Detroit show: Buick goes sporty with Avista

BUICK has ripped the covers off its sleek Avista rear-drive coupe concept that could eventually be sold in Australia wearing Holden badges.

The striking 2+2 coupe will remain a show-car for now, but with general Motors revving up its Buick brand in the United States, there is a good chance it will make into production, and could be sold as a global model in various markets should it be built.

If it gets the green light in right-hand drive configuration, it could slot into Holden's line-up as a flagship two-door sportscar, which it has not been able to offer since the demise of the Monaro in 2005.

Under the stylish bonnet of the grand tourer is a 298kW twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It features cylinder deactivation technology and idle-stop as well as Magnetic Ride Control to improve body control.

The American car-maker has not released performance or fuel efficiency figures.

Holden has previously said that a V8-powered sportscar will be a part of its future line-up, so it is unclear if the Avista will eventually gain V8 power, or if there is another model planned with more performance than the twin-turbo V6.

Last year Holden announced that it will launch 24 new models between 2015 and 2020 in a bid to refresh its line-up as it prepares for the closure of its Adelaide and Port Melbourne factories by the end of 2017.

While GM's design team based at Holden's Port Melbourne headquarters were responsible for the Buick Avenir concept from last year's Detroit show, GoAuto understands that they were not involved with the design or build of the Avista.

The Avista's carries some of the design cues from the Avenir sedan concept, including the rounded boot and high rear shoulder line, while the headlights are similar, albeit sharper on the Avista.

The squat stance and overall design is also reminiscent of the Opel Monza concept that was revealed at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show.

As GoAuto has previously reported, Buick, Opel/Vauxhall and Holden will become more unified as GM's mid-range brands share models where possible.

According to Buick, the tail- and headlights, which are sharper than that of the Avenir's, will flow on to future Buick production models.

There are no B-pillars and the grille incorporates a three-dimensional mesh background. It features front fender vents that are an evolution of Buick's “signature” ports.

The Avista measures 2811mm long – about 80mm longer than a Lexus RC coupe – while the front and rear track measure 1601mm and 1598mm respectively. It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels with colour accents that match the body.

Inside the 2+2 cabin it is pure concept with long flowing lines and the use of 3D-printed door and seat trim, while a wide-screen display dominates the instrument cluster.

Touchscreen controls that are housed in the centre console flow all the way through to the rear seat area and the Electronic Precision Shift gear lever – similar to the one in the LaCrosse that was revealed at the Los Angeles motor show – allows room for open storage compartments in the console.

Aluminium and carbon-fibre look materials feature throughout the cabin, while a fading pattern on the seats, console and doors was “inspired by waves receding at a beach's edge,” according to the GM-owned brand.

The Avista is fitted with the QuietTuning noise cancellation technology, ionic air purifiers and aromatherapy.