Buick Showcases New Riviera Concept in China

BuickBuickUnited States of America, 1903 > present68 models
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introduced a new concept RivieraBuick RivieraUnited States of America, 1962 > 19998 series
24 versions
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at the Shanghai Motor show that was designed entirely in China, and this is what Ford’s Escort concept should have been like. The Riviera concept takes the inspiration of the original carBuick Riviera Gen.1United States of America, 1962 > 19654 versions
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as a personal luxury coupe that could seat four when needed.

The car was designed by Shanghai General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
240 photos
and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, which GM also runs. It is meant to show the future of Buick design including advanced technology, flexible function and a modern look.

The Chinese designers used he proverb “The greatest good is like water,” when creating the look of the car.

It maintains the long hood and short trunk from the original Riviera but that is about it. However, the general ethos of the design is the same as the original. It aims to be a highly styled, highly advanced car for luxury buyers.

At the front, the car has a waterfall grill with LED running lights and a steeply raked windshield. The Riviera concept also includes gull-wing doors that open to expose all four seats. The concept is painted a color inspired by Chinese jade.

The interior tries to give the driver 360 degrees of visibility. It has a grey interior with sandblasted aluminum trim. There are also pieces of suede and ebony used in strategic places. There are 10 cameras and 18 sensors arrayed around the car to give the driver complete information of what is happening.

"Riviera is a design study of the future expression of Buick design with its elegant athletic shape, sculptural beauty, and precision execution. It is a great opportunity to share Buick's future design language and technology strategy,” said Ed Welburn, GM head global design.

Power comes from a plug-in electric powertrain with inductive charging, which means with the right charger installed the car can be parked over the charger without needing to be plugged in. It also has four-wheel steering and magnetic dampers.

At the moment, Buick has no plans to put the design into production. It is simply meant to show the future of the brand.