SHANGHAI: Buick Riviera Concept

[Flybrian]

GM @ Shanghai
Buick Riviera Concept
Press Release


Buick Riviera Concept - Image Gallery

SHANGHAI - The Buick Riviera, a stunning concept car designed to showcase Buick's new global design direction, made its global debut today at Auto Shanghai 2007.

The gullwing Riviera concept coupe was developed with global design input by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in China, a design and engineering joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC).

The Riviera was introduced today by Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO, and Hu Maoyuan, SAIC Chairman.

The Riviera has been engineered to accommodate a new hybrid system that will go into production at Shanghai GM, GM's flagship joint venture with SAIC, in 2008.

The fuel-efficient car, which will feature several technological and manufacturing advances, represents the latest achievement of GM and its partners in the promotion and development of alternative propulsion technologies in China.

According to Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design, "Developing and launching the Riviera in China underscores the diversity, strength and depth of the GM global design network. It also reflects PATAC's growing role within the GM Design family and China's significance as the world's largest Buick market."

The Riviera also marks the return of a renowned Buick nameplate after an eight-year hiatus, having sold more than 1.1 million units in the United States between 1963 and 1999.

The Buick Riviera, with its tightly stretched carbon fiber body panels, combination of positive and negative curves, strong front and rear identities and gullwing doors, captures the essence of Buick classics, Welburn said, while presenting a thoroughly 21st century design.

"The Riviera concept certainly lived up to the nameplate's reputation," Welburn said.

"We developed the Riviera to communicate the global design vocabulary of the Buick brand and set the stage for General Motors' design, engineering and manufacturing centers to work together on the next generation of Buick mid-size luxury cars."

According to James Shyr, PATAC Design Director, the Riviera's enticing curves and 'earth and water' interior tones are drawn from diverse inspirations including classic Buicks, ancient Chinese artifacts and modern electronic icons. The car, inside and out, communicates universal beauty - a look that transcends cultural or national boundaries.

"Designing this car made us realize how small the world could be. It's not East. It's not West. It's not the United States or China. It's Buick," Shyr said.

Exterior Design - A Sense Of Existence, Not Anonymity

To establish their design direction, PATAC designers looked in part to Buick icons such as the original Y-Job Concept of 1938, the 1960s Le Sabre, Electra 225 and the Riviera coupes of the 1960s and '70s.

The Riviera design is structured around the Buick tri-shield logo, sitting proudly on a trihedral waterfall grille which is formed by three meeting planes. This takes the traditional Buick treatment to a new level of sophisticated boldness.

The Buick logo leads into a reflective strip through the hood, a mark of respect to the distinctive mid-hood crease prevalent in classic Buicks. Elongated LED headlamps flow up the hood sides to three-section, top-mounted chrome portholes as a single piece of jewelry.

The logo, hood strip, headlamps, side mirrors and rocker covers all have 'icy green' backlighting available at night, matched by backlit logo and exhausts at the rear.

Designers have cleverly incorporated several other design signatures from the original Riviera generation. They include the "double sweep spear" line along the bodyside and the flared tail design.

"This car was inspired by great Buicks - their grace, their gesture. This car was designed to achieve a sense of existence. It's not an anonymous car when it drives past you but it's not completely in your face either. We wanted to create something which would make you want to run your hand across it rather than just look at it," Shyr said.

In this theme, the 'Shell Blue' exterior color was chosen to elicit the right level of attention. The color is a metallic silver with light blue accents, perfectly highlighting the coupe's exterior curves.

The gullwing doors, selected for their exotic appeal, achieve an expansive entrance to the two-plus-two seating configuration. Measuring 1938 millimeters at their widest point, they add to the coupe's sleek sideline. At night, fully opened doors gently shine the "Buick" name on the ground.

The use of carbon fiber in all body panels allowed the designers greater flexibility through reduced mass and added strength. This made the gullwing engineering demands easier to realize and sharp, tight radius curves possible across the body surface.

The Riviera sits on 21-inch 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels, combining polished and satin finishes, with low-profile tires. Taking their cue from Formula One cars, the side mirrors are sweeping yet unobtrusive.

PATAC designed the Buick Riviera to accommodate the new hybrid system, which will be introduced in China in 2008 prior to the Beijing Olympics. The new hybrid system fits naturally with the Riviera's 'earth and water' design theme.

Interior Design - All About Relaxation

In a word - sanctuary. The use of rich blue and subtle creams, representing earth and water themes, are conveyed through high-quality leather bucket seats, plush carpet and a luxurious padded steering wheel. Completing the organic feel, the roof comprises two shaded glass windows offering increased headroom and a celestial connection for occupants.

"We had to have the driver feel relaxed and tranquil inside the car. We used earth and water tones and avoided hard, aggressive edges," Shyr said.

The interior has no discernable start and finish point for the front and sides, creating a comfortable lounge feel. It is immediately futuristic yet somehow familiar.

The three-dimensional speedometer, inspired by past classics but utterly modern in design, compliments the touchpad styled central console loosely modeled on a computer mouse. An LCD display screen crowns the central console.

Interior designers were encouraged to consider people's personal belongings to enhance their feeling of familiarity and comfort in the vehicle. Continuing the theme of calm simplicity, electronic shifter pads replace the traditional transmission shifter. Controls are kept to a minimum to avoid driver distraction.

Ambient light strips are applied from across the console and inserted on the door liner, stretching to the front seats. Deliberately imitating precious Chinese jade stone, the lights are tinted a subtle icy green, which also offers tribute to a favored color of Buicks in days gone by.

Interior trim treatments befitting the Buick prestige abound - miniature aluminum tri-shields in the front seat headrests, a wooden floor mat in the rear and a rear central armrest which can move sideways left and right to accommodate passengers of different sizes.

Royal blue Alcantara, a soft plush covering, was chosen for the door, console and roof while sandy white leather covers the lower door, lower console and seats.

Ancient Influences In Modern Design

The design team set out to create a modern global design - not something which could be superficially described as a Chinese car. At the same time, they sought to draw from their heritage outside the automotive industry from classic shapes, concepts and artifacts. They wanted to include a subtle Chinese essence and influence if one looked deeply enough.

A strong influence was the yuanbao, a small curvaceous gold or silver ingot used in ancient China as currency and popular today as a symbol of ancient Chinese prosperity.

"This design was about the East and the West co-existing in harmony. We always wanted to make a global car, to take a sense of the Buick DNA and create something for the world," Shyr said.

"It is so wonderful that our designers can take some of the rich culture behind them and make it international. East, West, Buick, China - there's no missing piece in the puzzle in here. Riviera has captured the essence of Buick - grace, gesture, form and emotion."

Preliminary Specifications

Body style: Coupe
Number and style of doors: Two gullwing
Seating capacity: 2 + 2
Bodyshell: Carbon fiber panels

Exterior dimensions

Wheelbase: 113in (2870mm)
Length: 185.4in (4710mm)
Width: 76.4in (1940mm) (excluding mirrors)
Height: 55.71in (1415mm) (doors closed)
Front overhang: 36.1in (918mm)
Rear overhang: 36.3in (924mm)
Front track: 64.7in (1645mm)
Rear track: 64.3in (1635mm)

[Oracle of Delphi]

I need to see more of it to decide if I like it or not.

[vrazzhledazzle]

I hate china

They are giving Buick to china

This is what the first user comment on that article says:

"That concept car totally blows away my concept of Buick as being a staid grampa car."

If they bring these kinds of Buicks stateside, they can turn around its perception as an old people car.

[ketch]

First they took my job

Then they take what Buick should be HERE.

Nuke 'em. Now.

[jbartley]

China's a bigger buick market right now. I fully expect the product line-up to be almost the same in both the US and China. Like Saturn/Opel.

I smell a lacrosse replacement. Riveria, Lucerne, Park Avenue, and Velite. That could work.

[CSpec]

This could be a couple of things: a concept for the Epsilon 2 Lacrosse, a random styling exercise, or an Alpha concept perhaps.

[SuperSport623]

is this on a production platform? riviera could go FWD or RWD.... what kinda motor? turbo 6?!?!?lol

[VenSeattle]

Good grief... some of you guys need to quit overreacting in paranoia. This is a very good sign that Buick will be returning to its former self. How many more articles about GM consolidating Buick's US & Chinese line-ups do you need before realizing most if not all future Buicks will be sold in both markets. Regardless of what this concept reveals, it pertains to both markets.

[ocnblu]

Let's see it with the door closed! I need to see a 3/4 front and rear view... and an interior view! Oh man... this is exciting. Let's see it with conventional doors in production with a 3.6L turbo V6 and six speed manumatic transmission... and RWD/AWD, of course!

[FAPTurbo]

That... is... drop... dead... gorgeous...

Did I just say that about a Buick?! Ho-ly Sh*t...

[DetroitNut90]

I love the idea, but based on this photo, I'm not sold on the result (less rear window and more trunk for starters). Some more pictures would be nice.

[X2222]

This seems like a pretty inspiring concept. I think the gullwing doors really work well and should be tuned for production. They not only look cool but it deinfetly makes getting into a 2 by 2 seat coupe a lot easier.

[AM6_Cutlass]

so far, it's not bad. Need to see more of the front/back/interior. It's a shame Buick didn't have any North American concepts this year.

[Northstar]

Can't tell much from that single shot, but it looks pretty aggressive-looking based on the stance, at least.

Some of the comments on autoblog are ridiculous:

Wow, they really are copying Lexus here. Looks like the next-gen IS350. I guess thats the way to get to the top, copy the current best.

Copying the next-gen IS350 that hasn't even come out yet?

[ocnblu]

Right, like Lexus is not the KING of copycats... good lord...

[Z-06]

Need more and closer pics to decide. But certainly looks rakish. Looking from how small the front overhangs are it may be a RWD.

Come on Lexus not only copies design but also copies engineering.

Edited April 14, 2007 by smallchevy

[SuperSport623]

if this is rear wheel, and gets any sort of power what so ever, screw the RIVIERA SUPER>>> i want a GS!

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

This 1980's commercial symbolizes what Buick is in China. This is the way people want Buick to be in America again. I am referring to the song in the commercial not the car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9mptYFDT0M

Interesting concept. It is called Riviera?? Wow..

Why doesn't American GM put the old names on the cars and back them up with style and substance like Buick China? They have LaCrosse and Regal and now Park Avenue. I wonder if they are getting Enclave there too...

GM is up to something and not just with Buick.

This is getting very interesting..

Edited April 14, 2007 by NINETY EIGHT REGENCY

[bring_BUICK_back]

Considering that any past concepts that Buick has come out with has never materialized I don't have high expectations that this will make it either. Buick has had some beuatiful concepts that should have been made. GM has no idea what a Buick should be. They give to everyone else but continue to screw over this brand. I wish someone would just take Buick away from GM so maybe there would be some hope.

[caddycruiser]

Really b-l-a-h, at least from that one bad view. I'll wait to see more before a full judgement, keeping in mind that Buick should be distinct and eye-catching luxury...

[loki]

more pics please!!! very interesting though.

[ToniCipriani]

I guess this is a sign of things coming. All the names we lost here all went to China.

[vrazzhledazzle]

Good grief... some of you guys need to quit overreacting in paranoia. This is a very good sign that Buick will be returning to its former self. How many more articles about GM consolidating Buick's US & Chinese line-ups do you need before realizing most if not all future Buicks will be sold in both markets. Regardless of what this concept reveals, it pertains to both markets.

Um, no it doesn't pertain to both markets.

China gets awesome flagship full-size sedan (Park Avenue), US dealers reject new Zeta-based full-size car.

China gets their LaCrosse, we get ours..complete with rear that looks like it came off a Kia.

We are a long way from being sure that the good Buicks from China will come here..or if they will still be 'good' when they do.

[turbo200]

it definitely reminds you of the lexus IS320, well me at least. if this is the new direction for buick, sign me up.

[Delta Force79]

Thats no Riviera

[91z4me]

Um, no it doesn't pertain to both markets.

Yes it does. Buick China is the design house for both markets. It shows the design cues that ALL future Buick cars worldwide will carry. Read the Statesman article for clarification.

China gets awesome flagship full-size sedan (Park Avenue), US dealers reject new Zeta-based full-size car.

US dealers can't reject a car for production. They can choose not to order ,it if their contract with GM allows them to not order certain models. US dealers also didn't get a chance to accept the car. GM Holden only has so much capacity to build and they are going to be quite full with what is on their plates, right now. The plans for the GMNA Zeta program include a fullsize Buick. The GMNA large Zeta Buick will likely replace the just debuted Chinese Park Ave when it goes into production at Oshawa after the Camaro and Impala, likely when the new DTS enters production.

China gets their LaCrosse, we get ours..complete with rear that looks like it came off a Kia.

While theirs does look top shelf it costs it as well. Also theirs came out a couple of years after the NA Lacrosse. The W-body just won't be around long enough in the US/Canada to justify the spending for a massive update to make our Lacrosse into the China Lacrosse. So the Lacrosse soldiers on while the EPII replacement is in the works. And the rear end is a direct rip off of the pre CLS Mercedes NOT Kia.

We are a long way from being sure that the good Buicks from China will come here..or if they will still be 'good' when they do.

If that is what you want to believe then sure. People were pessimistic about Opels coming the US as Saturns too weren't they?

[gm4life]

What platform is this on?

Edited April 15, 2007 by gm4life

[prototype66]

Nice looking concept, looks more Saturn than Buick to me.

[ponchoman49]

This is a Riviera? Good thing it's China only!

[thegriffon]

It's not even China, it's just a styling concept, one that bears cues from future Buicls being penned in NA as well as China.

[91z4me]

What platform is this on?

Most likely Zeta based on the overhangs. But I guess it could be Epsilon.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Very sexy. GM must build this car for Buick in some form.

Man, wouldn't it be great if Buick's line-up went something like this ... ?

• Velite Coupe, Convertible, and Sedan
• Rivera Coupe and Convertible
• Regal Sedan (sedan version of the Rivera coupe)
• Enclave

And the Rivera/Regal (which would be the LaCrosse replacements) would be based on Alpha, not Epsilon II, because if the decision was left up to me, Alpha would be used exclusively in the P-B-G sales division for cars and crossovers. It probably wouldn't prove to be cost effective, but, ah, that's how I would do it.

[pow]

Next LaCrosse?

[gm4life]

Zeta and a 3.6L V6 sounds good to me. Actually I want a GNX!

[VenSeattle]

I wonder if they are getting Enclave there too...

Yes, China gets Enclave --- The Enclave was shown at Beijing's Auto Show

[Intrepidation]

Kinda reminds me of that sketch I did a while back (you know the one where I forgot the "C").

It looks hit! How many Buicks in recent history besides the last Riviera can you say that about?

[Regalguy01]

Nice looking concept. Looks more like a chevy or pont than a buick. But I guess they could deck it out to the point that it fit the Buick channel as well.

[Cory Wolfe]

Interesting. Not what I expected, but still nice.

[MyerShift]

If it were made and still passionate like this, I'd lust.

Buick needs cars like these to survive.

[Sixty8panther]

Holy $hit that looks HOT!!!

God dang I want to live in China all of a sudden.

[thegriffon]

Most likely Zeta based on the overhangs. But I guess it could be Epsilon.

It's just a concept, so it probably isn't "actually" based on anything, even if it's meant to show what is possible on a certain architecture.

[91z4me]

It's just a concept, so it probably isn't "actually" based on anything, even if it's meant to show what is possible on a certain architecture.

See I don't get why companies do this. I would think that they would start out with a chassis already in production, or headed to productin, and then modify it to suit the concept. Like the 99 Nomad. It was based on the F-body but with rediculose amounts of changes. But was still probably cheaper than a whole new 'concept' chassis.

[thegriffon]

Except that a concept platform basically just has to be the right size and shape, it doesn't have to be engineered to meet safety, NVH or production requirements etc. Welding up a custom body under those conditions is relatively easy, and you don't have to worry about making an existing platform match the size you want for the concept design. You can save money by using other off-the-shelf components, such as engines, transmissions and chassis components that don't affect the design of the concept.

[91z4me]

Except that a concept platform basically just has to be the right size and shape, it doesn't have to be engineered to meet safety, NVH or production requirements etc. Welding up a custom body under those conditions is relatively easy, and you don't have to worry about making an existing platform match the size you want for the concept design. You can save money by using other off-the-shelf components, such as engines, transmissions and chassis components that don't affect the design of the concept.

So the totally custom one off approach is actually cheaper, who would have thought?

[Flybrian]

Look at the 1999 GTO concept. Mainly styrofoam, yes? In any case, it was a coaster that had no engine.

[Chazman]

More pics:

http://www.automochatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=801

Does NOTHING for me....

[Camino LS6]

I think I'm with Chaz on this one.

The front is butt-ugly, the back merely ok, and the doors absurd.

Hope this is only a styling exercise without production intent.

[CSpec]

The front looks waaaaay to high. The back looks OK I suppose. This thing actually looks really small... I doubt this is a Lacrosse concept.

[turbo200]

getting past some of the "errors", it's actually a nice looking car, and a great effort at aggression and luxury from Buick. The front end is too stubby in relation to the mile-long door. The front wheel to door position signifies this could be FWD. The detailing around the doors suffers because of the lighting and pre-concept photos we are seeing here; wait for the official intro. I love the simple fluidity for the rear, which to me is all Buick. The front is too high, I think, only because it's also stubby. I like the design language all around, but would something this radical ever make it into production as a Buick? It damn well should, if they ever want Buick to be looked at as a modern luxury make of curvaceous and supple cars.

[NOS2006]

Holy f***ing GORGEOUS inside and out. I love this thing's interior!