2011 Buick MPV – Spyshots

The Buick MPV is practically a staple of Chinese business practice, they ferry clients from office to office in reasonable luxury, they’re comfortable, they look good, but it seems they only come in blue and silver. The 2011 Buick MPV is a step away from the boxy MPV of 2009, with a more rounded shape and a better looking dashboard, the 2011 version is practically set to rule the business MPV roost once again.

2011 Buick Regal

Buick Regal is 4 inches shorter than the LaCrosse but outside of that the Regal will offer fewer premium features such as no acoustic laminated glass, no premium absorption material under the car and no perimeter seal for the hood according to an Automotive News interview with Roger Knoebel, manager of vehicle performance integration.
I have several concerns with this plan. First, if General Motors does elect to reuse the Regal name, I think it would bring back a lot of beige-tinged memories. Yes, there was the Regal GNX, but there were also a lot of ho-hum models that you likely encountered at some point when renting a car or visiting your grandmother. Secondly, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is so stylish, so well-conceived it seems a shame to offer a less attractive, cut-rate model that may muddy up Buick's waters.
However, there is one scenario that I am liking about the Regal: The 325HP, AWD Opel Insignia GTC (translated from Romanian). In a web chat today with GM CEO Fritz Henderson, someone asked about the chances of modern Buick Regal GNX. While Fritz did shoot down a GNX model per se, he did not completely squash the idea of Regal variants. To quote Henderson,

2010 Buick LaCrosse

It’s not often you read or hear those two words in the same sentence. However, a few surprises seem to be in store for the revamped General Motors to go along with its new management and slogan, and the 2010 Buick LaCrosse midsize sedan, believe it or not, is certainly an exciting vehicle.


The LaCrosse has been completely redesigned for the 2010 model year, right down to its name (it was called the Allure in Canada up until 2009). It’s a much different vehicle from the Allure, so the name change couldn’t come at a more appropriate time.

Though it’s more expensive than last year’s model (up to $5,400 more, depending on what trim you compare), there is a lot more standard stuff packed into the new LaCrosse to help it compete with luxury midsize sedans such as the Lexus ES 350 and Acura TL. Keep in mind that just last year, Allure was aimed at the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Camry. Hey, so no one can accuse the new GM of backing down from a challenge.

2010 Buick LaCrosse Engine Details

That’s right, you will be able to order the LaCrosse with a 2.4-litre, 170-hp four-cylinder engine with an expected average fuel consumption of 10.5 litres. This engine will be offered later. For now, buyers will be able to choose between two V6 engines. The first is a 3.0 litre V6 with fuel injection and featuring 255 horses and a torque of 217 lbs-ft. It, like the other engines, is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX and CXL versions come with this engine. And while the CX is well equipped, the CXL is nothing to sneeze at with factory-standard automatic two-zone climate control, fog lights, exteriors rearview mirrors with LED blinkers and ambient lighting on the doors as well as 17-inch alloy wheels. All-wheel drive with electronic limited slip differential is available as an option. The electronic limited slip differential transfers torque from one wheel to another on the same axle depending on which wheel holds the road best in order to increase control of the vehicle on icy or wet roads.

Finally, the most luxurious and prestigious model is the CXS, which is equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 with direct injection, a real time suspension, heated and ventilated perforated leather-trimmed seats and 18-inch chrome alloy wheels. Check the Touring Package box on your order form and you’ll get 19-inch tires. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and features 280 hp and 259 lbs-ft of torque. Lastly, it comes with hydraulic variable assist steering.
Impressive!

Buick used to put comfort first and ignore handling, the result of which being marshmallowy suspensions, uncertain handling and a very disappointing ride. But that was before…The new Buick is trying to give more in the way of vehicle handling and the LaCrosse is the proof. Thanks to its ultra-rigid platform, the ride is as silent as the handling is impressive, and it won’t turn the Buick into a veritable see-saw. As with the best sedans in the category, it has a comfortable suspension and the vehicle handling is practically flawless. However, I would have preferred firmer steering, but at least it’s precise.

During the official press launch, I had the chance to drive it on the winding roads of the Upper Laurentians, and the LaCrosse negotiated turn after turn brilliantly and featured a very comfortable passenger compartment and efficient climate control. After all, you can’t forget the prerequisites of the brand’s traditional buyers. They’ll also appreciate the smoothness and the silence of the engines which offer above average performances. As for the transmission, you’ll forget it’s even there, which is a sure sign of effectiveness and smoothness.

Buick Invicta Concept

The Buick Invicta Concept a midsize premium sedan, debuted a few days ago at the Beijing Auto Show. Inspired from Buick Riviera the four-door is going to be produced for the US and the Chinese markets, but rumors say that it may “visit” other continents if sales figures decides it.

The high belt line and the big 20-inch polished aluminum wheels makes the Buick Invicta seem like a beautiful tank with cat-eye headlamps.

Now comes the interesting part. The engine. It’s powered by a first direct injection turbocharged engine that develops 250 hp from those four-cylinders and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. All these are possible thanks to a 6-speed automatic gearbox that promises fuel efficiency.

Buick Business Concept MPV

Buick Business Concept MPV is the latest concept by Buick that has been unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show this year.

Buick Business Concept may accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.9 seconds and reach its top speed at 190 as it’s powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with Spark-Ignition, Direct Injection (SIDI) coupled with a front-wheel-drive system.

Buick Business Concept MPV sits on 20-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum wheels. This concept also gets a 6-speed automatic transmission with a hybrid auxiliary pump.

Buick Business Concept also comes with an OnStar system with security, navigation and hands-free online service.

Buick Mini-Fighter

A Buick Mini fighter? The set of Buick Avant design study illustrations recently revealed at the General Motors Lab Web site showcased several styling directions a new premium Buick small car might take.

But the closest representation of the new Buick so far (the vehicle is as yet unapproved) is a rakish, coupe-like two-door hatchback like the clay model shown for less than three seconds during a video at thelab.gmblogs.com (see below) with GM’s new advanced design chief, Andrew Smith. And the car's development is much farther along than you think: it has been in the works for at least two years without being assigned to any single GM division.

The GM Lab masked this car's advanced state of development by wowing us with pie-in-the-sky features typical of concept cars, including a luggage porter, smart door and "move-over mode."

GM is considering versions of a premium small car in the B-segment category for both Buick and Cadillac. The Buick Avant, or whatever it's ultimately called, would have its own distinctive design language in order to give the struggling division a fresh, new identity. Except for, perhaps, a waterfall grille, it's not likely to come to production with current Buick design cues.