Buick’s concept vehicle, the Avista, is displayed Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, in Detroit.
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There are other qualifications, of course, like no electric, hybrid or Fusion Energi models are included. and customers must take delivery from dealer stock by February 1, so we recommend that your read all the small print.
The styling is actually quite good looking, with swooping lines and aggressive rear haunches. All we know at this point is that the Avista is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that sends 400 horsepower to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s a polite way of saying there’s no way real people can fit in the back seat, so just forget about it. Like the Camaro, it’s a front engine, rear wheel drive auto created to transport two people in style.
After a few rumors started circulating about Buick’s latest concept, the Avista, the company has finally showcased the luxury muscle vehicle at the 2016 Detroit Auto show. The absence of conventional B-pillars between the doors and rear side windows enhances the flowing profile.
Duncan Aldred, Vice President of Buick-GMC says there are “plenty of new Buicks in the pipeline” to use the Avista design elements. “It was created to capture the spirit of the ideal drive”. Further evolving Buick’s signature fender ports are front fender vents featuring chrome accents.
That leaves open the possibility that if the Avista concept is given the production go-ahead it could be sold as a Buick in the US and an Opel in Europe; and potentially a Holden in Australia and New Zealand.
Mist Gray leather seating inserts, console trim and door trim are contrasted by a Superior Blue foundation that echoes the exterior finish. Carbon fiber and aluminum make up most of the surfaces, while the seat patterns are meant to be reminiscent of waves on a beach.
“Waves, whether from the sea or in the sand, are all about motion and flow”, said Nesbitt.
Buick also throws in noise cancellation technology, ionic air purifiers, and even aromatherapy to keep drivers calm and cosseted.
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Buick doesn’t say, but industry gossip suggests the Avista concept is built atop the GM Alpha platform, a longitudinally-enginged RWD/AWD architecture that underpins the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS and Cadillac ATS.
