#Mazda Vision Coupe Concept Wins French Award [Auto Styling News]

The Mazda Vision Coupe concept was named the “Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year” on at the 33rd Festival Automobile International held in Paris, France.

Revealed in 2017, the Vision Coupe concept is a design model signalling the styling of the next generation of Mazda cars. Featuring a simple and flowing “one motion” form, it embodies a more mature interpretation of the company's KODO/Soul of Motion design language tempered with a Japanese aesthetic. 

Taking its cues from the Mazda Luce Rotary coupe and other models from Mazda’s design heritage, the Vision Coupe's styling is elegant and projects a luxury feel. Clearly, this would be the company's "halo" car if it was ever produced close to this design (however unlikely that is.)

Vision Coupe uses reflections to express a sense of vitality; the next step for KODO design,” said Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s Managing Executive Officer in charge of Design and Brand Style. “This car embodies a delicate Japanese aesthetic, and to be recognized here in the ‘City of Art’ two years after RX-VISION was awarded the same honor is very gratifying. We want to retain our identity as a Japanese brand as we continue making cars with global appeal.”

The award celebrates the freshest, most creative and most beautiful of the current crop of concept cars, as chosen by a jury of prominent designers working in fashion, architecture and other industries. Mazda RX-Vision won the same honor in 2016, making this a double win for the two concept models that will guide the design of the next generation of Mazda cars.

Photo: Mazda USA

#Buick Avista Concept Named N. American Concept Of The Year [Auto Styling News]

The Buick Avista has been awarded the 2016 Concept Car of the Year and the Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year at the 2016 North American Concept Vehicle Awards at the Concours d’Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan.

The awards recognize the vehicle that makes the strongest impact in terms of automotive design, engineering and market responsiveness. According to Buick, the Avista is both an indicator of Buick’s future design direction and a celebration of its design heritage.

"The design process of the Avista brought the team together to unite around a future direction for the brand and the great teamwork and enthusiasm it generated," said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Buick Global Design. "While looking to the future, we also wanted to honor the rich heritage of Buick by integrating timeless design cues in this beautifully progressive concept vehicle."

Judges praised the Avista’s futuristic interior and intuitive design, and Detroit Free Press auto critic Mark Phelan said the vehicle "cements Buick's surprising status as one of the auto industry's most intriguing brands."

The aggressive stance of the Avista is immediately apparent. The wide grille features Chrysler-like wings and Mercedes-like mesh background that are no doubt titanium (at least on the concept) and the boomerang headlamps are striking. Buick says both the grille and headlamps forecast future design elements.

© General Motors

It will be great if the low stance and small greenhouse remain in the final model (if indeed this goes to production) because it's incredibly sporty.

In this coupe style, especially in the rear pillar window, rear pillar, and the entire rear of the car, one can squint and see the Honda civic, but that styling seems more elegantly wrought here. The rear lamps are large and luxurious, as must be said of the deep, rich "Dark Sapphire Jewel" color on this concept.

The exterior boasts titanium and carbon-fiber accents that make for optimal durability. The sleek design reinforces the balance of beauty and precision during the driving experience.

Following its introduction at the 2016 North American International Auto Show, the Avista also received the EyesOn Design Excellence Award and was named “Best Future Concept” by Detroit News readers. It should be noted that the concept was wildly popular when released earlier this year. A good sign that GM may be motivated to bring something like this to market in the coming years.