Friday, August 21, 2009

Buick Plug-In Hybrid SUV Coming in 2011

Saturnvuepg-horizontal

Let's get this straight: General Motors is still trying to shake its image as the world's top maker of gas guzzlers. It create as small crossover for Saturn that will include a full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. It sells the Saturn name and kills the crossover. It revives the crossover and plans to rebadge it as a Buick. Then it kills it again.

That's what happened yesterday to what some may have known as the next-generation Saturn Vue. The current generation version is seen above.

GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens said the crossover announced a couple of weeks ago flunked when consumers saw it. It apparently looked cheap. "It didn’t fit the premium characteristics that customers have come to expect from Buick," he wrote in GM's Fastlane blog. What he also said:

"We were all struck by the consistency of the criticism of the compact crossover. And what we decided to do in response is a good example of the essence of the new General Motors … acting quickly and boldly, and listening to feedback," he wrote.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

2010 Buick LaCrosse Photos

2010 Buick LaCrosse Wallpaper2010 Buick LaCrosse Wallpaper

2010 Buick LaCrosse Interior2010 Buick LaCrosse Interior

2010 Buick LaCrosse Side View2010 Buick LaCrosse Side View

2010 Buick LaCrosse Sport
2010 Buick LaCrosse Sport

2010 Buick LaCrosse Engine2010 Buick LaCrosse Engine

2010 Buick LaCrosse Luxury Car2010 Buick LaCrosse Luxury Car

2010 Buick LaCrosse Picture2010 Buick LaCrosse Picture

Monday, August 17, 2009

2010 Buick Enclave Midsize SUV

2010 Buick Enclave front
The 2010 Buick Enclave is largely unchanged. This midsize SUV is a crossover that shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook. Enclave comes in a single CX trim level. The sole powertrain teams a 288-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 4500 lb. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is available. Seven-passenger seating with 2nd-row bucket seats and a 3rd-row bench is standard. A 2nd-row, three-person bench is available. General Motors' Smart Slide 2nd-row seats have flip-forward bottom cushions and sliding backrests. They're designed to allow easier access to the 3rd row and are standard. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows, and front side airbags. Bi-xenon headlamps are standard. A DVD entertainment system is available, along with a navigation system with real-time traffic updates and heated and cooled front seats. A rearview camera is also available.
2010 Buick Enclave profile
2010 Buick Enclave interior
2010 Buick Enclave rear
2010 Buick Enclave CX FWD
grille
headlight
side doors
side mirror


side view
rear view
rear view
front wheel close up







GM keeps Buick (LaCrosse CXS)


GM has dropped some brands (Hummer, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saturn,
Saab) and retained others, namely: Chevrolet, Buick Cadillac and GMC.
Basically, drop the duds and fly (motor) with the brands that indeed have
the best prospects!

Buick has earned a reputation for building some of the best rated cars
that GM has offered. Additionally, Buick’s styling has shown well
thought out design and execution. As a reference point, this new
2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS is aimed squarely at the front-wheel drive
Lexus ES 350. Its basic profile is similar to the Lexus, however, it is
5.8 inches longer, 1.4 inches wider, and 2.1 inches taller. Furthermore,
the larger dimensions show up in some extra back seat room.

The CXS was actually designed in China as Buicks have held appeal there
for some time with the upper class. The exterior of this new car is expressive
with its crisp shoulder lines and concave lower door panels accented with
a clean looking chrome strip.

If the exterior of the CXS is inviting, the interior closes the deal. Some
of the highlights include double seam stitching and faux wood that has a
soothing effect – especially at night when the dash provides ambient blue
lighting. With the doors closed and the front acoustic glass plus the extra
thick (5mm rear) windows up, the interior has dome like silence providing
meditation like tranquility.

In a direct comparison to Lexus, Buick offers three DOHC direct-injected
engine choices all of which are connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The base CXS has a 2.4-liter 182 hp 4-cylinder engine rated at 20 mpg city and
30 mpg on the highway. Next, is a 3.0-liter V6 making 252 hp and available in
front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Additionally, a 3.6-liter 280 hp V6 is available
with front-wheel drive only.

Buick’s all-wheel drive system is a Lexus trumping feature. It has a Haldex
system with limited slip rear differential and the capacity to shift torque front
to back and left to right. Other options include remote starting, Blind Zone
Alert (coming soon), electronic Dampening control, and a touring package
including 19-inch wheels.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

2010 Buick Enclave Overview

2010 Buick Enclave interior]
2010 Buick Enclave front


The 2010 Buick Enclave is a good-looking vehicle, most reviewers agree. Curvaceous fenders and glamorous detailing are a big part of it, though TheCarConnection.com thinks that the D-pillar would look better blacked out than in body color (it's the vertical piece that separates the rear doors from the cargo area). The Enclave's interior is loved, too; it's subdued, luxurious, and high-quality throughout—and in many ways, a revelation for Buick.
2008 Buick Enclave Black Platinum Edition
A number of reviewers try to assess the overall design, and many see retro influences. MotherProof considers the Enclave "curvy" but still "lean" overall. According to the reviewers from Kelley Blue Book, the "waterfall" grille and portholes above the fenders hark back to the classic design lines of Buicks from the late 1940s and early '50s. It’s “a more soothing design,” Car and Driver contends—and BusinessWeek agrees, saying, “the curvy contours, the chrome, and the bold grille-work perfectly reflect the Enclave's overall tone.”
2008 Buick Enclave Black Platinum Edition
Reviewers are more positive about the Enclave's styling than that of other Buicks. Some reviews of the Enclave’s style could be mistaken for descriptions of a cocktail waitress. For example, the 2010 Buick Enclave’s "voluptuous curves" and "graceful lines" are admired by the likes of Edmunds, while Road & Travel calls it "slinky." Others are less poetic, observing that the Enclave is a “crossover with flowing lines, big wheels, a wide stance, and a tapered upper body,” according to Car and Driver. Underneath the suave exterior, it’s similar to its siblings, MSN Autos says, “but the Buick model looks the best of the trio,” referring to the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook; the closely related Chevrolet Traverse also joined GM's roster last year.

The interior of the 2010 Buick Enclave draws overwhelmingly positive comments. "The dash features a center arch in housing an analog clock giving the Enclave an Art Deco feel," says The Auto Channel. BusinessWeek gushes over the interior as well, calling it “gorgeous” and “easily as nice, or nicer, as the interiors of the Lexus RX 350, the Acura MDX, and the Volvo XC90.” The New York Times agrees, reporting, “the cabin’s design showed that G.M. was successful in its effort to upgrade its interiors.” Motor Trend notes that “its nicely designed interior is as tangible an improvement over the other two [Lambda-platform crossovers] as its organic, Coke-bottle sheet metal is compared with their creased lines.”2008 Buick Enclave Black Platinum Edition

2013 Cadillac XTS To Share Buick LaCrosse Platform

Rumors about what Cadillac is planning for its next-generation flagship sedan have been flying around the web for years now. Guesses have ranged from a Zeta-based vehicle sharing Pontiac G8 heritage to the most recent reports of a still-murky XTS-badged AWD sedan. This week, a new report confirms the program to build a new flagship Caddy is back underway.

The range-topping Cadillac had been derailed by the financial crisis and then the bankruptcy General Motors has so famously dealt with over the last year, but now that the New GM is running the show, the DTS/STS replacement is go.

The report indicates that the Zeta-based solution won't be used, however, and that instead the new flagship will ride on a modified version of the Epsilon II platform found in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. According to GM insiders, the usually FWD Epsilon II platform will be made wider and longer and converted to AWD.

The car is part of a new strategy for Cadillac that is similar to BMW's three-car lineup of small, medium and large. The CTS would be the medium-sized car, and a new small Cadillac also is expected in 2011.
The DTS/STS replacement has had a rocky road through GM's restructuring process.

The DTS/STS replacement has had a rocky road through GM's restructuring process.


Whatever is to come of the top-end Cadillac model, however, don't expect to see it on the road until very late in 2011, though it will likely make an auto show debut sometime before that. The plant where the car is expected to be built--GM's Oshawa, Ontario plant--isn't going to start on the XTS until December 2011.

Friday, August 14, 2009

2010 Buick Enclave Review

2010 Buick Enclave interior
2010 Buick Enclave front

The 2010 Buick Enclave is a good-looking vehicle, most reviewers agree. Curvaceous fenders and glamorous detailing are a big part of it, though TheCarConnection.com thinks that the D-pillar would look better blacked out than in body color (it's the vertical piece that separates the rear doors from the cargo area). The Enclave's interior is loved, too; it's subdued, luxurious, and high-quality throughout—and in many ways, a revelation for Buick.






A number of reviewers try to assess the overall design, and many see retro influences. MotherProof considers the Enclave "curvy" but still "lean" overall. According to the reviewers from Kelley Blue Book, the "waterfall" grille and portholes above the fenders hark back to the classic design lines of Buicks from the late 1940s and early '50s. It’s “a more soothing design,” Car and Driver contends—and BusinessWeek agrees, saying, “the curvy contours, the chrome, and the bold grille-work perfectly reflect the Enclave's overall tone.”

Reviewers are more positive about the Enclave's styling than that of other Buicks. Some reviews of the Enclave’s style could be mistaken for descriptions of a cocktail waitress. For example, the 2010 Buick Enclave’s "voluptuous curves" and "graceful lines" are admired by the likes of Edmunds, while Road & Travel calls it "slinky." Others are less poetic, observing that the Enclave is a “crossover with flowing lines, big wheels, a wide stance, and a tapered upper body,” according to Car and Driver. Underneath the suave exterior, it’s similar to its siblings, MSN Autos says, “but the Buick model looks the best of the trio,” referring to the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook; the closely related Chevrolet Traverse also joined GM's roster last year.

The interior of the 2010 Buick Enclave draws overwhelmingly positive comments. "The dash features a center arch in housing an analog clock giving the Enclave an Art Deco feel," says The Auto Channel. BusinessWeek gushes over the interior as well, calling it “gorgeous” and “easily as nice, or nicer, as the interiors of the Lexus RX 350, the Acura MDX, and the Volvo XC90.” The New York Times agrees, reporting, “the cabin’s design showed that G.M. was successful in its effort to upgrade its interiors.” Motor Trend notes that “its nicely designed interior is as tangible an improvement over the other two [Lambda-platform crossovers] as its organic, Coke-bottle sheet metal is compared with their creased lines.”

Monday, August 10, 2009

2008 Buick Lacrosse CXS

Buick Lacrosse CXS 2008 - Front ViewBuick Lacrosse CXS 2008 - Front View

2008 Buick Lacrosse CXS - Cockpit Interior View2008 Buick Lacrosse CXS - Cockpit Interior View

Buick Lacrosse CXS 2008 - Front Angle ViewBuick Lacrosse CXS 2008 - Front Angle View

2008 Buick Lacrosse CXS - Front Details View2008 Buick Lacrosse CXS - Front Details View

Buick Lacrosse CXS 2008 - Front Side ViewBuick Lacrosse CXS 2008 - Front Side View

2008 Buick Lacrosse CXS - Rear Details View2008 Buick Lacrosse CXS - Rear Details View

Buick will freshen its 2008 LaCrosse line with the new face of Buick – a front-end design inspired by the Velite convertible concept – and an elevated list of standard equipment across all LaCrosse models.

Like the recently introduced Buick Enclave luxury crossover and Super models, the 2008 LaCrosse features a more distinctive front end. The new design brings the 2008 LaCrosse sedan in line with a common Buick family appearance. The fascia, hood and chrome waterfall grille are new. The 2008 model will also offer four new exterior colors, including Scarlett Red, Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Dark Slate Metallic.

Inside, the ’08 LaCrosse continues to offer a well-equipped, comfortable and quiet interior. More comfort and convenience features are now standard for CX, CXL and CXS models for 2008. The LaCrosse CX, for example, is a richer entry-level car, adding a leather-wrapped steering wheel, theft deterrent system, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization and more. All trim levels now have a chrome exterior appearance package, factory remote start feature, XM Satellite Radio, telescoping steering wheel column, redundant steering wheel controls and dual-zone climate control as added standard equipment.

“LaCrosse really started the evolution to the new Buick you see today,” said Buick General Manager Steve Shannon. “It introduced a new direction for Buick cars, with great design, performance and fuel economy with a premium and quiet interior. Indeed, LaCrosse set the foundation for the new Buick.”

The LaCrosse line now offers three powertrains. The CX and CXL trims are powered by the 3.8L V-6, now in Series III form. With more than 25 million sold, it is one of the most proven and reliable engines in the industry. Rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW), the 3.8L features electronic throttle control to improve engine response and optimize fuel efficiency, along with upgrades for quiet operation.

The performance-oriented LaCrosse CXS has a standard 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing that delivers 240 horsepower (179 kW). The premium, all-aluminum engine features dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Its fully variable intake and exhaust valve timing achieves outstanding flexibility, delivering 90 percent of the engine’s peak torque where it is most useful, between 1,500 rpm and 6,000 rpm. The 3.6L VVT delivers a market-leading balance of good specific output, high torque over a broad rpm band, fuel economy and first-rate noise vibration and harshness control.

The recently announced 2008 LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine and portholes to the LaCrosse lineup. With the fuel efficiency of a V-6, the new 300-horsepower (224 kW)* 5.3L small-block V-8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology can propel LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. GM’s AFM engine technology seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

Buick Park Avenue (China)

2007 Buick Park Avenue for China

2007 Buick Park Avenue for China2007 Buick Park Avenue for China2007 Buick Park Avenue for China2007 Buick Park Avenue for China2007 Buick Park Avenue for ChinaPress Release:
Hanghai General Motors (Shanghai GM) has introduced the newest member of its Buick lineup, the Park Avenue luxury sedan.
Like the affluent New York City boulevard of the same name, Buick's Park Avenue is trendy and luxurious. With its range of advanced technologies and high-grade amenities, not to mention a stylish design that conveys a sense of power and passion, it is representative of traditional American luxury sedans.
"The Buick Park Avenue is the perfect blend of tranquility and power," said Shanghai GM President Ding Lei. "It shows Buick's ability to move with the times while continuing to leverage GM's global resources and our local knowledge. Designed especially for business leaders and other elites, it is a component of our effort to maintain our leadership position in China by addressing the needs of all of our customers."
The Park Avenue is based on GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture to ensure a premium driving experience. At 5,175 mm in length, 1,899 mm in width and 1,480 mm in height, and with an impressive 3,009-mm wheelbase, the Park Avenue also offers a highly spacious ride.
The Park Avenue 's genuine leather seats are designed to accommodate people of varying sizes with 8-way power adjustment for the front seats. All seats incorporate a massage function. A high-quality entertainment system with LCD panels and an advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning system offer the relaxation and comfort that one would expect of a luxury sedan. The Buick Park Avenue 's GPS navigation system contains road information for more than 300 cities in China . The Bluetooth mobile phone system is also available.
Like all Buick products, the Park Avenue offers a high level of safety and peace of mind. It is equipped with the GM Local Area Network (GM-LAN) high-speed communication system, which is based on the top-of-the-line 32-bit 500 kb/second engine control system. With a signal transmission speed approaching real-time, information flow from various sensors is instantaneous, enhancing efficiency and safety. Further enhancing safety are six intelligent air bags for the driver and passengers.
The Park Avenue is powered by GM's smooth yet powerful AlloyTec V-6 engine, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. The engine control unit features the latest Bosch E77 32-bit ECM processor. With the Remote Engine Start (RES) function, the driver can start the engine up to 20 minutes in advance within 60 meters distance. The RES function also can adjust the temperature inside the car.
Customers have a choice of two engine displacements. The Park Avenue 's 3.6-liter engine generates maximum output of 187kW (250 hp) @ 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 340 Nm @ 3,200 rpm. Its 2.8-liter engine offers maximum output of 150 kW (201 hp) @ 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 265 Nm @ 3,000 rpm.
Shanghai GM is offering five Park Avenue variants: the 3.6-liter Flagship, which is priced at RMB 498,800; the 3.6-liter Elite, which is priced at RMB 388,800; the 2.8-liter Luxury, which is priced at RMB 458,800; the 2.8-liter Elite, which is priced at RMB 368,800; and the 2.8-liter Comfort, which is priced at RMB 328,800.

2008 Buick Lucerne Super

Buick Lucerne Super 2008 - Front View

Buick Lucerne Super 2008 - Front View

2008 Buick Lucerne Super - Cockpit Interior View

2008 Buick Lucerne Super - Cockpit Interior View

Buick Lucerne Super 2008 - Front Angle View

Buick Lucerne Super 2008 - Front Angle View

Buick Lucerne Super 2008 - Front Side View

Buick Lucerne Super 2008 - Front Side View

2008 Buick Lucerne Super - Rear View

2008 Buick Lucerne Super - Rear View

Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick’s most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.

“We’re bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models,” said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. “Our Supers are not just about increased horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge.”

The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW) 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM’s Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super’s chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick’s renowned quietness inside.

The Lucerne Super adds a more powerful version of the legendary 4.6L Northstar V-8. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW), an increase of more than 6 percent over existing models. The Super has an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne ’s Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling.

Buick Super: elevated design, power and performance

Design elements on the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super denote the new face of Buick. Design cues echo those seen on the popular Velite convertible concept vehicle – and recently introduced on the Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV – including a new waterfall grille and portholes. The LaCrosse Super is the first and only LaCrosse model offered with Buick’s iconic portholes; there are four per side to highlight the V-8 engine.

In addition to distinctive design, the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super deliver leading-edge performance and refinement. The 5.3L and 4.6L V-8 engines are renowned for balancing performance and fuel economy. They are complemented by specially tuned suspension systems.

Like all Buick models, LaCrosse and Lucerne Supers are built with an exclusive engineering process called QuietTuning to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the interior. Laminated side window glass, sound-deadening material in the body structure, hydraulic mounts in the engine compartment and more reduce interior noise. Even exhaust nodes have been tuned for overall sound quality. These features contribute to a quiet, refined driving experience.

While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic, including:

* Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
* Powertrain enhancements
* Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems for responsive and confident handling
* Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick’s exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort.

LaCrosse Super

The LaCrosse Super is distinguished from its sibling models with a new exterior appearance that is highlighted by a new waterfall grille, new hood and a new front fascia that incorporates a lower grille opening with chrome trim and chrome fog lamp bezels.

New portholes, rocker moldings, rear fascia with integrated park assist sensors, 3.5-inch-diameter dual chrome exhaust tips, rear decklid spoiler and a Super badge also make the LaCrosse Super instantly identifiable from any angle. LaCrosse Super is offered in four exterior colors: Black Onyx, Platinum Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Red Jewel tint coat.

Inside, the LaCrosse Super exudes comfort and style, including front seats with increased seatback bolstering. All of the seats feature new, woven-embossed leather inserts. A unique wood grain appearance accents the instrument panel, center console, doors and gear shift knob. There are also exclusive instrument cluster graphics – including Super identification – new front sill plates, a silver finish on the instrument panel center stack and Super-specific floor mats.

The LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine that has the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 323-lb.ft (438 Nm) of torque, Buick’s new V-8 can propel the LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 5.3L small-block V-8 uses GM’s Active Fuel Management (AFM), an engine technology that seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

To support the performance capabilities enabled by the V-8 engine, the LaCrosse Super features a specially tuned suspension system for steering precision, improved ride control and feel, and increased braking performance. Bilstein monotube struts, larger front and rear rotors, high-precision steering gear, StabiliTrak, and recalibrated chassis controls help the LaCrosse Super deliver confident handling and road manners, while also maintaining overall ride comfort.

The Super version comes standard with the largest wheels and tires available on the LaCrosse – 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P235/50R18 all-season tires. Chrome-finish wheels are available.

Lucerne Super adds more luxury appointments

Distinctly designed, the Lucerne Super stands out with a new bright chrome waterfall grille, front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, rocker panels, and Super badge on the decklid. Exclusive aluminum wheels and premium all-season tires complete the look, complementing the vehicle’s sport-touring attitude. The Lucerne Super is available in four exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, Gold Metallic, Sharkskin and White Diamond. The interior comes in Ebony or Cocoa/Shale.

Lucerne Super’s refined ride dynamics and increased power make it the sportiest Lucerne available . A more powerful version of the 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine provides the Lucerne Super with an ample power reserve. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW), which is 17 horsepower (13 kW) more than the Lucerne CXS.

Lucerne Super’s new premium steering gear, StabiliTrak stability control system, brake assist and specifically calibrated Magnetic Ride Control system help deliver a crisp response and enhanced driver control. It rides on standard 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P245/50R18 all-season radials. The exclusive wheel design is finished in bright silver premium paint. Chrome-plated wheels are available.

The Lucerne Super’s interior wraps occupants in luxury including a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel with French-seam stitching, unique finish on the instrument panel center stack, leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts for the outboard seating positions, and suede door trim inserts. A heated, real wood steering wheel and shift knob finished in Walnut Burl, power tilt and telescoping steering column, front chrome sill plates and Buick embroidered floor mats round out the Lucerne Super’s special content.

Lucerne Super comes with three standard equipment packages, including Driver Confidence, Luxury and Comfort & Convenience. OnStar’s Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn voice-guided navigation, XM Satellite Radio and Harman Kardon audio system are also standard.

All Buick models come standard with the industry’s best coverage, including a four-year/50,000-mile vehicle warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Buick LaCrosse Super arrives in dealerships this summer as a 2008 model. The Lucerne Super is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2008. Pricing for both vehicles has not been released.