Buick Avista
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2016 (concept car)
DesignerJohn McDougall, Aaron Stich (interior)[1]
Jesung Ahn (exterior)[2]
Body and chassis
ClassGrand Tourer (S)
Muscle Car (D)
Pony car (D)
Compact executive car sports car (D)
Body style2-door, 2+2-seater hardtop coupe
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
PlatformGM Alpha platform
RelatedCadillac ATS-V Coupe
Chevrolet Camaro
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp)
Transmission8-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,811 mm (110.7 in)[3]
Chronology
PredecessorBuick Riviera

The Buick Avista is a concept 2-door, 2+2-seater hardtop coupe built by Buick, first unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show on January 10, 2016.[4]

The exterior, finished in superior blue,[3] boasts a low-slung flowing pillarless coupe design with a sloping fastback roofline. The front fascia is said to have been inspired by the 1954 Buick Wildcat II concept car.[5] On the inside, the seats are upholstered in mist gray leather, complete with carbon fiber aluminium accents to give the driver's compartment a more sporty appearance. The dashboard features a wide touchscreen previewing a "future version" of Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system. The doors and interior components were 3D-printed.[6]

The Avista concept car is related to the Cadillac ATS-V Coupe[7] and sixth generation Chevrolet Camaro by sharing the same rear-wheel-drive Alpha platform. Its chassis utilizes Magnetic Ride Control to provide more precise handling. Power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 400 hp, backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission.[8] Its engine comes equipped with cylinder deactivation to improve fuel efficiency.

The concept car was met with critical acclaim, winning the 2016 EyesOn Design award (also won by the Buick Avenir in the previous year),[9] as well as being named "Best Future Concept" by The Detroit News.[10] The fastback coupe concept was applauded for its perfectly proportioned rear-drive stance.[11]

The Avista nameplate, meaning sight in Italian, was previously filed for trademark registration by General Motors on September 22, 2015.[12]

Production consideration

Although the car was merely intended as a design study,[13] GM considered putting the Avista or a similar car into production as a halo vehicle for Buick, according to a Buick representative.[5] A production version was expected to retain the platform and engine from the concept.[3] Its prospects were boosted by the great fanfare generated by its introduction at the Detroit Auto Show.[14]

Rear view

However, Buick ultimately decided not to make the Avista. Despite the interest, Buick restated it was a design study and would not be produced. They also decided not to make a sedan version of the Avista to replace the Buick Regal.[15]

See also

References

  1. ^ Herta, Anthony (January 29, 2016). "Buick Avista Concept: How It Came to Be". GM Authority. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  2. ^ "Behind the Design of the 2016 Buick Avista Concept Car". Motor Trend.
  3. ^ a b c "Buick Avista Concept". GM Authority. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  4. ^ Migliore, Greg (January 10, 2016). "Avista concept shows Buick's performance potential [w/video]". Autoblog. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  5. ^ a b Perkins, Chris (January 10, 2016). "Buick Debuts the Avista, a Gorgeous Concept Coupe". Road & Track. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  6. ^ Szymkowski, Sean (January 12, 2016). "Buick Avista Concept Gets Technical With 3D Printed Interior Pieces: Feature Spotlight". GM Authority. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  7. ^ Feder, Joel (January 10, 2016). "Buick Surprises With Avista Concept In Detroit: Live Photos". Motor Authority. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  8. ^ Florea, Ciprian (January 11, 2016). "2016 Buick Avista". Top Speed. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  9. ^ Szymkowski, Sean (January 14, 2016). "Buick Avista Concept Bestowed EyesOn Design Award". GM Authority. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  10. ^ Szymkowski, Sean (January 25, 2016). "Buick Avista Awarded 'Best Future Concept' By The Detroit News". GM Authority. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  11. ^ "Buick Avista concept". www.deeptread.com. Deep Tread. Archived from the original on 2016-09-19. Retrieved 2016-09-19.
  12. ^ Ecclestone, Chris (October 1, 2015). "General Motors Files Trademark Application For 'Avista'". GM Authority. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  13. ^ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (January 19, 2016). "Buick Won't Build Avenir... But Doesn't Rule Out Avista". Motor Authority. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  14. ^ Szymkowski, Sean (January 18, 2016). "Avista Concept Buzz Makes Buick Reconsider Its Production". GM Authority. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  15. ^ Zoltan, Bogdan (March 19, 2016). "Buick Says Avista Will NOT Get Built". Carscoops. Retrieved July 23, 2017.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Buick Avista Concept.
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