Advertisement

Spy shots: Cruze-based Buick compact sedan hits the ‘Ring

 
10 10,248 views Jun 24, 2009
Follow Viknesh

2012 buick delta ii compact sedan 005

Ed Whitacre, Chairman of the GM board, thinks getting new cars to market will help save market share

Ed Whitacre, Chairman of the GM board, thinks getting new cars to market will help save market share

Enlarge Photo
General Motors is still more than a year away from launching the Chevrolet Cruze sedan in North America but instead of speeding up its arrival the automaker is working on a new Buick sedan based on the Cruze platform. Fears of GM’s cash problems haven’t managed to deter work on the upcoming Buick compact sedan, which like the Cruze will likely be offered as a global model.

Built around GM’s FWD Delta II platform, the Buick compact sedan also shares much in common with the 2010 Opel Astra, which means there’s a chance it could be produced at Russelsheim plant in Germany. The new spy shot of interior confirms that both cars share a similar cabin design.

U.S. versions are likely to be built at GM’s Lordstown plant in Ohio alongside the Cruze. The new model will almost certainly be offered in China as well, considering that is Buick’s biggest market. Engine options should mirror that of the Cruze, which means a range of compact four-cylinder units in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged forms, with both petrol and diesel options.


The other benefit of the Delta II platform is the possibility of a plug-in hybrid version using Volt technology, although GM is more likely to use other brands such as Cadillac to expand its plug-in hybrid range.

Don’t hold your breath for the new sedan as it isn’t expected to be launched until sometime in 2012, possibly as a 2013 model.

2012 Cruze-based Buick sedan spy shots

HI-RES GALLERY: 2012 buick delta ii compact sedan 005




Tags:
Posted in:
 
 

Have an opinion?

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (10)

  1. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 3/11/2009 3:36pm PDT

    Guess this makes sense with the LaCarosse going up in size and price on the Epsilon 2 platform, just hope it is not too similar to the Cruze
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. ma_adamk avatar adamk Posted: 3/11/2009 7:11pm PDT

    Yes, GM's track record in this regard is filled with missteps, such as the early '80s Chevy Cavalier-based Cadillac Cimarron.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. ma_Chris avatar Chris Posted: 3/12/2009 5:34am PDT

    Damn you adam.. You stole my thunder!!!
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  4. ma_adamk avatar adamk Posted: 3/12/2009 7:23am PDT

    Sorry Chris, the memories are just too strong to suppress.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  5. ma_G-Man avatar G-Man Posted: 6/22/2009 7:46am PDT

    Shades of Skyhawk all over again at GM. Makes you wonder if it will be called the Skyhawk again since they are bringing the Regal name back for 2011 what they need to do is bring the Park Ave name back and the Rivera and make the Rivera a retractable hardtop coupe convetable.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  6. ma_khaosmatrix avatar khaosmatrix Posted: 6/22/2009 7:10pm PDT

    GM would be making the same mistake that killed Pontiac, by making this a Buick. Buick should not go below mid size with the Regal/Insignia. Leave the Astra for the Saturn..oops Chevy line up. However the problem is if Chevy gets the Cruz in the states this car would not make sense since it has the same mechanics and size. Buick would have to be a premium version and that may price the Astra out of the market.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  7. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 6/22/2009 7:12pm PDT

    Since Ford has an Iacocca car call this the Obamamobile
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  8. ma_gazzed avatar gazzed Posted: 6/23/2009 4:07pm PDT

    Since Pontiac is out of the question, Buick could rename this as next Sunbird.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  9. ma_JGoldb avatar JGoldb Posted: 6/24/2009 5:24pm PDT

    Put the '10 Astra 1.6 turbo - 180 hp engine in it, please. it would be a perfect entry level engine for a delta II Buick, if Buick is still retaining SOME of its germanic tuning.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  10. chinese herbs Posted: 12/22/2009 10:53pm PST

    Buick and a compact sedan?
    hm...that should sound interesting to see how GM can pull that off. It'll be interesting to see what type of compact Buick GM can churn out.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Research New Cars

Go!

Related Used Listings

Browse used listings in your area.
Listings Powered by


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2013 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.