Buick Cars Online

2012 Buick Verano

2011-03-01T06:40:00.001-08:00

The all-new 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan, the brand’s third new model in the past two years and first in the compact luxury segment, makes its Canadian debut at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

Verano goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011, the latest model in a product renaissance that began with the Enclave and continued with the LaCrosse and Regal. Like them, Verano is distinguished by luxury and technology, including 10 standard air bags, an available heated steering wheel and a next-generation radio system with OnStar-powered connectivity that enables seamless communication between the Verano and the driver’s smart phone.

An Ecotec 2.4L and six-speed automatic powertrain combination is standard and delivers an estimated 177 horsepower (132 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. torque (230 Nm), 0-96 km/h performance of 8.0 seconds and an estimated 6.4L/100km on the highway. A 2.0L turbo engine will be offered in the future.

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS

2011-01-02T00:24:00.001-08:00

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS

2010 has certainly been a banner year for the GM by way of luxuriously and sleekly redesigned vehicles. We had the opportunity to test out the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS, and we must say – there was little left to be desired. The ’10 LaCrosse breaks Buick’s mark as the automobile for grandparents with its sleek design, premium interior, and superior handling. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also named the sedan a 2009 Top Safety Pick.

2011 Buick Regal CXL is all-German with an all-American name

2011-01-02T00:23:00.001-08:00

Review: 2011 Buick Regal CXL

Having been initially introduced by GM in 1973, the Buick Regal was designed and engineered to be a competitor in the mid-sized sedan segment. The Regal would remain a mainstay in the GM lineup until 2004 when North American production was halted, but it continued to develop and flourish in the Chinese market where it sold exceptionally well.

2011 Buick Regal Photos

2010-06-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

2011 Buick Regal

2011 Buick Regal
2011 Buick Regal
2011 Buick Regal
2011 Buick Regal Photos

2011 Buick Regal doesn't live up to its name

2010-06-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

The exterior is stylish, including the Bentley-esque grille and even the Buick insignia itself. But the interior, more pastiche than crafted, is something you wouldn't find anywhere near a palace.

The upside to being so out of fashion is that Buick could now be "in," if only the Regal lived up to the promise the manufacturer showed last year with its luxury sedan, the LaCrosse CXS. With its successor, the Regal, Buick is simply trying to do too much. In its efforts to be simultaneously elegant, sporty, fuel efficient, technologically tricked out and affordable it doesn't fully succeed.

What I liked most about this mid-size sport sedan was its exterior. There's a wind-swept stylishness to its profile that elevates it to the level of its competitors: the Acura TSX, Volvo S60, Volkswagen Passat and Mazda 6, each of which shares a kind of athletic voluptuousness. The Bentley-esque grille, even the Buick insignia itself, lends the car an upscale appearance that helps the Regal live up to its moniker. And the palette of sumptuous exterior colors, including the shade of deep, seafaring blue in the model I was testing, made me curious to open the doors and see what was inside this Autobahn-inspired beauty.

The experience was a little like biting into a See's chocolate and tasting a nougat you weren't expecting — and hadn't wanted. It was, in a word, disappointing.

Although the center stack was nicely arranged, it was trimmed in cheap-looking brown plastic and anchored with an equally chintzy chrome finish around the six-speed gear shift. The "pleather" dash was inlaid with a faux-wood grain. In fact, the whole cockpit was more pastiche than crafted.

If this is regal, then I'm Prince Harry.

Of course there's only so much bling Buick can pack into a car that starts at $26,995, especially a car that has as many performance and technology objectives as the Regal. I just wish the bling had been a bit more premium because there's a lot of competition at that price point. Buick would have been better off focusing on fewer features and ensuring that each was the highest quality.

2010 Buick Regal GS Concept

2010-06-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

2010 Buick Regal GS Concept Picture

2010 Buick Regal GS Concept Wallpaper

2010 Buick Regal GS Concept Photo

2010 Buick Regal GS Concept Interior

2010 Buick Regal GS Concept Rear ViewWith an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Regal GS Concept is a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand's newest sport sedan. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

The mechanical elements were developed with the aim of delivering a driving experience that is sporting, confidence-inspiring and refined. It has a performance-oriented drivetrain, a lowered body and lower center of gravity. Exterior and interior cues include two additional vertical front air intakes; large, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires; a racing-inspired sport steering wheel and metal pedals. Recaro high-performance front seats feature four-way lumbar support and cushion extensions.

"We designed the Buick Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal," said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. "Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick's storied Gran Sport legacy."

The Buick Regal GS exterior is distinguished by vertical air inlets in the front fascia, as well as unique rocker panels, an integrated rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, Olympic White paint and satin metallic accents.
"The idea behind the Buick Regal GS was taking the production model in a more aggressive direction to appeal to performance enthusiasts," said John Cafaro, Buick design director. "But along with its aggressive stance, there's sophisticated style in the design that complements the driving experience."

Inside, the Buick Regal GS varies from the standard Regal by featuring a completely jet black interior, including the pillars and headliner, sport shifter for the six-speed manual transmission and a suede-covered, flat-bottom steering wheel reminiscent of those used in international racing series. The instrument panel glows ice blue when the driver engages the sport mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Turbocharged AWD performance

Power for the Buick Regal GS comes from a high-output 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system calibrated for performance driving. An electronic, limited-slip rear differential helps ensure the engine's power is distributed effectively during cornering.

The high-performance drivetrain is expected to enable the Buick Regal GS to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. That performance is complemented by a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) design in front. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering. This improves ultimate grip levels in dry and wet conditions, as well as improves the direct feel of the road, while isolating undesirable feedback. Behind the wheel the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The Buick Regal GS features a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

The Buick Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on Regal CXL models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety, while also adapting the driving characteristics of the car to the driver's preferences. The driver selects among three operating modes - normal, sport and GS - that change the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

2011 Buick Regal sports sedan targets younger buyers

2010-06-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

few car-lengths back, you think you're sneaking up on the latest European or Asian luxury sedan.

Up close, though, the name on the trunk lid is as familiar as bell-bottom pants: Buick Regal.

Though it's not the hippest name in the automotive universe, General Motors hopes the new Regal will be viewed as an athletic, upscale sports sedan and will appeal to Gen X buyers.

It's a critical new vehicle as GM seeks to expand the Buick brand, post-bankruptcy and post-Tiger Woods. At present, Buick sells vehicles that cover about 14% of the overall automotive market. With Regal, that figure doubles.

Driving the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo

2010-06-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

I had the arduous assignment of flying to San Diego to review the all-new 2011 Buick Regal sedan. The model just now reaching dealers is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder CXL, the base powerplant, which returns 20/30 mpg city/highway. A full review of that car is in the works, but Buick also let me test an early prototype of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that joins the Regal lineup at the end of this year.

Besides a few steering tweaks and hammering out some engine noises, this is the turbocharged Regal you’ll be able to buy for less than $30,000, and it’s pretty darn good.

The 2.4-liter’s strength is its crisp handling and pleasing ride, which is not always a combination you’ll find in pseudo sport sedans. There is none of the float found in the redesigned LaCrosse, yet road imperfections are well-muted.

Moving to the turbo and the steering may be different, but the ride is just as superb despite standard 19-inch wheels versus the base's 18s. Buick engineers are still fooling with the steering, according to the automaker. While it's hydraulic like the 2.4-liter, it's also speed variable, which means at low speeds the steering isn’t as sharp as it is at high speeds. However, it’s still rather numb and loose even when pushing it hard. That’s definitely the feel Buick knows it doesn’t want, especially considering that the base model's steering wheel is highly sprung. The base CXL’s wheel reminds me of a Volkswagen in some ways but with more rubber band elasticity.

Once the steering issue is addressed, drivers will likely rave about the turbo. Pumping out 220 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque, it’s a perfect complement to the Regal platform. On curvy mountain roads the turbo accelerated with ease on ascent. There was the tiniest of turbo whine intruding into the cabin. As with the steering issue, Buick noted that this was an area they were planning to tackle before the turbo goes on sale. Otherwise, both models are surprisingly quiet with little road or wind noise intruding on the cabin.

The base 2.4-liter feels competent in most situations, but it strained to accelerate uphill and made a hoarse groan on mountain roads. The turbo not only managed these situations, but at highway speeds it passed and ran through 60 to 70 mph with vigor.

It’s the type of fun driving experience you’d expect from a turbo powertrain, and it feels right fitted to the midsize Regal. It’s the opposite of the V-6 Acura shoehorned into the TSX, the Regal’s closest rival, I reviewed last year.

Buick expects this turbo to get 19/29 mpg, giving up just 1 mpg to the base model while delivering the added power. It will cost $28,745 before the destination fee. Buick mentioned the just-announced GS will top the range with even more power — the auto show car put out 255 hp — so this turbo doesn’t need to be the ultimate Regal driving machine.

LaCrosse: The Buick

2010-06-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

A big comfortable sedan with ample power and nimble handling, a blow-away great interior and a price tag that seems about $8,000 less than you'd expect to pay.

That's the Buick LaCrosse, which Drive On finally took for a spin even though it's been out for months. Why haven't we paid much attention before? Because it's a Buick.

LaCrosse seems impressive because it comes from a brand that makes you think of your father, or your father's father. But it is getting discovered. LaCrosse sales were up 212% last month from a year ago on the strength of the new model. For Buick executives, the challenge is just to get potential customers in the car.

"The product is the great proof point," says Roger McCormick, Buick's chief marketing guy, adding, "once people spend time in the car."

2010 Buick Enclave

2010-05-27T03:23:00.000-07:00

Luxury crossovers are all the rage these days as minivans and large SUVs fall out of favor with car shoppers, and with the 2010 Buick Enclave, Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays can kind of see why. The Enclave combines good utility with luxurious trappings at a competitive price. In his full review, Mays explains how the Enclave hits the sweet spot on entry-level luxury, and why you might not miss a minivan’s space.

Review: 2011 Buick Regal Turbo

2010-05-27T03:21:00.000-07:00

Since the launch of the Enclave in 2007, Buick has repeatedly touted a decline in average buyer age that still has yet to push the brand’s demographics into the fat sections of America’s population pyramid. Though the year-old LaCrosse appears to be helping Buick’s central PR narrative, even it is, at best, not your grandfather’s Buick. Despite a brand heritage based on a traditional, suburban American image whose fading appeal is evidenced in Buick’s pre-Enclave demographics, the long-term health of GM’s entry-luxury (or “premium,” to use GM-speak) marque depends on continued progress away from the “blue hair” image it has earned over the past several decades.

It should come as no surprise then, that the 2011 Regal is the most substantive break from Buick’s past to date. And no wonder: born in Germany as the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, the Regal is as traditionally American as a Kraftwerk album. In Europe, the Insignia is sold as fashion-forward competitor in the mass-market, midsized segment. In the context of a Buick that still offers a taste of the geriatric image it’s desperate to escape in the H-Body Lucerne, the Regal is unapolgetically marketed as a sports sedan. And until a recently-approved high-performance GS version arrives, the 220 horsepower Turbo version is the bellweather for both the Regal’s sporting pretensions and Buick’s desire to attract a new kind of buyer.

The decision to launch the Regal on 200 miles of twisting road east of San Diego, California is testament to just how much Buick believes in the Regal’s sporting credentials. And this was no mirror-smooth, touring course either. Tight hairpins, deep compressions, nasty potholes and impossibly narrow, rough roads left the Regal no opportunity to fake the funk. Nausea-control armbands left in each Regal’s center console weren’t just for show either: several of Buick’s reps were looking decidedly green around the gills at the stops between driving stages.

And no wonder. The Regal Turbo we tested proved not only to be the best-handling Buick ever (damning with faint praise, to be sure), but also an accomplished athlete by any standard. The Regal Turbo is by far the most enthusiast-oriented application of GM’s Epsilon II platform to date, and was, throughout the test, a poised and willing dance partner. The front-drive chassis provided considerable grip through fast sweepers, performed sharp direction changes with aplomb and carried its 3,600 pound claimed curb weight with unexpected grace. And though a far cry from the squishy, all-day touring comfort that previously defined Buick chassis and suspension setups, it never felt overly harsh or hard-core. Even fitted with optional 19 inch wheels (reminiscent of the Jaguar XF’s), the ride remained impressively smooth.

Of course, on the kind of roads that one finds in the hill country east of San Diego, a well-settled chassis alone isn’t enough to deliver true enthusiast performance. The loaded Turbo model we drove was equipped with an active damping system that will be optional on Turbo models when they arrive at dealer lots later this year. With this option comes the choice of three modes, Normal, Touring and Sport, selectable with buttons on the instrument panel. According to the engineers responsible for developing the Regal Turbo, the car itself will even choose between the different modes based on its analysis of real-time telemetric data. With Sport mode engaged, the difference in suspension, steering and drivetrain settings were immediately noticeable, and is clearly responsible for many of the superlatives in this review. Because Sport mode is self-activating, however, it’s hard to say how a Turbo model without active damping would perform, and its advantages are based on an imperfect comparison to the 2.4 liter, normally-aspirated base Regal with 18 inch rims.

The 2011 Buick Regal begins sales in the US

2010-05-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

The first 2011 Buick Regal was sold just outside of Chicago. The car was not even on the Woody Buick GMC dealership lot for 24 hours yet. The proud new owner of the Regal is a 44 year old executive at a manufacturing company in the Chicago area.

“The Regal is a superb car to drive on the road, with more of a European feel than any other car we looked at,” said the new owner. “My 15 year-old daughter has already said she wants to take the car to college with her in a few years.”

The new Regal owner traded in a 2007 Saturn Outlook and stated that the Regal offered all the right features in the right size. He also looked at the Toyota Camry and Audi A4, but decided on the Regal because it had all the amenities of a premium vehicle without the costly price tag.

2012 Buick Compact Crossover Rendered

2010-05-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Last week, Buick confirmed that two new models will be joining its lineup next year, but while patent sketches were available for the new compact sedan, no pictures exist of the new 2012 Buick compact crossover. Using what little information there is to go off of, Autotropolis has come up with a best guess design for the upcoming crossover that may or may not go by the name Buick Encore. This rendering is based off previous reports, known facts and recent spy photos.

What is known about the new crossover is that it will use the same General Motors Theta platform as the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox and it will not resemble the now-extinct Saturn VUE. Instead of making the same rebadging mistakes it had in the past, GM will give the new crossover a styling that is said to resemble a baby Buick Enclave. The fastest and easiest way for GM to accommodate both of these is to use an existing design, so GM will likely turn to the Chevrolet Captiva body design which is a Theta-derived compact crossover available in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

For a styling to go up against luxury crossovers like the Lexus RX, the new Buick crossover will likely get a very distinguishable exterior design including Buick signature cues like the large waterfall grille and the hood-mounted portholes. Spy shots recently surfaced on the Internet showing what looks like a Captiva driving around with a camouflaged front end meaning that most of the changes will be made up front. One thing that is sure to be present on the new Buick crossover is plenty of exterior chrome.

Like the sister Theta platform vehicles, the new Buick crossover will likely be powered by the existing engines on the platform which include the 2.4-liter inline-four and the 3.0-liter direct-injected V-6 with both available in front- or all-wheel drive. The fuel-efficient inline-four is capable of 32 miles per gallon on the highway, while the V-6 delivers 264 horsepower and a respectable 25 mpg on the highway.

First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal

2010-04-30T00:26:00.002-07:00

2011 Buick Regal. Yep, a Buick at the 'Ring. Who woulda thunk?

This was Automobile Magazine's first time behind the wheel of a production-spec version of the new Regal, which is now rolling off the assembly line at GM's Opel plant in Russelsheim, Germany, and goes on sale in May. The Regal is the product of a global vehicle-development program headed up by GM veteran engineer Jim Federico that already has produced the Buick LaCrosse for both the United States and China and the Regal for China, where it went on sale more than a year ago. The Regal is built on the latest version of the Epsilon platform that also underpins the Chevy Malibu and the Opel Insignia and was largely designed and engineered by GM's Opel unit, but the Detroit-based Federico orchestrated the entire development process, so this is nothing like the Opel Astra that was handed over to the now-defunct Saturn division with a batch of replacement badges that were to magically transform it into a Saturn. Nope, the 2011 Buick Regal is much more than that.

Buick New Regal gets Maximum 5-Star Safety Rating in China

2010-04-30T00:26:00.001-07:00

The Buick New Regal sedan from Shanghai GM has received a maximum five-star safety rating from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), which recently released its China New Car Assessment Program ratings.

A U.S. version of the Regal will be in Buick showrooms in May.

The New Regal received 49.7 points overall and a maximum score of 16 points in side impact crash tests against a moving deformable barrier. In frontal crash tests it received a score of 15.03 out of 16 points, while in a 40 percent front offset crash test, it scored 15.65 out of 16 points. The New Regal received an additional three points for having a front seat seatbelt alert system, side air bags and side curtain air bags, and the ISOFIX anchoring system for child safety seats.

“We are pleased but not surprised by the results,” said GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin Wale. “GM has made safety a priority in all of our vehicles built and sold in China. The New Regal’s design and occupant restraint systems are intended to meet all current and anticipated crash safety standards around the world.”

The New Regal has a strong passenger safety cell protected by front and rear crumple zones. Special attention was given to minimizing the risk of intrusion from the engine. For improved side-impact protection, steel door beams are mounted diagonally to help engage the side structure more effectively in spreading crash forces.

2011 Buick Regal specification and pricing

2010-04-30T00:23:00.000-07:00

2011 Buick Regal

"This car's so quiet I'm falling asleep." That sentence has probably been uttered in a Buick before. But not in a Buick cruising along a German autobahn. At 130 mph.

"Hey, this feels pretty nice." Someone's probably said that before in a Buick, too. But not in a Buick hammering around the legendary Nurburgring Nordschliefe. That's because no Buick in history has had its chassis tuned on the same bit of road utilized by the likes of BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, and Audi to get their cars handling right.

More than the chic new LaCrosse or the glittery Enclave, the 2011 Buick Regal takes all your preconceptions about GM's old-fogey brand and drives them straight into the nearest dumpster. The $26,995 Regal CXL is sleek, stylish and comprehensively equipped, with suavely European road manners. The $29,495 Regal Turbo is a wonderfully subversive sport sedan whose punchy, 220-horsepower blown Ecotec four and supple, yet buttoned-down, chassis puts Acura's homely TSX on notice, and seriously makes you wonder whether an Audi A4 is really worth the money.

2011 Buick Regal Vehicle Overview

2010-04-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

Mention the words Buick Regal and you're bound to get one of three responses. Some folks will give you blank stares. Others may remember a nice-riding but otherwise nondescript sedan with that name (that retired after 2004). And older folks may recall hood ornaments, pillowed velour bench seats and padded landau tops. With the all-new 2011 Buick Regal, the company is looking to change all that and give this nameplate a more modern and memorable persona.

The personality transplant comes by way of Europe the donor being General Motors' Opel division. The 2011 Buick Regal is based on the current Opel Insignia and as such shares that smart sedan's precise, communicative steering and athletic handling. The Regal is a midsize sedan, but it rides on a 107.8-inch wheelbase, which is about 4 inches shorter than what you'll find on the recently introduced Buick LaCrosse. This means the Regal is a bit smaller, with a tighter backseat. Basically, you can consider this to be Buick's entry-level car.

Unfortunately, the 3,600-pound Regal will initially only be available with a 2.4-liter inline-4. Though it sports direct fuel-injection technology and makes respectable power (182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque) and fuel economy (up to 30 mpg highway), this engine will have its work cut out. Later in the year, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine sporting 220 hp and 258 lb-ft will debut. If our time behind the wheel of a prototype with the turbo-4 is any indicator, this is the go-to choice for its combination of ever-ready thrust and fuel-sipping appetite.

Buick is positioning the 2011 Regal against the likes of the Acura TSX and Lexus IS 250. In the past, cross-shopping a Buick against these two well-known luxury sport sedans might have seemed as odd as adding liverwurst along with pizza and a cheeseburger to lunchtime considerations. But things have certainly turned around recently for Buick. If you can set aside your preconceived notions and take a 2011 Regal for a spin, chances are you won't forget to add this Buick to your sporty midsize sedan consideration list.

2011 Buick Excelle Spied

2010-04-19T03:52:00.000-07:00

2011 Buick Excelle

Buick has been making an attempt to revamp their image with a line of sportier and more luxurious new models scheduled to release over the next few years. We were all able to catch a glimpse of the Regal GS at this years Detroit Auto Show, now it seems that photos have been leaked from the streets of China of the 2011 Buick Excelle.

The 2011 Buick Excelle is a new small sized sedan based on the Opel Astra platform. The car is scheduled to debut at the Beijing Motor Show and will be available in the US some time in 2011. For now please enjoy the photo slide show of the 2011 Buick Excelle prowling the streets of China.

First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse I-4

2010-03-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

2010 Buick LaCrosse I-4
Buick's latest LaCrosse is one of the new General Motors' best success stories. Sales of the nameplate have increased dramatically, and more than one-third of all buyers are new to the General Motors family. Better yet, transaction prices are up by a whopping $8500, despite the fact that sticker prices haven't significantly increased.

In the days of the old GM, we wouldn't expect much in the way of changes so soon - the LaCrosse debuted in June 2009 - but the born-again automaker seems to think there's always room for improvement. The first major addition, a four-cylinder engine, is already in production.

Buick Regal Pictures

2010-03-15T09:52:00.001-07:00

Buick Regal Pictures

2011 Buick Regal

2010-03-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

2011 Buick Regal
2011 Buick Regal

Buick today announced pricing for the all-new 2011 Regal. Prices start at $26,995 for the premium CXL model, including a $750 destination charge.

2011 Buick Regal Pictures

2010-02-26T00:36:00.000-08:00

2011 Buick Regal
2011 Buick Regal
2011 Buick Regal

2011 Buick Regal

Buick LaCrosse 2010: Best Luxury Sedan

2010-02-23T22:36:00.000-08:00

Luxury Car News: The newly designed 2010 Buick LaCrosse added yet another award to its ever-increasing list of commendations from the industry. The LaCrosse was named MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award winner for Best Luxury Sedan at the recent held Chicago Auto Show.

The 2010 LaCrosse received high marks for its all-wheel-drive capability, deluxe interior, economic V-6 engines, technological and safety features. A new direct-inject Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine will be available with the LaCrosse CX model this spring.

The editorial staff of MotorWeek puts the test to more than 150 vehicles yearly to determine winners in the various categories. Performance, technology, practicality and value are key criteria used in compiling ratings.

2010 Buick LaCrosse: A proper switch

2010-02-23T22:35:00.000-08:00

America's seniors are getting less and less attention from Detroit these days. They've had their bench seats, station wagons, and most of the large rear-wheel-drive sedans taken away, not to mention the storied brands of Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Plymouth. The "Greatest Generation" that led the American auto industry out of World War II and into its seemingly unstoppable dominance in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s has now been written off.

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS

2010-02-23T22:31:00.000-08:00

A Harman Kardon audio system makes music sound beautiful in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, and the navigation system helps keep it out of traffic. A soft suspension and quality interior combine for a solid sense of luxury.

The Dream Buick Lineup

2010-01-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

Feature Website: HERE

Welcome to a new Feature here at GMI; Revitalization In Action. Planned as a series of dream lineups possible for each of GM's brands, the first in this series, Revitalization in Action; The Dream Buick Lineup, has been a long time in the making, a collaboration of GMI Staff Member ChevroletRevived and GMI Chopper Fbodyrules. Our mission? To show, with a realistic feasibility factor, the great and focused lineups possible for each GM brand in North America. There has been talk of a brand cancellation, but with tight focus and a small, but effective vehicle lineup, divisions can become as one, as with the BPG collaboration. This Feature does this, showing what is possible in a focused line of Buick vehicles. The reason for the selection of the Buick brand as the first in our series is simple; Buick, along with the rest of BPG, is first in line for it's $3 billion revitalization. That, along with the shared belief that the Buick brand has much yet untapped potential were the driving factors in it's selection. The voice of the fans can make a difference. Some serious R&D and a brand with a lot of potential can spell success; if done right. And that's what we're here for. Thanks for viewing, and enjoy!

2010 Buick LaCrosse

Available: Spring 2009
Platform: EPII
Drive Wheels: Front
Engines: CXL: 2.8L HF V6 w/245 hp (FWD), CXS: 3.6L HF V6 w/295 hp (AWD)
Transmission: 6 speed Automatic (Standard)

This car is a proposal for the next LaCrosse, set on the versatile new EPII platform, currently under development. Our proposed LaCrosse, following the rumors of the next generations's move upwards in size and price, is larger then the current model, and is mirrored after it's larger and more expensive Roadmaster sibling. Not developed to be a sports performance BMW-esque sedan, the LaCrosse's mission is to take the ES head on. This car is not positioned as a ''cut rate'' ES, rather the LaCrosse not only matches, but exceeds the standards set for this class. It's aim? To take refinement, sophistication and technology to new levels, directly competing and winning it's Japanese peers. The LaCrosse is priced competitivley, with the uplevel CXS model priced squarely in ES territory. Moving downmarket, the CXL starts you out at a lower price point the the car's competitors, covering the smaller luxury segments with it's $29,995 introducutory price point. We believe that it's competitiveness in exceeding the set standards, combined with distinctive American style and boldness lacking in the ES, the LaCrosse will win over buyers as it changes perceptions and Buick shifts back into contention.

2010 Buick Wildcat

Available: February 2009
Platform: Zeta
Drive Wheels: Rear
Engines: CXL: 3.6L HF V6 w/300 hp, CXS: 4.6L Northstar V8 w/350 hp
Transmission: 6 Speed Automatic (Standard)

Starting out above standard LaCrosse CXS territory, the Wildcat RWD sedan is priced competitively, coming at around $42-55k. Positioned as a Buick alternative to the Lexus GS and aimed toward young professionals and businessmen, the Zeta based RWD Wildcat will be a Buick ''want'' vehicle, the sportiest in the sedan lineup. Inside and out, the styling of the Wildcat sedan copies cues from the successful Velite concept car, first shown in 2004. The interior of the Wildcat possesses subtle retro cues, like a retro-futuristic steering wheel, chromed vents and round instrument binnacle showcased in the Wildcat Gran Sport (shown below). Satin nickel trim abounds, and only a few sparse, yet ideally placed, pieces of wood round off the look of freshness and modern minimalist style inherent in the car's design. A favorite of enthusiasts and professionals alike, the Wildcat is a Buick like no other, a uniquely placed piece of automotive perfection, and the image leader of the sedan lineup.

2009 Buick Wildcat Gran Sport

Available: Fall 2008
Platform: GM Y-Body
Drive Wheels: Rear
Engines: 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V8 w/425 hp
Transmission: 6 speed automatic

Introducing the Buick Wildcat Gran Sport: the ultimate expression of Buick's renaissance and the ''Halo'' vehicle of the Buick lineup. Coming in at around $55-60k, the powerful and luxurious V8 Gran Sport takes cues from Buick's past, most noticeably in it's unmistakable Riviera boat tail liftback rear end. The Gran Sport is a styling stunner, oozing style and class with it's beautiful pilarless construction, Velite styling, and handleless doors. Truly the pinnacle of style and luxury in the Buick lineup, the Gran Sport, like the Corvette, offers value for the money, keeping company with exotics and luxury coupes much higher in price. The Gran Sport will be a real perception shatter, bringing a competitive dose of American style and luxury to the segment and spreading the positive new image across the entire lineup.

2009 Buick Roadmaster & 2010 Roadmaster Coupe (below)

Available: Spring 2008 (Sedan) and January 2009 (Coupe)
Platform: Zeta
Drive Wheels: RWD
Engines: CXL: 3.6L HF V6 w/275 hp, & Northstar 4.6L V8 w/350 hp
Transmission: 6 speed automatic (Standard)

The next generation Lucurne 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 Lucurne, 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 exellent selling, high profit model in the Buick lineup.

Buick Enclave:
NAIAS: Buick Enclave Concept

GMI Staffer Ming's Opinion:

It disappoints me that GM needs to spend huge sums of money to "revitalize" any of its brands. Revitalization means that for any number of reasons GM has let these brands decay or has led them astray. Either that, or it takes GM so long to come "full circle" back to infuse more money into its many brands that they become stale over the span of time it takes for GM to cycle through them completely.

For Buick the problem has been using "proven" technology as an excuse for not spending R&D dollars on keeping things up to date. The naturally aspirated 3800 engine, for instance - the Buick Workhorse, while great in 2000, hasn't changed a bit since then. The Lucerne's 3800 engine gets less than 200 horsepower, while Hyundai has since introduced its Azera 3.8L V6 producing 265 horsepower.

Buick needs two things for success. Technology and Style.

On the tech front, Buick should have the best possible, most competitive engines that still have a track record for reliability. The 3.6L DOHC engine should be standard on the Lucerne. If that means tweaking horsepower output a bit to improve smoothness, NVH and fuel economy then so be it. It also needs 6-speed automatics across the board. Nothing says "value" (read "cheap") these days more than a 4-speed.

Buick needs expressive styling that oozes luxury and harkens back to its glory days of the mid 20th century. Buick of China seems to have the right formula for looks. Detroit's CSV Terraza and to a lesser degree, the LaCrosse are examples of Detroit budget styling gone wrong. The examples of styling in the photos above would give Buick a great injection of life that is sorely needed. But the Beancounters at GM must not be allowed to saddle any of them with yesterday's technology, giving only pricey "Ultra" models the technology needed to compete. Looks alone will not win back respect for Buick.

Buick Riviera concept features hybrid powerplant

2010-01-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

Buick announced more than the LaCrosse over in China. Autoblog Chinese brought us pictures of the Buick Riviera Concept when the car was revealed at the end of April, but I think readers will still be interested in this vague-sounding "fuel-efficient" possible hybrid. GM says the "Riviera has been engineered to accommodate a new hybrid system that will go into production at Shanghai GM.

Buick Adds Four-Cylinder Engine, Price for LaCrosse

2009-12-19T04:28:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-19T04:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-17T04:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T03:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T03:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T03:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T05:54:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-17T05:53:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-08T04:53:00.001-08:00

Buick Riviera Concept Car Pictures

2009-11-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Buick Lacrosse

2009 Buick Roadmaster & 2010 Roadmaster Coupe

2009-10-15T10:50:00.002-07:00

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!

2009-10-15T10:50:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-15T10:49:00.002-07:00

2009 Buick Wildcat Gran Sport

2010 Buick LaCrosse

2009-10-15T10:49:00.001-07:00

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.

2010 Buick Wildcat

2009-10-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

2010 Buick Wildcat

2009 Buick Business Concept

2009-10-10T18:15:00.002-07:00

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

2009-10-10T18:15:00.001-07:00

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.

2010 Buick LaCrosse Photo, Details, Specs

2009-10-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

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.

* 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

"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).

LaCrosse production will begin this summer at the Fairfax Assembly facility in Kansas City, Kan.

2010 BUICK LaCROSSE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview

Model:
2010 LaCrosse CX, CXL and CXS

Body style / driveline:
front-drive/all-wheel-drive, front-engine, four-door, five- passenger sedan

Construction:
integral

EPA vehicle class:
midsize sedan

Powertrains

Engines
3.0L V-6 VVT DI
3.6L V-6 VVT DI

Displacement (cu in / cc):
182.7 / 2994
217 / 3564

Bore & stroke (in / mm):
89.0 x 80.2
3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6

Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum
cast aluminum

Valvetrain:
DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing
DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):
255 / 190 @ 6950 (est)
280 / 209 @ 6400 (est)

Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):
211 / 286 @ 5600 (est)
261 / 354 @ 5200 (est)

Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):
18 / 27
17 / 26

Transmission:
Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed

Final drive ratio:
2.77:1 (w/ 3.0L)
3.66:1 (w/ 3.6L)

Chassis/Suspension

Suspension (front):
MacPherson strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar

Suspension (rear):
four-link (CX); "H"-arm (CXL, CXS); real-time damping available

Steering type:
power; variable-effort rack-and-pinion

Brakes:
split, dual-circuit four-wheel-disc with power assist

Wheel/tire sizes:
17-inch, 18-inch and 19-inch

Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm):
111.7 / 2837

Overall length (in / mm):
197 / 5003

Overall width (in / mm):
73.1 / 1858

Overall height (in / mm):
58.9 / 1497

Track (in / mm):
front: 61.5 / 1565
rear: 61.6 / 1587

Curb weight (lb / kg):
CX: 3948 / 1791 (est)
CXL FWD: 4018 / 1822 (est)
CXL AWD: 4199 / 1904 (est)
CXS: 4065 / 1844 (est)

Fuel capacity (gal / L):
CX, CXL FWD, CXS: 18.4 / 69.6
CXL AWD: 19.5 / 73.8

Ford and Buick launch 2010 flagship sedans

2009-01-14T01:51:00.000-08:00

Buick launch 2010 flagship sedans

Opel Insignia-Based Sedan Introduced in China

2009-01-08T10:18:00.001-08:00

Shanghai GM, a joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) has taken the wraps off the new Chinese market Buick Regal. With the exception of a few minor styling details like the new grille, the side air-vents and the addition of turning signals on the exterior mirrors, the Regal is in essence a rebadged Opel Insignia. Even though Opels are offered in the domestic market, GM execs considered that the Insignia would sell better as a Buick since -believe it or not- the American brand is more popular among Chinese consumers.

2010 Buick LaCrosse

2009-01-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 12, Buick will perform the world debut its all-new LaCrosse sedan. Buick's new mid-size luxury saloon is essentially the production version of the warmly received Invicta Concept, revealed at last year's Beijing Auto Show in China. Fresh styling aside, the LaCrosse offers the option of all-wheel drive, a choice of two direct-injection V6 engines and a suite of modern personal technologies and safety features.