Buick Avista Concept Revealed at 2016 Detroit Auto Show

DETROIT – On the eve of the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, Buick rolled out the Avista concept, a two-door coupe with classic styling and the promise of serious performance.

Based on the same chassis as the Cadillac ATS and the Chevrolet Camaro, the rear-wheel-drive Avista sports a 110-inch wheelbase, 20-inch wheels and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 400 horsepower. The only transmission mentioned was an eight-speed automatic.

The current Cadillac ATS and Chevy Camaro have impressed us from behind the wheel, but both feature designs that favor angular aggression over anything else.

This Buick concept promises those same driving dynamics in a shell that looks like it could have been built by Jaguar or Aston Martin. We’ll save you the designer’s explanation of the design being about “motion and flow” and “the purity of the driving experience” and “precision.” One look at the photos will tell you all you need to know.

There was no mention of the production viability of the Avista, so whether it will actually make it to dealers any time soon is still up in the air. Given the fact that it’s based on two cars that are already in production, it has a good chance of moving ahead if it gets a positive reaction from the public.

Edmunds says: Buick is still trying to reshape its image in the minds of American car buyers. A production version of the Avista would go a long way toward making the brand look and feel younger.