Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #186 - The PT Cruiser is dead, blind drivers, Tesla and Toyota, and more!

Dan Roth — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, GM, Lexus, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Tesla

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan Roth convene yet again for Episode #186 of the Autoblog Podcast. Topics are the final passing of the long-suffering Chrysler PT Cruiser, General Motors' "Build your own engine" for Chevrolet Corvette buyers, Tesla and its dalliance with Toyota prototypes, and the work being undertaken to develop vehicles that can be driven by the blind. There's the inevitable tangential excursions, and we finish up by responding to your feedback and questions before wrapping at an hour and twenty-five minutes. Thanks for listening, see you next time!

Autoblog Podcast #186 - The PT Cruiser is dead, blind drivers, Tesla and Toyota, and more!

In the Autoblog Garage:

Porsche Boxster Spyder
Buick LaCrosse CX
Lexus LS 460L AWD
Subaru Legacy 2.5i

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Alex Nunez, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 85:46

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Autoblog Podcast #186 - The PT Cruiser is dead, blind drivers, Tesla and Toyota, and more! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick LaCrosse rebranded as Daewoo Alpheon in South Korea

Zach Bowman — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Luxury, South Korea, Daewoo

2011 Daewoo Alpheon - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors may be shying away from badge engineering here in the United States, but that doesn't mean the company is giving up its old ways in other parts of the world. Daewoo recently unveiled its new Alpheon sedan at the Busan International Motor Show in Korea, and the car is as identical as identical gets to the 2010 Buick LaCrosse we all know and love. The Korean automaker says that its newest luxury cruiser is "based on the same architecture" as the mid-size Buick, though we would be more inclined to say Xerox couldn't come up with a better copy.

Under the hood, Korean buyers will find the same mid-range 3.0-liter gasoline V6 that American buyers enjoy. As near as we can tell, the only significant difference is that the Tri-Crest badge has been ditched in favor of a Daewoo piece. At least they went that far.

The Alpheon/LaCrosse joined the debut of the Orlando MPV on stage at Busan. According to Daewoo, the sedan will hit dealers mid-way through this year. Hit the jump for the full press-release.

Gallery: 2011 Daewoo Alpheon

[Source: Daewoo]

Continue reading Buick LaCrosse rebranded as Daewoo Alpheon in South Korea

Buick LaCrosse rebranded as Daewoo Alpheon in South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM may reopen factories to keep up with high demand

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Cadillac SRX - Click above for high-res gallery

General Motors had a tough 2009, but one very bright spot was the success of some of its newest models. GM North America President Mark Reuss has informed reporters at the Detroit Auto Show that the plants that build the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and Buick LaCrosse are already at full capacity and The General simply cannot meet demand. That's a good problem to have, and GM is working on a backup plan in the event demand for cars and trucks exceeds its current capacity.

The Associated Press reports that Reuss told the media that the solution to too much demand could be to reopen one of the General's shuttered plants. Reuss specifically pointed to the company's Spring Hill facility in Tennessee as a factory that could reopen to augment production, which makes sense in light of the fact that GM recently spent many millions of dollars to upgrade the plant to build the Chevrolet Traverse. Assuming GM can relight the fires at Spring Hill, that money would appear to be well spent, as Reuss reminded reporters that Spring Hill is flexible enough to build several different models.

GM has placed its Janesville, Wisconsin and Spring Hill plants on standby in the event that it needs more capacity when the U.S. auto industry begins to improve. Considering that new plants can cost over a billion dollars, we're thinking that's a pretty good idea.

Gallery: Preview Drive: Cadillac SRX

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: The Associated Press via Yahoo]

Report: GM may reopen factories to keep up with high demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for 2010

Chris Paukert — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Truck, Work, Ford

Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas, accepts the hardware from Tony Swan of Car and Driver

For just the third time in the 17-year history of the North American Car and Truck of the Year, one manufacturer has taken home both pieces of etched glass. Ford's 2010 Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect have yielded the hardware for the Dearborn automaker here at the Detroit Auto Show, with the Fusion emerging victorious over the shortlisted Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf, and the Transit Connect besting the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback.

The last time a single manufacturer won both the Car and Truck of the Year awards was back in 2006, when Honda did double duty with its Civic compact and Ridgeline pickup. In total, a U.S. automaker has won the car award nine times, and the truck award, 11 times. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect

[Source: Ford]

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for 2010

Detroit 2010: Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Buick aiming to look younger, see other people (under 70)

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Buick

2011 Buick Regal - click above for high-res image gallery

We interrupt our regularly scheduled "Buicks are for old people and lascivious golfers jokes" to tell you that the average, median age of a Buick buyer is 70 years old. Compare that to the average age of a new car buyer: 52. Obviously - and no offense to you septuagenarians out there - seventy ain't sexy. And as the first rule of twenty-first century marketing (and light beer commercials) dictates: sex sells.

That said, there is a glimmer of hope if you look at the brand's recent sales trends. Take the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. The median age of its buyer is 55 years old. That's a decade and a half younger than the average Buick buyer, but still a full three years older than the industry average. However you pull apart the numbers, that's good news for Buick.

Buick's new boss - 42 year-old Brian Sweeney who just took over the Buick/GMC division from the nine days and out Michael Richards - wants to lower that age even more. His plan? In a word, Regal. Buick plans to use "experimental marketing" when they pitch the new Regal to potential customers.

We don't yet know what that means in specific, but Buick feels they helped pedal the new LaCrosse to a younger-ish audience by showing the car at, "coffee shops, art fairs and wine festivals." Can we therefore expect to see the Regal at tattoo parlors, dive bars and yoga studios? We wouldn't rule it out. Well, we would rule out the dive bars. And the tattoo joints. Either way, pitching "Not your grandfather's Buick" is a hard sell.

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Buick aiming to look younger, see other people (under 70) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM to speed up development of vehicles delayed by bankruptcy

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials

Prior to declaring bankruptcy, General Motors began delaying new products in an effort to conserve cash. The news was disappointing to enthusiasts and brand loyalists, but with its cash piles dwindling, the General didn't have many alternatives. Post-bankruptcy, GM finds itself with $40 billion in cash and a lot less overhead, so where is the money being spent? Automotive News reports that Vice Chairman Bob Lutz confirms that many of the products that were delayed are now being accelerated, adding "Once we got out of the bankruptcy and started having money available, we were able to pull a lot of our programs forward."

One example of the pull-forward is the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu. Early this Fall, GM told us that the next Malibu would arrive in 2012, but Lutz says that time frame has been pulled up to 2011. The next Malibu will reportedly be all-new with a platform based off of the Buick LaCrosse and 2011 Buick Regal. The new 'Bu will apparently have a shorter wheelbase than the current model while still managing more interior room.

Lutz told AN that the uplevel Malibu will have chrome appliques lining the side windows, a trait he says is associated with German and Japanese luxury vehicles. Lutz apparently added that $50 worth of chrome translates into an additional $500 to $600 in perceived value to customers. Beyond the Malibu, Lutz noted that there are "a bunch" of other vehicles being pulled forward to pre-bankruptcy production cadences, though he didn't offer any specific examples.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: GM to speed up development of vehicles delayed by bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Four-cylinder Buick LaCrosse arrives Q1 next year, to be priced from $26,995*

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Buick

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few months back following the debut of the 2010 LaCrosse, Buick surprised us with the announcement that it would add a third powertrain option to the sedan's lineup. After launching with a pair of V6 engines, Buick is now getting ready to start offering a LaCrosse CX model with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This is the same direct injected unit that debuted in the new Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain last summer.

When the four-pot LaCrosse goes on sale early in the new year, it will carry a base sticker price of $26,995 (*including delivery). That's $840 less than what it takes to get the current 3.0-liter V6 powered CX model in your driveway. In addition to the up-front savings, buyers should expect reduced operating costs for the four. Final EPA certification numbers aren't in yet, but Buick is estimating that the LaCrosse four will net 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. For comparison's sake, the 3.0-liter is rated at 17/26 mpg city and highway.

The new 2.4-liter LaCrosse is slated to arrive in dealers in the first quarter of 2010. Official details in the presser after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Buick]

Continue reading Four-cylinder Buick LaCrosse arrives Q1 next year, to be priced from $26,995*

Four-cylinder Buick LaCrosse arrives Q1 next year, to be priced from $26,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL aims upmarket and almost hits target

Alex Nunez — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL - Click above for high-res image gallery

With great fanfare, General Motors has introduced the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, a vehicle with which the automaker hopes to jump-start a sweeping brand transformation for the tired Tri-Shield. For Buick to be a success in GM's post-bailout, post-bankruptcy era, the brand must dump its well-deserved reputation as the preferred marque of last-time buyers. (Average age of previous-model LaCrosse buyer: Around 70.) For better or worse, as it scrambles to get more - and younger - drivers behind the wheel, Buick has elected to position itself as America's Lexus in a bid to give itself some premium cachet.

Frankly, that's a pretty tall order, but if first impressions mean anything, the Buick LaCrosse might be crowned GM's savior on appearances alone, because it's that attractive, especially compared to the fish-faced namesake it replaces. The 2009-and-prior LaCrosse looks like the unfortunate love child of a third-generation Ford Taurus and a Mitsuoka Orochi. Or, put plainly, it looks like some ugly Chinese car. By comparison, the 2010 LaCrosse is classy and stylish. Therein lies the delicious irony: the 2010 Buick LaCrosse's glitzy looks were, in fact, jointly developed with GM China's design team. Go figure, and be thankful. In the metal, this ride draws plenty appreciative stares.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Continue reading Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL aims upmarket and almost hits target

Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL aims upmarket and almost hits target originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick LaCrosse and Nissan Versa latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick awards

Chris Shunk — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Hatchback, Buick, Nissan

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

There was a time when the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety was the ball buster of safety standards, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Association gave out Five Star ratings like glitter at a gentleman's club. Times have changed and automakers have evidently picked up on what IIHS is looking for, and more and more new vehicles are receiving the top designation of "Good." To get the top score, stability control is the price of entry, and features like side curtain airbags can really help the cause. And unlike NHTSA's 35 mph impact speeds, the IIHS smacks concrete at a more impressive 40 mph.

The two newest members of the "Good" club cater to very different customers, but both have great safety chops. The 2010 Lacrosse is all-new for 2010, and the IIHS found the newest Buick very worthy in front, side and rear impact collisions. As you might expect, the Lacrosse comes standard with stability control and side curtain airbags.

The Nissan Versa has been on the market for a while now, and the 2010 subcompact has once again earned the top designation from the IIHS. The Versa scored well in front, side and rear collisions, and with optional stability control, it was able to fetch a top score.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: IIHS]

Buick LaCrosse and Nissan Versa latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick's New Tagline: "The new class of world class"

Chris Shunk — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Buick

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Bob Lutz came to General Motors, he was charged with turning around the company's unimaginative product development. In Maximum Bob part deux, GM's most senior leader is turning his attention to marketing, where the Detroit automaker has been less than cutting edge. Lutz appears to be spending a lot of his time focusing on Buick, a brand turning the corner in terms of product while also simultaneously messing the bed with those awful "Take a look at me now" commercials that have drawn the praise of absolutely nobody.

Blogger Bob is set to unveil an all new marketing campaign for Buick titled "The new class of world class," which aims to sell new products like the critically acclaimed 2010 LaCrosse. Lutz has said that he wants the new commercials to better convey the design and function of the Buick lineup. He seems to like what he sees from the new spots, which have yet to be aired. Automotive News quoted Lutz as calling the spots "aggressive stuff." We're looking forward to to seeing them ourselves, as long as they don't involve an annoying guy with a bull horn and an Enclave by the pool.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Buick's New Tagline: "The new class of world class" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM exercises self-love, plans to re-name Canada's Buick Allure LaCrosse after all

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Canada

2010 Buick LaCrosse: Click above for high-res image gallery

When General Motors named the Chevrolet Nova, the majority of customers in America had no issues whatsoever with the spacey moniker. Spanish speaking countries were a different matter entirely, as the literal Spanish translation of "no va" is "no go." As the story goes, Chevy's Nova was less than successful south of Texas, although some analysts (armchair and otherwise) dismiss this historical naming issue as nonsense. Whether the Nova was an issue for GM or not, the automaker wasn't looking to tempt fate when the Buick LaCrosse began production in 2005. The French translation of "LaCrosse" is something along the lines of "self love" - not a flattering name for a family sedan. This being the case, the LaCrosse was renamed Allure in Canada and Buick buyers north of the border were free of ridicule and humiliation.

After careful consideration, GM has decided to ditch the Allure nameplate and instead leave the LaCrosse badging on the sedan's boot for the new 2010 model. GM Canada spokesman George Saratlic told the National Post that the decision was made to help streamline marketing costs. The feeling at GM is that Québécoise accept the name lacrosse in reference to the popular sport, so the benefits of having a consistent naming convention across North America far outweighs the negative stigma of the name.

Saratlic adds, "We do think that this will help customers learn more about the new Buick LaCrosse sedan thanks to the strengthened advertising push this will enable and that the car will have distinctly upscale characteristics that clearly define what it stands for in the market." Since we've poured precisely zero dollars into investigating the impact of the LaCrosse name in Canada, we'll take the company at its word. We would, however, suggest that Canadian LaCrosse drivers keep both hands on the wheel, at least for now.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Sources: National Post, Snopes]

GM exercises self-love, plans to re-name Canada's Buick Allure LaCrosse after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM reportedly holding up some shipments of Buick LaCrosse over quality concerns

Michael Harley — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Buick

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The high-profile 2010 Buick LaCrosse, the vehicle the automaker hopes will lure younger buyers into its showroom, is being delayed a few weeks due to manufacturing quality concerns. Mark LaNeve, GM's VP of U.S. Sales, told reporters and analysts that although 300-400 cars were shipped in August, future deliveries will be halted until Buick works out the so-called "quality issues." While there was no elaboration or specifics, LaNeve added that the issues "were not serious but were enough to delay us three or four weeks while we made sure they were fixed so that our customers didn't have any problems."

Arguably the most important vehicle launched by the brand in decades, Buick is positioning its all-new LaCrosse as a serious competitor to Volvo, Lexus, and Acura. Furthermore, the mid-size luxury sedan is bait for people in their mid-40s and 50s, decidedly younger than the brand's 68-year-old median age buyer last year. Few would consider a short quality-related delay a stain on the launch of the new model. In fact, the publicity this is generating will likely help spread Buick's LaCrosse message.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: ABC News]

GM reportedly holding up some shipments of Buick LaCrosse over quality concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oldplay: Inside Line pits Buick LaCrosse against Lexus ES 350... who wins?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Buick, Lexus

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to isolating the two most important stats automakers consider when determining a vehicle's success or failure, the Lexus ES350 is a smash it. The stats in question are sales volume and profit, and the ES typically tops the entry-level luxury sales chart while often exceeding its competition in terms of price. Conversely, Buick has been stuck at the opposite end of the spectrum, with little in the way of product or respect - at least until recently. The well-received Enclave proved that General Motors' one-time bastard child could make competitive product, but the 2010 LaCrosse is tasked with taking on the likes of Acura and Lexus.

Inside Line was impressed enough with a LaCrosse it reviewed earlier that the online publication pitted Buick's upstart against the long dominant ES350. IL notes that the Lacrosse outweighs the ES by nearly 500 pounds, generates 2.5 fewer miles per gallon and has a .6 second slower 0-60 mph time, yet it handily bests the aging ES in nearly every category. Hit the read link below to check out the comparison. Has Buick arrived as a legitimate contender to Lexus? It's definitely too early to tell, but it looks like the division could finally be ready to put up a good fight.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: Inside Line]

Oldplay: Inside Line pits Buick LaCrosse against Lexus ES 350... who wins? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse looks to breathe life into old brand

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, First Drives, Luxury

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

Make no mistake, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is the most important vehicle launched by the brand in decades. Buick, nearly consigned to the dustbin of history a few short years ago, is now one of General Motors' four remaining "core" brands. And if it weren't for the Chinese market's love affair with the marque, there's little doubt Buick would've followed Oldsmobile into the afterlife. Instead, GM is attempting to (once again) refashion the brand as a serious competitor to Acura, Lexus and Volvo, and the LaCrosse is the opening salvo in the battle for hearts, minds and market share - not to mention pocketbooks.

Technically, the "New" Buick was born two years ago when the Enclave debuted, but in reality, that was simply a new segment for the brand. In contrast, the LaCrosse marks the initial transformation of Buick's future. CEO Fritz Henderson has stated that new Buicks (and actually all GM vehicles going forward) must be more than competitive - they must be superb. They can't merely match the competition, they have to surpass them in every quantifiable way. So the launch of the LaCrosse couldn't be more fortuitous or fraught with risk. Developed before bankruptcy, bailouts and government intervention, the LaCrosse is what GM envisioned for the future of Buick over two years ago. But is it good enough to revive the marque? Time to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse looks to breathe life into old brand

First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse looks to breathe life into old brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick announces starting price of $27,835 for 2010 LaCrosse

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Buick

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for a high-res image gallery

General Motors introduced the world to the 2010 Buick LaCrosse at the Detroit Auto Show to a chorus of ~~angels~~ primarily positive reviews. Now, GM's finally decided it's high time to announce pricing for the entry-level luxury sedan. Base price for the 2010 LaCrosse CX is $27,835, including a $750 destination charge. That sum will net you a 3.0-liter direct injected V6 engine putting out 255 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission.

For those keeping track of such things, that's a good bit less than the starting price for the 2009 Acura TSX ($29,160), Lincoln MKZ ($32,695) and Lexus ES350 ($34,320). Sounds pretty good so far. Let's add some options. Step up to the $30,395 CXL model and you'll get heated leather seats, automatic climate control and 18" alloy rims, among other things.

All-wheel drive is available on the CXL model, starting at $32,570. A top-level LaCrosse CXS will run $33,765 and brings a 3.6-liter version of the DI V6 engine with 280 horses and 259 lb-ft or torque. Want one? Production is scheduled to begin "early this summer," which, last time we checked, was just around the corner. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: Buick]

Continue reading Buick announces starting price of $27,835 for 2010 LaCrosse

Buick announces starting price of $27,835 for 2010 LaCrosse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where have we heard this before? Report says future Buicks to be based on Opels

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Buick, GM, Opel

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse

General Motors may be taking a page out of its own book as it reportedly plans to raid the Opel parts bin for future Buick models. The last time GM decided to import Opels to the United States, it did so with the Saturn brand, and we all know how well that exercise turned out.

Regardless of its past failures, it does make sense to design platforms that can be used in all of the global markets that GM has access to, and the upcoming 2010 Buick LaCrosse uses the same Epsilon II underpinnings as the latest Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. That car debuted to mostly rave reviews at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year and it proves that not all vehicles using the same platform need to be identical, as they were in large part between the Open and Saturn brands.

As noted U.S. philosopher George Santayana once famously said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Here's hoping that GM's been paying close attention these last few years.

Gallery: 2011 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Where have we heard this before? Report says future Buicks to be based on Opels originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to make new Buick in Germany?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Buick, GM, Saab, Opel

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Chinese-spec Buick Regal

GM might make a swap in its European production plans, shifting Buick assembly to Opel and Saab assembly to Sweden. Names of the models in question haven't been mentioned, but the Opel Insignia, Chinese-spec Buick Regal and coming Saab 9-5 are all built on GM's Epsilon II platform.

The original plan was to produce the Saab 9-5 in Sweden, and Saab has been studying the Trollhatten factory's viability for the task. Factory representatives at the Russelsheim plant have also been lobbying for more cars to produce, thinking the operation underutilized, and they would certainly be building more Buicks than Saabs. And if other rumors are correct, it would keep siblings that GM plans to bring closer together - Opel and Buick - under the same roof.

The swap, which would mean not building any new Saabs in Germany, would also send 9-3 production to Sweden. Sending 9-5 production there as well could also be seen as another step in extricating Saab from GM's web to assist in efforts to find a buyer for the brand.

Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal

[Source: Reuters]

GM to make new Buick in Germany? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: 2010 Buick LaCrosse [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Buick

Click image above for live photos of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse from Detroit

While the outgoing Buick LaCrosse featured one distinct superpower -- invisibility -- the 2010 iteration could be a savior for the brand. With classy sheetmetal that will probably remind you of the Buick Invicta concept, vastly improved interior materials, and an all-new powertrain, the 2010 LaCrosse should compete better with cars like the Lexus ES350 and the Lincoln MKS. Powered by either a 260 hp, 3.0L direct injected V6 or a 280-hp 3.6L, it should offer performance to match its portholed good looks.

We actually took a close look at this new LaCrosse a couple of weeks ago, and you can see that video and review by clicking here, but for now we've added a new live gallery from Detroit and posted the press release after the jump. There's also some new video to see of the unveiling. Hit the jump to view the live press video for yourself, and if you'd like to read our extensive preview of Buick's newest sedan, click here.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Gallery: 2011 Buick LaCrosse

Continue reading Detroit 2009: 2010 Buick LaCrosse [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: 2010 Buick LaCrosse [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2010 Buick LaCrosse breaks cover

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Buick

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse

If the car you see here looks somewhat familiar, it should. It appeared in concept form at last spring's Beijing Motor Show as the Buick Invicta concept. At the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the Invicta becomes the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Like many recent examples, the Invicta was a less a concept than a very mildly disguised version of the upcoming production car. Just before the Christmas break, General Motors gave the media a preview of the new production LaCrosse in the design dome at the company's tech center in Warren, MI.

GM North America VP for Buick-Pontiac-GMC Susan Docherty, global mid-size car vehicle line executive Jim Federico, and Buick brand character chief designer Dave Lyon provided a run-down for us on the new LaCrosse. The mid-size Buick is the first North American market application of the revised Epsilon II architecture that debuted last summer as the basis of the Euro-only Opel Insignia. Follow the jump and we'll tell you all about it.

Gallery: 2010 Buick LaCrosse - LIVE

Gallery: 2011 Buick LaCrosse

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2010 Buick LaCrosse breaks cover

Detroit Preview: 2010 Buick LaCrosse breaks cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details on new Buick LaCrosse emerge, new DI 3.0L V6 added

Chris Shunk — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of Buick LaCrosse spy shots

Judging from spy pics we've seen of the upcoming 2010 Buick LaCrosse, General Motors may have a winner on its hands, even if it is getting delayed. If specs from GM Inside News are accurate, Buick's new midsize sedan will have significant new powertrains, too. The big news comes from an all-new 3.0L, direct-inject V6 engine based on the larger 3.6L VVT powerplant that the General uses now. The small-displacement V6 packs some serious punch at 250 hp, and will be mated to the automaker's new 6T70 six-speed transmission for improved efficiency. The new 3.0L engine is likely to achieve a significant fuel economy gain over the 3.6, with highway economy estimated at close to 30 mpg. The new LaCrosse will also feature the same 3.6L powerplant that underpins the Chevy Traverse, with direct injection and an estimated 290 hp.

Other details about the new LaCrosse include HID headlamps, a heads-up display, rear view camera and all-wheel-drive. We haven't received any details on the AWD system, but we're guessing it will be the same unit that currently drives all four wheels of the new Saab 9-3X. We're looking forward to getting more details on the Buick LaCrosse, and when we do, you'll be the first to know.

Gallery: 2010 Buick LaCrosse - spy shots II

[Source: GM Inside News]

Details on new Buick LaCrosse emerge, new DI 3.0L V6 added originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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