Autoblog

Opel to get next-gen Buick Enclave and LaCrosse

Chris Shunk — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:58:00 EST

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

Buick Enclave and LaCrosse - Click either image for high-res gallery

To help build the Buick brand, General Motors has turned the Opel Insignia into a Buick Regal, and in the fall, the Astra will become the 2012 Verano. These new products are proving to be a shot in the arm for Buick, but will the magic work the other way around?

According to a new report by GMInsideNews, we may soon find out. The site claims that The General will make room in the Opel lineup for the next Buick Enclave and LaCrosse. The move would likely make sense from a cost perspective, giving GM economies of scale thanks to increased production, while also adding to the Opel lineup without significant engineering expenditures. The General could also take advantage of its global footprint by building the Opel version of the LaCrosse or Enclave in the U.S. or even China, where labor is cheaper than in Germany.

Can GM succeed in turning the LaCrosse and Enclave into future Opel models? Hard to say, really. On one hand, if GM pursues this path, it will likely reap substantial savings from shared engineering costs between Buick and Opel. On the other hand, the Enclave and LaCrosse are quite large for most European cities and tastes, and GM will need to offer competent diesel and four-cylinder petrol powertrains for the models to have a shot at strong sales.

Opel to get next-gen Buick Enclave and LaCrosse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet MyLink comes to Buick, GMC in IntelliLink form

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Crossover, Buick, GM, GMC, Infotainment

IntelliLink for Buick and GMC - Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, General Motors will begin rolling out MyLink later this year, and GM has expanded
the connectivity system to include the 2012 Buick Verano, Regal and LaCrosse, along with the 2012 GMC Terrain.

GM has changed the branding of its SYNC competitor to IntelliLink for Buick and GMC models, although the features and functionality remain the same.

Voice commands - powered by Nuance technology - allow users to control phone functionality, radio stations and MP3 players through a natural language system, while Gracenote pulls in track listings and album art, Pandora, Stitcher and XM stream the tunes, and a standard rear-vision camera (on the Terrain) lets you keep tabs on what's coming up from behind.

Better iPhone and Android integration through a combination of USB and Bluetooth control is part of the package, and buyers of the youth-focused Verano will get IntelliLink as standard at first, with the system coming to the Regal and LaCrosse later this year. However, Enclave buyers will have to wait for its refreshening in 2013 before getting their hands on the system. Full details on both the Buick and GMC integration in the press release after the break.

Gallery: IntelliLink for Buick and GMC

Continue reading Chevrolet MyLink comes to Buick, GMC in IntelliLink form

Chevrolet MyLink comes to Buick, GMC in IntelliLink form originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 10,000 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX models face faulty defroster recall

Zach Bowman — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Buick, Cadillac, GM

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and General Motors have announced the recall of 10,000 vehicles. According to The Detroit News, certain 2011 Cadillac SRX and 2011 Buick Lacrosse models may have been built with a defect that can prevent the vehicle's defroster from effectively clearing the windshield. NHTSA is concerned that the reduced visibility could lead to an accident.

The problem was discovered to during a production trial, in which one in 50 vehicles exhibited the defect.

At the moment, no crashes or incidents have been reported as a result of the programming error, though it's worth noting that only a third of the 10,179 vehicles covered by the recall actually belong to customers. The rest are either unsold or are awaiting delivery.

GM dealers will reprogram the HVAC software to fix the bug free of charge.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac SRX

Gallery: 2011 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: 10,000 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX models face faulty defroster recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Are you the 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS?

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Buick, GM, Rumormill

Spied: 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wherever cars are produced or tested, there will be spy photographers waiting to snap photos. Michigan is a hotbed of such activity, and one shooter's lens has just caught a white Buick LaCrosse being driven to a local fast food joint for lunch. Spying a LaCrosse wearing Michigan manufacturer plates is nothing special, but a quick glance of the wheels and brakes reveal this to be one special sled. You're looking at what we're hoping is a 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS.

While we don't know what's under the hood, we can clearly see this Buick is wearing the 20-inch rollers pulled from an Opel Insignia OPC. According to the photographer, the wheels are wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza summer tires size 245/40R20. Behind the wheels sit larger front rotors and calipers. We can only hope that an equally exciting engine is nestled within this LaCrosse's flanks.

Gallery: 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS Spy Shots

[Images: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: Are you the 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: General Motors bringing back mild hybrids next year

Zach Bowman — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, China, Technology, GM

Let's try this again, shall we? General Motors has announced that it will jump back into the mild hybrid game by the third quarter of 2011. Larry Nitz, the company's director of hybrid and electric powertrain engineering, made the announcement at a seminar in Traverse City, Michigan, though he declined to comment on exactly which models would get the fuel-saving tech next year. Nitz did say that at least one American model and one Chinese model would be a mild hybrid by the end of 2011, which leads us to believe that the tech will work its way into the Buick lineup.

GM walked away from mild hybrids after Saturn was sent to the company's scrap heap. At the time, both the Chevrolet Malibu and the Saturn Vue wore the tech, but with the Vue out of the picture, the company couldn't justify the cost of investing in the drivetrains. Unlike a full hybrid, mild-hybrid vehicles can't cruise along on just electric power. Instead, the system allows the gasoline engine to shut off when the vehicle is stopped. The electric motor then starts the engine again when the accelerator pedal is depressed.

If we were guessing, we'd say that GM will debut the rebirth of the tech on the Buick LaCrosse - a model that has enjoyed equal success in China and has the potential to revitalize the brand in the U.S.

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: General Motors bringing back mild hybrids next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Buick, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Suzuki

Edmunds' Top 10 'Dark-Horse' cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

We all know the typical sales winners of the automotive universe. Come hell or high water, Honda Civics and Toyota Camrys will still float off of the lot. Granted, that's good news for most automakers, but at the same time, there's a wealth of under-appreciated models languishing under the beady eyes of inflatable gorillas across the country. The good people of Edmunds have taken it upon themselves to wrangle up a top 10 list of those long forgotten winners and filed them under the collective banner of "Dark-Horse" candidates. Sexy.

We're absolutely down with cars like the 2010 Buick Lacrosse, 2010 Suzuki Kizashi and the 2010 Hyundai Genesis, but the 2010 Nissan Versa has us scratching our heads. While the car is a perfectly decent little compact, the market is awash with other excellent options. Need proof? Look no further than another Edmunds Dark-Horse selection, the 2011 Ford Fiesta. We suppose that with all the hype surrounding the new Blue Oval hatchback that it can't as easily be considered a forgotten option, at least at this point. Hop the jump for the full press blast and check the gallery below for the top picks.

Gallery: Edmunds Top Ten Dark-Horse Cars

[Source: Edmunds]

Continue reading Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles

Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TheDetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein

Paul Eisenstein — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Buick

Buick Back?

Later this month I'll be heading out to San Diego to get my first ride in the new Buick Regal. It's a trip I'm looking forward to, something I couldn't have said about most of the Buick product previews I've attended over the course of my 30 years on the auto beat.

Let's face it: Since the days of the classic Riviera, the long-struggling General Motors division didn't have a lot to offer other than "badge-engineered" products that appealed to a limited core audience of aging Buick buyers. One GM wag once suggested that the average age of the division's buyers was "nearly dead." And as that audience steadily dwindled, so was Buick.

Consider that over the quarter century from 1984 to 2009, Buick sales plunged nearly 90% from 941,611 to just 102,300 and you understand why so many industry analysts began urging GM to abandon the Buick brand long before last year's bankruptcy. Yet when the ashes of the century-old automaker rose like a phoenix last July, Buick remained among the four surviving North American "core" brands.

To understand why, I just need to talk with an old friend, Al Abramson, a long-time dealer in Asian art, jewelry and antiques, and one of the first Westerners to go behind the so-called Bamboo Curtain after the fateful meeting between Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong.

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading TheDetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein

TheDetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 18:00:00 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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First Drive: 2011 Buick LaCrosse CX gets four cylinders for fuel economy

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, First Drives

2011 Buick LaCrosse four-cylinder - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the foreseeable future, the LaCrosse will remain the flagship of the Buick lineup, so at first glance, it might seem peculiar that General Motors is adding a seemingly modest inline-four cylinder engine to the sedan's powertrain list. However, at the time the LaCrosse was being developed in 2007-2008, gasoline prices in the United States had spiked to their highest levels ever, topping $4 per gallon. General Motors product planners were understandably working on the assumption that fuel prices would remain high and continue an upward trend in the coming years.

Although Buick officials won't say so explicitly, another factor that likely played into the decision to offer the 2.4-liter EcoTec four-cylinder engine was the underwhelming response to the new 3.0-liter direct injected V6. While the new smaller V6 is a smooth runner and produces similar power to the company's earlier 3.6-liter port injected V6, it was lacking in torque compared to its larger counterpart and actually got slightly inferior fuel economy. We recently had the chance to sample the new four-cylinder-powered LaCrosse CX in rural Virginia. Read on to find out if less is indeed more when it comes to Buick's handsome sedan.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Buick LaCrosse I4

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Buick LaCrosse CX gets four cylinders for fuel economy

First Drive: 2011 Buick LaCrosse CX gets four cylinders for fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS gets HiPer [w/video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Technology, Buick, Luxury, Quick Spins

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS with HiPer strut front suspension - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that Buick has a refreshed reason to exist in a post-bankruptcy General Motors, the brand isn't sitting still with its products. Take, for example, the redesigned Buick LaCrosse, which only went on sale about nine months ago. GM is already updating the sedan's hardware. It's not that there was anything terribly wrong with the 2009 LaCrosse we first drove last spring, but GM was already working on improvements that are ready to roll out on the 2010 model year.

The first improvement to hit dealers is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder that was announced last year. We've driven that one and will have our first impressions for you next week. However, enthusiast-minded drivers will probably be more interested in Buick's new HiPer strut front suspension. This new adaptation of the long-serving MacPherson strut is designed to almost completely eliminate torque steer while at the same time provide a more compliant ride. Make the jump to learn how it works as we take the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS with the new HiPer strut front suspension for spin.

Gallery: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS gets HiPer

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS gets HiPer [w/video]

Quick Spin: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS gets HiPer [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Buick LaCrosse drops 3.0L V6, adds four-cylinder

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Buick, Luxury

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

The all-new Buick LaCrosse hasn't even been on the market for a year, but we're already seeing slight changes to the sedan's lineup. First and foremost, the 3.0-liter V6 (originally offered on CX and CXL models) has been discontinued, meaning customers who want six-pot power will have to make due with the well-received 3.6-liter direct-injected mill. However, all-wheel drive, which was initially only offered with the 3.0, can now be had on 3.6 CXL models.

The big update for 2011, though, is the addition of General Motors' 2.4-liter direct-injected inline-four to the LaCrosse. Available only on the base CX, the 2.4-liter mill is good for 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, and achieves up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway. While that might sound relatively impressive, keep in mind that GM managed to squeeze 30 mpg out of the larger V6 in the Camaro, and that the Equinox CUV also trumpets a 30 mpg rating out of its four-banger, too.

Will 182 ponies and 172 pound-feet of twist be enough for the relatively large LaCrosse? We'll be driving the car in the very near future, so stay tuned. In the meantime, hit the jump to read Buick's press release.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: Buick]

Continue reading 2011 Buick LaCrosse drops 3.0L V6, adds four-cylinder

2011 Buick LaCrosse drops 3.0L V6, adds four-cylinder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick considering coupe to stoke youthful image?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Buick, GM

Buick Velite Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Buick lineup was all but dead just a couple years ago, but the past year has been a bit of a boon for the struggling marquee. In the second half of 2009, General Motors added the LaCrosse to the Buick lineup, and for the most part early returns have been positive. The Buick lineup gets even more interesting in the next couple months as the 2011 Regal enters the product mix. There are also reportedly plans for a crossover that slots under the Enclave and a Cruze-sized sedan in the next 12 months as well. But what's missing? John Cafaro, director of design for Buick and Chevrolet, thinks the Tri-Shield could use some more products to signify the brands new youthful image, and a coupe may be just what the ~~doctor~~ director ordered.

In an interview with Automotive News, Cafaro reportedly described his role in the recreation of Buick as "being a zealot for getting Buick more youthful, more spirited and probing ideas for coupes, more expressive vehicles." Cafaro also insists that Buick needs more products to be competitive, even with the upcoming small sedan and crossover.

We're wondering from where Buick could get a coupe in the General's current product portfolio, and we have come up with a good option: a rear-wheel-drive drive coupe based off of the Chevrolet Camaro platform. Probably wishful thinking, right? But at the very least adding another vehicle to the Zeta platform would likely go a long way toward paying for tooling and keeping the line in Oshawa busy. Hopefully we'll find out in the next 12 to 18 months.

Gallery: Buick Velite Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Buick considering coupe to stoke youthful image? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: Bad Timing Dept. - Prius MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner; Toyota declines JDM award

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award winner for Best of the Year

By February of each year, we are always right in the middle of awards season, and no, we're not talking about the Golden Globes, Grammys or Oscars. We are, of course, referring to Car and Truck of the Year awards, Ten Best lists and the like. A brace of trophies had already been handed out at the Detroit Auto Show and here at the Chicago Auto Show, a few more champions were crowned. As you might imagine, Toyota is usually an oft-mentioned brand during this time of year, but we figured this year might be a little different.

Coming on the heels of several high profile recall announcements by Toyota, one might expect the once-bulletproof Japanese carmaker to at least get more careful consideration when handing out the hardware. Well, even if they have gone through closer scrutiny, that hasn't stopped multiple outlets from still rewarding them for their products. Television show MotorWeek just announced their Drivers' Choice Award winners, and the Toyota Prius is their choice for best Eco-Friendly vehicle. It also claimed the title of Best of the Year overall, making it their top pick of the 2010 models.

Other category winners are listed below and there's a long press release after the jump that includes a statement by MotorWeek host and producer John Davis. While it was probably difficult to change their minds so late in the game, the statement by Davis explaining their rationale in choosing the Prius seems to have been written some time before Toyota started making so many headlines: "If you can only buy one car for your family, the 2010 Prius is the one," said Davis. "The Prius is a no-compromise vehicle that offers impressive efficiency, cutting edge technology, smart packaging and truly iconic styling."

While all of that might still apply, it's bad timing if nothing else to be handing out a top award to the Prius. In that spirit, Davis added an additional statement to clarify and defend the show's selection. In it he explained that while MotorWeek had two different Prius hybrids in their care for several months, nothing ever went wrong with them and that the show is confident that the problems will be satisfactorily addressed by Toyota.

MotorWeek was certainly not alone on that front however, as Toyota has recently been lauded by several other organizations as well. In Japan, for instance, Toyota was honored with a government energy efficiency award. Interestingly, the company chose to decline that award, though, saying that "the honor is not appropriate for a car hit by massive recalls," according to MSNBC.

Without further ado, here are the MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award winners:

Best Small Car: Mazda3
Best Family Sedan: Ford Taurus
Best Luxury Sedan: Buick LaCrosse
Best Small Utility: Chevrolet Equinox
Best Large Utility: Honda Pilot
Best Pickup Truck: Ram 1500/2500/3500
Best Eco-Friendly: Toyota Prius
Best Sport Sedan: BMW 3-Series
Best Sport Coupe: Chevrolet Camaro
Best Performance Car: Audi S4
Best Convertible: Nissan 370Z Roadster
Best Dream Machine: Audi R8 5.2 FSI/Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Sources: Motorweek via EarthTimes, MSNBC]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Bad Timing Dept. - Prius MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner; Toyota declines JDM award

Chicago 2010: Bad Timing Dept. - Prius MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner; Toyota declines JDM award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:01:00 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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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

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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REPORT: GM considering boosting production of four hot sellers: Camaro, Equinox, Lacrosse and SRX

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevy Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Good news has been in short supply for General Motors so far this year, but increased demand for its new products shows that the worst of times may be in the rear view mirror. Automotive News is reporting that GM may increase production of four new vehicles due to heavy demand. The new-for-2010 Chevy Equinox and Camaro, Cadillac SRX and Buick LaCrosse are reportedly under consideration. Equinox sales are so brisk (13,157 sales in August) that GM is considering adding production of the efficient crossover at a second plant. Expanding Equinox production could also happen if GM adds a third shift to its CAMI facility in Ontario.

One reason for the potential production increases stems from this summer's Cash for Clunkers bonanza. Inventory is now so low for many vehicles that a bump in production is inevitable. GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson reportedly told AN that the company knew it would have to eventually bump production and that its new products have done the best job of outstripping demand. GM is likely hoping that these fresh faces are hot enough that a sustained production bump is necessary, which may mean that some laid off employees could be called back to work.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: GM considering boosting production of four hot sellers: Camaro, Equinox, Lacrosse and SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 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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