Buick Adds Four-Cylinder Engine, Price for LaCrosse

In addition to its 3.0- and 3.6-liter V-6 engines, Buick will add a third engine option for the 2010 LaCrosse: an Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection. This option will come with a price tag of $26,995. The price puts it a hair below the previous base LaCrosse CX with the smaller V-6, which starts at $27,085.

Four-cylinder Buick Lacrosse coming in first quarter of 2010! Priced at $26,995!

Buick announced today the 2010 Lacrosse sedan will be available with a new fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.
4L four-cylinder engine. The new Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder will join the lineup in the first quarter of 2010 and promises to deliver 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm).

Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the new vehicle is expected to deliver a fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city, which means that the LaCrosse will become one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.

2011 Buick Regal

On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.

“The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you’ve ever experienced from this brand,” said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. “The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan.”

The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren’t offered standard on either competitor.

The Regal’s development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Regal will bring all of Insignia’s award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.

The Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.

Regal at a glance

Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The well-equipped Regal CXL includes the following as standard or available equipment:


Standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
Available 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available late-summer 2010
Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control
Estimated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine
MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension
All-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability
Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake
Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available
Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port
Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS)
Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.

Design story

The Regal’s sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick’s signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.

“Regal is all about great proportions,” said John Cafaro, design director, passenger car. “For example, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It’s an aggressive stance that people aren’t used to seeing in recent Buicks.”

The car’s performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Regal’s attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. The instruments have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, housing the climate and “infotainment” controls, was designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sport-oriented driving experience.

“There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior,” said Cafaro. “The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do.”

A breakthrough interior

The Regal’s finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.

Regal’s firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support, while a standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back.

Smart applications of technology are also hallmarks of the Regal, including details such as a multi-function controller on the center console for operation of the audio system, navigation system and the Bluetooth phone. The faceplate for the “infotainment” screen is set at a 30-degree angle to contribute to the car’s flowing interior design.

A new era in Buick design is also seen in the satin metallic, piano black and new, Kibo-patterned interior trim materials. Kibo is a rich, dark, progressively grained wood that lends an international flair to the Regal.

Under the hood

Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.

Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Regal, it delivers more agile performance. The 2.0L turbo cements the sport sedan credibility of the Regal, with on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm.

Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Regal.

Driving experience

The chassis and structural systems were developed in Germany and give the Regal the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan, as well as the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. The body structure is one of the most rigid in the segment, which is approximately 25-percent stiffer than the previous Regal. This solid structure supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride.

A relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm) gives the Regal refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics and supports comfortable ride tuning. Additionally, an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings; a four-link independent rear suspension; hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering; and optimized four-wheel disc brakes are optimized to the capability of the individual powertrains and tailored to the expected use by drivers. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, for example, feature larger brakes.

Latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC or StabiliTrak), anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control system (TCS) are standard with Buick’s innovative, Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) real-time damping system offered on models equipped with the 2.0L turbo powertrain.

Interactive Drive Control System

Regal’s Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver. A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections.

All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. Chassis settings are adjustable by the driver, with Normal, Tour and Sport settings.

IDCS allows the driver to choose between three different operating modes that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The three modes deliver three types of experiences:


Normal – balanced and optimized for all driving situations
Tour – optimized for comfort and relaxed driving on long journeys
Sport – optimized for road holding; enthusiast driving .

Selecting “Sport” mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response and speeding up the reaction of the automatic transmission. The “Tour” mode is optimal for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions, providing an increase in comfort. “Normal” or Default Mode is the perfect all-around setting for daily commuting and city traffic. The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it automatically adapts Regal’s performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will tighten the suspension and increase steering effort and change to a more aggressive throttle response. When the vehicle senses that the driver is doing relaxed cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.

Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, IDCS also offers safety benefits in emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control.

2011 Buick Regal First Drive

2011 Buick Regal Picture

2011 Buick Regal Picture

This Regal, shot by GM's photographer, is a lot cleaner and prettier than that taped-up Opel we actually drove.

2011 Buick Regal Picture

Swap the Buick badge for an Opel one and you've pretty much made yourself an Insignia.

You see, one of the vehicles that we recently drove around southeastern Michigan was actually an Opel Insignia, a straight-up European sedan that we wrote about when we drove it in Europe. Two of the other vehicles we drove were Opel Insignias with the suspension settings that the U.S.-market Buick Regal will use when the model goes on sale here next spring. One was equipped with a six-speed automatic and one carried a six-speed manual, both of which will make it to American showrooms. What we didn't drive was the vehicle that Buick had on hand that actually wore Buick badges.

But, you know what? It doesn't matter. So close is the Regal to the well-loved Insignia in mechanical specification, appearance and basic demeanor that badges don't really mean much.

And with this foray into sporty sedans, Buick must be desperately hoping that badges don't mean much to prospective buyers, either. Because to the people who are shopping the Acura TSX and Volvo S60, the Buick name is, well, it's not currently even close enough to be in consideration to have even a negative impression.

It reminds us of an old Jon Stewart joke in which a Canadian friend approaches Stewart with what he claims is a common question up there in Canada. That is, what do Americans really think of Canadians? After a long pause, Stewart answers, "Um, we don't."

Like Discovering a $50 Bill in Your Coat Pocket
Like the 2004-'06 Pontiac GTO and the 2008-'09 Pontiac G8 before it, the 2011 Buick Regal is a kind of found-money car for General Motors in that a nearly identical car already on sale somewhere else in the vast GM universe turned up with just the right credentials for a slot in the North American market. Unfortunately the GTO turned out to be a $5 bill instead of the $50 bill the company hoped for and the G8, well, rest in peace, brother.

We think the 2011 Buick Regal has the best chance at success of any of them, not the least because we think GM isn't going to kill Buick any time soon and unlike the GTO, the Regal doesn't look like a half-used bar of soap.

We can't say how potential buyers will react to this genuinely attractive, Euro-style sporty sedan from the geriatric division of GM. What we can say is, if Buick can somehow convince people to test-drive the thing, the Regal's got a good fighting chance at success. Or, let's say, if it fails, it won't be the fault of the car.

Those Boisterous Euros
We were lucky to start our day of driving in the fully Euro-spec Opel Insignia, powered by the same basic turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter inline-4 that will be the optional power plant for the Regal. The Insignia is a nice piece, solidly put together yet nimble thanks to trusty, linear steering. It feels relatively lightweight, at least compared to the German sedans that are a step or two up on the prestige scale. Like other sedans direct from the roads of Europe, though, the Insignia isn't ideally suited to the crappier selection of American roads. On our warty byways, the Insignia's suspension feels awfully busy, noisy and simply too stiff for duty in a luxury-brand midsize sedan. Nevertheless, the Insignia's body is well controlled over the undulations on its MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear suspension.

Buick Excelle XT at 2009 Guangzhou Auto Show

2010 Buick Excelle XT Picture

Buick Excelle XT, a mildly redone Opel Astra, is on display at the 2009 Guangzhou Auto Show.

2010 Buick Excelle XT Picture

The Shanghai GM product will also be sold in China as the Buick Yinglang.

2010 Buick Excelle XT Picture

The Excelle XT is intended to fit into the upper end of China's compact market segment.

LaCrosse bring sexy back to Buick

Design thinking helped to shape Buick’s 2010 LaCrosse, it seems.

Seung-il (Sean) Lo, lead designer at GM’s Global Brand Strategy Studio in Warren, Mich. says the idea was to make the brand relevant to American consumers again-especially to young drivers. Buick’s prestige has gradually faded as other autos claimed greater market share. (In the first half of 2009, the top five best selling cars were: the Ford F-series, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Accord, and Toyota Corolla.)

Lo, who has worked at GM for nine years, graduated from Korea’s Hongik University in 1995 and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif. in 1999, both highly regarded design schools. He fell in love with sketching cars as a kid, but says (in the tone of a design thinker) that his role at GM now has more to do with strategy than aesthetics.

Today, most of Buick’s consumers are over 40 years old, but Lo, 39, wants to attract young professionals. The new LaCrosse was designed by teams not only in the U.S. but also China, now Buick’s biggest market, by far. In the first ten months of 2009, Buick sales in China jumped by 52% to 352,950 units. Sales in North America are only one-third this volume.

Buick Invicta

Buick revealed the four-door midsize sedan, Invicta, at the Auto China 2008. Invicta looks as if it's designers may have got the inspiration from the Rivera Concept. Invicta is powered by Buick’s first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum fuel efficiency.

New Buick Hybrid Crossover

General Motors has released a teaser image of a Buick Hybrid Crossover which will debut in 2011. The new Buick plug-in hybrid will be able to seat five adults and is expected to be the first commercially available plug-in hybrid crossover produced by a major automaker. A standard version powered by a range of direct-injected gasoline engines, however, will be available from next year.

The Buick Hybrid Crossover will be powered by the company's 2-Mode Hybrid system with advanced lithium-ion battery cells and Voltec charging technology. The powertrain of the Buick Hybrid Crossover will include a direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 flex-fuel engine, two electric motors, electronic controls and battery management systems.

Buick Invicta

Buick revealed the four-door midsize sedan, Invicta, at the Auto China 2008. Invicta looks as if it's designers may have got the inspiration from the Rivera Concept. Invicta is powered by Buick’s first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum fuel efficiency.

Buick Riviera Concept Car Pictures

Buick Riviera Concept is a sexy car which one would like lay the hands on let alone driving it. Riviera debuted at the Shangai Motor Show in last summer and is being displayed currently at the Detroit Auto Show.

Riviera with the carbon fiber body panels and gull-wing doors sure looks an impressive car to me. Although, the blue interior lights gives some odd feelings and I don't feel it goes well on the interior.

2010 Buick Lacrosse get smart

BUICK TRANSFORMATION CONTINUES WITH THE 2010 LACROSSE LUXURY SEDAN

* Sculpted styling defines Buick’s modern global design
* Luxurious interior crafted of premium materials with cool blue ambient lighting
* Intelligent personal technologies enhance the driving experience
* Responsive performance via efficient. direct injection dual overhead cam engines paired with six-speed automatic transmissions

DETROIT – Redesigned from the ground up, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan makes its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 12. The LaCrosse offers all wheel drive, a suite of advanced intelligent personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of two fuel-saving V-6 engines.

“The new LaCrosse was created with great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It builds on the success of Enclave as the next step in Buick’s revitalization. And, as with Enclave, our goal is to attract a whole new buyer to our dealerships for LaCrosse.”

Sculpted design

Buick’s long heritage of leading designs, such as the Y-Job Concept, the Roadmaster and the Riviera, helped define American automobile design through the years, according to Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. Today, Buick design is a product of a global team and resources. Creative collaboration between designers in the United States and China, in partnership with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) as well as chassis and body engineers in Europe, resulted in the first General Motors vehicle to be created on three continents.

“The new LaCrosse is intended to represent modern elegance,” said Welburn. “Throughout the design, you experience a balance of contrasts. Both the interior and exterior have been designed with harmony in mind. The exterior balances taut, sculpted lines with sensuous accents and surfaces. Inside, smoked chrome accents, warm wood, first-class leather and materials combine with cool blue ambient lighting to create an inviting environment.”

The exterior design is faithful to the Buick Invicta show car introduced at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.

“It is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with its signature ’sweep spear’ body-side styling, portholes inside the character line on the hood, and waterfall grille,” added Welburn.

Luxurious interior experience

Inside, the two-tone interior is defined by a flowing, uninterrupted design theme that wraps around the instrument and door panels. Attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, including the analog instrument cluster, chrome offset by dark wood accents, and the contrasting thread and French stitching on the instrument panel.

Buick’s signature QuietTuning – an engineering process to reduce, block and absorb interior noise – provides a distraction-free passenger environment.

An unexpected, inviting touch is the cool blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin from the center console, instrument panel and door panels.

Intelligent personal technologies

The contemporary atmosphere of the cabin includes the digital connectivity and personal technology offered in the new LaCrosse. That includes features such as in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. For rear-seat passengers, a power rear-window sunshade and a DVD entertainment system, with two display screens integrated into the seatbacks, is available.

LaCrosse’s intelligent technologies also work to deliver a 360-degree field of vision behind the steering wheel, for a greater feeling of comfort, security and safety. It starts with the available head-up display in the windshield, allowing the driver to monitor speed while keeping his or her eyes on the road. At night, the available adaptive lighting package can direct the high-intensity discharge headlight beams up to 15 degrees for enhanced illumination of the road and its curves.

LaCrosse offers Side Blind Zone alert that notifies the driver if a vehicle in adjacent lanes is traveling in the driver’s blind spot. The LaCrosse is also available with a rear view camera, with the display integrated into the navigation system screen.

The technology available on LaCrosse enhances a suite of standard safety features that is designed to meet the criteria for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 20 Star Safety Rating. Highlights include front-, side- and roof-mounted head-curtain air bags, StabiliTrak stability- and traction-control system. The safety and security of OnStar is also included for the first year of ownership.

Responsive performance

LaCrosse’s stiff body structure serves as the foundation for precise suspension tuning, safety and a quiet ride. Buyers can choose from a family of efficient, direct-injection six-cylinder engines and a fuel-conserving six-speed automatic transmission with tap-up/tap-down control.

The direct injection engines in the LaCrosse create more power with less fuel and reduce vehicle emissions through greater combustion control – particularly cold-start emissions that are reduced by up to 25 percent.

The 2010 LaCrosse will be offered in three models – CX, CXL and CXS:

* CX – equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
* CXL – also equipped with the new 3.0L direct injection V-6, adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch wheels. Intelligent AWD is available.
* CXS – equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6; real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional). The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates an estimated 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm).

2010 Buick LaCrosse

The 2010 LaCrosse, Buick’s modernized sedan, hit auto show floors and instantly created a major buzz. Car and Driver named the 2010 Buick LaCrosse one of the “10 Biggest Debuts of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show” and the sleek new LaCrosse did not go unnoticed at the Chicago Auto Show either.

Making a point to compare the 2010 LaCrosse to GM’s claim that they ‘wanted to make Buick the Lexus of America,’ Car and Driver issued high praise to the LaCrosse’s profile and noted, “Buick has managed to find the common ground between conservative and contemporary interior design and has done so with precious little of the old-lady idiom that has dominated previous Buicks.”

I would have to agree with the folks at Car and Driver (who am I to disagree?) that Buick found a great balance in the 2010 Buick, updating their typically retired-chic persona and creating a sedan that can deliver luxury in a hip package.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is expected to compete aggressively with cars like the Lexus ES350 and the Lincoln MKS, and the people at Heritage Buick dealers in Peoria could not be happier with Buick’s direction in creating a world-class luxury auto that can compete with any top-of-line sedan out there. It is clear that customers at the Peoria dealership appreciate Buick’s commitment to American-made stylish luxury, as well. The Buick LaCrosse is General Motors’ first North American car based on its second-generation Epsilon platform, shared only with the Opel Insignia, for now. GM’s new global mid-size platform is designed for maximum, family-size interior space with the best possible fuel economy.

I took a 2009 Peoria Buick LaCrosse out for a test drive last time I was at Heritage. Again, I really liked it. Honestly, I wanted to buy it, but it’s my wife’s turn for a new vehicle, so I’ll have to wait. Oh well, based on what Buick has done with the 2010 model, the 2013 Buick LaCrosse should be amazing. Oh but you can bet I’ll be driving a 2010 Peoria Buick LaCrosse as soon as it rolls into town.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse should arrive at Heritage Buick, the Peoria Buick car dealer and Springfield Buick car dealer, this summer.

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Pictures

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Front View

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Black Series

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Wallpaper

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Side View

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Interior

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Rear View

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Display

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Picture

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Sport Car

The 2010 Buick Lacrosse is in stock now

The 2010 Buick Lacrosse

2009 Buick Roadmaster & 2010 Roadmaster Coupe

2009 Buick Roadmaster & 2010 Roadmaster Coupe

Introduction

The next generation Lucerne is currently under development by Buick. In our proposal, it will be getting a name change, to Roadmaster. Based on the Zeta RWD platform and built at the Oshawa plant in Ontario, Canada, the Roadmaster features the emotional styling language displayed on the Enclave luxury crossover, first introduced as a concept in January 2006. As the replacement for Buick's hot selling Lucerne, the Roadmaster carries on that car's strong points and builds on them. With even more power and bold American styling, the new Roadmaster offers RWD V8 power and a refined and upscale interior. Roadmaster will be in a class of it's own, offering comparable features and refinement of luxury sedans costing thousands more. Starting at the high end of the 300C's price point, the Roadmaster will handily surpass that car's refinement, luxury and features, all with a distinctive American style of it's own. Positioned as a low price American Lexus LS, Roadmaster will be the integral part of Buick's renaissance plan, an excellent selling, high profit model in the Buick lineup.

Specifications Sheet

Base Platform: Zeta
Drive Wheels: RWD
Engines:
CXL: 3.6L HF V6 w/275 hp, Northstar 4.6L V8 w/350 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic (Standard)

2010 Buick Allure: Blue Hair No More!

jalopnik.com - The 2010 Buick Allure isn’t your Grandfather’s Buick. Defying conventional wisdom, the Buick sedan sports slick styling, a classy interior and hardware that’ll make even the most jaded buyer take a look.

2010 Buick Allure Exterior: The 2010 Buick Allure thumbs its nose at Buick stereotypes with handsome styling and an options list a mile long. Over the last several decades, the idea of a Buick with

2009 Buick Wildcat Gran Sport

2009 Buick Wildcat Gran Sport

2010 Buick LaCrosse

I’ve been a big fan of the 2009 Buick LaCrosse, but after seeing the 2010 model, it’s hard to even think about the 2009. The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is a seriously stylish sedan. And you know I mean that because it takes something special for me to employ alliteration.

The 2010 LaCrosse, Buick’s modernized sedan, hit auto show floors and instantly created a major buzz. Car and Driver named the 2010 Buick LaCrosse one of the “10 Biggest Debuts of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show” and the sleek new LaCrosse did not go unnoticed at the Chicago Auto Show either.

Making a point to compare the 2010 LaCrosse to GM’s claim that they ‘wanted to make Buick the Lexus of America,’ Car and Driver issued high praise to the LaCrosse’s profile and noted, “Buick has managed to find the common ground between conservative and contemporary interior design and has done so with precious little of the old-lady idiom that has dominated previous Buicks.”

I would have to agree with the folks at Car and Driver (who am I to disagree?) that Buick found a great balance in the 2010 Buick, updating their typically retired-chic persona and creating a sedan that can deliver luxury in a hip package.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is expected to compete aggressively with cars like the Lexus ES350 and the Lincoln MKS, and the people at Heritage Buick dealers in Peoria could not be happier with Buick’s direction in creating a world-class luxury auto that can compete with any top-of-line sedan out there. It is clear that customers at the Peoria dealership appreciate Buick’s commitment to American-made stylish luxury, as well. The Buick LaCrosse is General Motors’ first North American car based on its second-generation Epsilon platform, shared only with the Opel Insignia, for now. GM’s new global mid-size platform is designed for maximum, family-size interior space with the best possible fuel economy.

2010 Buick Wildcat

2010 Buick Wildcat

2009 Buick Business Concept

The Buick Business Concept, a new concept vehicle designed to showcase Buick’s future vision of “business class on the road,” made its global debut today at Auto Shanghai 2009.

The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) was developed in China by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design and engineering joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), with global design input.

The Buick Business Concept Vehicle captures the essence of the Buick form language in a thoroughly elegant and expressive design, with its taut surfaces, double sweep spear belt line, strong front and rear identities and dynamic presence.

“The Buick Business Concept Vehicle has a grand presence and makes a strong statement when it pulls up to the front of any establishment,” said Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design.

“The Chinese market and business person have some unique requirements. Our team has responded with an elegant solution to their business and personal needs.”

Classic Influences in Modern Design

According to Cao Min, PATAC Concept Car Chief Designer, the design team set out to create a modern global design for Buick, yet include a subtle Chinese essence and influence.

To achieve this balance, they sought to draw from their heritage outside the automotive industry – from classic shapes to arts and ancient relics.

The Buick Business Concept Vehicle’s dynamic exterior surfaces and “yin and yang” interior tones are drawn from diverse inspirations including the 2008 Buick Riviera concept car, Chinese artifacts and modern electronic icons. The vehicle, inside and out, communicates an orderly elegance that transcends cultural boundaries and conveys the tranquility and power of Buick.

Exterior Design – A Sense of Presence and Buick Essence

To establish their design direction, PATAC designers took the global Buick design vocabulary of sculpturally beautiful and dynamic forms established by the Riviera concept car and successfully extended it to a tall, one-box architecture.

The Buick Business Concept Vehicle develops the Buick form language further and incorporates elements of Chinese culture and artistic influences into the details. It takes the Buick design treatment to a new level of sophisticated boldness.

The famous Buick waterfall grille takes on a bolder treatment. Intricate detailing gives it an even more prominent look. The backlit Buick tri-shield logo leads into the distinctive mid-hood crease prevalent in classic Buicks and consistent across the new Buick line today.

The prominent LED headlamps show influences of popular Chinese liuli glass through three-dimensional transparent and multifaceted surfaces. Liuli is a Chinese crystal sculpture art form that incorporates cultural and modern references. It has become a popular symbol of modern Chinese prosperity.

The elongated, jewel-like headlamps are connected to the body shoulder line through a strong chrome accent that flows the length of the vehicle from the hood to the body sides, accentuating a strong double sweep spear design until it finally comes to rest wrapped around the taillights. This is the most distinctive design element of the Buick Business Concept Vehicle, as it offers a modern approach to the classic Buick double sweep spear. Familiar Buick portholes are gracefully integrated into the chrome strip extending from the headlamps.

This distinctive double sweep spear shape not only provides expressive dynamism to the vehicle profile, it is also functionally important. It defines the window line from the body sides and incorporates the rail guides for the power sliding doors. Additionally, it lowers the rear passenger sightline and adds significant shoulder room to the rear compartment.

“This vehicle was inspired by the grace and gesture of great Buicks. PATAC designers have cleverly incorporated other design cues from traditional Chinese art, such as applying a huiwen motif on the turn signals and fog lamps,” Cao Min said.

The Zitan Purple exterior color was chosen to elicit the right level of attention and respect. The color is found in rare zitan wood used for sculptures and fine Chinese furniture. This deep burnt-purple color perfectly highlights the concept’s grandeur.

Power sliding doors with no B-pillar were selected for their ability to showcase an expansive view of the interior and ease of entrance and egress.

The Buick Business Concept Vehicle sits on 20-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum wheels, with a polished mirror finish, and low-profile tires. The outside mirrors incorporate turn signals with the huiwen motif.

Interior Design – Functionality and Soothing Serenity

Serenity and advanced functionality come to mind when entering the vehicle. The use of deep burgundy suede and subtle creams, representing earth and wood themes, are conveyed through high-quality leather bucket seats, plush vehicle carpet and a luxurious padded steering wheel. Completing the tranquil feel is a roof comprised of two full-length sunroofs that offer a celestial connection for occupants.

“Through deep burgundy suede carpet, high-quality leather interior decoration with liuli and soft, ice blue ambient lighting, we wanted to create a mobile VIP lounge for passengers,” Cao Min said.

Interior trim and features befitting Buick prestige abound such as a power central console with a deployable tablet for writing or to hold a laptop computer. The console can be moved up and down the two rows of rear seats. The second row of power captain’s chairs slide on hidden rails and swivel 225 degrees, enabling them to be adjusted to an infinite combination of orientations. Traditional huiwen patterns are embroidered onto the seats and seat backs, bringing harmony to the entire design theme.

The three-dimensional instrument cluster reaches across the entire width of the front panel and features a multi-layer information display. The instrument cluster design reflects the liuli art influence but is utterly modern in design. It is complemented by a central console with touch pad controls on either side of a cylinder-shaped roller mouse. A large LED display crowns the central console. Once again, the huiwen motif shows up as details on the wings of the instrument panel.

2010 Buick LaCrosse Price

Buick today announced pricing for the 2010 LaCrosse luxury sedan. It starts at $27,835 for the CX model, including a $750 destination charge.

Standard equipment includes a new, technologically advanced 3.0L direct injection (DI) V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque (294 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

“The new LaCrosse, with its luxurious interior, premium craftsmanship and personal technologies, represents a strong value in today’s changing market,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It is the next step in Buick’s renaissance that is drawing all-new customers to this revitalized brand.”

Pricing and details for LaCrosse’s other models includes:

* $30,395 for CXL FWD (including destination). Building on the CX model’s equipment, it includes the 3.0L DI V-6 and six-speed automatic, but adds leather heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels
* $32,570 for CXL AWD (including destination). Equipment is similar to the CXL FWD model, but includes a fully automatic, intelligent all-wheel-drive system that works in tandem with the anti-lock braking system and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system to deliver sure-footed traction in almost all driving conditions
* $33,765 for CXS (including destination). Equipment includes a 3.6L direct injection V-6; perforated, leather heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels are optional). The 3.6L engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and generates 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 259 lb.-ft. of torque (351 Nm)

The 2010 LaCrosse’s sculpted design is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with signature ‘sweep spear’ body-side styling, a waterfall grille and portholes,” said Docherty. “Inside, premium materials create an inviting and comfortable environment, with ice blue ambient lighting used throughout – from the center console to the instrument panel and door panels.”

A roster of standard and available features delivers a responsive, refined driving experience that is complemented by personal technologies. Examples include:

* European-designed chassis and suspension systems that deliver a confident driving experience
* Real-time damping suspension system
* High-intensity discharge headlamps with adaptive forward lighting
* Side Blind Zone Alert
* Bluetooth phone connectivity
* Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
* Six standard air bags, including roof-mounted head curtain side air bags

Complementing all of LaCrosse’s features is Buick’s signature QuietTuning, an engineering process that reduces, blocks and absorbs interior noise to provide a distraction-free passenger environment.

LaCrosse production begins early this summer at the Fairfax Assembly facility in Kansas City, Kan.