Did you feel a sense of déjà vu upon hearing the name and looking at the pictures of GM’s new Buick Riviera Concept? If the answer is yes, then you likely remember the Buick Riviera Coupe Concept from the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show.
While that study never materialized into a production car, GM’s Shanghai GM and Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) joint ventures are giving the project a fresh try with a new concept at this weekend’s 2013 Shanghai motor show.
“The new Riviera offers a preview of Buick’s future design language,” said Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming. “By seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, flexible functions and contemporary aesthetics, the new Riviera heralds the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand.”
Buick says the new Riviera coupe concept’s styling took inspiration from the Chinese saying, “The greatest good is like water”, with a sweeping design and flowing lines, though, we should note that it doesn’t look like a great departure from the original 2007 study.
The new interpretation of the Riviera luxury coupe adopts GM’s all-new, dual-mode W-PHEV (wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) propulsion system, allowing the driver to use the car on battery-power alone or in hybrid mode.
Other highlights include the ability to charge the batteries through a traditional cable or wirelessly via a sensory recharge panel on the car’s chassis, four-wheel steering, an electromagnetic-controlled suspension and an air spring package.
PHOTO GALLERY
