The upcoming Buick Cascada is a reminder that it’s been a long time since the brand has offered a convertible. The 2016 Avista concept currently being shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit reminds us that a coupe also hasn’t been in the Buick portfolio in ages.
According to Buick, the new tri-shield badge up front is flanked by “wing-shaped lighting with ‘soft curtain’ elements that create illuminated ‘halos’ around [the] lamps’ edges,” offering a preview of future Buick production lighting. Designers stretched flowing, muscular Dark Sapphire Jewel bodywork over enough space for 2+2 seating, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and rear-wheel-drive architecture. A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation and Stop/Start functionality transmits 400 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic, which, thanks to Electronic Precision Shift tech, is supposed to exhibit reduced noise and vibrations, and free up cabin space.
The B-pillarless coupe’s Superior Blue/Mist Gray cockpit is fitted with carbon fiber and aluminum accents, 3D-printed door and seat trim, a futuristic version of the IntelliLink system, and next-generation QuietTuning sound insulation.
Although the press release below makes no mention of whether or not Buick intends to make a production version of the Avista show car, the fact that its 110.7-inch wheelbase and 63-inch and 62.9-inch front and rear tracks make its underpinnings similar in size to those of the Cadillac ATS Coupe is a good sign. Perhaps with a little taming of the interior design that makes it mass-production-cost-friendly, the Avista could make it to dealerships one day. Based on looks alone, it appears it could convince people to “Experience the New Buick.”
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
