Embracing Tomorrow: The Timeless Beauty of Buick's Riviera Concept
Forgotten ONES - Making its debut at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, the Buick Riviera Concept stands as a significant milestone in automotive innovation. Emerging from the collaboration between GM’s Shanghai GM and Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), this concept car not only showcased avant-garde design but also provided a sneak peek into Buick's future aesthetic direction.
The Buick Riviera Concept stands as a significant milestone in automotive innovation, and emerging from the collaboration between GM’s Shanghai GM and Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC). (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
Despite its debut almost a decade ago, the Riviera Concept remains an enduring source of inspiration for subsequent Buick models, including the Buick Wildcat EV Concept and others. Judging from its extraordinary design, it continues to influence the design language of Buick vehicles to this day.
The Buick Riviera Concept featured classic coupe proportions with precisely-shaped fenders, framing distinctive side air openings at both ends. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
Evolving from its 2007 predecessor, the Riviera Concept featured classic coupe proportions with precisely-shaped fenders, framing distinctive side air openings at both ends. Drawing inspiration from the Chinese proverb "The greatest good is like water," the exterior design mirrored the dynamic flow of a river, embodying an athletic shape, an elegant ambience, and deeply sculpted lines.
The Buick Riviera Concept boasted Buick's recognizable "sweep spear" silhouette with a three-dimensional effect reminiscent of ocean waves at a standstill. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design, labeled the Riviera as a "design study of the future expression of Buick design," highlighting its elegant athletic shape, sculptural beauty, and precision execution. Beyond a mere design showcase, this concept underscored Buick's commitment to seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
The Riviera Concept boasted Buick's recognizable "sweep spear" silhouette with a three-dimensional effect reminiscent of ocean waves at a standstill. Complemented by unique gull-wing doors and an ice celadon finish inspired by jade, the car exuded a dynamic yet elegant persona.
Step into the Buick Riviera Concept futuristic cabin through the single, large gull-wing doors, and you'll discover a harmonious blend of classic premium materials. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
At its core, the concept housed the Buick Intelligent Performance (BIP) technology, featuring GM’s dual-mode W-PHEV (wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) propulsion system. This innovative system allowed users to seamlessly switch between electric and hybrid modes, blending green efficiency with exhilarating sports car performance. Charging options ranged from traditional methods to wireless charging via a sensory recharge panel integrated into Buick’s iconic porthole design.
The Buick Riviera Concept featured with interior radiated elegance, successfully marrying luxury and technology. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
Step into the futuristic cabin through the single, large gull-wing doors, and you'll discover a harmonious blend of classic premium materials like leather and wood with high-tech trims in aluminum, all illuminated by ambient blue LED lights. The interior radiated elegance, successfully marrying luxury and technology.
The Buick Riviera Concept featured with the eaglewood tone interior showcased refined materials like sand-blasted aluminum alloy, lava suede, and ebony, creating a visual spectacle reminiscent of Chinese jade-inlaid wood. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
Inside the cabin, the eaglewood tone interior showcased refined materials like sand-blasted aluminum alloy, lava suede, and ebony, creating a visual spectacle reminiscent of traditional Chinese jade-inlaid wood. The 360-degree integrated design mirrored Buick's signature elegance and refinement.
The Buick Riviera Concept housed the Buick Intelligent Performance (BIP) technology, featuring GM’s dual-mode W-PHEV (wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) propulsion system. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
The Riviera Concept transcended mere aesthetics and performance; it embraced the future of connectivity. Equipped with an advanced mobile Internet system supporting high-speed 4G LTE network use, it delivered real-time traffic updates, weather information, and entertainment options while facilitating seamless communication with other vehicles.
Safety took center stage with an active safety system utilizing 10 high-resolution cameras and 18 micro high-precision sensors. This forward-looking system projected integrated information in a holographic image on the windshield, ensuring a high level of active safety and security for occupants.
As we marveled at the Riviera Concept, it became clear that Buick was not merely unveiling a car but presenting a vision of the future where elegance, performance, and technology seamlessly converged. The Riviera Concept stood as a testament to Buick's dedication to innovation and design excellence, signaling the dawn of a new era in automotive sophistication. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBODYDESIGN | MOTORTREND | CARANDDRIVER ]
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Embracing Tomorrow: The Timeless Beauty of Buick's Riviera Concept
As we marveled at the Riviera Concept, it became clear that Buick was not merely unveiling a car but presenting a vision of the future where elegance, performance, and technology seamlessly converged. The Riviera Concept stood as a testament to Buick's dedication to innovation and design excellence, signaling the dawn of a new era in automotive sophistication. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBODYDESIGN | MOTORTREND | CARANDDRIVER ]
