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  • 2010 Buick LaCrosse Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

    2010 Buick LaCrosse Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick September 24th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 24th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    2010 Buick LaCrosse Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

    Ever since our first drive of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, we've been impressed with the car's quality and value, and today's award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) of a Top Safety Pick to the car therefore comes as no surprise. Buick has built a very solid mid-luxury sedan this time around, and the tests are beginning to show it.

    To get a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, a car must score top marks of "good" in front, side and rear impact tests and feature standard electronic stability control. The 2010 LaCrosse aced the list, beating the 2009 Lexus ES 350 which rated "good" in frontal and side impact tests, but only...

    Ever since our first drive of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, we've been impressed with the car's quality and value, and today's award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) of a Top Safety Pick to the car therefore comes as no surprise. Buick has built a very solid mid-luxury sedan this time around, and the tests are beginning to show it. To get a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, a car must score top marks of "good" in front, side and rear impact tests and feature standard electronic stability control. The 2010 LaCrosse aced the list, beating the 2009 Lexus ES 350 which rated "good" in frontal and side impact tests, but only "marginal" in rear-impact testing. The 2010 Lexus ES 350 hasn't been rated yet. The 2009 Infiniti G37 rated exactly the same as the Lexus. Volvo's S60 earned "good" ratings in front and rear impact, but only scored "acceptable" in side impact. The 2010 Lincoln MKZ, on the other hand, has also earned a Top Safety Pick, putting it and the 2010 LaCrosse in the company of the Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Saab 9-3 and Acura TSX and TL in the IIHS's mid-size luxury/near luxury category. For more on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, check our out full specs and review page. Read More

  • Docherty: GM starting new smaller inventory plan with 2010 Buick LaCrosse

    Docherty: GM starting new smaller inventory plan with 2010 Buick LaCrosse July 20th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 20th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Docherty: GM starting new smaller inventory plan with 2010 Buick LaCrosse Buick is getting some fresh new thinking from General Motors, and not all of it is in the product lineup. Instead of carrying a large inventory of vehicles on dealer lots, Buick will limit its output of the new 2010 LaCrosse, running with a 75 to 90-day supply, says BUick vice president Susan Docherty.

    Smaller, nimbler carmakers like Acura often carry small - by industry standards - inventories of the vehicles they sell to limit overproduction, and therefore the amount of vehicles they're forced to discount heavily.

    Even Buick's 75-90 day goal is a bit on the large side, however, as Acura and parent company Honda consider a 60-day supply... Buick is getting some fresh new thinking from General Motors, and not all of it is in the product lineup. Instead of carrying a large inventory of vehicles on dealer lots, Buick will limit its output of the new 2010 LaCrosse, running with a 75 to 90-day supply, says BUick vice president Susan Docherty. Smaller, nimbler carmakers like Acura often carry small - by industry standards - inventories of the vehicles they sell to limit overproduction, and therefore the amount of vehicles they're forced to discount heavily. Even Buick's 75-90 day goal is a bit on the large side, however, as Acura and parent company Honda consider a 60-day supply the ideal situation, reports Bloomberg. Keeping stock short might seem counter-intuitive when the goal is to boost sales, but it's really profitability - not sheer volume - that counts. And when a carmaker doesn't have to liquidate huge amounts of cars at prices that eat into or eliminate profit, or even sell at a loss, that means more money goes to the bottom line even if fewer total cars are sold. In today's market, which is still falling short of a SAAR of 10 million units, finding ways to improve profitability with lower volumes isn't just a good idea - it's key to survival. The Buick plan is part of GM's larger strategy to reduce its vehicle inventory from the 904,000 cars it had at the end of last year to about 550,000 by the end of 2009. For more on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, check out our first drive review.First drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse Read More

  • Opel Insignia-based Buick Regal coming in late 2010

    Opel Insignia-based Buick Regal coming in late 2010 July 20th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 20th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 7 Comments

    Opel Insignia-based Buick Regal coming in late 2010 General Motors may be in the process of offloading its Saturn brand but a replacement for one of its more popular models, the Aura midsize sedan, will eventually arrive in North America – only it will be wearing a Buick badge. The stylish Opel Insignia sedan was destined to serve as the replacement for the Saturn Aura but with the brand’s sale, GM executives have decided to sell it as a Buick Regal sometime in late 2010 or early 2011.

    The Insignia is already sold in China as a Buick Regal and now it has been tentatively confirmed for the North American market. The information comes from GM vehicle performance integration manager... General Motors may be in the process of offloading its Saturn brand but a replacement for one of its more popular models, the Aura midsize sedan, will eventually arrive in North America – only it will be wearing a Buick badge. The stylish Opel Insignia sedan was destined to serve as the replacement for the Saturn Aura but with the brand’s sale, GM executives have decided to sell it as a Buick Regal sometime in late 2010 or early 2011. The Insignia is already sold in China as a Buick Regal and now it has been tentatively confirmed for the North American market. The information comes from GM vehicle performance integration manager Roger Knoebel, who revealed to Automotive News that the Regal would be positioned below the new 2010 LaCrosse and to reflect this positioning will be priced several thousand dollars less. The LaCrosse is priced from $27,835. Both the Regal and LaCrosse, however, share the same Epsilon II FWD platform and basic body structure. To separate the two, the Regal will miss out on the LaCrosse’s sound deadening features such as acoustic laminated glass, premium absorption material under the car and a perimeter seal for the hood. Furthermore, the Regal’s wheelbase will also be four inches shorter than the LaCrosse at 107.7 inches, while its overall length will be 6.9 inches shorter. The Regal is part of Buick's plan to add several models over the next 24 months and attract buyers who also consider Lexus and Acura, Knoebel explained. Another important feature of the Regal is that its Insignia cousin is available in multiple bodystyles including the standard sedan, a five-door hatchback and a long-wheelbase wagon, and any of these may also be offered for sale in North America.2009 Opel Insignia Sedan Read More

  • Future Buicks: small cars, front-drivers, and four-cylinders ahead

    Future Buicks: small cars, front-drivers, and four-cylinders ahead July 7th, 2009 By Marty Padgett Marty Padgett, Executive Editor, July 7th, 2009 Marty Padgett 15 Comments

    Future Buicks: small cars, front-drivers, and four-cylinders ahead With GM sailing off into the future minus a handful of brands--Saturn, HUMMER, Saab and Pontiac among them--Buick counts itself as one of the lucky nameplates in the new GM.

    What's next? A compact Buick lineup of four or five vehicles, with more compact dimensions and smaller engines than fans of the classic Buick V-8s might expect, according to Motor Trend.

    Buick's future centers around a trio of core products already in its showroom, and one or two more to come. Today's lineup counts the 2010 Buick LaCrosse as its mainstream sedan; the Enclave as its big crossover; and the Lucerne as its traditional full-size sedan.

    In two years, the... With GM sailing off into the future minus a handful of brands--Saturn, HUMMER, Saab and Pontiac among them--Buick counts itself as one of the lucky nameplates in the new GM. What's next? A compact Buick lineup of four or five vehicles, with more compact dimensions and smaller engines than fans of the classic Buick V-8s might expect, according to Motor Trend. Buick's future centers around a trio of core products already in its showroom, and one or two more to come. Today's lineup counts the 2010 Buick LaCrosse as its mainstream sedan; the Enclave as its big crossover; and the Lucerne as its traditional full-size sedan. In two years, the lineup will be slightly bigger, with a few additions. Motor Trend speculates that a few new vehicles are headed to the lineup: 2012 Buick Lucerne: a replacement for this full-size front-drive sedan is on the way. The most likely scenario is for a new four-door with all-wheel drive, built off a common platform with a new Cadillac sedan and a new Chevrolet Impala. There will be no 2011 Lucerne. The new car will be developed as an extension of the current "Epsilon" platform that underpins the new LaCrosse. An assembly-plant home in Ontario is likely, too. 2013 Buick Enclave: a revamped version of this new vehicle has been spotted on CBS News of all places, in clay prototype form. The new version will carry on largely in its current format, but with even more expressive styling. Buick LaCrosse: Newly introduced, the front-drive competitor for the Toyota Avalon and Ford Taurus will carry the brand through its transition into the new GM. A four-cylinder edition is planned, which puts this new four-door closer than ever to the Chevrolet Malibu, which shares its running gear and assembly plant. 2012 Buick Regal: Motor Trend suggests two more sedans could become Buicks. The first would be a version of the Opel Insignia, which may be a part of the GM empire for only a short time as the company sells its majority interest to Canadian supplier Magna. Buick could receive a rebadged Insignia to slot beneath the LaCrosse. 2012 Buick Century sedan and MPV: Far more likely, Motor Authority predicts, is the addition of a compact Buick based on the new Chevrolet Cruze/Volt architecture. A four-cylinder sedan with more room than the Civic or Corolla, the new Buick could be dubbed Century and could later receive a version of GM's Voltec hybrid drivetrain that's being developed for the 2011 Chevy Volt. The MPV version would share running gear with the Chevrolet Orlando that's been confirmed for production in Detroit and for U.S. sale in 2011. [Motor Trend]2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan Read More

  • Report: Buick LaCrosse hybrid in the works

    Report: Buick LaCrosse hybrid in the works July 5th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, July 5th, 2009 James Martinez 4 Comments

    Report: Buick LaCrosse hybrid in the works The new 2010 Buick Lacrosse has made waves with its attractive design and overall build quality since its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Soon after that General Motors increased the appeal of the car by announcing that it will be available with not only a 3.0L and 3.6L V6, but also a new Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder.

    According to a new report, a hybrid model is also expected in the near future.

    Speaking with Ward’s Auto, GM's global vehicle line executive James Frederico appeared to confirm the hybrid LaCrosse but did not disclose exact timing. "We are always working on future applications for our ... The new 2010 Buick Lacrosse has made waves with its attractive design and overall build quality since its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Soon after that General Motors increased the appeal of the car by announcing that it will be available with not only a 3.0L and 3.6L V6, but also a new Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder. According to a new report, a hybrid model is also expected in the near future. Speaking with Ward’s Auto, GM's global vehicle line executive James Frederico appeared to confirm the hybrid LaCrosse but did not disclose exact timing. "We are always working on future applications for our hybrids," he said. "The exact introduction plans (will) be announced later by Buick marketing." This revelation of a future hybrid LaCrosse comes just weeks after GM canceled its mild Malibu hybrid starting in the next model year. It’s also likely that with the new LaCrosse hybrid will be the introduction of GM's next generation BAS+ mild hybrid system. The Malibu and LaCrosse share similar chassis components and are built at the same facility. According to GM, the Malibu hybrid was canceled due to weak sales, and how this will translate into sales for a new LaCrosse hybrid remains to be seen. GM has publicly stated it plans to have 14 hybrid models by 2012, with this apparently being one of them. According to Frederico, "There is a future for alternative propulsion in our midsize vehicles, we're just not at the point to share any details.” Via: All Car Electrics2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan Read More

  • 2010 Buick LaCrosse to offer new direct-injection four-cylinder

    2010 Buick LaCrosse to offer new direct-injection four-cylinder June 22nd, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, June 22nd, 2009 Ralph Hanson 3 Comments

    2010 Buick LaCrosse to offer new direct-injection four-cylinder The new 2010 Buick Lacrosse has made waves with its attractive design and overall build quality since its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Today General Motors went into more detail on the car with a web-based launch presentation, revealing that the powertrain lineup will include not only the 3.0L and 3.6L V6s previously announced, but also a new Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder.

    That means that all three engines available in the LaCrosse lineup will feature direct injection technology. “Direct injection is a key component of GM’s ongoing strategy to use advanced propulsion technology to help us deliver... The new 2010 Buick Lacrosse has made waves with its attractive design and overall build quality since its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Today General Motors went into more detail on the car with a web-based launch presentation, revealing that the powertrain lineup will include not only the 3.0L and 3.6L V6s previously announced, but also a new Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder. That means that all three engines available in the LaCrosse lineup will feature direct injection technology. “Direct injection is a key component of GM’s ongoing strategy to use advanced propulsion technology to help us deliver more fuel-efficient cars today and in the future,” said Tom Stephens, vice chairman, Global Product Development. “GM is using multiple technology pathways to achieve increased efficiency and to diversify energy sources – and we’re applying them where they make the most sense for customers when it comes to efficiency, performance and cost.” But the real news in terms of powertrain is the availability of the 2.4L Ecotec four-banger. Initially the engine will only be available on the CX-level trim, but it could go further if demand warrants it. The engine itself, while not all-new, is another evolution of the Ecotec engine line that delivers 182hp (136kW) and 172lb-ft (233Nm) of torque while managing an estimated 20mpg city and 30mpg highway in the LaCrosse sedan. Those aren't particularly impressive numbers until you remember that the LaCrosse is a fairly large vehicle. Buick thinks about 25% of buyers will opt for the four-pot. Since Buick is aiming the LaCrosse directly at competitors like the Acura TL and Lincoln MKZ, which don't offer a four-cylinder option to fuel-conscious buyers, the GM brand thinks it has an advantage even before the street-level comparisons begin. The 3.0L and 3.6L V6 engines, both part of GM's High Feature V6 range, will also be available, with the larger engine standard equipment on the higher-spec CXS trim. For more about these engines, or the various trims and equipment available, read our original release story here. In the future, a hybrid variant is also likely. Speaking at the online web launch of the LaCrosse today, GM's global mid-size line executive Jim Federico said, "There is a future for alt. propulsion in our midsize vehicles, we are just not at the point to share the details." Buick is counting on the new look of the LaCrosse to draw in new buyers, bring down the average age of its customer base, and help to continue the 'renaissance' started with the new Enclave SUV.2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan Read More

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