Inside the Buick Avenir, Materials Make The Difference

Tailored leather surfaces, unique acrylic trim elevate concept cars interior

DETROIT -- January 30, 2015: The Buick Avenirs sculpted exterior and dramatic proportions arent the only attributes turning heads and winning awards. The design and materials within the concept cars interior continue to earn accolades.

The attention to detail within Avenir is outstanding, said Charles Allen, a retired automotive designer who served as a chief judge for the 2015 EyesOn Design Awards. What stands out to me is how well everything is integrated all of the materials and elements work together seamlessly to provide a sensation of understated elegance that fits the Buick brand perfectly.

While designers drew inspiration from nature specifically water washing upon a shoreline when shaping the graceful lines within Avenirs interior, the color and trim team worked to find the right materials to add a dynamic flair.

With Avenirs interior, we really wanted to select materials that would complement the surfaces within, said Rebecca Waldemir, Buick Color and Trim design manager. Using a distinctive combination of premium leather, suede, wood, chrome and acrylic, we were able to design elements that flow seamlessly throughout the interior.

Avenirs designers even put a new twist on wood trim, a traditional Buick element. Not only are wood accents featured on the door panels, but the wood itself provides a more luxurious and natural appearance that adds to the airiness of the interior.

Weve used open-pore wood in a modern way, much like what youll find in high-end furniture. Its an oiled, low-gloss execution that contrasts beautifully with other interior dcor, said Waldemir.

Avenirs sculptural instrument panel incorporates an acrylate panel, carved to replicate three-dimensional wave-like patterns but layered beneath a smooth, high-gloss outer layer. As you look at the transparent surface from different angles, you will notice that it has a lot of visual depth and movement. Its a motif we carried to other areas of Avenir, including the seat design, and to the head- and tailamps, Waldemir said.

While Avenirs exterior color is a cooler tone, designers wanted to provide a warm, inviting sensation within. The lighter Lyric hue, found on most interior surfaces, helps achieve that feeling, while restrained use of a darker tone Coastal Myst on the instrument panel and arm rests provides a natural transition to the exterior. To further create a tailored feel, most surfaces within the Avenir are wrapped in leather or suede and accentuated with stitching.

All-in-all, Avenirs interior materials were designed to work in harmony and provide an upscale environment that feels natural and holistic to all passengers.

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Inside the Buick Avenir, Materials Make The Difference