Yahoo Autos Buick Riviera Concept
Buick uses the Detroit auto show to show us what gets the Chinese market all fired up: the Riviera concept that was designed and engineered in China and made its world debut at the 2007 Shanghai auto show.
And although Buick has made no formal production announcement, we expect the concept's new hybrid powertrain and a coupe strongly resembling this one will enter production for both the Chinese and American markets.
The new Riv is a made-in-China design, courtesy of the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, a joint venture between GM and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). GM claims that inspiration comes from the original Y-Job concept of 1938 and the LeSabre, Electra 225, and Riviera coupes of the 1960s and '70s, although you really have to squint to see any of them in the new Riviera's curvy bod.
At 185.4 inches long, with a 112.9-inch wheelbase and riding on 21-inch, 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels, the gullwing car is the most striking thing to wear Buick's three shields since the sexy Velite concept convertible from 2004, which influenced the Riviera concept. And although we're sure the doors won't make it past the show circuit, General Motors says the concept represents Buick's global design direction for its next generation of mid-size luxury cars.
