Buick Riviera.
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So far, Buick has not been offering any new EVs in the US. While selling at least 2 new electric models based on the Ultium platform in China. The Electra E4 and E5.
But nothing here. Buick doesn’t even offer a Hybrid. Since GM doesn’t seem that against re-inventing old models like the Hummer, why not a new Buick Riviera? Of course, the 2-door car market is pretty dead these days. But the new 2025 Dodge Charger might increase sales soon. Especially with the ICE trims coming out.
On the other end of the coupe spectrum, Honda is getting ready to launch its all-new 2-door Prelude Hybrid. And Toyota is actually working on a new Celica.
Maybe something a bit larger and more luxurious could find an audience. Something that’s not a muscle car. Maybe even Chrysler is working on something?
The Buick Riviera first came out in 1963. From the start, the Bill Mitchell design looked great. And set the stage for a series of great-looking Buicks. The second generation came out in 1966, and again, looked pretty fantastic. In 1971, the 3rd generation Riviera adopted the legendary “boat tail” design. Unfortunately, that design only lasted 3 years for some reason.
Things went downhill with a 4th and 5th generation that just couldn’t visually match the previous designs. It became one of these generic giant 2 door American cars that were everywhere. The 5th generation from 1979 to 1985 brought back some personality to the Riviera. And, of course, sales went up. To over 63,000 in 1985.
The worst was yet to come in 1986 with the ridiculously downsized new generation. It just looked like a joke. Trying to squeeze as many late 1970s design cues into a car the size of a Honda. Its cousin the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado suffered the same fate.
The Riviera came back in 1993 with a great design. It sold over 41,000 units in its first year. However, by that time, SUVs were already starting to take over. It sold under 2000 units in 1999.
There has been a couple of concepts since, in 2007 and 2013. But no new production Riviera. Which is too bad.
I do understand GM’s fear of launching a new 2 door model for Buick or any other brand in today’s market. Who knows, maybe 2 door coupes will one day be the new rage in China. Where Buick is very popular. Then maybe, we could see a new Riviera.
The illustration above shows what a new Ultium-based Buick Riviera coupe could look like.
Don’t know why car companies get it. We don’t want EV
One Foul Looking car!
I see potential for the Riviera; but I really despise that grotesque oversize grill. I owned a ’85 Riviera and it was clean, aristocratic, comfortable and eye catching, much like our ’18 300 now. Class and subtle beauty attract the buyer this type of car will attract. And, if you really want it to move make it pure hybrid, not EV not PHEV
Would never happen. Buick is built not in one place ,or sold in one place. China used to buy a good amount of them but have better vehicles currently. Pretty sure they’re a nothing burger like Chrysler and not really American brands which could disappear soon. Bye Buick 👋.
LOVE THE CONCEPT