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Carsales Staff12 Jan 2015
NEWS

DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Buick Avenir concept

Australian / American collaboration creates potential new flagship for GM's Buick brand

A design collaboration between GM's North American and Australian design staff – and built right here at GM Australia's advanced design studio in Port Melbourne – has resulted in a prospective new flagship model for the Buick range.

Dubbed Avenir (French for 'future'), the long-wheelbase sedan presents a unique and striking design that recalls Buick's boat-tail styling of the 1970s Rivieras, with elements of the brand's 1954 Wildcat II concept. A new grille and fascia, likely to adorn other future models, includes full LED lighting, while wing-shaped design elements emphasise the sedan's 5195mm length and "broad-shouldered" 1931mm width.

The Crystalline paint colour and "measured use" of brightwork are complemented by light leather upholstery and the careful use of ambient light inside the four-seat cabin. GM says the technique aims to create a wave-inspired interior that is both "inviting and comfortable".

Ergonomics and functionality have also been given much consideration, while technology integration includes synchronised personal device integration, and rear-seat video screens with USB connectivity. Up front, Buick's next-generation IntelliLink infotainmaent system is presented via a 12-inch colour touchscreen with OnStar 4G LTE technology, wireless portable device charging and Wi-Fi hotspot.

Riding on 21-inch wheels and adaptive dampers, the Buick Avenir concept is powered by a direct-injected V6 with cylinder deactivation and idle stop-start technology. It is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a dual-clutch on-demand all-wheel drive system.

The initial design sketches for Avenir were done in US but the remaining design and concept built was carried out at Holden's design studio, developing a unique body for the Omega platform. 140 local design staff at Holden worked on project.

"When you receive a brief titled 'Buick flagship' you immediately think of a vehicle with impressive road presence, a confident yet graceful stance, emotive and progressive form language, but above all else, a beautiful automobile," said GM Australia's exterior design head, Warrick Leach.

"It has been incredibly exciting to be part of this passionate global team, and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved. To be given the opportunity to present a show car at Detroit, one of the biggest automotive stages in the world, is the ultimate compliment."

"This project has been particularly special as it is the first time the team here in Australia have built a Buick concept for an International motor show. To have a concept on display in Detroit is very exciting and a great thing for Australian design," Mr Clarke said.

Buick sold 1.2 million cars last year, with 900,000 going to consumers in China. GM plans to move Buick and Cadillac upmarket, with brand value benefiting in both cases from a renewed design focus.

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