Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Buick getting its own Astra variant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spy-shots-buick-getting-its-own-cruze-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spy-shots-buick-getting-its-own-cruze-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spy-shots-buick-getting-its-own-cruze-variant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Buick "Astra" - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Further proof that General Motors is readying a Opel Astra derivative for the Buick brand has just arrived in the form of spy shots showing a mid-size mule testing at Germany's Nürburgring. Somewhat obscured behind the excessive camo is Buick's trademark "waterfall" grille, however, the A-pillar and C-pillar survive the transition from Opel to Buick.

Inside, the badge engineering is markedly more apparent with what looks like an instrument panel, center console, and steering wheel directly ported over from the recently revealed 2010 Opel Astra. In all likelihood, the Buick version will be sold almost exclusively in the Chinese market and, although it would be built along side the Cruze at GM's Lordstown, OH plant, it's doubtful that the compact Buick will ever be sold in the States. But if it does, we'd suggest reviving the Skylark or Somerset moniker, because, hey... we know how well they went over before.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Buick Cruze

Spy Shots: Buick getting its own Astra variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickbuick cruzeBuickCruzechinacruzedelta IIDeltaIispy shotsSpyShotsMon, 22 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Mystery GM sedan spotted... Is this a baby Buick?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/spy-shots-mystery-gm-sedan-spotted-is-this-a-baby-buick/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/spy-shots-mystery-gm-sedan-spotted-is-this-a-baby-buick/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/spy-shots-mystery-gm-sedan-spotted-is-this-a-baby-buick/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

These spy shots show a compact car that is rumored to be a baby Buick based on the same Delta II platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and next-gen Opel Astra. Just as the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse will share its platform with the next Saab 9-5 and Opel Insignia, this baby Buick would be one more model that helps General Motors increase the economies of scale for its small car platform.

While the spy shooter who took these pics claims that the car is destined for sale in China and the U.S., we're not so sure Americans are ready for a Buick of this size that will almost certainly cost more than the already capable Cruze. GM certainly doesn't want another slow-selling Cadillac Cimarron on its hands, but Buick/Pontiac/GMC dealers may be begging for a small car after Pontiac gets pared down to a niche performance brand and the G3, G5 and G6 go away.

[Source: Next Autos]

Spy Shots: Mystery GM sedan spotted... Is this a baby Buick? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby buickBabyBuickbuickbuick chinaBuickChinachinadelta IIdelta II buickDeltaIiDeltaIiBuicksmall buickSmallBuickspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsMon, 16 Mar 2009 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Buick Skylark to land in China by 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/buick-skylark-to-land-in-china-by-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/buick-skylark-to-land-in-china-by-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/buick-skylark-to-land-in-china-by-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Remember the Buick Skylark? While the car certainly had its day in the pre-Reagan era, the 1980s and 90s did a lot of damage to the nameplate with models that were uninspired in every way (see above). General Motors figures the name's still good in other markets where it never sold the car, and will reportedly be introducing a new Buick Skylark in China by 2009 as a 2010 model. The new Skylark will be based on GM's Delta II platform that will underpin such vehicles as the next-gen Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Astra and Pontiac G6. The baby Buick will replace the Excelle in China, which is a version of the Daewoo Lacetti, a.k.a. the Suzuki Forenza in the U.S.

The new Skylark will be built in China by Shanghai GM, which begs the question of whether or not it will be the first vehicle GM imports from China for sale in the U.S. Who knows how well a Chinese-built Buick would be received in the States? We think the real question is how many small cars does GM need to sell? With three models already planned to utilize the Delta II platform, will a fourth bring us back to those days of regrettable badge engineering? Hopefully not, but we'll have to wait until the Delta II cars begin to break cover before we can know for sure.

[Source: Inside Line]

Buick Skylark to land in China by 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2007 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buick skylarkBuickSkylarkchinachinesedelta 2delta IIDelta2DeltaIishanghai gmShanghaiGmThu, 24 May 2007 19:28:00 EST