Wednesday, September 30, 2009

2010 Buick LaCrosse

2010-Buick-LaCrosse-CXS-12

This week we are running our annual 10Best test, evaluating 59 cars and winnowing them down to ten winners. All week we’ll be bringing you thoughts from our notepads. Here’s the first from today:

Buicks tend not to register on our radar screens, which makes the LaCrosse a very pleasant surprise. Subdued exterior, but that’s typical of mid-size sedans in this price class. The interior is a different story. Nice goods in here—supple hides, comfortable seats, swanky design, nifty instrumentation, uniform panel gaps. Lots of features, lots of room, especially in the back.

Dynamics: a little more like traditional Buick here. Respectable steering feel, no unpleasant surprises, but unhurried responses, substantial body motions—the words “sports sedan” do not leap into the driver’s brain. On the other hand, other words do pop in there: smooth, competent, solid chassis, great forward sightlines, and library quiet.

How will Buick market this car? Hope the spin doctors don’t start making allusions to Germany’s big three—this isn’t the kind of car you take to the Nordschliefe. But in a head to head with a Lexus ES350, it’s even money the LaCrosse would hold its own in all the objectives and subjectives, then win the tie-breaker on price.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

2010 Buick Allure

The Buick Lacrosse at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month.

2010 Buick Lacrosse.

Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick?" was the question posed by General Motors' up-market division years ago in its advertising copy.

If the same question were asked today about the 2010 Buick Allure, the response would have to be a resounding "yes."

When considering out-of-the-box planning, the Allure (called the LaCrosse south of the border), due out later this year, certainly breaks away from the pack. The car is based on the Invicta concept that was partially designed in China (Buick sells a whole bunch of cars there) and was first displayed at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show. In addition, the platform and the various body panels were developed with help from GM's European engineering team, while the powertrain components come from North America.

This global effort led to what GM design chief Ed Welburn called "modern elegance." Put another way, the new Allure is easily the best-looking sedan to roll down Buick's assembly line in years and makes the outgoing model appear instantly outdated. The gracefully shaped nose, muscular flared fenders that barely manage to envelop the (up to) 19-inch wheels, sensuously creased doors and tapered rear deck contribute to the car's planted appearance.

Crack open the doors and prepare to be doubly impressed. The shortcut-free cabin is yet another shining example of GM's interior design prowess. It's most welcoming characteristics include a two-tone dashboard/control panel that surrounds the front passengers in cocoon-like comfort. An understated ribbon of ambient lighting extends ring-like across the upper dash area and illuminates the console and door panels. Even the available faux wood trim attached to various surfaces (including part of the steering wheel) has been tastefully applied.

True to its full-size roots, the new Allure is dimensionally similar to the 2009 car in most respects, however it's more than 200 kilograms heavier than the outgoing model.

The base CX and mid-level CXL use a 255-horsepower 3.0-litre V6 that replaces the previous 200-horse 3.8-litre V6. For more spunk, the top-end CXS receives a 280-horsepower 3.6-litre V6.

Both powerplants are controlled through paddle-shift-equipped six-speed automatic transmissions, two gears more than the previous Allure used.

Not unexpectedly, the 300 horsepower 5.3-litre V8 installed on 2009's "Super" trim level appears to have been permanently excised from the lineup in the interests of fuel economy.

The Allure CX presents bargain-hunting Buick shoppers with plenty of standard content, headed by air conditioning, cruise control, cloth seats, various power-operated controls and 17-inch wheels.

Discerning buyers will likely shift to the CXL with its dual-zone climate control, leather seats (heated in front), fog lamps and 18-inch wheels. Selecting the CXL is mandatory for outfitting your Allure with Buick's on-demand all-wheel-drive setup.

The range-topping CXS receives its own active suspension that constantly adjusts the shocks and struts in accordance with road conditions to maintain maximum ride control. Heated and cooled perforated leather seats and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch rims are available) also come on the CXS.

A Buick wouldn't be a Buick without an arm-stretching options sheet. Along with a upgraded audio components, navigation and DVD entertainment systems and automatically adjusting headlamps, you can spring for a power rear-window sunshade and a rearview camera. A heads-up display projects the speedometer reading onto the windshield while blind-spot monitors built into both outside mirrors warn when adjacent traffic is approaching.

On paper, the new Allure will tempt non-typical (as in younger) Buick buyers in its direction. It has most of the content you would ever want in a mid-luxury sedan and its shape is a cut above the competition.

A few years ago, the question of "wouldn't you rather have a Buick" might have gotten a mixed reaction. But today's Allure will get the nod from a wider range of buyers who might not have considered this 100-plus-year-old brand as being stylish enough or technically savvy.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: 2010 BUICK ALLURE

TYPE Four-door, front- /all-wheel-drive full-size sedan.

ENGINES 3.0-litre DOHC V6 (255 hp); 3.6-litre DOHC V6 (280 hp).

TRANSMISSION Six-speed automatic with manual paddle-shift controls.

MARKET POS. Among the wide range of entry-luxury sedans, the Allure finally appears ready to mount a serious challenge and attract new buyers to the Buick brand.

POINTS *Most attractive Buick sedan in years and one of the best looking in its class.

* Interior styling sizzles. * Continuing to offer V8 option might have been a good idea while fuel prices remain low. * Technically oriented options should appeal to upscale, gadget-savvy buyers. * GM's Chinese design team should help out on more new products for North American and/or global markets.

SAFETY Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control.

THE NUMBERS L/100 km (city/hwy): 19/29 (3.0, est.) Base price: $29,000 (est.)

BY COMPARISON

LINCOLN MKZ

Base price: $36,500

Reshaped 2010 model has bolder look, more pep.

HYUNDAI AZERA

Base price: $36,000

Well-equipped, roomy sedan. Optional 3.8-liter V6 impressive.
2010 Buick Lacrosse.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

GM's Buick Division Launching New Lacrosse Ads

2010_buick_lacrosse.jpg

The new Buick LaCrosse, the first product intro from the "New GM" and the second major new Buick vehicle after the Enclave, is getting the support of a new advertising campaign positioning the car as "The New Class of World-Class."

Over the next six months, GM will run national television, magazine, outdoor and digital media starting Sept. 21 on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" season premiere with a 30-second spot focusing on the vehicle's design and how it grabs peoples' attention.

There will be three additional spots focusing on the navigation and entertainment system, the adaptive suspension and LaCrosse's competitive advantages. They will break over the next two weeks, per the company, on such networks as A&E, CNBC, CNN, ESPN, Discovery, Fox News, GOLF, HGTV, USA, and TNT.

Print will include two-page spread ads beginning in October magazines like Fortune, New Yorker, Food and Wine, Wired, Money, Sunset, Road and Track and Automobile.

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Monday, September 14, 2009

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Presented by the all new 2010 Buick LaCrosse and Continental Airlines, the official airline of The Broadway League, the annual free outdoor concert brought together stars and performances from current and upcoming Broadway productions to celebrate the beginning of the new Broadway season. The Broadway League and The Times Square Alliance produced the annual event which was hosted this year by Superior Donuts' star Michael McKean.

The All New 2010 Buick LaCrosse "performed" live on Broadway with the help of some the best dancers in town. The spirited group broke out with a energetic performance of Hairspray's "You Can't Stop The Beat", which you can watch it right here on STAGE TUBE!

Hairspray is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who serves as a creative consultant on the musical comedy. It features a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, and a score by five-time Academy Award nominee Marc Shaiman (who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut) and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Buick is the premium global brand of General Motors, the worlds largest automaker. Founded in 1903, Buick is known for its luxury, design and performance which can be found in vehicles such as the LaCrosse, Enclave and Lucerne. For more information about Buick, visit www.buick.com.


GM's "60-day Buy Back" plan

Another "Hail Mary" from GM? Or the real thing?

Starting today and running through November, General Motors is offering buyers of their Core Four brands, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC, a 60-day money-back guarantee on their new car and truck purchases. It's called the "60-day Satisfaction Guarantee."

The campaign marks GM's efforts to rebound after a 39-day bankruptcy and a $50 billion federal bailout. GM, which is shedding half of its US brands (Pontiac, Saturn, Saab, and Hummer) will try to boost their US market share that has fallen to 19.5% this year from a peak of 50.1% in 1962.

It's the second radical marketing move in just a few weeks by GM to try and resurrect consumer confidence in the company since the bankruptcy ended.
2009-09-14-2010buicklacrosse.jpg Could 60 days in a 2010 Buick LaCrosse convince import-buyers to make Detroit their car-maker of preference?

The first was begun last month in conjunction with online buying service Ebay. In that program, which has had only modest success but will continue for the time being, some 250 GM dealers in California are posting their new-car inventories for California-only buyers, some cars and trucks up for bid in a traditional auction environment, some marked with a no-haggle "buy it now" price.

Here are the details of the new money-back plan:

• Covers Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models for the 2009 and 2010 model years.

• Allows customers to return their cars after 31 days and before 4,000 miles.

• Does not cover leased vehicles.

It's thought this program is the first of its kind for any major car-maker, though it does bear some philosophical resemblance to Chrysler's, "If you can find a better car, buy it!" sales program headed by then-company chief Lee Iacocca in the early 1980s.
2009-09-14-1984chryslerkcarsedanlimousineexecutive.jpg This 1984 Chrysler K-car limousine was made during the time of the company's, "If you can find a better car, buy it!" campaign

While the GM campaign will be fronted by the company's new chairman, Ed Whiteacre, former chief of AT&T appointed to the GM post by the Obama Administration, it's thought that Bob Lutz, GM's powerful and outspoken vice-president with strong influence in the corporation's styling, marketing, public relations and advertising, is the "man with the plan" in this case.

We're at a happy stage in the automotive industry where, essentially, in the various price brackets, most things are equal between brands and makes and models.
2009-09-14-gm_logo1.jpg

For instance, the average price of a new car in the US is right around $32,000; driving all the cars in that price bracket will yield a lot of good experiences and very few negatives. Objectively, cars and trucks in each major price bracket reflect most of the same positives and quite few negatives.

Here's what we think of the new GM program:

Apart from price, safety, performance, appearance and fuel mileage, the most important part of the car-buying decision comes from the test drive. Many shoppers make the mistake of being timid during this critical part of the process, often allowing themselves to be "muscled" into driving the car only on certain roads (which will show-off the car's strengths) and for a specific period of time "recommended" by the salesperson.

But if buyers test-drove the new car in their own real-world situations, it would have a huge influence on which car they'd buy. In a very real sense, isn't this what GM is offering potential buyers with this new money-back scheme?
2009-09-14-2010buicklacrosseinterior.jpg Buick's 2010 LaCrosse could do a lot to convince US buyers that US cars are up to import quality and even in some cases beyond

Even with objective things about the various cars being shopped very similar to most buyers, it's those subjective items --- how the switchgear feels, adjustability of the seats, rear seat room (which most buyers never check), how bright or dim the instrument panel can be made, if reflected sun makes the gauges hard to see in the daytime, if wide A-pillars make front/side vision difficult --- which can turn the buyer one way or another.

I usually drive one or more new cars a week to stay familiar with each car-maker's offerings and be able to answer your questions and make recommendations.

Recently, I spent a week in a 2010 Buick LaCrosse, and even though the early "pilot" model I drove was not off the actual assembly line (so some glitches are expected), this LaCrosse was more than a rival for its target: the Lexus entry-level luxury sedan, ES350.

LaCrosse's fit-and-finish, performance, appearance inside and out and styling are all impressive and even outdo the Lexus on many accounts.
2009-09-14-2010buicklacrosserear.jpg GM used the Lexus ES350 as their target car for the 2010 LaCrosse; they've come close to hitting a bull's eye

Could 60-days-or-less in a LaCrosse convince a die-hard Toyota/Lexus/Asian-only buyer to go with an American car for perhaps the first time in several generations of his or her family?

In my opinion, absolutely.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

2009 Buick Business Concept information

  • 2009 Buick Business Concept Image
    2009 Buick Business Concept
  • 2009 Buick Business Concept Image
  • 2009 Buick Business Concept
  • The Buick Business Concept, a new concept vehicle designed to showcase Buick's future vision of "business class on the road," made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2009.

    The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) was developed in China by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design and engineering joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), with global design input.

    The Buick Business Concept Vehicle captures the essence of the Buick form language in a thoroughly elegant and expressive design, with its taut surfaces, double sweep spear belt line, strong front and rear identities and dynamic presence.

    "The Buick Business Concept Vehicle has a grand presence and makes a strong statement when it pulls up to the front of any establishment," said Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design. "The Chinese market and business person have some unique requirements. Our team has responded with an elegant solution to their business and personal needs."

    Classic Influences in Modern Design

    According to Cao Min, PATAC Concept Car Chief Designer, the design team set out to create a modern global design for Buick, yet include a subtle Chinese essence and influence. To achieve this balance, they sought to draw from their heritage outside the automotive industry - from classic shapes to arts and ancient relics.

    The Buick Business Concept Vehicle's dynamic exterior surfaces and "yin and yang" interior tones are drawn from diverse inspirations including the 2008 Buick Riviera concept car, Chinese artifacts and modern electronic icons. The vehicle, inside and out, communicates an orderly elegance that transcends cultural boundaries and conveys the tranquility and power of Buick.

    Exterior Design - A Sense of Presence and Buick Essence

    To establish their design direction, PATAC designers took the global Buick design vocabulary of sculpturally beautiful and dynamic forms established by the Riviera concept car and successfully extended it to a tall, one-box architecture.

    The Buick Business Concept Vehicle develops the Buick form language further and incorporates elements of Chinese culture and artistic influences into the details. It takes the Buick design treatment to a new level of sophisticated boldness.

    The famous Buick waterfall grille takes on a bolder treatment. Intricate detailing gives it an even more prominent look. The backlit Buick tri-shield logo leads into the distinctive mid-hood crease prevalent in classic Buicks and consistent across the new Buick line today.

    The prominent LED headlamps show influences of popular Chinese liuli glass through three-dimensional transparent and multifaceted surfaces. Liuli is a Chinese crystal sculpture art form that incorporates cultural and modern references. It has become a popular symbol of modern Chinese prosperity.

    The elongated, jewel-like headlamps are connected to the body shoulder line through a strong chrome accent that flows the length of the vehicle from the hood to the body sides, accentuating a strong double sweep spear design until it finally comes to rest wrapped around the taillights. This is the most distinctive design element of the Buick Business Concept Vehicle, as it offers a modern approach to the classic Buick double sweep spear. Familiar Buick portholes are gracefully integrated into the chrome strip extending from the headlamps.

    This distinctive double sweep spear shape not only provides expressive dynamism to the vehicle profile, it is also functionally important. It defines the window line from the body sides and incorporates the rail guides for the power sliding doors. Additionally, it lowers the rear passenger sightline and adds significant shoulder room to the rear compartment.

    "This vehicle was inspired by the grace and gesture of great Buicks. PATAC designers have cleverly incorporated other design cues from traditional Chinese art, such as applying a huiwen motif on the turn signals and fog lamps," Cao Min said.

    The Zitan Purple exterior color was chosen to elicit the right level of attention and respect. The color is found in rare zitan wood used for sculptures and fine Chinese furniture. This deep burnt-purple color perfectly highlights the concept's grandeur.

    Power sliding doors with no B-pillar were selected for their ability to showcase an expansive view of the interior and ease of entrance and egress.

    The Buick Business Concept Vehicle sits on 20-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum wheels, with a polished mirror finish, and low-profile tires. The outside mirrors incorporate turn signals with the huiwen motif.

    Interior Design - Functionality and Soothing Serenity

    Serenity and advanced functionality come to mind when entering the vehicle. The use of deep burgundy suede and subtle creams, representing earth and wood themes, are conveyed through high-quality leather bucket seats, plush vehicle carpet and a luxurious padded steering wheel. Completing the tranquil feel is a roof comprised of two full-length sunroofs that offer a celestial connection for occupants.

    "Through deep burgundy suede carpet, high-quality leather interior decoration with liuli and soft, ice blue ambient lighting, we wanted to create a mobile VIP lounge for passengers," Cao Min said.

    Interior trim and features befitting Buick prestige abound such as a power central console with a deployable tablet for writing or to hold a laptop computer. The console can be moved up and down the two rows of rear seats. The second row of power captain's chairs slide on hidden rails and swivel 225 degrees, enabling them to be adjusted to an infinite combination of orientations. Traditional huiwen patterns are embroidered onto the seats and seat backs, bringing harmony to the entire design theme.

    The three-dimensional instrument cluster reaches across the entire width of the front panel and features a multi-layer information display. The instrument cluster design reflects the liuli art influence but is utterly modern in design. It is complemented by a central console with touch pad controls on either side of a cylinder-shaped roller mouse. A large LED display crowns the central console. Once again, the huiwen motif shows up as details on the wings of the instrument panel.

    The OnStar security telematics feature is easily accessible on the rearview mirror, with three prominently yet tastefully displayed call buttons.

    "The design of the vehicle inherits Buick's vision for business class on the road, creating a sense that space means possibility," Cao Min said.

    Next-Generation GM Hybrid System

    PATAC designed the Buick Business Concept Vehicle to accommodate the next-generation GM Hybrid System, which will be introduced in China in the near future.

    The next-generation GM Hybrid System will build upon the successful belt-alternator-starter hybrid technology currently available in the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid. An advanced lithium-ion battery will help make the next-generation GM Hybrid System more powerful than the current system, improving fuel economy of vehicles with this system by up to 20 percent, depending on engine and vehicle application.

    The next-generation GM Hybrid System helps optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by:

    • Turning the engine off at idle
    • Offering brief electric-only propulsion
    • Using a more powerful electric motor to enhance engine efficiency
    • Extending fuel cutoff during deceleration
    • Extending regenerative braking to recapture more energy
    • Performing intelligent hybrid battery charging

    "Developing and launching the Buick Business Concept Vehicle in China underscores the diversity, strength and depth of GM's global design network," Welburn said. "It also reflects PATAC's growing role within the GM design family and China's significance as the world's largest Buick market."

    Saturday, September 12, 2009

    LaCrosse leading off new Buick

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    Buick 1


    Take the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. It's on sale as the first in a planned lineup of new sedans designed, built and sold by GM worldwide.

    Buick promises midsize and compact sedans and a crossover smaller than Enclave in a couple years for a broader lineup, not to mention lower cost and higher mileage. A plug-in crossover slated for 2011 has been scrapped, and Lucerne will be phased out midway through 2011.

    That's the game plan laid out by Russ Clark, executive director of brand and product marketing for Buick-Pontiac-GMC, which sheds Pontiac after 2010, if not sooner. That leaves Buick and GMC to take on import luxury titans Lexus and Acura.

    The redesigned LaCrosse is a good start. It features curved body panels similar to Japanese and German rivals, yet still sports its traditional chrome waterfall grille and chrome ventiports, moved to the hood from the fenders.

    It comes in CX, CXL and CXS trim and will offer its first 4-cylinder engine in December, a 2.4-liter, 182-horsepower job rated at 30 mpg highway. That's in addition to 3-liter, 255-hp and 3.6-liter, 280-hp V-6s.

    We tested the CXS and the 3.6, with V-8 spirit and an ample dose of low-end torque to get moving quickly. We even passed a Mustang on a country road, not a Shelby or V-8 GT, but a pony nonetheless.

    Ride is smooth, as the suspension adjusts on its own to the road surface. Handling is very crisp with the 19-inch all-season radials, but slip the gear lever into manual sport mode and shift points are even quicker, while suspension settings and steering effort offer even more agile handling.

    The interior pays attention to detail, with soft texture surfaces, fancy stitching and narrow gaps between trim. Faux wood doesn't sacrifice trees, Clark said, or beauty.

    The sharply sloped, coupe-like roofline doesn't rob head room front or back, where leg and knee room are ample. Doors open wide for easy entry/exit. The rear deck is short, but the trunk has a massive amount of room for luggage or golf clubs. Rear seatbacks fold flat, if needed, and have a ski pass-through.

    LaCrosse caters to younger buyers who love fiddling with electronics, such as voice-activated navi with real-time traffic and weather reports, a blind-spot warning system (coming this year), a USB port for the iPod and Bluetooth phone capability. Their safety demands are met with stability and traction control and side-curtain air bags.

    An added plus, all-wheel drive ($2,250), is available in the CXL initially and probably the CSX later.

    There are lots of nice touches, such as push-button start, standard power rear-window sunshade, soothing blue backlighting for gauges, backup camera with the navi system and a 110-volt outlet for the laptop.

    A head-up display in the lower windshield, with large speedometer, tachometer and compass readings, is a concession to older drivers: Remember, those who buy Buicks, except Enclave, average 70. But that helps drivers of all ages. A DVD entertainment option with screens in the backs of the front seats to watch the same or different movies arrives this fall to occupy kids/grandkids.

    How the GM money-back guarantee program works

    Here are details of General Motors' new money-back guarantee program, which starts Monday.

    * Cars must be a new 2009 or 2010 Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac or GMC purchased between Sept. 14 and Nov. 30.

    * Vehicles can be returned between 31 and 60 days after purchase, and cannot have been driven more than 4,000 miles.

    * To qualify, owners must be current on financing payments.

    * Buyers who return cars will be repaid the purchase price, excluding dealer-installed accessories such as undercoating.

    * If a buyer trades in a car worth less than the amount owed on it, that difference -- which dealers often cover -- will be deducted from the refund. This occurs, for example, when a buyer trades in a car worth $5,000, yet owes $7,000 on its loan.

    Thursday, September 10, 2009

    G.M. Drops Buick S.U.V.

    buick enclave info and pictures
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    buick enclave info and pictures

    buick enclave info and pictures
    buick enclave info and pictures
    General Motors has dropped plans for a new Buick sport utility vehicle because of a lack of consumer interest, only two weeks after the new model was announced, the company said Wednesday.

    The automaker canceled plans for the vehicle, which also called for a plug-in hybrid version, after potential customers invited to G.M.’s testing ground last week said the model did not have the premium characteristics they expected from Buick.

    Thomas G. Stephens, G.M.’s vice chairman, wrote Wednesday on a company blog that it did so after “listening to feedback from customers, employees, dealers, media and just about anyone else with an opinion.”

    “In the past, this would have been a several-month process,” he said.

    A turning point for Buick

    buick_blackhawk_concept-_2000.jpg

    Once a brand of great prestige, lately branded an "old folks'" car.

    But things are changing, beginning with the all-new LaCrosse.

    Buick is repositioning itself as a different kind of American luxury brand, going after cars like Lexus and they're starting with styling.

    The lines of the new LaCrosse don't look like any previous Buick. In fact, they look a lot like Lexus.

    Inside? Well, someone at Buick's been spending time in contemporary Japanese luxury cars...the design of the dashboard, the materials used and the little touches like cool blue gauge lighting all aim this Buick right at the target market of younger (in this case 40 to 55 year old) buyers.

    How does it drive? Smoothly, like a Buick, but with a tauter feel, a bit more control. Again, pretty much like Lexus has been doing it the past few years.

    Unlike Lexus, the LaCrosse offers three different engines, a 255 horsepower V6, a 280 horsepower V6, and, in an unusual move for this class of car, a four-cylinder engine later this year. It will make 182 horsepower and deliver an EPA estimated 20 city miles per gallon and 30 highway.

    G.M. to Make a 60-Day Money-Back Offer

    gm
    In an all-out effort to restore confidence in its products, General Motors will offer a 60-day, money-back guarantee on all its vehicles beginning on Monday, according to people involved in the company’s plans.

    As part of its marketing campaign, G.M.’s new chairman, Edward E. Whitacre Jr., will be featured as the company’s spokesman in a new television commercial designed to lure consumers back to the company’s showrooms.

    The commercials, which feature the slogan “May the Best Car Win,” will make their debut on national television on Sunday. Mr. Whitacre, the former chairman of AT&T, will make a direct appeal to consumers to try G.M. vehicles — and return them after 60 days for a full refund if they aren’t satisfied.

    “We’re putting our money where our mouth is,” Mr. Whitacre says in the commercial, according to people who have seen the campaign.

    The “Satisfaction Guaranteed” program is thought to be the first time that a major automaker has offered a full refund on a vehicle after it has been sold. The program will cover all of G.M.’s core American brands — Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet and GMC — and run through November.

    The money-back program was conceived by G.M. executives and its board as a dramatic way to promote the quality of the company’s product line after its emergence from bankruptcy in July.

    There is no mention in the ad campaign of the $50 billion in taxpayers’ dollars that provided G.M.’s financial bailout this year, or the fact that the federal government owns 60 percent of the company.

    Instead, the campaign and money-back promotion is an attempt to focus attention on G.M.’s cars and trucks.

    Mr. Whitacre, 67, has said that G.M. must halt its slide in market share in the United States. The company, which once held a 50 percent share of the market in the 1960s, has a 19 percent share so far this year.

    The use of Mr. Whitacre as a spokesman is reminiscent of Lee Iacocca’s ads in the 1980s as chairman of Chrysler, when he coined the slogan “If You Can Find a Better Car — Buy It.”

    Monday, September 7, 2009

    2010 Buick Lacrosse get smart

    BUICK TRANSFORMATION CONTINUES WITH THE 2010 LACROSSE LUXURY SEDAN

    * Sculpted styling defines Buick’s modern global design
    * Luxurious interior crafted of premium materials with cool blue ambient lighting
    * Intelligent personal technologies enhance the driving experience
    * Responsive performance via efficient. direct injection dual overhead cam engines paired with six-speed automatic transmissions

    DETROIT – Redesigned from the ground up, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan makes its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 12. The LaCrosse offers all wheel drive, a suite of advanced intelligent personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of two fuel-saving V-6 engines.

    “The new LaCrosse was created with great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It builds on the success of Enclave as the next step in Buick’s revitalization. And, as with Enclave, our goal is to attract a whole new buyer to our dealerships for LaCrosse.”

    Sculpted design

    Buick’s long heritage of leading designs, such as the Y-Job Concept, the Roadmaster and the Riviera, helped define American automobile design through the years, according to Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. Today, Buick design is a product of a global team and resources. Creative collaboration between designers in the United States and China, in partnership with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) as well as chassis and body engineers in Europe, resulted in the first General Motors vehicle to be created on three continents.

    “The new LaCrosse is intended to represent modern elegance,” said Welburn. “Throughout the design, you experience a balance of contrasts. Both the interior and exterior have been designed with harmony in mind. The exterior balances taut, sculpted lines with sensuous accents and surfaces. Inside, smoked chrome accents, warm wood, first-class leather and materials combine with cool blue ambient lighting to create an inviting environment.”

    The exterior design is faithful to the Buick Invicta show car introduced at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.

    “It is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with its signature ’sweep spear’ body-side styling, portholes inside the character line on the hood, and waterfall grille,” added Welburn.

    Luxurious interior experience

    Inside, the two-tone interior is defined by a flowing, uninterrupted design theme that wraps around the instrument and door panels. Attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, including the analog instrument cluster, chrome offset by dark wood accents, and the contrasting thread and French stitching on the instrument panel.

    Buick’s signature QuietTuning – an engineering process to reduce, block and absorb interior noise – provides a distraction-free passenger environment.

    An unexpected, inviting touch is the cool blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin from the center console, instrument panel and door panels.

    Intelligent personal technologies

    The contemporary atmosphere of the cabin includes the digital connectivity and personal technology offered in the new LaCrosse. That includes features such as in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. For rear-seat passengers, a power rear-window sunshade and a DVD entertainment system, with two display screens integrated into the seatbacks, is available.

    LaCrosse’s intelligent technologies also work to deliver a 360-degree field of vision behind the steering wheel, for a greater feeling of comfort, security and safety. It starts with the available head-up display in the windshield, allowing the driver to monitor speed while keeping his or her eyes on the road. At night, the available adaptive lighting package can direct the high-intensity discharge headlight beams up to 15 degrees for enhanced illumination of the road and its curves.

    LaCrosse offers Side Blind Zone alert that notifies the driver if a vehicle in adjacent lanes is traveling in the driver’s blind spot. The LaCrosse is also available with a rear view camera, with the display integrated into the navigation system screen.

    The technology available on LaCrosse enhances a suite of standard safety features that is designed to meet the criteria for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 20 Star Safety Rating. Highlights include front-, side- and roof-mounted head-curtain air bags, StabiliTrak stability- and traction-control system. The safety and security of OnStar is also included for the first year of ownership.

    Responsive performance

    LaCrosse’s stiff body structure serves as the foundation for precise suspension tuning, safety and a quiet ride. Buyers can choose from a family of efficient, direct-injection six-cylinder engines and a fuel-conserving six-speed automatic transmission with tap-up/tap-down control.

    The direct injection engines in the LaCrosse create more power with less fuel and reduce vehicle emissions through greater combustion control – particularly cold-start emissions that are reduced by up to 25 percent.

    The 2010 LaCrosse will be offered in three models – CX, CXL and CXS:

    * CX – equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
    * CXL – also equipped with the new 3.0L direct injection V-6, adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch wheels. Intelligent AWD is available.
    * CXS – equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6; real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional). The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates an estimated 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm).

    2010 Buick LaCrosse Review

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    The 2010 Buick LaCrosse offers up a new look for the Buick brand in some ways. Overall, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com appreciate the effort Buick has put in towards remaking the LaCrosse, but a few unfortunate styling elements remain.

    The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is a “four-door sedan that comes in CX, CXL, and CXS trim levels,” according to Consumer Guide reviewers. The exterior sheetmetal is largely new for the 2010 version of the LaCrosse, and Cars.com calls it “an exercise in well-proportioned grace.” Jalopnik agrees that the Buick LaCrosse is “a beautiful car in person, borrowing proportion from the much-lauded 1993 Lexus GS.” Cars.com goes on to call the Buick LaCrosse “easily the best-looking Buick since the Clinton administration.” When it comes to specific details, Motor Trend says that “the body sculpting and chrome flourishes are much more expressive than the ES 350’s, especially the crisp bow-wake shoulder line and concave lower ‘light catcher.’” Autoblog continues the unanimous wave of approval, writing that “it’s hard to argue with the LaCrosse’s aesthetics,” as the new sedan manages to combine Buick styling elements that “don’t come across as retro or cliché.”

    The only downside is that the 2010 Buick LaCrosse gets the ‘signature’ porthole look, with the faux vents moved to the top of the hood. The decorative vents appear cheesy from a distance, out of place up close and, in the words of Cars.com, “hurt an otherwise sharp design.”

    If you open up any of the Buick LaCrosse’s large doors and sit inside you’ll be treated to a rethought interior that wins over reviewers with its refinement. Like the exterior, Jalopnik thinks that “the interior is handsome, too, with sweeping lines, modern styling and enough ambient lighting to shake a cane at.” Motor Trend is equally impressed, writing that “if the exterior entices, the interior could seal the deal.” Cars.com reviewers find that the many small details found throughout the LaCrosse’s cabin “go a long way toward convincing those with sticker shock that Buick’s midsize sedan’s price premium is deserved.” Whether or not the appealing design is enough to win over cash-strapped consumers who still view Buick as a senior citizen brand, however, remains to be seen.

    Wednesday, September 2, 2009

    Buick will introduce plug-in hybrid in 2011

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    General Motors will introduce its plug-in hybrid technology in a new Buick crossover vehicle in 2011. The yet-unnamed vehicle will launch in late 2010, offering a family of fuel-efficient, direct-injected gasoline engines, followed in 2011 by the plug-in hybrid model.

    “Buick has always been at the forefront of new technology, so it is only fitting that the brand should debut our new plug-in hybrid technology in a beautiful new crossover,” said Tom Stephens, vice-chairman of product development. “This will firmly put Buick and GM front and centre in the advanced technology game.”

    The new five-passenger crossover will build on the success of the Buick Enclave, and will be powered by a 2.4-litre direct-injection V6. The plug-in hybrid version is expected to be the first commercially-available plug-in hybrid SUV produced by a major automaker, and has the potential to deliver double the fuel economy of comparably-sized SUVs on short trips. It will use GM’s proven 2-Mode Hybrid system with advanced lithium-ion battery cells and charging technology developed for GM’s Voltec system, which will debut in the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle in late 2010.

    The Buick plug-in hybrid has the potential to achieve double the fuel economy of comparably-sized SUVs on short trips. This significant boost is achieved by combining a modified version of GM’s proven 2-Mode Hybrid system with advanced lithium-ion battery cells and charging technology developed for GM’s Voltec system, which will debut in the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle in late 2010. It will use the same manganese-spinel based chemistry and polymer battery cells as the Volt, but its 8 kWh battery, containing half the energy of the Volt battery pack, will be packaged in a box under the cargo floor. The lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged in four to five hours by connecting the vehicle to any standard 110-volt household electrical outlet. In early testing, the plug-in hybrid is capable of electric-propulsion for more than 16 kilometres at low speeds. On the road, the 2-Mode plug-in hybrid system can use any combination of electric or gasoline power to move the vehicle, depending on the driving conditions. This differs from the Voltec technology, which will provide the Volt with up to 64 kilometres of emissions- and petroleum-free electric-only propulsion.