Buick to revive Skylark nameplate in China

The Skylark had its days in the 80's and 90's. The impression that remained of the Skylark was certainly not positive. However, GM did not market the Skylark outside of the US. So the nameplate will be revived in China for the successor of their Excelle compact sedan, based on the Daewoo Lacetti. The Skylark will sit on GM's new Delta II platform, which will underpin the next Cobalt, G6 and Saturn Astra.

The Skylark will be engineered and built in GM's Chinese facilities and it may be one of the first vehicles from GM China destined for the US. While we have little or no idea on how it will shape up, we can predict that it will be widely received in the US. The Park Avenue, based on the Holden WM Statesman, had a distinct interior designed in China and we still hear pleads from GM enthusiasts to bring it over to the US. While GM already had three compact cars in the pipeline, it wouldn't hurt for a fourth one. But the real question is: Are Americans ready for a compact Buick? We'll wait and see how GM plays the deck with this one.

[Source: Autoblog]

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Buick Rendezvous and Pontiac Aztek under investigation by NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating nearly 280,000 Buick Rendezvous and Pontiac Aztek SUVs from the 2001 – 2004 model years for a possible leak in the vehicles’ fuel tanks. There have been 213 complaints filed with the agency.

[Source: Kicking Tires via Detroit News]

Continued- Article

The problem stems from improper welding that could allow fuel or an odor to leak from the fuel tanks’ inlet filler pipe. NHTSA says vehicles manufactured after December 2003 are not affected by the problem. This is the second stage of the investigation by NHTSA, and there has not been a recall at this time.

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Video: Buick Riviera Concept

Buick (ironically) resurrected the Riviera nameplate at the Shanghai Auto Show with an impressive “gullwing-door” coupe, developed by GM & Shanghai’s joint Pan Asian Technical Center in China. In this video we included includes static and driving clips along with shots from the presentation and a few words from GM’s Vice President of Global Design, Ed Welburn.

[Source: CARSCOOP]

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2008 Buick Lucerne to come with new safety tech

You don't need no stinkin' Volvo to experience BLIS(s) -- for 2008, the Buick Lucerne is fitted with lane departure and blind-spot warning systems. The Lucerne offers classic GM big-sedan ethos, with lots of content, wide, cushy seats and restrained, handsome styling. Now, when you're motorvating down the interstate, listening to your Buick 8, an amber lamp will illuminate in the gauge cluster, and a chime will toll three times to indicate you're about to encroach on someone else's road space. If one of the ever present morons on the road decides to hang out in your blind spot, the Lucerne uses proximity sensors behind the rear fascia to detect the car and warn you with an indicator in the side mirror.

[Source: Autoblog via Edmunds]

Continued- Article

Buick's safety gear will also be offered on Cadillac's STS and DTS, making GM Luxury that much safer. Now if they could just develop a "blinker on for the last 60 miles" warning system, or a "stay the hell out of the fast lane if you're doing 53 1/2 MPH" light in the cluster, we'd be good. Okay, okay, we'll admit, the stereotyping is stale. Maybe we're just mellowing with time, but we appreciate the merits of a Lucerne.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/20/buick-lucerne-comes-equipped-with-new-safety-tech/

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Buick Riviera Concept Coupe revealed in Shanghai

Buick unveiled its new Riviera concept today at the Shanghai Auto Show, a futuristic looking vehicle designed with input from both General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). The concept was penned by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in China and is said to showcase Buick’s new global design direction for its future mid-size luxury cars.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continued- Hi-res image gallery, article



Some of its key features include the tightly stretched carbon fiber body panels, gullwing doors and Buick’s trademark waterfall grille. Other highlights include the elongated LED headlamps and chrome portholes on the fenders plus the 21in 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels.

Powering the Riviera concept is a new hybrid system that will go into production at Shanghai GM, the new joint venture between the American and Chinese carmakers. Inside, occupants are treated to a Royal blue Alcantara cabin with white leather used for the doors, console and seats. Some Chinese influences include the yuanbao, a small curvaceous gold or silver ingot used in ancient China as currency and popular today as a symbol of ancient Chinese prosperity.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/concept-cars/china-designed-buick-riviera-concept/#more-2250

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Buick Enclave comes to market with $1000 rebate

At first we thought it had to be a mistake. General Motors is already paying customers to take the 2008 Buick Enclave off their hands? It's not even on dealer lots yet, but Automotive News reports Buick is offering $1,000 "Conquest Bonus Cash" and 4.9% financing available on the $32k+ CUV.

[Source: Autoblog via Automotive News]

Continued- Article

Though the "Conquest Cash" is intended to draw non-GM-driving customers away from the competition, no matter the name, rebates on brand new vehicles are obvious admissions of overpricing that only enforce car shoppers' addiction to cash-back offers. If the Enclave performs as well and is as reliable as it is gorgeous, it shouldn't need any incentives.

On the other hand, a drop-dead body and cash back could be irresistable to all but the most diehard import buyer.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/buick-enclave-comes-to-market-bearing-1-000-rebate/

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New York: 2008 Buick LaCrosse CXS

Today was the legitimate end to the embargo on information about Buick's new 2008 LaCrosse. The LaCrosse has received a new nose inspired by the well received Velite convertible concept from the 2004 New York Auto Show. Along with the grille, the hood and fascia are all new, as well, though one can hardly see the difference to those components at first glance. The interior remains largely the same in design, though more items have been made standard like XM satellite radio, a telescoping steering wheel, redundant controls on the steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. The base CX even gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and driver information center.

[Source: Autoblog]

Continued- Article, more hi-res images, official press release

The LaCrosse powerplant lineup remains the same, with the base CX and midrange CXL making do with the old 3.8L V6 producing 200 horsepower. The more expensive CXS also keeps the nice 3.6L VVT V6 producing 240 horsepower. Oh, and then there's that LaCrosse Super with the 300-horsepower 5.3L V8.

While pricing has not yet been released for the 2008 model, we do know it will arrive in showrooms this summer.



PRESS RELEASE:

BUICK LACROSSE SEDAN GETS NEW FACE OF BUICK AND MORE STANDARD EQUIPMENT

NEW YORK – Buick will freshen its 2008 LaCrosse line with the new face of Buick – a front-end design inspired by the Velite convertible concept – and an elevated list of standard equipment across all LaCrosse models.

Like the recently introduced Buick Enclave luxury crossover and Super models, the 2008 LaCrosse features a more distinctive front end. The new design brings the 2008 LaCrosse sedan in line with a common Buick family appearance. The fascia, hood and chrome waterfall grille are new. The 2008 model will also offer four new exterior colors, including Scarlett Red, Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Dark Slate Metallic.

Inside, the '08 LaCrosse continues to offer a well-equipped, comfortable and quiet interior. More comfort and convenience features are now standard for CX, CXL and CXS models for 2008. The LaCrosse CX, for example, is a richer entry-level car, adding a leather-wrapped steering wheel, theft deterrent system, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization and more. All trim levels now have a chrome exterior appearance package, factory remote start feature, XM Satellite Radio, telescoping steering wheel column, redundant steering wheel controls and dual-zone climate control as added standard equipment.

"LaCrosse really started the evolution to the new Buick you see today," said Buick General Manager Steve Shannon. "It introduced a new direction for Buick cars, with great design, performance and fuel economy with a premium and quiet interior. Indeed, LaCrosse set the foundation for the new Buick."

The LaCrosse line now offers three powertrains. The CX and CXL trims are powered by the 3.8L V-6, now in Series III form. With more than 25 million sold, it is one of the most proven and reliable engines in the industry. Rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW), the 3.8L features electronic throttle control to improve engine response and optimize fuel efficiency, along with upgrades for quiet operation.

The performance-oriented LaCrosse CXS has a standard 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing that delivers 240 horsepower (179 kW). The premium, all-aluminum engine features dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Its fully variable intake and exhaust valve timing achieves outstanding flexibility, delivering 90 percent of the engine's peak torque where it is most useful, between 1,500 rpm and 6,000 rpm. The 3.6L VVT delivers a market-leading balance of good specific output, high torque over a broad rpm band, fuel economy and first-rate noise vibration and harshness control.

The recently announced 2008 LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine and portholes to the LaCrosse lineup. With the fuel efficiency of a V-6, the new 300-horsepower (224 kW)* 5.3L small-block V-8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology can propel LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. GM's AFM engine technology seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

The LaCrosse line is built at GM's Oshawa 2 Assembly, ranked North/South America 's top manufacturing facility the past two years, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

The 2008 LaCrosse will arrive in dealer showrooms this summer. Pricing has not been announced.

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New York: 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super

Yes, yes, this is the only LaCrosse we enthusiasts care about, otherwise there wouldn't be much cause to mention this car's name in daily conversation. Buick has revived the "Super" moniker after a fifty-year absence on the 2008 LaCrosse (and Lucerne, which we'll get to next) to demarcate its most premium and powerful models. As such, the LaCrosse gets a major power boost from the addition of GM's 5.3L small-block V8 that produces 300 horsepower and 323 ft-lbs. of torque. As we'll tell you a little later, that's more power than the Lucerne Super's Northstar V8 can manage, making the LaCrosse Super somewhat of an entry-level luxury rocket with a 0 to 60 time of just 5.7 seconds.

[Source: Autoblog]

Continued- Article, hi-res image gallery, official press release

We also get portholes on the LaCrosse Super, which is a given at this point – four on each flank signifying the eight cylinders pumping on the other side of the sheetmetal. The suspension has been upgraded with Bilsteing monotube struts, the steering made more precise and the brakes given larger rotors. The LaCrosse Super also benefits from the biggest wheel/tire combo you can get on this vehicle – 18-inch aluminum rims (chrome is also available because, hey, this is Buick).

Again, pricing was not made available, but we'd have to guess the LaCrosse Super will be a tad more expensive than the Chevy Impala SS that also sports the 5.3L V8 and starts at $28,655. If Buick decides to keep the LaCrosse Super under $30k, it will stand with the Impala SS as a incredible performance value. Of course, torque steer comes at no extra charge.



PRESS RELEASE:

BUICK RETURNS 'SUPER' NAME TO DESIGNATE PREMIUM MODELS
Exclusive Buick Models Elevate Design, Power and Performance

NEW YORK –Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick's most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.

"We're bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models," said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. "Our Supers are not just about increased horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge."

The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW)* 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM's Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super's chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick's renowned quietness inside.

The Lucerne Super adds a more powerful version of the legendary 4.6L Northstar V-8. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)*, an increase of more than 6 percent over existing models. The Super has an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne 's Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling.

Buick Super: elevated design, power and performance

Design elements on the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super denote the new face of Buick. Design cues echo those seen on the popular Velite convertible concept vehicle – and recently introduced on the Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV – including a new waterfall grille and portholes. The LaCrosse Super is the first and only LaCrosse model offered with Buick's iconic portholes; there are four per side to highlight the V-8 engine.

In addition to distinctive design, the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super deliver leading-edge performance and refinement. The 5.3L and 4.6L V-8 engines are renowned for balancing performance and fuel economy. They are complemented by specially tuned suspension systems.

Like all Buick models, LaCrosse and Lucerne Supers are built with an exclusive engineering process called QuietTuning to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the interior. Laminated side window glass, sound-deadening material in the body structure, hydraulic mounts in the engine compartment and more reduce interior noise. Even exhaust nodes have been tuned for overall sound quality. These features contribute to a quiet, refined driving experience.

While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic, including:

-Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
-Powertrain enhancements
-Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems for responsive and confident handling
-Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick's exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort.

LaCrosse Super

The LaCrosse Super is distinguished from its sibling models with a new exterior appearance that is highlighted by a new waterfall grille, new hood and a new front fascia that incorporates a lower grille opening with chrome trim and chrome fog lamp bezels.

New portholes, rocker moldings, rear fascia with integrated park assist sensors, 3.5-inch-diameter dual chrome exhaust tips, rear decklid spoiler and a Super badge also make the LaCrosse Super instantly identifiable from any angle. LaCrosse Super is offered in four exterior colors: Black Onyx, Platinum Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Red Jewel tint coat.

Inside, the LaCrosse Super exudes comfort and style, including front seats with increased seatback bolstering. All of the seats feature new, woven-embossed leather inserts. A unique wood grain appearance accents the instrument panel, center console, doors and gear shift knob. There are also exclusive instrument cluster graphics – including Super identification – new front sill plates, a silver finish on the instrument panel center stack and Super-specific floor mats.

The LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine that has the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 323-lb.ft (438 Nm)* of torque, Buick's new V-8 can propel the LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 5.3L small-block V-8 uses GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM), an engine technology that seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

To support the performance capabilities enabled by the V-8 engine, the LaCrosse Super features a specially tuned suspension system for steering precision, improved ride control and feel, and increased braking performance. Bilstein monotube struts, larger front and rear rotors, high-precision steering gear, StabiliTrak, and recalibrated chassis controls help the LaCrosse Super deliver confident handling and road manners, while also maintaining overall ride comfort.

The Super version comes standard with the largest wheels and tires available on the LaCrosse – 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P235/50R18 all-season tires. Chrome-finish wheels are available.

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New York: 2008 Buick Lucerne Super

It's interesting to us that the "Super" version of the new 2008 Lucerne features an upgraded version of the CXS model's 4.6L Northstar V8 producing 292 horsepower (compared to 275 hp in the CXS), when the smaller and presumably less expensive LaCrosse Super gets the honkin' 5.3L small-block V8 producing 300 horsepower. Why the discrepency?

Regardless, the 2008 Lucerne Super features revised front and rear fascias with the most jarring change being the addition of a chrome grille that comes to a point pretty far down the Lucerne's face. It looks like a beak to us, which takes away from the Lucerne's otherwise classy styling. The Super model gets integrated dual exhausts out back, new rocker panels, portholes (w00t!), and new exclusive aluminum wheels. Other than that, the Super model is a gussied up CXS with a few more ponies.

[Source: Autoblog]

Continued- Hi-res image gallery, official press release



PRESS RELEASE:

BUICK RETURNS 'SUPER' NAME TO DESIGNATE PREMIUM MODELS
Exclusive Buick Models Elevate Design, Power and Performance

NEW YORK –Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick's most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.

"We're bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models," said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. "Our Supers are not just about increased horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge."

The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW)* 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM's Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super's chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick's renowned quietness inside.

The Lucerne Super adds a more powerful version of the legendary 4.6L Northstar V-8. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)*, an increase of more than 6 percent over existing models. The Super has an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne 's Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling.

Buick Super: elevated design, power and performance

Design elements on the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super denote the new face of Buick. Design cues echo those seen on the popular Velite convertible concept vehicle – and recently introduced on the Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV – including a new waterfall grille and portholes. The LaCrosse Super is the first and only LaCrosse model offered with Buick's iconic portholes; there are four per side to highlight the V-8 engine.

In addition to distinctive design, the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super deliver leading-edge performance and refinement. The 5.3L and 4.6L V-8 engines are renowned for balancing performance and fuel economy. They are complemented by specially tuned suspension systems.

Like all Buick models, LaCrosse and Lucerne Supers are built with an exclusive engineering process called QuietTuning to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the interior. Laminated side window glass, sound-deadening material in the body structure, hydraulic mounts in the engine compartment and more reduce interior noise. Even exhaust nodes have been tuned for overall sound quality. These features contribute to a quiet, refined driving experience.

While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic, including:

-Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
-Powertrain enhancements
-Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension -systems for responsive and confident handling
-Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick's exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort.

Lucerne Super adds more luxury appointments

Distinctly designed, the Lucerne Super stands out with a new bright chrome waterfall grille, front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, rocker panels, and Super badge on the decklid. Exclusive aluminum wheels and premium all-season tires complete the look, complementing the vehicle's sport-touring attitude. The Lucerne Super is available in four exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, Gold Metallic, Sharkskin and White Diamond. The interior comes in Ebony or Cocoa/Shale.

Lucerne Super's refined ride dynamics and increased power make it the sportiest Lucerne available . A more powerful version of the 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine provides the Lucerne Super with an ample power reserve. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)*, which is 17 horsepower (13 kW) more than the Lucerne CXS.

Lucerne Super's new premium steering gear, StabiliTrak stability control system, brake assist and specifically calibrated Magnetic Ride Control system help deliver a crisp response and enhanced driver control. It rides on standard 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P245/50R18 all-season radials. The exclusive wheel design is finished in bright silver premium paint. Chrome-plated wheels are available.

The Lucerne Super's interior wraps occupants in luxury including a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel with French-seam stitching, unique finish on the instrument panel center stack, leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts for the outboard seating positions, and suede door trim inserts. A heated, real wood steering wheel and shift knob finished in Walnut Burl, power tilt and telescoping steering column, front chrome sill plates and Buick embroidered floor mats round out the Lucerne Super's special content.

Lucerne Super comes with three standard equipment packages, including Driver Confidence, Luxury and Comfort & Convenience. OnStar's Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn voice-guided navigation, XM Satellite Radio and Harman Kardon audio system are also standard.

All Buick models come standard with the industry's best coverage, including a four-year/50,000-mile vehicle warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Buick LaCrosse Super arrives in dealerships this summer as a 2008 model. The Lucerne Super is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2008. Pricing for both vehicles has not been released.

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Buick dealers reject a RWD vehicle

Buick dealers were reportedly shown a long-wheelbase, rear-wheel drive Holden Statesman that will be sold in China next year and asked if they would like a version to sell in the U.S. market. Surprisingly, at least to us, they turned down Rick Wagoner's offer of a rear-wheel drive Buick, citing concerns that such a vehicle would cannibalize sales of the front-wheel drive Lucerne. Both vehicles are about the same size and each would be available with a V6 and V8 engine.

Perhaps we're just so starved for some more rear-wheel drive romping that we balk at the idea of any brand turning down a rwd product when offered. Sure, we can see the other side of the coin. The Lucerne did sell just short of 100,000 units last year, which isn't shabby. While that number could go down were the Statesman introduced here badged as a Buick, we would guess the combined sales of two large sedans targeting different types of buyers would easily eclipse six figures. The Ricker agrees with us, and thus he is reportedly leaving the proposal on the table for now.

[Source: Autoblog via Automotive News]

Type rest of the post here

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GM to Stop Production of Buick Rainier

General Motors Corp. is discontinuing production of the Buick Rainier, which is made only at the Moraine Assembly.
The Rainier, a mid-sized SUV, represents about 2.5 percent of daily production at the plant, with about 20 coming off the production line each day, said Tom Wickham, GM spokesman.

Wickham said GM expects increased production of other vehicles to offset the loss at Moraine. He said the decision about which models will see increased production hasn't been made, but will be set after dealer orders come in this spring. He would not speculate about how it would impact employment levels.

Wickham said employees and dealers are being notified about the decision. GM has about 3,000 workers at its Moraine plant on West Stroop Road.

The GM Moraine Assembly Plant also makes the GMC Envoy, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Saab 9-7x and the Isuzu Ascender.

[Source: YAHOO!]

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