That fantasy becomes even more compelling thanks to magnetic ride control, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 400-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V6 tucked under the hood. But this looks fresh and exciting, something that could actually be enjoyable to drive. Buick’s newest concept auto shows a new design direction for the long-serving American brand that is the equivalent of a grand slam. There’s an elegance to the Avista’s shape that many modern cars lack, and it’s a throwback to classic Buicks of the 1950s and ’60s.
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2016 Buick Avista concept.
The Avista isn’t Buick’s first concept vehicle that’s easy to love and, hopefully, won’t the last. The Avista concept looks aesthetic from every angle, featuring the boomerang-shaped LED DRL’s reminding me of the McLaren P1 over the headlight assembly.
Sure, when you ask people under 40 to name a hot brand of vehicle, “Buick” doesn’t usually rank in the top five, or 10, or 30. The best human analog for the Avista? There’s plenty of power evident under the well-proportioned garments, but the overall never veers toward uncouth. Not exactly the sort of auto Buick is known for. While everyone was expecting to see the Cascada convertible, two of which did make a fine entrance, no one was ready for what rolled onto…
Peer through the pillarless side windows-yes, please!-and you find a flowing, airy cabin with seating for four. The fading pattern on the seats, console and doors were inspired by waves receding at a beach’s edge, or so GM’s marketing types tell us. “It offers all the features and amenities of a luxury SUV [sport utility vehicle]”.
To continue that evolution, Buick used NAIAS 2016 to unveil the closest thing to a performance vehicle that it’s built in a while.
It also means that a production Avista/Monza may not suffer the same fate as Camaro, which is built in left-hand-drive only, as the United Kingdom market would demand the steering wheel placed on the right. We spent several minutes poring over the Avista’s interior, its pretty exterior lighting, and its beautifully resolved body panels, and we continually found evidence of the designers’ influence.
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“Buick is already importing from South Korea, Europe and Poland”, Brinley said.
