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Buick Avista concept coupe is a rear-wheel-drive beauty (pictures)

What's not to like about striking looks, 400 horsepower and rear-wheel-drive? Buick's Avista concept pushes the brand's design envelope forward, while harking back to its performance heritage.

Jon Wong
Jon Wong was a reviews editor for CNET Cars. He test drove and wrote about new cars and oversaw coverage of automotive accessories and garage gear. In his spare time, he enjoys track days, caring for his fleet of old Japanese cars and searching for the next one to add to his garage.
Jon Wong
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Buick's Avista concept was revealed the night before press days began at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

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The Buick Avista concept on display at the 2016 Detroit auto show.

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A front view of the 400-horsepower Buick Avista concept.

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Buick's wing-shaped lighting details on the Avista concept.

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Rear roofline seems to take inspiration from Aston Martin and Jaguar on the Buick Avista concept.

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Flowing body lines can be seen throughout the Buick Avista concept's sheetmetal.

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A profile view of the Buick Avista concept that made its debut the night before press days at the Detroit auto show began.

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The Buick Avista concept rides on 20-inch wheels.

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The Buick Avista concept features a fresh take on the company's fender ports.

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The curvy rear end of the Buick Avista concept.

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Integrated exhaust outlets on the Buick Avista concept.

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The wing-shaped tail lights design on the Buick Avista concept.

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The Buick Avista concept does without a traditional B-pillar.

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The tech-filled cabin of the Buick Avista concept.

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The interior of the Buick Avista features touchscreen controls for the IntelliLink infotainment system.

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Additional touchscreen controls in the Buick Avista concept.

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The center console of the Buick Avista concept houses yet another touchscreen.

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The Buick Avista concept's multi-function steering wheel.

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Buick's grand tourer Avista concept features 2 + 2 seating.

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The rear seating area of the Buick Avista concept.

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The front seating area of the 2 + 2 Buick Avista concept that debuted at the 2016 Detroit auto show.

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The 20-inch wheels on the Buick Avista concept are wrapped with Pirelli P Zero performance tires.

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The exhaust outlets on the Buick Avista concept are molded into the rear bumper.

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Wing-shaped headline accents on the Buick Avista concept.

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Winged tri-shield insignia on the grille of the Buick Avista concept.

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Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of global design, with the Buick Avista concept.

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Buick calls the Avista a "contemporary grand tourer."

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From the rear three-quarters view, the Avista's styling is reminiscent of Aston Martins and Jaguars.

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The Buick Avista concept sits on 20-inch wheels.

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Buick's new winged tri-shield insignia is featured on the grille.

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The absence of typical B-pillars help enhance the concept's flowing profile.

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The rounded rear end of the Buick Avista concept.

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Buick's signature wing-shaped lighting appears to have halos here.

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The front grille features a three-dimensional mesh background.

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A closer look at the winged tri-shield insignia on the grille.

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Another view of the grille.

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Taillights on the Buick Avista concept.

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The flowing, uninterrupted lines of the exterior continue in the cabin.

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The Avista concept features a future vision of Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system.

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To help quieten the cabin, Buick installed an active noise-cancelling system in the Avista concept.

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Other cabin features include ionic air purifiers and an aromatherapy system.

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The future version of Buick's IntelliLink system features touchscreen controls on the instrument panel display.

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The cabin of the Buick Avista concept features exposed carbon fiber and aluminum accents.

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