GM SEMA Showcase #2: Cars
Onwards and upwards to the General's vehicle offerings at SEMA. So far, we have three cars that are set to debut this week in Las Vegas. Two of which – the Buick Lucerne CXX and Pontiac Solstice Club Sport – we have images of, and the last, the Pontiac Solstice GXP-R, we don't. However, we do have all the information from our friends over at GMInsideNews.com so click on for the two Solscti and don't forget, all the images are available in hi res when you click them.
For a taste of Detroit and Europe blended together, look no further than the Buick Lucerne CXX Luxury Liner by Rick Bottom Custom Motor Sports of Mendota, Ill. This interpretation of the Lucerne delivers a great, fun-to-drive enthusiast's commuter car that occasionally ferries business passengers.
The Lucerne CXX Luxury Liner begins with a two-tone exterior finish with White Gold Flash tri-coat on the sides and Glacier Gold Flash over the top down to the beltline. The colors are divided by a 1/8-inch Gold Miststripe. The two-tone effect conveys a lower, sleeker look.
A ground effects kit consisting of add-on body pieces to the front and rear fascias and rocker panels brings the body closer to the pavement for a performance-oriented look. A small deck spoiler visually extends the length of the trunk. CXX badging tops off the package.
And speaking of the V-8, the Lucerne CXX's existing Northstar powerplant gets a 20-percent power increase from revised ECU programming, and a Corsa exhaust with noise-cancellation technology provides a throaty sound but whisper-quiet cruising.
Because stance is everything in a performance ride, the Rick Bottom customizers reduced the tire-to-fender gap for an Autobahn-capable appearance, and reduced the ride height by 2.25 inches.
Inside, buttery soft Cashmere leather with perforated inserts on the seats allows the full functioning of the cooled-seat feature. An audio/visual/navigation system worthy of a luxury liner awaits drivers and passengers. The vehicle is equipped with OnStar.
Vehicle highlights
* Razzi front chin spoiler, rear bumper extension overlay and rocker panel covers
* Bronze window tint
* Weld EVO forged spoke 20-inch wheels, one-piece multi-spoke with chrome plating mated with Dunlop 245/40R20 low-profile, quiet tread tires
* Variable rate drop coils by Sprint
* Eclipse state-of-the-art hard drive-based navigation system, satellite radio, DVD, CD, two CD changers, HDD radio, rear-seat monitors, class D amplifiers, X-box plus iPod connection. Features three-way components up front, three-way in the rear, three 10-inch subwoofers for 3,000 watts of power
* Fourteen-inch vented and slotted brake rotors with aluminum calipers in black from Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.
* RBCM chrome accents throughout, including on speaker grilles, bezel around headunit
* Sound-deadening material by Hushmat
* Transmission upgrades by Bowler Performance Transmission
* Paints products from Glasurit
* Audio installation by SOUND DECISION
* Corsa exhaust
* Buick Accessories steering wheel and shift knob
Winning in the showrooms and on the racetrack, the Pontiac Solstice is fresh off its first-ever Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Showroom Stock B National Championship, and this fully race-prepared Solstice Club Sport is a shining example of how weekend racers should equip their own Solstice for success in SCCA. All SCCA Club Racing Solstices are equipped with the Z0K Club Sport regular production order option, and this Solstice is no different. Developed by GM Performance Division, the Club Sport option features the standard five-speed manual transmission along with anti-lock brake system (ABS), a limited-slip differential and FE3 suspension. The FE3 suspension is made up of lower control arms with higher-rate bushings, larger stabilizer bars, stiffer stabilizer bar bushings, endlinks and clamps, performance-valved shocks and higher rate springs.
Powered by a 177-hp, 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with a five-speed manual transmission, no other options are available when ordering a Solstice Club Sport, but this SEMA version also features some standard components and safety equipment required by SCCA to make it track ready, including a removable carbon fiber hardtop, rollcage, Hoosier 245/35R18 racing ties, Stainless Steel Brakes Corp. racing brakes, Sparco six-point safety harness and fire suppression system. Racetech racing seats, cat-back exhaust, Sparco racing steering wheel and an Orange Crush paint scheme make this Solstice Club Sport ready to take on all challengers.
Vehicle highlights
* Ecotec 2.4-liter I-4 VVT
* Five-speed manual transmission
* Z0K Club Sport regular production order option package, which includes ABS, limited slip rear differential and FE3 suspension
* Custom-painted removable carbon fiber hardtop
* Cat-back exhaust system
* Racetech racing seats
* Hoosier 245/35R18 racing tires
* Standard safety equipment, including a roll cage, fire suppression system and Sparco six-point harness
* Custom, Orange Crush racing-inspired paint scheme
* Stainless Steel Brakes Corp. racing brakes
***NO IMAGE AVAILABLE***
Sleek and seductive in its original form, Pontiac Solstice GXP-R ratchets up the head-turning quotient – as well as performance – a number of notches. The turbocharged Ecotec engine in this SEMA-only vehicle delivers an amazing 300 horsepower and 315 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 3250 rpm. Bringing this much power to safe, controllable stops are the upgraded calipers and rotors included in the SSBC Performance Brake Package. The brakes are mounted behind custom 19-inch x 8.5-inch wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40ZR19 tires. To provide enhanced airflow to the engine compartment, Solstice GXP-R features a front fascia with upper inlets and recessed lower grilles. Additional functional vehicle enhancements include modified air extractors, a rear fascia and a rear spoiler. Solstice GXP-R's exterior is swathed in Hydro Blue paint and modified mesh graphics. The exterior paint theme is accentuated in the vehicle's interior, which features blue accent stitching throughout and a custom bezel and trim treatment.
Vehicle highlights
* 2.0L turbo Ecotec ported/tuned engine delivering 300 horsepower @ 3250 rpm and 315 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3250 rpm
* SSBC Performance Brake Package
* PPG Hydro Blue paint
* Custom 19-inch x 8.5-inch wheels
* Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40ZR19 tires
For a taste of Detroit and Europe blended together, look no further than the Buick Lucerne CXX Luxury Liner by Rick Bottom Custom Motor Sports of Mendota, Ill. This interpretation of the Lucerne delivers a great, fun-to-drive enthusiast's commuter car that occasionally ferries business passengers.
The Lucerne CXX Luxury Liner begins with a two-tone exterior finish with White Gold Flash tri-coat on the sides and Glacier Gold Flash over the top down to the beltline. The colors are divided by a 1/8-inch Gold Miststripe. The two-tone effect conveys a lower, sleeker look.
A ground effects kit consisting of add-on body pieces to the front and rear fascias and rocker panels brings the body closer to the pavement for a performance-oriented look. A small deck spoiler visually extends the length of the trunk. CXX badging tops off the package.
And speaking of the V-8, the Lucerne CXX's existing Northstar powerplant gets a 20-percent power increase from revised ECU programming, and a Corsa exhaust with noise-cancellation technology provides a throaty sound but whisper-quiet cruising.
Because stance is everything in a performance ride, the Rick Bottom customizers reduced the tire-to-fender gap for an Autobahn-capable appearance, and reduced the ride height by 2.25 inches.
Inside, buttery soft Cashmere leather with perforated inserts on the seats allows the full functioning of the cooled-seat feature. An audio/visual/navigation system worthy of a luxury liner awaits drivers and passengers. The vehicle is equipped with OnStar.
Vehicle highlights
* Razzi front chin spoiler, rear bumper extension overlay and rocker panel covers
* Bronze window tint
* Weld EVO forged spoke 20-inch wheels, one-piece multi-spoke with chrome plating mated with Dunlop 245/40R20 low-profile, quiet tread tires
* Variable rate drop coils by Sprint
* Eclipse state-of-the-art hard drive-based navigation system, satellite radio, DVD, CD, two CD changers, HDD radio, rear-seat monitors, class D amplifiers, X-box plus iPod connection. Features three-way components up front, three-way in the rear, three 10-inch subwoofers for 3,000 watts of power
* Fourteen-inch vented and slotted brake rotors with aluminum calipers in black from Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.
* RBCM chrome accents throughout, including on speaker grilles, bezel around headunit
* Sound-deadening material by Hushmat
* Transmission upgrades by Bowler Performance Transmission
* Paints products from Glasurit
* Audio installation by SOUND DECISION
* Corsa exhaust
* Buick Accessories steering wheel and shift knob
Winning in the showrooms and on the racetrack, the Pontiac Solstice is fresh off its first-ever Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Showroom Stock B National Championship, and this fully race-prepared Solstice Club Sport is a shining example of how weekend racers should equip their own Solstice for success in SCCA. All SCCA Club Racing Solstices are equipped with the Z0K Club Sport regular production order option, and this Solstice is no different. Developed by GM Performance Division, the Club Sport option features the standard five-speed manual transmission along with anti-lock brake system (ABS), a limited-slip differential and FE3 suspension. The FE3 suspension is made up of lower control arms with higher-rate bushings, larger stabilizer bars, stiffer stabilizer bar bushings, endlinks and clamps, performance-valved shocks and higher rate springs.
Powered by a 177-hp, 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with a five-speed manual transmission, no other options are available when ordering a Solstice Club Sport, but this SEMA version also features some standard components and safety equipment required by SCCA to make it track ready, including a removable carbon fiber hardtop, rollcage, Hoosier 245/35R18 racing ties, Stainless Steel Brakes Corp. racing brakes, Sparco six-point safety harness and fire suppression system. Racetech racing seats, cat-back exhaust, Sparco racing steering wheel and an Orange Crush paint scheme make this Solstice Club Sport ready to take on all challengers.
Vehicle highlights
* Ecotec 2.4-liter I-4 VVT
* Five-speed manual transmission
* Z0K Club Sport regular production order option package, which includes ABS, limited slip rear differential and FE3 suspension
* Custom-painted removable carbon fiber hardtop
* Cat-back exhaust system
* Racetech racing seats
* Hoosier 245/35R18 racing tires
* Standard safety equipment, including a roll cage, fire suppression system and Sparco six-point harness
* Custom, Orange Crush racing-inspired paint scheme
* Stainless Steel Brakes Corp. racing brakes
***NO IMAGE AVAILABLE***
Sleek and seductive in its original form, Pontiac Solstice GXP-R ratchets up the head-turning quotient – as well as performance – a number of notches. The turbocharged Ecotec engine in this SEMA-only vehicle delivers an amazing 300 horsepower and 315 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 3250 rpm. Bringing this much power to safe, controllable stops are the upgraded calipers and rotors included in the SSBC Performance Brake Package. The brakes are mounted behind custom 19-inch x 8.5-inch wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40ZR19 tires. To provide enhanced airflow to the engine compartment, Solstice GXP-R features a front fascia with upper inlets and recessed lower grilles. Additional functional vehicle enhancements include modified air extractors, a rear fascia and a rear spoiler. Solstice GXP-R's exterior is swathed in Hydro Blue paint and modified mesh graphics. The exterior paint theme is accentuated in the vehicle's interior, which features blue accent stitching throughout and a custom bezel and trim treatment.
Vehicle highlights
* 2.0L turbo Ecotec ported/tuned engine delivering 300 horsepower @ 3250 rpm and 315 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3250 rpm
* SSBC Performance Brake Package
* PPG Hydro Blue paint
* Custom 19-inch x 8.5-inch wheels
* Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40ZR19 tires
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
DeafLEGO 4:20AM (10/30/2006)
Now that Buick is what Tiger Woods should be pushing. nice!
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Jason 4:43AM (10/30/2006)
Here we go again. All I will say is GM will never gain ground with this Lucerne because the styling is far too behind. The huge front headlights are a trend from 5 years ago. The oval grille is from the Taurus era. I rather see them fire Lutz and pump the money into desinging something more with the times. Cars like this are pulling GM down further and further and it's sad to see it happen right here.
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ripplingeffects 5:10AM (10/30/2006)
LOL!! I'm sorry... that Buick just looks ridiculous... I agree with the comment about the dated looks (esp the grill).
I can just see some 85 year old guy in baggy pants, some bling, and a backwards baseball cap getting out of this car!
Buick just can't pull off a look like this and be taken seriously....there's a huge generation gap between the brand and who/what they're targeting...
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chris 10:40AM (11/04/2006)
That Buick looks nice for what it is, a concept. As for the comments about the production car, lets just look at one tell-tale issue. The Toyota Avalon, which was redesigned totally in 05'(and looks good), has been outsold almost 2 to 1 every month this year by the Lucerne. Furuther, less than 1/3 of Lucerne sales have been fleet/rental so that means the majority of its sales have been from Mr John Average Carbuyer. This design blends classic buick style with modern style cues. It has character and presence. Not everyone wants a car that looks like a scion(I loathe the brand myself and I am 27)so for those of us who want flair without the cheezy flash/bling, the Lucerne demands a test drive at the very least.
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Moses 7:16AM (10/30/2006)
Sorry fella's but this Buick is a very good looking car. Maybe not for a sixteen year old, but for an adult this is a great looking car, to say nothing of it being a real quality car. This makes the Toyota Camry look just like what it is..........A real POS.
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Richard Warren 7:50AM (10/30/2006)
The Buick looks pretty good, I've never been a big fan of the oval shaped grille, but it's become a Buick trademark and it sure beats the Camry pinched extending nose look.
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$0.02 7:48AM (10/30/2006)
I sat in one the other day and was quite impressed with the overall quality and the amount of Buick Lucerne you can get for $20k. Frankly, I don't need a second skin that is steeped status so the Buick would be a great car: reliable, practical performer and safe.
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Seabass 8:15AM (10/30/2006)
Looks like they got the tailpipes off an old Jaguar E-type. The car sure is sharp and a much needed visual upgrade for a forgotten brand, but I just can't picture my grandma driving one around that looks like that. GM is getting better with the design, but they just need to find a way to shift the demographic so Buick wouldn't be ignored so much.
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JW 8:32AM (10/30/2006)
They ruined a good looking Buick, what is it with GM trying to get all the rapper people to buy their cars?
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menice 8:58AM (10/30/2006)
not bad, but the drop is way way too much. where are the "rice" whiners??
the kit looks good but if buick is going to keep the side vents they need loose the chrome and make them sublte, right now they look like side grills.
Also, a 4 pipe exhaust on a 4 door??? on Skyline ok but that is rice on a Buick.
It would look better with 2 pipe, not centered.
1 pipe left 1 pipe right
AT least Buick is trying something different. keep at it.
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Jeff the Baptist 9:06AM (10/30/2006)
I wouldn't call the Buick's looks "dated", I'd call them "classic" which is what a Buick should be. Chevy is the cheap brand, Pontiac is the younger performance brand, Buick is the classy (but still middle classy) brand, and Cadillac is the expensive one.
But yeah I'm officially done with the low-slung huge-wheels look. Someone call Chip Foose and the Foose wannabees tell them to do something else for a change.
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Pizza the Hut 9:42AM (10/30/2006)
I like the Buick Lucerne generally speaking. This SEMA version looks stupid, but a normal Lucerne is actually a very nice alternative to the Avalon.
The Lucerne must be doing well in other markets (like the Midwest), because in Houston I see *WAY* more new Avalons - I'd say seriously, probably 5 Avalons to every Lucerne. I can go weeks without seeing this Buick but maybe only 10 minutes without seeing a new Avalon. Buick has a lot of work to do in gaining back marketshare in Houston (and probably California too I imagine).
I pass a Buick dealer on my way to work every morning and I see a lot of Lucernes sitting out there - they look good, better than the Avalon I think.
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Howard Kerr 10:10AM (10/30/2006)
Even though I'm close to the target age of a "typical" Buick buyer/owner, I think, to appeal to a broader market, Buick should have gone more subtle. This concept smacks of "ricer" (gawd, I hate that term) where they should have gone more for a true Euro look. The earlier sketches that AutoBlog showed were closer to the market Buick should be going after. Ditch the "lowrider/in the weeds" look, and the heavily spoked wheels.
And GM, what's with the taillights of this car? They look VERY Japanese. Couldn't the designers come up with a better rear end treatment?
As far as which car is more popular...I live in the middle of the country (all right, Miid-South) and many GM/Buick customers or potential customers are buying the new Camry and Avalon, instead of the LaCrosse or Lucerne. I never see advertizing by ANY of the three Buick dealers in this area (maybe the division has ALL it's money tied up in the cars?) so it's possible that both Buicks have become "invisible" to their intended markets here. It also doen't help that Buick is now "twinned" with Pontiac...a car that older customers are turned-off by.
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BOB 10:16AM (10/30/2006)
HEY THANKS! I HAVE BEEN DREAMING OF A WALLPAPER SHOWING A BUICK LOWERED SO FAR IT LOOKS LIKE A HOOVER. As for John Q Public liking them: I have never seen one in LA that was not a rental, but the car is attractive. As for the Buick looking "classic" -- agreed, if you think a Buick should be a Passat with a Sable nose. I am hard on this car because it is nice, but does not represent a real Buick to me -- unoriginal.
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slicecom 10:35AM (10/30/2006)
I hate pretty much anything GM has made in the past few decades, but this one has potential. As many have said, just about ALL of today's GM products look like they were designed 10 years ago, but I made it look modern in Photoshop with just a couple minor tweaks to the front end:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/slicecom/lucerne_cxx_1280.jpg
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Joel H. 10:52AM (10/30/2006)
I think when they kept the oval grill they should have upsized the front end a bit (hard to explain, but think of 300C sized front with the oval grill).
That photoshope doesn't look bad. Good Job.
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Pizza the Hut 11:09AM (10/30/2006)
Last week, a coworker friend of mine her early 50s asked me if they even still made Buicks anymore. If that doesn't say it all, then I don't know what does! GM let this division go - they missed a huge opportunity to really get it right with this division back in the late 90s. They essentially *GAVE* that business to Toyota and Honda. I have no idea what GM will do to get this division back on track, especially in markets where they're extremely weak like Houston and L.A.
This car should have had the new V6 (250 hp DOHC engine that's in the Aura) and 6 spd. transmission standard. I think it would have been a lot more interesting. The optional Northstar engine should have been the 300 hp version too, not the 275 hp version. Also, I never see the car advertised at all, that's a big mistake.
No wonder why people don't even know Buick exists.
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Mr_Oak 1:06PM (10/30/2006)
9. They ruined a good looking Buick, what is it with GM trying to get all the rapper people to buy their cars?
How can I say this simply? You are an Idiot. Read jacka$$ read ---"the Buick Lucerne CXX Luxury Liner by Rick Bottom Custom Motor Sports of Mendota, Ill.
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Rocket Punch 1:01PM (10/30/2006)
It is a Buick. Unless they are in F1, DTM, WTCC or WRC. THEY WILL NEVER BE COOL. Blindingly adding "pointless" addons to the car is stupid and it only please 8-13 years old, aka, those who like FF:TD.
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Mr_Oak 2:08PM (10/30/2006)
18. It is a Buick. Unless they are in F1, DTM, WTCC or WRC. THEY WILL NEVER BE COOL. Blindingly adding "pointless" addons to the car is stupid and it only please 8-13 years old, aka, those who like FF:TD.
There are over 50 million Baby Boomers - Over 50 people in the US. Do you think they give a crap about (a) What you europeans drive, (b) F1, WTCC WRC or DTM?, (c) Totoya & Honda, BMW, DMX care about what they want to drive why should GM or Ford not build cars for that demographic?
BTW: These are the people who control most of the money in the world today, If not buying for themselves, they're buying for their kids or grand kids.
I bet you're riding around in some stupid, noisy little hatchback and you thing it's cool.
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