM folk that the Avenir is NOT intended for production, which is borderline criminal, of course. We'll see.
    But the production changes are of some concern. Avenir is wearing 21" rims - that's not going to happen. The concept LaCrosse GL wore 20s but largest you can get on the current car are 18s. The way the Avenir sits is a huge piece of it's visual impact- if a production car only gets 18s, a lot of wind is going to slip out of its sails. I'm not expecting to see this built at 85% of the concept.

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