2016 BUICK AVENIR: A spectacular Buick concept will be on review for the first time at a Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 14-22, 2015. Buick calls the prototype, “Avenir,” which is French for future. The Avenir serves as a test vehicle to explore new styling and advanced technology that may transfer to future production models. More than 100 designers, sculptors and fabricators at GM’s design studio near Melbourne, in Australia, and Buick’s North American design center, in Warren, Mich., contributed to the project. Avenir’s classic rear-wheel drive proportion and exterior design theme include Buick’s signature sweep-spear body side motif, taught lines, a long hood, short overhangs, wheels-at-the-corners stance, and a nod to the “boattail” styling of the 1971-73 Rivera. A striking new grille design features a large opening accented by a return to the three-color – red, silver and blue – Buick tri-shield insignia, accented by wing-shaped elements. The grille is flanked by bold headlamps featuring full LED lighting. Avenir’s sophisticated color palette, including a crystalline exterior color and strained use of bright work accent the Avenir’s body lines. Within the personal four-passenger cabin there is a color palette of light and natural tones blended with oiled and buffed wood trim and Galvano satin-chrome accents. There are driver-recognition features that automatically sync infotainment preferences and Buick IntelliLink with large, 12-inch diagonal color touch screen. Keeping the interior fresh is an ionic air filtration system. Suggested powertrain consists of the next-generation direct-injected V-6 engine with fuel-saving active fuel management that deactivates cylinders when not need, stop/start technology, and nine-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. A twin-clutch all-wheel drive system is featured, as is driver-selectable suspension. This is a must see concept car at the 107th annual Chicago Auto Show.