Buick Archives

GM has taken the wraps off the new New Buick Riviera concept in Shanghai, which is a follow up to the last Riviera concept we saw in 2007. The lastest Riviera concept previews Buick's future design direction and is powered by a plug-in hybrid system.

Buick has unveiled the updates to the 2014 Buick Regal. For the 2014 model year the Buick Regal gets updated styling, more power and new tech features.

Buick has unveiled the refreshed 2014 Buick LaCrosse sedan. The new LaCrosse gets updates to the exterior and interior, new safety technologies and enhanced in-vehicle connectivity. On the outside the 2014 LaCrosse gets new new front and rear styling with LED daytime running lamps and LED wraparound tail lamps.

The Geneva Motor Show may be all the news this week, but at the end of this month the 2013 New York Auto Show kicks off. GM has confirmed plans to unveil five new models in "The Big Apple." On the menu this year will be the 2014 Chevy SS, a refreshed 2014 Camaro, the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS and the new Buick Regal and LaCrosse.

General Motors has announced a plan to deliver a new generation of connected cars and trucks with embedded 4G LTE mobile broadband. The first GM models to get 4G LTE will be most 2015 Chevy, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models available in 2014 through AT&T.

This morning General Motors is stating that it is the first U.S. automaker to sell more than 1 million vehicles in its home market in a single year that have an EPA-estimated 30 mpg or better on the highway rating. "Our investments in advanced powertrains are clearly paying off, and our smaller vehicles are resonating with customers," said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. "In 2013, we'll introduce new diesel, eAssist and plug-in vehicles in the United States and expand the availability of turbocharged four-cylinder engines. This will give us the most technologically diverse range of fuel-efficient cars and crossovers in the industry."

GM has announced that it will purchase 200 million shares of GM common stock held by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for $5.5 billion, or $27.50 per share. The share buyback is part of the Treasury's plan, also announced today, to fully exit its entire holdings of GM stock within 12 to 15 months. Treasury intends to begin its disposition of its remaining shares as soon as January 2013, consistent with a pre-arranged written trading plan.

GM has just announced that the Buick and GMC brands will introduce nine new or significantly updated models in the next 12 months, starting with the new Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia this fall.

Buick has just announced the pricing for the 2013 Buick Encore small crossover, which starts at $24,950. The 2013 Encore will arrive in dealerships at the beginning of next year with standard features like QuietTuning with Bose Active Noise Cancellation, 18-inch wheels, a rearview camera and a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color display radio with IntelliLink connectivity.

Buick has released the pricing for the new 2013 Buick Enclave, which starts at $39,270. The 2013 Enclave gets refreshed for the new model year with new styling and more standard equipment.

Buick has announced that the 2013 Buick Encore crossover gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and a combined 28 mpg fuel economy with a standard six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

GM has announced that the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo will be priced at $29,990. The turbocharged Verano is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine 250 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. The Verano Turbo reaches 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds and is rated at 20/31 mpg with a six-speed manual transmission. Buyers can also choose a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Verano Turbo also gets a dual exhaust, sport pedals and rear spoiler, IntelliLink connectivity, a Bose 9-speaker audio system, leather seats, push-button start, rear park assist and rearview camera, blind zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

All 2013 Buick models will now come standard with IntelliLink in-car connectivity, which allows drivers to use voice commands to control smartphone apps like Pandora, MP3 players.

Using the Pandora Internet radio app interface when paired with a smartphone, owners of 2013 models can tune to a favorite station solely by voice command. Likewise, saying "More like this" while an iPod or other USB media device is playing generates a random music playlist based on the current song.

GM has announced that its OnStar subscribers can now rent out their vehicles through the RelayRides marketplace. RelayRides' renters can unlock reserved OnStar-enabled cars simply by using their smart phones. RelayRides is the first third-party developer to integrate with GM OnStar's proprietary application program interface that will be available to other developers later this summer.

"General Motors, through OnStar, and RelayRides have joined forces to create an entirely new mobility solution for U.S. drivers interested in more affordable, sustainable and collaborative automobile options," said Nick Pudar vice president OnStar Strategy and New Business Development. "Our exclusive relationship with RelayRides provides an exciting new choice: the first automobiles to run on collaborative consumption."

GM has unveiled the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo that is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine with direct injection that generates 250 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. According to GM, the Verano Turbo will reach 0-60 mph is 6.2 seconds.

"The 2.0L turbo engine was designed for refinement, higher output capabilities and reduced noise," said Amy Joss, Ecotec 2.0L assistant chief engineer. "The way it sounds, the power delivery and the refined character are all fitting of a luxury sedan with a fun side."

GM has reportedly filed for the trademark of the Riviera name, which has fueled more speculation that GM could apply the name to a future Buick model. The Riviera name is obviously not new, but the last time that we saw it used was for the 2007 Buick Riviera concept that debuted in China.

It's not known if GM is simply just filed for the trademark, but doesn't have any plans to actually use it. Many automakers will trademark many names, but not actually use them, like Ford who trademarked a series of "MK" names for the Lincoln brand.

Buick has officially unveiled the revised 2013 Enclave, which will debut in New York this week. The 2013 Enclave gets styling updates, new safety technologies, in-vehicle connectivity and a more refined driving experience.

The Enclave's exterior has been updated with a new front fascia with LED daytime running lights, new headlights, and a revised hood and grille. The rear of the 2013 Enclave gets updated LED taillights and revised fascia with integrated exhaust outlets. The 2013 Enclave also rides on new 19-inch and 20-inch wheels.

The 2013 Enclave also gets updates to the interior like new ice blue LED ambient lighting, a new center stack and updated materials. The 2013 Enclave is also going to offer the industry's first front center airbag, which is standard on all Enclave models. The front center airbag was created to help protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes. It deploys from the inboard side of the driver's seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger.

GM has released this teaser photo of the interior of the new 2013 Buick Enclave that will debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April. According to GM, the photo "previews the changes to come, which include industry-exclusive safety technology and modern design updates."

That's all we've got for now. The 2013 Buick Enclave crossover will debut on April 4th.

Buick has announced the changes to the 2013 Buick Regal, which was recently named the "Best Upscale Midsize Car for Families" by U.S. News and World Report.

The 2013 Buick Regal GS is will be available with a six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control. The automatic is a no-cost option if buyers do not want the standard six-speed manual. The Regal GS is powered by a 270-hp turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec engine. It will reach 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds with either transmission.

The non-turbo Regal models will now get eAssist standard for the 2013 model year, which signals the discontinuation of the 2.4L base model. The eAssist system uses a small lithium-ion battery pack and a small electric motor that adds 15 more horsepower to the 2.4L engine. The Regal with eAssist gets up to 36 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city.

Buick has unveiled the newest addition to its lineup, the 2013 Encore small crossover.

"Buick Encore is a great-looking, smart choice for those who want luxury crossover amenities in a more maneuverable and agile vehicle," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. "It represents a luxury alternative for a new audience of Buick customers, and delivers features and flexibility not typically found in vehicles of its size today."

The small Encore seats up to five and is powered by a turbocharged 1.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 1.4L puts out 140 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque. Buyers will be able to choose between front or all-wheel-drive.

At just over 168 inches long, the Encore is a small crossover. GM compares it to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, two small luxury crossovers that aren't currently sold in the U.S. In terms of styling the Encore adopts many of the same design themes as the other Buick models, like its waterfall grille, chrome accents and surrounds and portholes on the hood.

"The Encore brings Buick's timeless, sculptural design to the crossover segment in a way that blends elegance, efficiency and utility," said David Lyon, executive director of design. "There's confidence in its athletic stance and elemental beauty in its rich details."

To keep the interior of the Encore quiet, Buick applied its "QuietTuning" process including Buick's first application of active noise cancellation.

The 2013 Buick Encore will arrive in the first quarter of 2013.

The 2013 Buick Encore crossover is set to debut on January 10th at the Detroit Auto Show, but Buick has been giving Facebook fans a sneak peak.

The official photo is divided into four panels, with this photo now revealing two of them. GM hasn't released any new details about the Encore. In a previous statement, GM stated that the "Encore will offer contemporary styling, signature QuietTuning technology, and a host of features and amenities customers expect from Buicks today."

As we get closer and closer to the Detroit Auto Show, automakers are giving us more details about what we can expect at the show. GM has just released a teaser photo of its new 2013 Buick Encore five-passenger crossover that is going to be unveiled next month.

According to GM the "Encore will offer contemporary styling, signature QuietTuning technology, and a host of features and amenities customers expect from Buicks today."

A new Encore tab on www.facebook.com/buick will feature a covered photograph of the vehicle. Each week leading up to the reveal, Buick will uncover a section of the photo. The final image will be revealed the same morning Encore takes the stage at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

GM's designers have set out to capture the "essence of Buick luxury" with the Buick LaCrosse GL concept that is going to be on display at the LA Auto Show next week.

GM's designers took inspiration from the burnished metal of antique jewelry, ombré patina on vintage guitars and flocked lining of keepsake boxes to create the LaCrosse GL concept.

"The LaCrosse GL concept expresses Buick's distinctly human kind of luxury - one that is as warmly inviting as it is elegant and refined," said David Lyon, executive director of design. "The design cues that already distinguish the production LaCrosse - such as the premium leather-upholstered seats, ice blue ambient lighting and soft touch surfaces - are amplified in the GL and serve as inspiration for future Buick models."

"Every surface in the interior of the LaCrosse GL has been crafted with the knowledge that Buick customers enjoy the finer things in life, but don't need to flaunt it," Magdalena Kokoszynska, creative designer on LaCrosse GL said.

The 2012 Buick Verano has yet to reach showrooms, but thanks to a recent document from the Automotive News, we now know that GM is planning a hybrid version of the small sedan in 2015.

Automotive News has posted a document that shows the suppliers for the Buick Verano and it also shows future powertrains for the Verano. In 2015 the Verano is going to get a 2.5L hybrid powertrain, which will be used until 2020.

The document also reveals that the Verano will get a turbocharged 2.0L unit next year. The 2.0L engine could put out anywhere around 250 horsepower.

We all love a comfy seat either in front of the TV or in our cars. Automakers spend countless hours perfecting the seats in their models and in the case of GM, the automaker spent at least 1,000 hours developing the seats in the 2012 Buick Verano.

What did GM's engineers do exactly for 1,000 hours? According to GM, the engineers worked hard to prevent "hot spots" from happening on long drives and to design the headrests in such a way to prevent them from messing up your hair. Yup the Verano's seats will cuddle your bum and at the same time not mess up your ponytail.

"When we set out to design a comfortable interior for Verano our goal was for customers to feel like vacation begins as soon as they get in the car, and not when they reach their destination," said Brian Schell, Verano program engineering manager. "By making comfort our first priority, we were able to create seats that will make customers feel more at ease and connected to the car for a more-satisfying ride experience."

GM's sales for September have just been reported with a total 207,145 vehicles sold in the U.S. That's a 20 percent increase over the same period last year.

"For GM, all of the factors that say this is a good time to buy a new vehicle outweigh the bad news that appears to be slowing down the broader economic recovery," said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. "We're well positioned going forward because we have momentum and another wave of fuel-efficient passenger cars launching over the next several months at Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac."

Sales of GM's passenger car sales increased 12 percent, crossover sales increased 7 percent and truck sales, which include full-size pickups and SUVs, increased 34 percent.

GM has announced the introduction of the auto industry's first ever front center air bag that is designed to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

The new front center air bag will be standard on the 2013 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse crossovers. The front center air bag deploys from the right side of the driver's seat. It's designed to provide protection in passenger-side crashes when the driver is the only front occupant and also acts as an energy absorbing cushion between the driver and front passenger in both driver- and passenger-side crashes.

GM's analysis of NHTSA's reporting found that far-side impact crashes, accounted for 11 percent of the belted front occupant fatalities in non-rollover impacts between 2004 and 2009. Far-side fatalities also 29 percent of all the belted front occupant fatalities in side impacts.

"The front center air bag is not required by federal regulation, and no other air bag in passenger vehicles today offers the type of restraint and cushioning this air bag is designed to provide for front occupants," said Scott Thomas, senior staff engineer in GM's advanced restraint systems.

We've heard rumors before, but now there are new reports that Opel's recently unveiled Astra GTC could come to the U.S. and be badged as a Buick. Opel's Karl-Friedrich Stracke recently stated, "I could easily see it as a Buick."

The United Auto Workers (UAW) also recently negotiated a new contract with GM that could provide even more proof that the Astra GTC is headed to the U.S. According to union officials GM is set to build a new compact vehicle that will create more than 500 jobs.

GM unveiled the 2012 Opel Astra GTC in June. It rides 15 mm lower than the five-door Astra with wider front and rear tracks. It also gets a sportier suspension. In Europe it's offered with the choice of a diesel or three different gasoline engines. The top engine is the 180-hp 1.6L turbocharged engine. An even more powerful Astra OPC is expected to debut next year.

Buick has been a roll reviving its lineup with models like the new LaCrosse, Regal and upcoming Verona. There has been speculation ever since the new Regal debuted that GM would create additional variants of the sedan. We've even seen spy photos of a Buick-badged Opel Insignia Sports Tourer in the U.S. But even though there was speculation that GM would produce a wagon variant of the Regal, a spokesman has confirmed that the Regal wagon is not in Buick's product plans.

The spokesman recently spoke to Inside Line:

"Absolutely not," he said about Buick doing a wagon. "There is no Regal Wagon in our future plans."

GM has announced the pricing for the the 2012 Buick Verano, which goes on sale later this year. The 2012 Buick Verano starts at $23,470 and GM boasts that it features more passenger and cargo room than the Acura TSX and Lexus IS 250.

"Verano is a great new addition to Buick because it expands the brand's reach," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. "With Verano, we're inviting new customers into the Buick family, giving us the opportunity and privilege of building longtime Buick loyalty."

The compact Buick Verano is powered by a 2.4L four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft. of torque. The 2.4L is mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

The Verano is offered in three models with the top model starting at $26,850. Standard features include leatherette seating, high-resolution 7-inch diagonal LED backlit color-touch radio display with IntelliLink technology and 10 standard air bags. Automatic climate control, remote start, power windows and steering wheel radio controls are also standard.

GM is set to finally follow the trend of sharing a small number of platforms across several models. GM has officially announced plans to cut the number of platforms it currently has by more than half, from 30 down to 14 over the next seven years.

The ultimate goal is to have 90 percent of its global models built off shared platforms, which is up from 31 percent last year. The number of engine variants will also be reduced from 18 to 10 by 2018. The news was announced at GM's 2nd Annual Global Business Conference for investors and financial analysts.

"Today's GM has strong brands and fuel-efficient products that customers around the world truly value," said Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. "To reach a higher level of performance - for our customers and stockholders - we are accelerating our efforts to simplify and strengthen our processes to improve efficiencies and achieve our vision, which is to design, build and sell the world's best vehicles."

GM has announced the pricing for the performance-oriented 2012 Buick Regal GS. The 2012 Buick Regal GS starts at $35,310.

The Regal GS is powered by an Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. The 2.0L is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission although a six-speed automatic will be available later in the model year. Mated to the six-speed manual the Regal GS gets 27 mpg on the highway.

Some of the features that come standard on the Regal GS are a push-button start, leather-wrapped, flat-bottom sport steering wheel with audio controls, metal sport pedals, and leather-appointed, heated and 12-way adjustable sport seating. A Harman Kardon premium 336-watt, 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound system with nine speakers is also standard.

GM also announced the pricing for the mild-hybrid eAssist system that is available on the base Regal. It's a $2,000 option that delivers 36 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city. The eAssist system mates the 2.4L four-cylinder engine to a lithium-ion battery and electric motor. The mild-hybrid system is also available on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse.

GM is currently focusing its attention on releasing fuel efficient cars like the Chevy Cruze and upcoming 2013 Malibu. GM is going to continue to release key car models across its four brands, but in 2013 GM will shift its focus to launching new trucks.

In 2013 GM will launch its next-generation full-size pickups and SUVs as 2014 models. As with GM's latest cars, the new trucks will also focus on improved fuel economy. GM is expected to offer a new eight-speed transmission and turbocharged engines in its new trucks. GM is also going to add its eAssist hybrid technology to more models.

GM has officially announced that the 2012 Buick LaCrosse is getting a new more powerful V6, in the form of a 303-hp 3.6L V6. The 3.6L V6 puts out 23 more horsepower than the last V6 without any penalties at the pump. The 3.6L V6 gets 17 mpp city and 27 mpg highway.

"The changes we've made to the 3.6L V-6 represent greater refinements to an already well-balanced package," said Tom Sutter, global V-6 chief engineer. "We are using the latest designs, lighter-weight components and enhancements to improve the engine's performance, efficiency and durability."

The 3.6L V6 is lighter and more powerful than the old V6 thanks to a new cylinder head design, which has a revised intake port design that enhances airflow to the combustion chambers. Larger-diameter intake valves in the heads and new, longer-duration intake camshafts help provide the engine's boost in horsepower.

The V6 is available as a no cost alternative to the standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine with eAssist.

GM has announced the official specs for the 2012 Buick Regal GS that is set to go on sale this fall.

The 2012 Buick Regal GS will be the most powerful model available and is powered by an Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 2.0L puts out 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Regal GS comes with a standard six-speed manual and reaches 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds, while getting 28 mpg on the highway.

"The Regal GS 2.0L turbo delivers the highest specific output of any production engine GM has ever offered, and at 135 hp per liter is the most power dense engine ever certified by SAE," said Mike Anderson, Ecotec global chief engineer and program manager. "We've been combining direct injection and variable valve timing with boosted engines since 2006, and there's no question the Regal GS turbo has the responsiveness and acceleration of some V-6s, while delivering the fuel economy you'd expect of a four-cylinder."

Buick has announced the pricing for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist. The 2012 LaCrosse eAssist starts at $29,960 before the destination charges.

The eAssist system is now the standard powertrain on the LaCrosse, which gets better gas mileage than the Lexus HS Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The LaCrosse with eAssist is powered by a mild hybrid system which pairs a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission with a 15-hp electric motor. The Buick LaCrosse with eAssist gets an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

If you aren't too keen on the eAssist system, Buick also offers a 303-hp 3.6L V6 that is available at no extra cost.

Opel has taken the wraps off the Astra GTC three-door sports compact ahead of its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, this September.

The Astra GTC is inspired by the Opel GTC Paris Concept that was unveiled last fall. The Astra GTC is unique in the fact that it doesn't share any exterior elements with the other members of the Astra family, with the exception of the mirrors and antenna.

"We wanted the Astra GTC to be the ultimate expression of Opel's design language 'sculptural artistry meets German precision' and to embody our passion for the automobile," says Mark Adams, Vice President, Opel/Vauxhall Design. "However, we did not want emotion to overshadow functionality: the Astra GTC is a clever and affordable dream car."

Buick is experiencing a revival in the U.S., thanks in large part to the new models its borrowed from Europe's Opel. Now it looks like Buick is going to return the favor by sending two of its upcoming models to Europe, to be sold under the Opel brand.

It's being reported that GM is going to better align the Buick and Opel brands in the future. The next-generation Enclave crossover is due in 2015 and will be the first Buick to be badged as an Opel. The 2015 Enclave is also expected to get new four-cylinder engines, which will make it more appealing to European buyers.

The year after the Enclave gets rebadged as an Opel, the next-generation Buick LaCrosse will also be offered as an Opel in Europe. The next-generation Buick LaCrosse is expected to be smaller and lighter than the current model.

Buick is still going to get more Opel models like the Opel Astra GTC and hopefully a version of the upcoming Insignia based coupe.

A new document has leaked that confirms that GM is working on a new coupe based on the Opel Insignia sedan.

The new coupe will be based on the Insignia's Epsilon II platform. It will be powered by a 2.8L turbocharged V6. In Europe the new Opel will be badged as the Calibra and a range topping VXR version is expected to have around 325 horsepower. It's expected to reach 0-62 mph in less than six seconds and have a top speed of 155 mph. The lesser powered models are expected to still have turbochargers under the hood. Production is expected to start in October 2012 with sales starting in 2013.

Why should we be concerned with this model? The Opel Insignia is also sold in the U.S. as the Buick Regal, so the coupe version of the Insignia could also come here. Anything is possible since Buick is reportedly getting a version of the Opel Astra GTC.

Opel gave us our first official look at the 2012 Astra GTC late last month, which is set to be unveiled this June and in Frankfurt later this year. The new Astra is much sleeker and sportier than the last model, which if you recall was sold here as the Saturn Astra. That model obviously failed and went down with the rest of the Saturn brand. It looks like GM is set to bring the Astra back to the US, but this time it will be badged as a Buick.

Lexus and Audi both have small luxury hatchbacks in the US and Mercedes will be bringing the A-Class hatch here soon as well, so it makes sense that Buick try to capture a piece of that market as well. The Astra is already coming here in the form of the Verano sedan, but we're expected to get the much hotter GTC version as well. The GTC is being offered in Europe with a range of four-cylinder engines that have up to 300 horsepower. In the US, it is likely that the GTC will get the same engines as the Verona, a 177-hp 2.4L and a turbocharged 2.0L with 220-hp.

The GTC is pretty much confirmed for the US, but a convertible could also make its way over that will be based on the same Delta platform as the Astra and Verano. Although it will be based on the same mechanicals as the Verano, Astra and Cruze, it's expected to get its own distinct styling. The new convertible is expected to launch as an Opel in late 2012, but it remains to be seen if it will come here as a Buick.