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Buick reveals special Shanghai concepthttp://www.autoweek.com/graphics/aw_spacer.gif
By WES RAYNAL (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/personalia?ID=1000014&category=contact)
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AutoWeek | Published 04/20/07, 10:35 am etWe might as well nickname this car (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/FREE/70420001/1024#) the No Brainer. Two reasons: One, it?s sexy as hell and should be built immediately. Two, Shanghai being crazy for Buicks as it is, this was the absolutely perfect show at which to introduce the car.

So what is it? General Motors global design boss Ed Welburn told AutoWeek that the gullwing coupe, designed at GM?s Chinese design studio just outside Shanghai, is meant to evoke the classic, Bill Mitchell-designed 1963-?65 Rivieras (with a little Y Job and classic LeSabre thrown in for good measure), as well as show Buick?s future design direction. The interior?s blues and creams are meant to convey earth and water themes.

Will the Riviera ever see the light of day? Welburn would only say we?ll see elements of the car in future Buicks. GM also said the car was engineered to accommodate a new hybrid system that GM and its partner, Shanghai Automotive (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/FREE/70420001/1024#)

Ugh, doesn't look like a riv to me, but it looks damn sexy!

Might as well call it "XYZ". It has nothing in common with the Riv line.
Looks hot though.

Riviera its not. XYZ is a better name.

I don't like it at all. It evokes no thoughts of any of the classic Rivieras, it looks too asian, not american at all. And what's more American than a Buick? Nothing.

If it turns out nice, you'll only be able to buy it in China.

Unfortunately, China's demand for automobiles is only rivaled by its entirely too lax environmental and fuel economy regulations. The Chinese want bad-ass cars and they don't have the EPA breathing down their neck. China is the next big car market. At least GM has the smarts to dominate that market, it'll sure pay off in the long run.

Reminds me of when Mercury brought back the Cougar a few years ago.

So, the Eldorado is coming back too? Maybe?

So, the Eldorado is coming back too? Maybe?
Probably as much of a chance as the Lincoln Mark series has

It's not long, it's not low; it's not a Riviera.

Gee... think forward!
Don't think in proportions. Think of the market purpose

But... it's not the same car. I don't have a problem with the thing, it just isn't a Riv. Think how they look, then look at that. No resemblance at all.

Like an Eldorado just isn't a Coupe DeVille even if you call it one. Nothing wrong with the Eldo, but call it what it is.

- My 70 eldorado doesn't look anything like a 90's Eldorado...
- Cadillac never had SUV, roadster, x-over and economy sedan or a wagon wagon before...
- The Chrysler 300 C or M doesn't look anythink like the old 300's...
- etc.

in other words: -times change-

Okay, but calling that a Riviera is as bad as Ford changing 500 to Taurus. It's fine for cars to evolve over time, but they shouldn't just slap a classic name like Riviera on just any mid-size coupe.

Okay, but calling that a Riviera is as bad as Ford changing 500 to Taurus. It's fine for cars to evolve over time, but they shouldn't just slap a classic name like Riviera on just any mid-size coupe.

Oh, THAT is where I fully agree with you! I rather see some creativity in the naming too. That might bring some refreshment :thumbsup:

Where is our Fleetwood Broughams ???????
:alchi: