New Buick Riviera Concept Previews Brand's Future Design Language
Unveiled today at the Shanghai Auto Show, Buick has revealed an updated version of its Riviera Concept, foreshadowing the future look of the brand’s vehicles.
The fourth global concept co-developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) it is said to herald, “the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand,” said Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming.
Said to be inspired by the “dynamic nature of water” GM VP of global design Ed Welburn commented that, “It is a great opportunity to share Buick’s future design language and technology strategy.”
Both the new front grille design and wing-shaped daytime running lights will become key parts of Buick’s future design DNA.
Powered by a dual-mode W-PHEV (wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) system, the Riviera Concept can act as either an electric vehicle or as a hybrid, and can be charged conventionally or wirelessly. The charge port itself has been integrated into the iconic Buick porthole design.
Technical highlights include four-wheel steering, an air ride suspensions system and GM’s electromagnetic shocks. Looking ahead to the future of safety system it uses 10 high-resolution camera and 18 sensors to watch the road ahead, displaying information on the windshield and making possible a list of features that include everything from blind spot alert and lane departure warning to an autopilot feature.
Buick has made no indication that a production version of the concept is in the works, though the brand did recently trademark the Riviera name indicating that a coupe is set to return to the brand under just such a badge.
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With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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If Buick builds the new Riviera, will it be built in China ? We don't need another import!!!,