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: Chinese-market Buick GL8 successor spotted testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/spy-shots-chinese-market-buick-gl8-successor-spotted-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/spy-shots-chinese-market-buick-gl8-successor-spotted-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/spy-shots-chinese-market-buick-gl8-successor-spotted-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2011 Buick GL8 - Click above for gallery of spy shots

General Motors is apparently well into the development of the next-gen Buick GL8 MPV for the Chinese market, as this series of spy photos clearly shows. Previewed by the Business MPV shown off at the Shanghai Motor Show a few months back, this revised vehicle will be targeted at upwardly mobile business types and - though based on the same platform - is a far cry from the GM minivans we've seen Stateside like the unloved Buick Terraza.

Judging from the heavily camouflaged prototypes, many of the concept's most distinctive features have made it through to the production model intact, such as the shoulder-level bodyside dips, prominent chrome waterfall grille and exaggerated wraparound headlights. Unfortunately, we don't get a glimpse of the interior, which in the concept featured dual sliding and swiveling second-row captain's chairs with a power sliding center console.

It's also not clear if the concept's 2.4-liter mild-hybrid engine and six-speed automatic will make it into the production MPV when it arrives in 2011, but China Car Times reports a series of V6 powerplants ranging from 2.5 to 3.0-liters are likely, some with direct injection.


Gallery: Chinese Buick GL8 Spy Shots


Gallery: Shanghai 2009: Buick Business MPV


[Source: China Car Times | Spy Images: goche.sohu.com]

Spy Shots: Chinese-market Buick GL8 successor spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Buick Enclave.

In addition to getting the coolest Buicks which are not available in America, individuals in China are about to get the best vehicle that Buick has to offer in the States. In a deal which was initially inked ten months ago, the attractive Enclave CUV, built at GM's Lansing Delta Township assembly plant, is headed for China. The U.S. assembled 'utes will make their way by means of Shanghai GM. The exportation of the Enclave to China is only surprising in that it took so long for the General to get the model there in the first place. After all, Buick sells more vehicles in China than anywhere else in the world, with the nation consuming over half of all Buicks worldwide. We can only hope that Shanghai GM returns the favor and sends some of its best designs our way... and soon.

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave


[Source: GM]

Continue reading Buick Enclave gets passport for sale in China

Buick Enclave gets passport for sale in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It ain't no Skyhawk. Actually, we're not even sure this is the model that Buick may be contemplating bringing Stateside. Perusing their Chinese offerings, however, this seems like the most likely bet for a smaller Buick to slot below the LaCrosse. The only other Chinese Buick that makes a sliver of sense is the Royaum, based on the Omega platform (Catera, GTO), but that's a larger car aimed at dignitaries who prefer riding to driving. There are no facts to offer yet, other than Buick is analyzing whether offering an entry-level car under the LaCrosse is a good move.

There's debate among GM execs about whether a kiddie-pool Buick is the way to go. Some feel that it'd be a bad move, and the brand should focus on moving upscale, but we don't think that "upscale" and "entry-level" are mutually exclusive. There is a market for premium small cars; witness the MINI. If the car were fussed over enough to have the General's current, much improved, level of fit and finish, some dashing style, and offer capable and competitive powertrains and performance, they could have a winner on their hands. If it's indeed the Excelle, we'd be inclined to leave it. It's based on the Daewoo Nubira, and while it looks nice enough and it's not a bad car, there's still a yawning gap to leap into a LaCrosse. We haven't seen the likes of four-cylinder Buicks since the 1990s, and very few of them were of any interest (T-Type Skyhawks, Somersets and Skylarks get a pass). If there was proper development put into a smaller Buick, we'd welcome the return of a car to fill the Skylark's old shoes. We're not seeing that car in the current Chinese lineup, where the focus is more on uber cushy appointments inside, large size, and conservative styling. Hmm.. That doesn't sound half bad if it winds up on a chassis with some starch in the suspenders.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Pint-sized Buick on the horizon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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