Looking Into The Aussie Roots Of The Buick Avenir
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Buick surprised and stunned all in attendance at its private party and showing of its all new Buick Avenir concept. The most shocking fact of the evening to fall on our ears was the concept actually stems from Oz. The Avenir concept shines as a glimmer of hope for the Australian design, as manufacturing cease dates creep upon us.
As more details emerge on Holden’s future as a brand, it becomes more and more clear that Buick, Opel and Holden will become very involved in the near future. Remember the video some time ago showing a concept being designed inside the Holden studio? It was reported to be Holden’s version of a next generation Opel Insignia to replace the Commodore. Since Opel and Buick have become corporate cousins, we were graced with the design as well. Turns out that was our Buick Avenir concept, and we have a hunch there are a few of them with Holden badges somewhere down under.
The Avenir’s rear-wheel-drive proportioned exterior was completely designed and executed by Holden, while the a U.S. design team penned the interior. The greatest part about the design is the presence it takes on from different angles. From a side view, it represents a classic full-size sedan. Motion to the rear, and you are surprised with something Porsche Panamera-esque, albeit much prettier.
The rear actually takes its design cues from the “boat-tail” styling found on the 1971-73 Buick Riviera. GM Australia’s lead exterior designer Warrack Leach said it was easy to be inspired when working on such an iconic brand.
“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,” Mr Leach said.
“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.”
In terms of design, many pieces seen here will influence future Buicks to come. Specifically, the new front grille is a modern interpretation of the design found first on the 1954 Wildcat II concept. At the time it smashed expectations of what Buick was. The Avenir looks to do the same thing once again.
Inside, the Buick Avenir continues to bend perceptions of what to expect from a Buick design. The interior is inspired by nature and sea waves receding on the beach where the interior flows throughout the cabin. The design reveals a color palette of light and natural tones. If the Avenir reigns as the new standard for Buick fit and finish, consider it the antithesis of what is found on a first generation Lacrosse.
If we’re lucky enough to see the Aventir reach showrooms as a production model, we certainly hope (and think) the future is shared with our friends down under.
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I think Buick needs this sedan. It would revitalize the company and give them a couple steps up on the luxury scale.
John Buick is getting this sedan.
I am just glad some one caught on and figured out what we said the other night that Holden was in play here.
May be that may make some folks happy down under as they may get a version of this.
Nope im from Australia and i dont want it unless its built here, i would link the petition here but i dont want to do GM any favours. over 20,000 holden buyers have signed on to not buy any GM products after the factory closes. Enjoy the nose dive in profits GM after you had the bright idea to close the facory to increase profits. If you dont belive me other posters just google HOLDEN and see how GM is now (stupidly so) suprised by the consumer backlash. well newsflash GM as soon as the factory closes you may as well pack up and leave OZ as your market share will drop by around 50%. UNDERSTAND PEOPLE THAT WERE LOYAL TO YOU AND HOLDEN HAVE NO TIME FOR IMPORTS GM.
Love the car, like the new grill ( a razor blade like waterfall in the share of a slightly jilted right angle would have been better, though) but I hate the tri color shield.
I, for one, will miss the sleek monocrome.