Buick Claims Response To Avista Concept Was Not Compelling Enough To Make It To Production

Looks like an Acura without the beak. Maybe Honda would be interested in producing it.

For what exactly is Buick looking to make the reactions "compelling" enough? Stupidest sh*t I've heard outside of decisions by Infiniti. The reaction to this was incredible, like the American equivalent to the LC500. Think about that, Buick. Build this coupe with the underpinnings of the Camaro, with luxury accoutrement throughout, and price it at least $30k-$40k cheaper than the LC500 and you've got an easy winner on your hands. Simple as that.

The AVISTA was a styling concept - not a prediction of a future car. Over the years - especially in Cadillac with the Miraj and Ciel - GM has produced cars that clearly were not meant to be considered as future production - the Avista interior would never be produced. In its Upper near premium position - Buick is more likely to produce sedans than 2 doors. WHile they would like to have younger buyers - the fact is that older buyers do buy cars AND pay cash for them - and every manufacturer wants their business in some way. Apparently only DeNyschen doesn't car about them.

I would like to point out that Buick - of all GM brands - has a history of bringing out concept looking vehicles - the early and last Riviera being among them - but they go back to the Invicta of the 50's and before too. But in the end - they used concepts to get styling themes for their cars mostly. ALL manufacturers produce styles by committee - Buick has surprised us on a number of occasions - probably more than most divisions of GM.

I would argue that manufacturers should not do "production ready" concepts if they do not accurately reflect production intent. Cadillac and Buick need to produce their concepts. Sales would jump.

Right, you miss the point. The point is, the public reacted very strongly to this in a very favorable way. And Buick chooses to ignore it and just say, "Oh, it wasn't meant for production". Then what WILL be meant for production will be, well who knows. But more than likely it will have little resemblance and will generate little interest. Makes ZERO sense to do that. You've got the attention, now use it to your advantage. Look what Lexus did with the LC500. I'm not certain, but I would bet big money that the original concept was not meant for production, but the reaction was tremendously positive and look where we are now.

@cidflekken I didn't miss the point at all. You did, but it's ok.

I wasn't responding to you, Darringer. I was responding to TomM. Maybe you should read more carefully. You agreed with my original point, and my follow up (to TomM) actually carried that further, in agreeance. So, much to my chagrin, we agreed.

I don't think that we are that far away from each other on the opinion. While it is clear that the Avista was not the type of vehicle I would expect Buick to produce(THe Avenir was more like it) - what is clear is that Buick HAS INDEED used the styling themes of its concepts in production cars over the years - probably more so than many of the other AMerican divisions - as I pointed out the Riviera as an example. THe upcoming LaCrosse clearly has a number of the styling themes of the Avenir in its styling for example. However - small two doors simply do not sell in great numbers which is why I did not expect the Avista to be produced - being on the Alpha Platform - it is too small (Did you see it in person - I did) to be the Halo car of the Division. Now - if the car was the SIZE of the Avenir - then we could consider it to be the replacement for the Riviera - and a proper Halo car.

As far as upstaging Cadillac - Buick regularly did that with the Riviera - I doubt that was a consideration. The fact is - we do not know the direction GM is planning to go with a Buick Halo car - but BUICK means large cars to me - not another small - cramped Alpha based vehicle. And based on who buys Buicks - I do not see a "luxury Camaro" making sense.

Frankly - based on the market - I am still waiting for some company to produce a really well styled uscale personal CUV concept - An Upscale Buick Halo CUV would sell like hotcakes - Gm would not be able to produce enough of them.

They don't want it to take sales away from other GM brands...always a problem when your brands cross over each other. Fear it would take sales from Camaro on the low end and Cadillac coupe on the high end.

Price it $30 - 40 grand less than the LC500? Yes, it was an attractive car, I'll admit. But, in order to make a compelling case, you need to have future plans for it to keep it competitive, which requires resources ($$). Unless it adds to sales instead of crowding other cars in the stable such as the Camaro and the ATS coupe, there is no gain in producing. I hope the styling elements find their way into future Buicks.
Another possibility is a 4-door coupe which was a rumored possibility unless Cadillac has a 4 - door coupe in their plans.

Heaven forbid General Motors should make a good looking car like the Avista or the Avenir. Boring cars designed by committees is their strong point.

Ridiculous... and everything they make now IS compelling? Seems like the old GM not the one from the 50's 60's & 70s but from the 80s-2000's has reared is head again. Underneath the sheet metal all cars are nearly identical... the style is what can make a huge difference in the future... GM: build this, the Avenir, the Ciel and the El Miraj and use their names... and don't change them, just do it...

Guys it's just not as compelling as the reactions to all the current amazing and exciting Buick models!! Simple!

Lol someone get this man a prize - best and most coherent comment so far

Buick isn't getting the Avenir and the Avista because both are far more compelling than the dull designs from Cadillac and Cadillac cannot be upstaged.

At $40,000, it will be a success. More than that, he will be another flop.

I agree, but I would also kill the Cadillac ATS coupe. Buick having a "luxury Camaro" makes tremendous sense.

Even at $30k, GM knows that this car would not sell enough units in the U.S. to make it viable.

Old GM would take this car, make two additional versions and you would have your new Regatta/Grand Prix/Monte Carlo

I was thinking yesterday that our society has a need to promote the least capable to positions of power. Reading this response is complete proof of my thoughts.

Best Buick design yet...and they didn't get enough reaction? Tell the bean counters they didn't get their count right!