The Buick Avenir concept was a highlight of the 2015 Detroit auto show. The rear-drive sedan boasted stunning design, and many thought it would make a great flagship for Buick. Now the brand has announced that it?s moving forward with the Avenir?but not with the car as shown. Instead, Avenir will become a top trim level for existing Buicks.

Color us more than a little disappointed. Buick marketing VP Tony DiSalle, however, seemed pretty excited making the announcement.  He said, ?Avenir will become a sub-brand for Buick and will span multiple models.? He characterized the strategy as ?similar to Denali at GMC.? (Coincidentally or not, DiSalle also is VP of marketing at GMC.)
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Avenir-level Buicks will get a grille that is ?very much Avista-like? (referencing this year’s Buick show car, seen above), DiSalle said, along with special wheels and interior treatments. Buick wouldn?t say which models will get the Avenir treatment, only that it will appear on three vehicles within the next 18 months.

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