The new, highly futuristic Buick Riviera concept car that was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show over the weekend did more than just get the “not bad” nod from the automotive media at large. It’s also attracted the attention of financial analysts, the Motley Fool in particular, and it’s gotten them looking forward  — reading their tea leaves as to just what the new plug-in hybrid coupe could mean in the future.
Firstly, and perhaps the most important, the Riviera isn’t just some sort of showboating concept, as it provides serious foreshadowing as to what we can expect future Buick models to look like. Second is the whole Buick-China tie-in. Seemingly the publication couldn’t resist in stating the obvious in that the Buick was designed in China, with an eye for what the Chinese market likes in terms of design. We think it would appeal to the North American market just as well.
Third is the vehicle’s concept drivetrain. A plug-in hybrid with wireless charging ability could be the next thing that moves the plug-in market segment forward. Nikola Tesla would be proud.
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Comments
It looks cool but one thing just struck me while going through the gallery: Try getting in and out of it inside the average garage.
Industrial design concepts; they live for the “wow” factor. A production Riviera would most likely have conventional doors.
If I remember correctly (which is dubious at best) GM confirmed with the last Riv concept that they had created a special double hinge that would allow the doors to go up gull wing style or out like traditional doors. You are certainly right, though, this little Riv might not be parking deck friendly.
I hope future production Buicks get floor mounted pedals!
I like how they kept the concept sensible (as far as concepts go, that is), obviously the gull-wings wont make it. And concept interiors are never a production go. But the general design could, look at the Camaro and ELR, both those basically went straight from great looking concepts to great looking production cars. Similar front and rear ends, and side molding could easily be seen on next gen Buicks.
How very true. The overall shape of it and the roofline would make a beautiful new Buick coupe, or sedan for that matter.
This car means that Buick is considering a Coupe and Riviera name. As for the rest It is up for grabs
Every MFG has a few plug in hybrids in their sights as there is no other way to meet the new CAFE other wise.
The shape of the car is a hint at the future if you squint hard. The would have to be many changes here for production. GM learned the hard way on the Camaro that some change is needed to keep people happy in the real world.
I think they could have said much more if they had made the car less show car and gone more production with it. But I guess we need to give them time.
I think a Coupe based sedan would make for a good fit for Buick to go with the 2 door coupe.
The doors would never be an issue in the Garage as it will never go production with them. Gull Wings are neat till you have to live with them.
There are ways around the CAFE issue such as purchasing a motorcycle company to get the corporate average mpg down for example.
No, motorcycles do not count toward CAFE.
But if you can come up with other ways to get around the CAFE please let me know. We can become billionaires together.
Selling a million Buick Veranos will help.
I was under the impression they did as Audi & Mercedes both own motorbike company’s.
Nope, elsewise it would be a lot cheaper to sell motorcycles than add $5k to each vehicle to meet CAFE.
What bike company does Mercedes own? I know Audi just bought Ducati recently and obviously BMW has BMW bikes
Great look
Yep its a concept…
CAFE will just keep getting more & more strict on the rules meaning it will be nigh on impossible for manufatures to comply
Also the range will be full of niche sellers selling poorly just to comply with CAFE regulations
KTM I think.
You might be right on that. I thought KTM was primarily owned by an Indian company , but maybe not.