Consensus has it: the Buick Avenir concept is hot. So hot, in fact, that chickens have been laying hard-boiled eggs after seeing the new full-size concept with their own eyes. And though we’re into hard-boiled eggs as much as the next guy, we’re not here to talk about them. Instead, let’s focus on what lies beneath the Avenir’s hood and aluminum Omega vehicle architecture.
Refreshingly, the Avenir isn’t powered by some conceptual engine making 5,000 horsepower while returning infinite amounts of fuel economy. Instead, its powertrain seems to be an iteration of GM’s current engine and transmission technologies. The same goes for its suspension system.
To whit: Buick says that the Avenir concept is powered by a “next-generation direct-injected V6 engine with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and stop/start technology”. Doesn’t that sound like an improvement (adding AFM and stop/start) to The General’s current line of six-bangers, most prominently represented by the naturally-aspirated 3.6L LFX and twin-turbo 3.6L LF3. Seems that way to us.
Tasked with transmitting the power to the axles is a “nine-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission”. Call us crazy, but doesn’t that sound like the gearboxes currently being developed by GM and Ford?
And though the Avenir’s new Omega architecture is as rear-wheel-drive as rear-wheel-drive gets (just look at those proportions), Buick says that the concept features a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system. Could it be similar to the trick AWD setup we see on the 2016 Buick Envision?
Furthermore: the Avenir’s suspenders feature “driver-selectable” suspension damping adjustments. Sounds like GM’s coveted Magnetic Ride Control to us.
So, at least when it comes to the powertrain and suspension, the Avenir seems to be less “concept”, more “not-too-distant reality”.
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Comments
That is what I have been telling you for a while. This car is about 90% production and you will hear more about production after the CT6 is shown in NYC.
Cadillac gets the first claim to be production on the Omega and then Buick will get their turn.
Holden may even sneak in there too at some point since they will get a version.
I highly expect some kind of Turbo V6 option with V8 power. 400+ HP?
This could be the new 3.0 V6 that is said to be in the CT6 and produce class leading power
That has been my thought too David.
Nice to see someone here that is observant and informed!
Buick- TAKE MY MONEY!
I think the Aviner is really disigned to replace the Holden Commodore version that is sold in China with a Buick badge. This could be a very large market. A version will also be sold a Commodore and an Opel.
I hate to say it, but i would trade my low mile camaro ss in on this thing ,its absolutely beautiful and lustful, not sure if that’s a word, but i love this car, yes as ARACH says take my money
I can see why the chickens are laying hard boiled eggs… This sucker is really hot.
Make mine a 2.8 diesel.
I’ll be honest; I find nothing interesting about the Avenir. The rear end is crushed and compacted, and in profile the cars’ proportions are awful.
Silently, I’m hoping that nothing that makes the Avenir look terrible finds its way onto the CT6.
Had a chance to see this car at the Detroit Auto Show tuesday night . And ii gotta say the pictures don’t do it justice . Although it looks awesome in pics , it is ( I think ) the coolest ” concept ” coming out of GM’s design studio in years . I even like it better than the Elmiraj . Even the deck lid design in person blends in well with the other design cues . I wasn’t sure I would like it from the pics I’ve seen but in person looks great . The crowds around the turn style were like 5 deep . But managed to wiggle my way up front . Everything people were talking about was ” do you think GM will build it ” ! And after reading this article about the undercarriage I really can see this in Buicks showroom a year after the CT6 .
Let us hope GM is listening to the crowds enthusiasm . Make mine all-wheel drive in Crystal Red Mettallic .
Thanks for pointing this out. Too many people look at a 2 dimention photo and really do not get the full feel of the design in 3 D.
the rear end is much more in person an hard to relate in photos. If it were any longer it would look really odd in person.
Yes it will be built with come changes like slightly smaller wheels and no 12 inch monitors in the seats.
Also all of you be aware this is not going to be a cheap car. It will start around $40K and will go well into the $50K range. Just look at the Lacrosse pricing and Regal and understand it will not be cheaper than them.
But also consider you are getting a hell of a lot better car than Buick has offered in years too. No cars are cheap anymore and if they are on the low end don’t expect AWD and Aluminum.
This car could use the new Caddy V6 and the 6.2 V8 of the Corvettes. It also could be sold as a Chevy Caprice sedan and MonteCarlo Coupe, Opel Admiral and ambasador, Rekord and a Holden Commodore
You will not see a v8 here.
TT V6 is likely.
I’m thinking that it’s a new 3.0tt V6. With that said, this technology can trickle down to the rest of the High Feature and Ecotec lineups. They should also feature IVVL too. Once DSF is proven and ready for the real world, it should go into High Feature’s and Ecotec’s as well.
If the 3.0 comes to market I see it getting handed off to Buick with Cadillac going to their own engines. Maybe Chevy too.
I really hope this is produced, one would look awesome parked next to my Roadmaster sedan. 😀
Australian’s will cut fingers and toes off for a V8 version to replace our Commodore. I have personally put my hankering for the last of the HSV GTS to replace my 2007 Senator on old to see what happens with this one.
Article should say where the Avenir was fully designed and prototyped – 10,000 miles from Detroit in Melbourne Australia.