Detroit: Buick Avenir concept

Buick has introduced a new concept car called Avenir, a word that means “future” in French. The Avenir will greet the public for the first time at this week’s Detroit Motor Show.
The Avenir previews what a Buick flagship sedan could look like. It stretches 204 inches long and 76 inches wide, dimensions that make it slightly bigger in both directions than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It wears an elegant design with a long hood, pronounced haunches and a tapered rear end that is inspired by historic Buick models like the Riviera. Similarly, the radiator grille pays homage to the Wildcat II concept that bowed in 1954.

With room for up to four passengers, the Avenir’s cockpit features a flowing design that Buick says is inspired by nature and the sea. Nearly all of the car’s functions are controlled via a 12-inch touch screen located on the center console, a setup that let designers create a simple, clutter-free dashboard accented by wood and gloss black trim. White leather upholstery provides a contrast with the dark trim.

Two additional screens integrated into the front seatbacks let the rear occupants enjoy individual entertainment. The concept packs OnStar with 4G LTE and a wireless charger for compatible mobile devices.

Technical details are vague at best but Buick says the Avenir is powered by a direct-injected V6 engine with a start/stop system and cylinder deactivation technology. The six-cylinder sends power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles.

Buick has not revealed what the avenir holds for its latest concept. If built, it could ride on the same platform as the Cadillac CT6 flagship that will be introduced in New York next April.