Detroit 2011: 2012 Buick Verano is quietly powerful

If you were wondering how General Motors was planning to differentiate the 2012 Buick Verano from its Chevy Cruze counterpart, wonder no more. According to Buick, its newest addition will offer the quietest ride in its segment thanks to heaps of laminated glass, triple door seals and a host of other muting technologies. Buick calls the cabin "library quiet," though there's no word as to whether the interior smells of old books. They've also made sure to throw in the same levels of refinement as found in the likes of the Lacrosse, and drivers can expect to find the same high-quality leather and a host of tech goodies as the bigger four-door.

That's all fine and good, but we're more excited about what Buick has thrown under the hood of the 2012 Verano. Buyers who opt for the base car will be met with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, Buick is shooting for around 31 mpg highway. The really juicy news is that the Verano will also be available with the same turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder found in the Regal Turbo, and again with your choice of six-speed manual or automatic! That means this significantly smaller, lighter four-door will be available with a full 220 horsepower.

2012 Buick Verano details and pricing leaked in dealer letter?

Following the launch of the Regal, Buick will be introducing its next all-new model sometime in 2011. Set to launch as a 2012 model, the Verano compact will slot in beneath the Regal sedan, though we've been told on several occasions that it will not share a platform with General Motors' other new small car, the Chevrolet Cruze.

According to the infomongers at GM Inside News, the automaker recent sent a letter to its Buick dealers inviting them to participate in an order study in an attempt to gain knowledge about what pricing and trim levels would be most attractive to potential buyers. The details, available after the jump, reveal that the Verano will be powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four (same as the Regal) that produces 180 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and will be initially offered in four trim levels.

If the letter is to be believed, the base Verano 1SB (the alphanumeric likely being an internal designation) is estimated to start at $20,900. From there, the 1SD model adds Bluetooth, automatic climate control and remote start, and will be priced from around $22,100. 1SG models add a power driver's seat, heated mirrors and rear park assist and should command roughly $23,300. Top-trim 1SL Veranos will have heated leather seats, premium audio, a heated steering wheel and 18-inch wheels. Expect the top-rung 1SL to retail for around $25,600, with pricing reaching as high as $26,200.

We don't expect GM to reveal official Verano specifications and pricing until closer to its launch date, with the car being officially debuting sometime in the early 2011 auto show season. Top tip, Ed!

[Source: GM Inside News]

Detroit 2010: Buick Regal GS concept

Is the Buick Regal GS the most important "maybe" of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show? It's been more than two decades since performance enthusiasts cared about Buick in any meaningful way. The car at that time was the now legendary Buick GNX. Even if the proposed Regal GS makes production – a big if – it's not going to be a GNX replacement, at least not in the hearts and minds of power-mad Buick enthusiasts. However, at this chapter in Buick's story, every little performance bit counts.

That stated, here's what we might get: Power comes from a beefed-up version of the direct-injected 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder making 255 horsepower and a walloping 295 pound-feet or torque. Compare that to the regular 2.0-liter DI Ecotec that we know and love in cars like the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Chevrolet Cobalt SS: 260 hp, 260 lb-ft of twist. Five horsepower less, sure (your lawnmower makes five horsepower), but we'll gladly trade those ponies for the 35 extra torques. All that grunt gets routed through a six-speed manual before being kicked out to all four wheels. Speaking of wheels, the Regal GS rides on gorgeous 20-inch alloys that are hauled to a halt by big Brembos squeezing 14-inch cross-drilled and vented rotors.

One of the more interesting aspects of the Regal GS is its traction control system that Buick has dubbed "Interactive Drive Control." There's a Normal mode, a Sport mode and most enticing, a GS mode. That final setting changes the default torque split, routing most of the power to the rear wheels. Color us curious, excitedly so. The Regal GS also sits 10mm lower than the standard car and is further visually differentiated by twin intakes on the front clip and two through-fascia tailpipes. It's even got sporty Recaros and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Are they going to build it? Our gut says "yes," or something very close to it. As a brand, Buick needs a shot in the arm of something hot and bothered. Why not a hopped-up Regal? And will we eventually see an even more muscular version of the Regal GS, fitted with a 325-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 from the Opel Insignia OPC, possibly called the Regal GSX? Maybe GNX fans will have something to look forward to after all.

Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL

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.

Viewed in profile, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse's fast-looking roofline sweeps down into a short, high rear decklid. Acres of sheet metal reside under the greenhouse, and to mitigate the ensuing slab-sidedness, the designers employ a Lexus-style chrome strip along the bottom of the door panels along with a corresponding indent in the bodywork. What really breaks up the monotony, however, is the 21st-century version of the Buick sweep-spear, implemented here as a crease in the bodywork that turns the LaCrosse's chunkiness into a something a bit more voluptuous-looking. The LaCrosse CXL's chrome-finished, seven-spoke 18-inch wheels fill out the wells nicely, and the 19-inchers you get with the top-spec Lacrosse CXS would look better proportioned still.



Arched headlamps flank Buick's signature waterfall grille, and the lower bumper openings turn down into a frown at the corners. It makes for a sterner look than the bewildered, four-eyed face sported by the old LaCrosse. The hood ventiports on the new LaCrosse are also purely ornamental. Moving aft, tail lamps resembling chrome-edged flower petals finish off the rear end. From an exterior styling perspective, the new Buick LaCrosse drips curb appeal all over the sidewalk.

The good news continues with the swanky interior, elegantly decked out in a tasteful two-tone motif in the case of our tester. Material quality gets a solid thumbs-up, and GM goes so far as to add stitching to some of the soft-touch door and dash surfaces, making them look as though they're wrapped in leather, when in fact it's merely a visual sleight-of-hand. Don't laugh – it works. The front seats are comfortable and reasonably bolstered, but the best seats in the house may be one row back. At 40.5 inches, rear seat legroom is very good. That's more than the Pontiac G8 – no slouch in the department at 39.4 inches – just shy of the Toyota Avalon's 40.9 inches, and simply obliterates the 35.9 inches you'll get as a backseater in the Lexus ES350. If you don't get to ride shotgun in the LaCrosse, it's no penalty to be relegated to the back, where you can sit back and enjoy the quiet cabin in great comfort. Go ahead, cross your legs. You can.



A sweeping, beautifully-designed cockpit envelops the driver and front passenger in leather, attractive woodgrain and a variety of soft-touch surfaces. Beyond GM's new corporate steering wheel (leather-wrapped, heated and with woodgrain on top) is a padded binnacle shrouding the LaCrosse's attractive and unique tach and speedo gauges. Their ice blue illumination is further accented by cool ambient lighting that dresses up the instrument panel at night. The snazzy-looking layout layout stumbles a bit when your eyes land on the parts bin-special driver information and radio displays – similar to the ones you'll find in the Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox and GMC Terrain. They work fine and are eminently readable, but the look isn't as polished as, say, the audio display in the Cadillac CTS (or something in that general vein), whose higher-res presentation would better fit the premium theme GM says it's trying to get at with the revamped Buick.

The LaCrosse's center stack features the familiar, two-dial radio setup you expect to find in a GM car. Below the station preset keys, you'll find a total of 24 additional buttons, controlling various other audio and HVAC features. In daylight, the arrangement is a bit busy, but still usable. At night, however, it can be hard to discern what's what, as the area becomes a jumbled sea of little blue words and icons. One rainy evening, the windshield fogged up quickly and we spent more time looking down at the instrument panel for the proper buttons to make the adjustments than we would normally be comfortable with, particularly at highway speeds. The wheel-mounted cruise and radio controls work great, and there are enough station presets that we seldom needed to reach for the manual tuning dial at all.



While the LaCrosse's steep A-pillar angle helps make the car look great on the outside, it wreaks havoc on driver visibility, effectively blocking your view of any street you plan to turn left onto. Likewise, the rear view is compromised by the LaCrosse's high rear deck, which contributes to rearward visibility that's downright SUV-like. It's a trend that's maddening and unlikely to go away anytime soon. A standard-equipment rear-view camera, as GM offers on the cheaper GMC Terrain, would work wonders here. Alas, a cam is only available in the laCrosse if you order the stereo with nav system. Without it, backing out of a space in a crowded supermarket parking lot can become a white-knuckle affair, since little kids are obscured by the high rump.

Trunk space is actually pretty skinflint, especially for a big vehicle, at just 13.3 cubic feet. It's a shame, too, as the trunk itself is deeper than the short rear deck would suggest. We slid a stroller in lengthwise without even folding back the handle, and it fit with room to spare. The issue is that the usable area is sacrificed in the name of big, intrusive gooseneck hinges. The hinges are blocked off, so there's no danger of crushing your cargo, but the space they occupy would have added a sizable amount of cargo-carrying capacity had GM set up the trunk with struts instead. It's a missed opportunity. Yes, the Lexus ES uses a similar setup, but that's no excuse.



But our biggest disappointment came from the 252-horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque provided by the direct-injected 3.0-liter V6 sitting under our all-wheel-drive LaCrosse CXL's clamshell hood. In this 4,196-pound car – yes, it's a porker – the 3.0-liter six is a leisurely performer at best and overmatched at worst. The middle-spec bent six is perfectly acceptable in around-town runabout duty, but when you come upon a situation demanding more power, like highway passing, frustration sets in as the oomph on tap is hardly on-demand. Flipping the six-speed auto into manual mode offers little relief; in our experience, it only served to make the faint noise emanating from beyond the firewall a little more audible, with no real difference in tangible forward momentum.

The 280-hp and 259 lb-ft of twist from the 3.6-liter V6 in the stepped-up LaCrosse CXS clearly seems like the better choice for this car, and we wish it's what we had when the LaCrosse paid its visit to our garage, but you also forego the option of all-wheel drive by opting for the top trim level. If you live in a region where you want the added confidence that four-wheel grip bestows in winter weather, you're stuck with the 3.0-liter. Given our experience with the 3.0-liter V6, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder that'll be available as an option in the base CX trim (the 3.0 V6 is standard) doesn't seem like something we would ever see ourselves going for.



In a separate aside, the mere presence of the LaCrosse CX, which comes with standard cloth seating and steel wheels, doesn't exactly jibe with the whole Lexus-alternative meme that the marketing department is working so hard to cultivate. Look for something like that at a Lexus store, and the salesman will gently direct you to his Camry-selling brethren across the street. Likewise, the LaCrosse CX seems like an equipment mix better suited to a Chevrolet dealership. Airport rental, anyone?

Behind the wheel, the LaCrosse's hydraulically-assisted steering delivers great overall response and feedback, but a smidge less power assistance would be more than welcome. On-center feel is good, and the sedan stays pointed where you want it without any vagueness or slop in the wheel. Dynamically, the Buick is competent if not exciting. Hell, it's actually pretty boring, which, when you consider that the Lexus ES is the named benchmark, is not necessarily a derogatory judgement. Sound isolation is excellent, engine noise is well-muted and if your local DOT isn't known for maintaining silky-smooth roads, the imperfections you drive over are swallowed up ably, with little more than muted thumps making themselves heard and felt inside. Best of all, the suspension delivers comfort without resorting to the wallowy feel that characterized "American luxury" for so long. Drive it hard into a corner, and the LaCrosse protests with understeer, but the reality is that it's not a car that begs to be driven hard in the first place. Refinement and good manners rule the day here, and the LaCrosse is at its best when you take it easy and let it coddle you.



In the end, we walked away from the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL impressed, but not completely blown away. If you're looking for excitement, you'll find it in the car's dazzling visual presentation, but its mild-mannered demeanor means it can be a bit of a snooze from behind the wheel. Then again, if the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is the American Lexus that GM so desperately wants it to be, maybe this blend of outward glitz and reserved composure is exactly what the doctor ordered. Time will tell.

[Source: Autoblog]

GM starts leasing Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevy models again

Understatement of the Year: It's been a rough 2009 for General Motors. The 101 year-old automaker lost billions of dollars in record time, its market share plummeted, and overall sales were down over 30%. Oh, and the General had to ask for billions in loans from the US government before ultimately going through bankruptcy. A bad year indeed.

The fact that GM went through these tumultuous times without a leasing program made matters even worse, but that's about to be rectified. GM is teaming up with US Bank on a pilot leasing program in Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Already underway and set to run through August 31, the program will only apply to certain vehicles. The 2009 Chevy Malibu and Traverse, along with the Cadillac CTS and 2010 Cadillac SRX are included, joining the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevy Equinox.

While the program is regional for the time being, the launch of the SRX will be accompanied by a nation-wide lease program through US Bank. Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president of U.S. sales, feels the SRX lease will help launch the new luxury crossover. "Leases are an important part of the luxury market, so we decided that launching the all-new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover with a national lease will add a lot of excitement."

[Source: GM]

PRESS RELEASE:

GM Announces Lease Program - Provides an Additional Consumer Financing Option for New Vehicle Purchases

* U.S. Bank offers rates on select Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet models
* Five-state pilot program covers eight models
* All new 2010 Cadillac SRX lease available nationally

Detroit – General Motors Company announced an expansion of leasing today with enhanced lease programs on select 2009 and 2010 Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet models. The leases, offered by U.S. Bank, are part of a pilot program that includes select GM vehicles sold in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Ohio. In addition, a lease on the all-new Cadillac SRX will be offered by U.S. Bank nationally. The pilot is currently planned to run through August 31, 2009.

"GM and our dealers have done an incredible job without a leasing program throughout this difficult economic period, but we always knew that we would get back into leasing as it is important to a certain group of our customers," said Mark LaNeve, GM vice president of U.S. sales. "We have a number of products that offer a great opportunity for a lease option. Also, leases are an important part of the luxury market, so we decided that launching the all-new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover with a national lease will add a lot of excitement."

"U.S. Bank has one of the largest auto loan and lease programs in the nation. We have supported the auto industry for more than 50 years, and this is an example of our continued commitment to the industry," said Tom Wirth, who leads indirect lending at U.S. Bank.

Initially, lease offers will be available on the 2009 Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Malibu and Traverse. For 2010 models, leases will also be available on the Cadillac SRX, Buick LaCrosse and Enclave, the GMC Acadia and the Chevrolet Equinox. Monthly payments will vary according to the customer's down payment and the first month's payment due at signing, but are expected to be very competitive. No security deposit will be required.

For more information, customers in the five lease states (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Ohio) should visit their local Cadillac, Buick, GMC or Chevrolet dealer.

About General Motors: General Motors Company, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors Company acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors Company can be found at www.gm.com.

About U.S. Bank: U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $266 billion in assets, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the 6th largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 2,850 banking offices and 5,173 ATMs in 24 states, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.

First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Make no mistake, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is the most important vehicle launched by the brand in decades. Buick, nearly consigned to the dustbin of history a few short years ago, is now one of General Motors' four remaining "core" brands. And if it weren't for the Chinese market's love affair with the marque, there's little doubt Buick would've followed Oldsmobile into the afterlife. Instead, GM is attempting to (once again) refashion the brand as a serious competitor to Acura, Lexus and Volvo, and the LaCrosse is the opening salvo in the battle for hearts, minds and market share – not to mention pocketbooks.

Technically, the "New" Buick was born two years ago when the Enclave debuted, but in reality, that was simply a new segment for the brand. In contrast, the LaCrosse marks the initial transformation of Buick's future. CEO Fritz Henderson has stated that new Buicks (and actually all GM vehicles going forward) must be more than competitive – they must be superb. They can't merely match the competition, they have to surpass them in every quantifiable way. So the launch of the LaCrosse couldn't be more fortuitous or fraught with risk. Developed before bankruptcy, bailouts and government intervention, the LaCrosse is what GM envisioned for the future of Buick over two years ago. But is it good enough to revive the marque?

The 2010 LaCrosse is the first North American product on GM's new global mid-size platform (Epsilon II) and it follows the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia that debuted last year. This new sedan is truly a citizen of the world, with engineers at Opel tasked with creating the basic platform and most of the chassis development, while the American team tackled the body structure and the the Chinese handled the interior and the majority of the exterior design. That last part is essential considering the Chinese see Buick as a premium brand, and they wanted to ensure the design and materials were best-in-class.



But when talk turns to the meaning of "premium" and where Buick fits into the marketplace, there's more than a bit of confusion. Time for a class in brand recalibration with Buick-GMC vice-president Susan Docherty. Docherty explains that Cadillac plays in the same "luxury" segment as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but Cadillac aims at buyers looking for something bolder and more ostentatious – a vehicle they can wear as a fashion statement. Buick, on the other hand, carries the "premium" designation, where Acura and Volvo live, offering many of the same features and functionality while carrying a bit less brand cache.

Positioning Buick below Cadillac reeks of a contrived marketing move.

If this all all sounds like a case of distinction without difference, you might be right, although BMW clearly plays to a sportier demographic than, say, Volvo, even though they play in a lot of the same sandboxes. Docherty also listed Lexus as a competitor to Buick, and broadly speaking, Toyota's luxury marque is generally considered to be a competitor of BMW, Mercedes and, of course, Cadillac. By targeting Brand L, Buick is certainly following Henderson's mantra of aiming high – even if it convolutes the "premium" versus "luxury" argument somewhat.



Brand distinctions aside, it's hard to argue with the LaCrosse' aesthetics. The new mid-size sedan incorporates many of the elements seen in the brand's 2007 Riviera concept, along with details from Buicks of yore that don't come across as retro or cliche. Unlike its conventional, upright and uninspired predecessor, the new LaCrosse features a lower, coupe-like roofline that makes the sedan appear significantly smaller. However, it's virtually the same size as the outgoing model, trading 1.2 inches of overall length for a comparable increase in wheelbase and, remarkably, an additional two inches of height.

The hoodline, beltline and rear deck are all taller than before, while the roof wraps down towards the sedan's haunches, counteracting the additional height by imparting a chopped greenhouse effect. Both the front and rear glass have a significantly flatter slope than before, and since the LaCrosse's sheetmetal will find a global audience, the upright front fascia meets European pedestrian crash standards, the same regulations expected to be adopted in the States. The body surfaces have more pronounced creases in the hood and flanks, including Buick's signature "sweep spear" at the rear quarter, all contributing to an elegant, modern design thoroughly suited for the 21st century.



Three trim levels are available: CX, CXL and CXS. The base CX gets a choice of 17-inch steel or alloy wheels, while the two upper levels get 18-inch rolling stock and the CXS Touring package adds 19-inch hoops along with an adaptive damping system. At launch, the CX and CXL come standard with the new 3.0-liter direct injected V6, while the 3.6-liter DI V6 is optional on the CXL and standard on the CXS. Later this fall, the 2.4-liter DI four-cylinder will be added as the standard engine in the CX and CXL, the only such engine currently available in the segment.

The dash, doors and instrument cluster are covered in sew-and-stitch leather normally reserved for the Cadillac brand.

Starting off in a mid-level CXL, it was immediately apparent that the quality of the interior – both in materials and fit-and-finish – was well above what we've come to expect from Buick. The top of the dashboard, door panels and instrument cluster hood are covered in the sew and stitch leather normally reserved for the Cadillac brand, and it isn't exclusive to the range-topping models – it's included as standard across the range. All LaCrosse models also have leather-covered shifters and steering wheels, with the latter benefiting from a thick, easy-to-grip rim outfitted with redundant controls for the audio system. However, the Buick benefits from another form of duplicate controls.

GM Vehicle Line Executive for global mid-sized cars, Jim Federico, explained that while some customers prefer a touch interface for the navigation and audio systems, others prefer a traditional knob arrangement. To cater to as many consumers as possible, Buick provides both setups in the LaCrosse, with most of the controls accessible via the screen or a knob directly below. And for the tech adventurous, most of the systems are also accessible through voice commands by pressing a button on the steering wheel.



Because the LaCrosse has a higher cowl and the base of the windshield is so far forward, the designers created a dashboard that slants away from occupants, lending the cabin a more open, airy feel. It definitely works to counteract the effects of the high beltline, which Federico explained is becoming more popular with consumers who enjoy the "sitting in a tub" sensation (our words, not his) as it increases the occupant's sense of security.

While the explanation is a bit dubious, we were pleasantly surprised that, despite its narrow side glass, the LaCrosse never caused bouts of claustrophobia. Additionally, the sensation of spaciousness is also aided by a relatively narrow center tunnel and door armrests. The use of a standard electric park brake allowed the tunnel to be squeezed down and the shape of the door allows easier access to the seat controls on the outer edge.




The front seats are well shaped and supportive, and should hold up surprisingly well to both aggressive driving and long road trips, while Buick's maximization of interior space within the wheelbase pays dividends for passengers in the rear. For a car with comparatively modest overall dimensions (197 inches bumper-to-bumper), the LaCrosse is positively cavernous inside. Even with a six-foot driver in front, we had at least four inches of knee clearance sitting in the back. The rear seat cushions also elevate to give a theater seating effect, aiding visibility out the front. However, sitting taller in the rear makes the roof curves over the sides more noticeable, although we had no problem with clearance getting in and out of the back.

When in Drive, the lever's position is too low and far back to be comfortable for tap-shifting.

The central instrument panel juts out slightly from the fall-away dashboard, lessening the reach to controls. Unfortunately, the position of the shift lever is not quite as accommodating. All LaCrosse trims get a Sport mode with manual tap-shifting available by pushing the lever to the left when positioned in Drive. Therein lies the problem. When you pull the lever back to Drive, its position is too low and too far back to be comfortable for tap-shifting and the LaCrosse doesn't offer paddle shifters as an alternative. Given that few people actually do manual shifting of their automatics anyway, this probably won't matter to any but a handful of people – most of which may never consider a Buick in the first place. Left to their own devices, both automatics (the 3.6-liter V6 gets a different, higher torque capacity gearbox) shift with exemplary smoothness and reasonable speed. But there's one more transmission quirk in the LaCrosse.



The majority of contemporary cars we've tested with tap shift capabilities have a "Sport Shift" mode. Simply slapping the shifter into the sport gate without manually changing gears typically enables more aggressive shifts, higher shift points and automatic downshifts during deceleration. While we experienced this behavior on the LaCrosse CXS with the Touring package, the other models we tested were devoid of Sport mode, yet allowed manual shifting. Unlike similarly equipped vehicles with a manual mode, accelerating up to redline just gets you to the rev-limiter, with no automatic shift over-ride, so it's true manual control. This isn't the case on the lesser LaCrosses.

Although the steering wheel doesn't feature paddles, it does an excellent job at its primary task: controlling the car. The V6-equipped models are fitted with a variable effort hydraulic steering assist system, which, unlike most electric power assisted setups, typically provide more steering feedback on-center and through the corners. Federico explained that while developing the LaCrosse, the teams in Europe and North America tested a variety of steering and suspension setups and ultimately decided that a solid steering system, with no slop and ample feedback, would appeal to Americans just as it would to Europeans (hallelujah!). The result is simply the best steering feel we've ever experienced in a Buick. The helm is mercilessly devoid of free-play and the weighting was well-judged no matter the speed. We'll be examining this more thoroughly when we're afforded a full week with the LaCrosse, and hope that when the four-cylinder models arrive later this year (equipped with an electric assist system), the sensation will remain the same.



Both of GM's "high-feature" V6s are smooth running and highly refined, and could easily find a home in any of the foreign premium brands that compete with the LaCrosse. Driving down the road at light-to-moderate loads, the combination of NVH control and the engine's characteristics leave it virtually silent. Plant the throttle pedal and either engine exhibits a very pleasant snarl, with the larger engine motivating the LaCrosse with genuine authority under all conditions. The smaller mill, while making nearly the same horsepower as the previous port-injected version of the 3.6-liter, makes significantly less torque (217 lb-ft), particularly at the low end. The result is a more sedate response before the gearbox kicks down a notch – another situation where we were aching for a set of steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The Lexus ES and GS, Acura TL and Volvo S60 and S80 better look out.

In addition to the perfectly weighed steering, we had no complaints with the suspension and chassis. The structure of the LaCrosse feels remarkably stiff and solid, and never exhibited shudders or rattles. Having 25% more torsional rigidity allows the suspension to control wheel motions without reacting to structural flex and the LaCrosse handled whatever we threw at it with aplomb. Over concrete highway expansion joints that set other vehicles pitching and bobbing, the Buick simply glided over with a muted thump. However, don't confuse compliance with a floaty, old-school American handling. The LaCrosse exhibits the sort of well-controlled body motions and minimal roll one would expect of a premium German sedan, but without the harshness.

Sitting inside the LaCrosse at speed provides a remarkably serene environment. Wind noise was virtually nonexistent and carrying on conversations with "inside voices" allowed us to hear and be heard with ease. Considering that the engineering and design teams were scattered around the world, the LaCrosse seems remarkably well integrated and should prove very competitive in the "premium mid-lux" segment described by Docherty. Whatever you call it, the Lexus ES and GS, Acura TL and Volvo S60 and S80 better look out.



When the 2010 Buick LaCrosse arrives in showrooms this August, the base CX with the 3.0-liter V6 will start at $27,835 with the CXL starting at $30,395 and the CXS going for $33,765. An absolutely maxed-out CXS just barely tops $40K with every available option. The four-cylinder model should be priced slightly less than the 3.0-liter, but it won't be de-contented – it's simply a different powertrain. Buick also ups the base warranty from the three-years/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper on most GM cars to four years/48,000 miles.

[Source: Autoblog]

GM hits two million Buick sales in China

It took General Motors eight years to sell one million Buicks in China, but the second million came in only three. Brisk auto sales in the land of the Great Wall are part of the reason for the increase, but the General has also stepped up its product lineup with new offerings, including the Regal, LaCrosse, and Park Avenue. Shanghai GM's two-millionth Buick was a red Regal, delivered to a customer in the southern city of Guangzhou.

While those vehicles have brought some high-end class to GM Shanghai's Buick operation, they haven't come close to the success of the smaller Excelle. Shanghai GM has sold 900,000 copies of the Excelle sedan, hatch, and wagon since 2003, and sales are still going strong with 94,000 units moved in the first five months of 2009.

While Buick has struggled as a brand here in the States, the marquee has enjoyed blockbuster success in China. Buick was a smash success in China in the 1930s, as provincial presidents and emperors chose the brand over more austere offerings from the likes of Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz, and it appears some of that goodwill has been projected into modern times.

PRESS RELEASE:

Shanghai GM Sells 2 Millionth Buick in China

Shanghai – The 2 millionth Buick sold in China by Shanghai GM, a red New Regal sedan, was delivered today to its owner in the southern city of Guangzhou.

"It took eight years for Shanghai GM to sell its first 1 million Buicks, but only three years to sell its second 1 million units," said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. "This demonstrates the ongoing popularity of Shanghai GM's leading mainstream brand in what is now Buick's largest market."

Shanghai GM, GM's flagship joint venture in China with SAIC, began manufacturing and selling Buick products in 1998. Shanghai GM has built a portfolio of more than 40 Buick models and variants, making it one of the most comprehensive brands sold in China today. It also has been recognized for its pioneering Buick Care aftersales service.

Leading the way for Buick are the Excelle and GL8 families. Since the Excelle's introduction in 2003, more than 900,000 Excelle sedans, Excelle HRV hatchbacks and Excelle Station Wagons have been sold, including more than 94,000 in the first five months of 2009. Shanghai GM also has sold more than 240,000 GL8 and GL8 FirstLand executive wagons since the product's introduction in 1999, making the GL8 the undisputed leader in the segment.

Buick is entering a new era of development with a series of new products and powertrains that offer an enhanced driving experience. Its next-generation models like the New Regal are based on global platforms and feature the latest technology while retaining Buick's traditional characteristics such as a quiet ride, a high level of safety and elegant styling.

According to Wale, "Buick's newer models are proving popular due to their outstanding quality, design and value. They represent the attitude, achievement, capability and entrepreneurial spirit of their owners."

From the New Regal's introduction last December through the end of May 2009, more than 34,000 units have been sold, giving it leadership in the upper-medium sedan segment with a price range of RMB 180,000 to RMB 250,000 (US$26,000 to US$37,000). In addition, Shanghai GM has sold nearly 2,800 imported Buick Enclave SUVs, with demand continuing to outpace supply.

With the upcoming introduction of the Buick New Regal 2.0 Turbo and new Buick LaCrosse featuring a 3.0-liter V-6 SIDI engine, demand for Buick vehicles across China is expected to continue to grow.

The Buick brand has a long and distinguished history in China that dates back to the early days of General Motors itself. In the first part of the 20th century, Buick was the car of choice for many of the country's influential citizens. Such individuals as Dr. Sun Yat-sen, China's first provisional president; Zhou Enlai, who became China's premier; and Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, owned, drove or were driven in Buick automobiles.

Buick Regal 2.0T

Admittedly, Pink Floyd and Buick traditionally go together like asparagus and ice cream, but that hasn't stopped our inner-monologues from playing "Wish You Were Here" after seeing Buick's new Regal 2.0T.

According to our compatriots over at Autoblog Simplified Chinese, the Opel Insignia-based model features the company's 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine, tuned to give 162 kW of power (217 horsepower) and 350 Nm of torque (258 pound-feet). That's sufficient gusto to get the General Motors sedan to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds and on to a healthy top whack of 232 kmh (144 mph).

Fuel economy? Well, that's a good question. Our counterparts in China cryptically point to a figure of 7.2-liters per 90 km (the standard metric is per 100 km), so we'll have to get back to you on that.

The new Regal 2.0T is expected to join Buick's Chinese lineup in the second half of 2009.

[Source: Autoblog Simplified Chinese]

Buick's handsome new MPV concept is all business

General Motors has unveiled its new Buick "Business" MPV concept in Shanghai, and while details remain scarce as we try to practice our Chinese, we can tell you that while the idea of another Buick minivan may be hard for U.S. audiences to swallow (after the poor sales and driving experience of the Terraza), Buick MPVs do a very solid trade in China as executive transports. Thus, instead of prioritizing sippy cup storage, this is clearly more of a high-roofed luxury limousine.

Our compatriots over at Autoblog Chinese (who bring you these images) tell us that this vehicle is the result of a joint-venture between General Motors China and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, as was the 2007 Rivera concept before it. If our Google translator is to be believed, this vehicle is still based on the Buick GL8 (read: Terraza), and the "land-based business class" concept is designed to point the way toward future visions of Buick luxury for customers in the land of the Great Wall.

[Source: Autoblog Chinese]