2010 Buick LaCrosse

At a GM press conference long enough ago that we don’t remember when or where it was, GM confidently made the then-preposterous assertion that it wanted Buick to become America’s Lexus. We may have laughed and not even bothered to write it down, but we didn’t forget the idea. And in the years since, we’ve been looking for evidence of Buick’s march toward matching the enigmatic Japanese brand’s level of comfort and quality—and maybe even cachet. Could the 2010 LaCrosse, Buick’s new mid-size sedan making its debut at the 2009 NAIAS, be it?

Buick previewed the interior and exterior styling of the LaCrosse last year at the Beijing Auto Show with the handsome Invicta concept, and we must issue credit to Buick designers for sticking near to it for production. The grille is bold but not obnoxious. The lights are aggressive but not scowling. The flowing “spear line” and hood-surface portholes are familiar but not contrived. Particularly pleasing are its low roofline, fastback rear window, and long wheelbase, which impart the LaCrosse with nearly the same stylish proportions of the Invicta. Nice job.

Open the door and you’ll find the sexiest interior in a Buick since perhaps ever. As with the Enclave crossover, Buick has managed to find the common ground between conservative and contemporary interior design and has done so with precious little of the old-lady idiom that has dominated previous Buicks. The shapes are decidedly futuristic without being intimidating, and lots of blue ambient lighting illuminates the various cubbies, door pulls, and trim pieces. And alas, while there is plenty of wood and hand-stitching on the dash and door panels, there is no front bench seat—not even as an option. There’s not even a large-font clock.

There will be three trim levels for the 2010 LaCrosse. The base CX will be powered by a 255-hp, 3.0-liter direct-injection V-6 driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic. The CXL will be powered by the same engine/transmission combo but have available all-wheel drive, as well as a host of comfort features including leather, dual-zone climate control, fog lamps, and 18-inch wheels. Fuel economy will be about 18 mpg city/27 highway for the 3.0-liter, according to GM.

The top-dog LaCrosse CXS will come with the 3.6-liter version of the direct-injection V-6, making 280 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque—slightly less than this engine makes in GM’s large crossovers—with front-wheel drive, active damping, available 19-inch wheels, and a few additional luxury features like heated and cooled seats. At 17/26 mpg, fuel economy for the 3.6 suffers by only 1 mpg in both city and highway cycles compared with the smaller motor. That’s some good math in our book, although the absence of available all-wheel drive on the CXS is puzzling.

© Source: caranddriver
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2008 Buick Enclave Review

Buick wants to be known as a premium automaker, but none of the vehicles the brand has rolled out over the last five years have fully lived up to their luxury billing. The 2008 Buick Enclave could be the one that breaks Buick's mediocrity streak.

At first glance, the Enclave is just another new crossover SUV with a standard V6, a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. But step inside and it's a different story from other Buicks. The cabin doesn't look like it was built to a price; rather, it comes across as a product of thoughtful design, with artistic curves to the dash, shapely front seats and Tiffany Blue-inspired illumination. On the whole, the '08 Enclave is a step up for Buick and a viable entry in the premium crossover SUV class.

The Enclave still shares its underpinnings with GM's latest batch of crossover SUVs, including the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. All use fully independent suspension, and all have an all-aluminum 3.6-liter V6 good for 275 hp, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Interior dimensions are massive by midsize SUV standards. Not only can the Enclave accommodate adults in all three rows, it has a maximum cargo capacity of 116 cubic feet -- more room than most full-size sport-utilities. A 60/40-split, fold-flat third-row seat is standard in every Enclave, and in keeping with the Buick's upscale mission, twin captain's chairs are fitted in the second row. For families who need even more seating capacity, a bench seat is available for no extra charge, and conveniently, this seat also folds flat. Cloth upholstery and rich-looking wood-grain trim are standard in all Buick Enclaves, and leather is included on the upscale CXL model. All the expected safety equipment, including stability control and three-row side curtain airbags, is standard across the board.

We have no doubt that the 2008 Buick Enclave crossover SUV will be a practical family vehicle for buyers who have $35,000 to $45,000 to spend and don't want a minivan. However, its success as a luxury SUV is not as certain. Although more opulent in its design and furnishings than other Buicks, there are still a few questionable interior vinyls and plastics. That could be a liability against the upscale interior treatments of competitors like the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Lexus RX 350 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. However, the Enclave costs less than all of these rivals, potentially offsetting this weakness.

© Source: edmunds
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2008 Buick Invicta Concept

(from General Motors Press Release) Buick took another step to bolster its global design presence with a sneak peek at a luxurious show car it plans to reveal in China at the Beijing Motor Show on April 19. Named Invicta, Buick’s show car reflects the way General Motors utilizes design and engineering talent around the world to execute a premium vehicle with international appeal.

The Invicta, which is Latin for “invincible,” evolves Buick’s global design direction from the Riviera concept introduced last year in Shanghai. The Invicta show car was co-developed by GM design centers in North America and China to meet customers’ expectations equally in the world’s two largest automotive markets.

“Buick’s global appeal created an opportunity for GM Design Centers to elevate our collaboration to new levels. Using our virtual reality centers in Warren, Mich. and Shanghai, designers fused the best ideas from both cultures during the development of the Invicta, ” said Edward T. Welburn, vice president, General Motors Global Design. “The result will set a new design standard for Buick, and it couldn’t have been achieved by one studio working in isolation. The Invicta represents another significant design milestone in Buick’s history.”

Invicta draws inspiration from the Riviera concept with a modern and graceful exterior design matched by a sumptuous interior. Invicta pays homage to Buicks of the 1940s through the 1970s with its nostalgic sweepspear design cue, a curved line running the length of the car. The exterior also features Buick’s signature vertical chrome waterfall grille and a new look to its portholes. The Invicta interior will share Riviera’s ambient lighting feature and lavish design.

Buick returns the Invicta name after a 45-year hiatus. Buick originally introduced the Invicta in North America as a production vehicle from 1959 to 1963. It is the first time the nameplate has appeared on a Buick in China.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Beijing Auto Show: Buick Invicta by Inside Line(Video)

Buick has dusted off one of its classic nameplates — Invicta — for a new concept luxury vehicle that will be formally unveiled in mid-April at the Beijing auto show.



© Source: edmunds
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Buick Lucerne Gets Super Price, Special Edition

Buick’s slapped a pricetag on two new versions of its big Lucerne sedan.

Both the Lucerne Super and the Lucerne CXL Special Edition will be available this month. The Lucerne Super gets a 4.6-liter Northstar V-8, which produces 292 horsepower. To go with the power, it’s outfitted with GM’s magnetic ride control system. It also will come with the signature portholes, a new bright chrome waterfall grille that will serve as the new face of Buick, new front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, rocker panels, and a special Super badge on the decklid. Inside it has a leather-wrapped instrument panel, leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts for the outboard seating positions, and suede door-trim inserts, as well as a heated steering wheel. OnStar, XM and a Harman Kardon audio system are standard, as is a pricetag of $39,395 including destination.

The second new version is a Lucerne CXL Special Edition. It’s offered with either the V-8, downrated to 275 horsepower, or the standard 3.8-liter V-6 with 197 hp. Making it a special edition are new 17-inch wheels, a new rear fascia, perforated leather seats, and a pricetag of $32,150.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2004 Buick Velite Concept

(from General Motors Press Release) BUICK’S POPULAR VELITE CONCEPT PAVED THE WAY FOR CURRENT PRODUCT DESIGN

NEW YORK – “Restrained extravagance” were the words that described the landmark Buick Velite concept nearly four years ago and they still apply today. With a sweeping, stylized exterior and a globally influenced passenger compartment, the Velite – a four-seat convertible – continues to characterize Buick vehicles of today.

The Velite’s design influence can be seen in current production vehicles in North America, including the new Enclave, Lucerne and LaCrosse. Cues such as the vertical waterfall grille, portholes, subtle use of chrome and other rich materials continue to influence Buick’s current product renaissance and growth into a premium, international brand.

Named for an elite class of quick-moving soldiers in Napoleon’s army, the Velite was designed at GM’s Advanced Studio in Warren, Mich., and assembled at renowned coachbuilder Stile Bertone’s studio in Italy. It has athletic proportions and an aggressive stance that emphasize a bold, contemporary design, with identifiable heritage cues worn with an international flair and understated elegance.

Romantic environment
Contemporary design also is reflected in the Velite’s passenger compartment, which uses sumptuous materials and the warm glow of indirect lighting to harmonize with the vehicle’s exterior design voice. It’s a tangible expression of a jazz lounge atmosphere, including an inviting rear seat that wraps around the interior like a comfortable lounge loveseat. Rear HVAC controls allow rear-seat passengers to adjust the climate to suit their moods.

Power to move the Velite comes from Buick’s experimental, 3.6L DOHC, twin-turbocharged and intercooled global V-6 engine. The engine features fuel-saving variable valve timing technology, which is available on some of GM’s four-, five-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. Through the use of variable engine valve timing, valve lift and duration is continuously varied to improve fuel economy, horsepower and torque, while reducing emissions.

The V-6 is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L80-E six-speed, rear-wheel-drive automatic transmission equipped with manual tap-shift gear selection. A pair of large, oval exhaust outlets provides an aural reminder that performance is very much a part of the vehicle’s character.

© Source: seriouswheels
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1985 Buick Grand National T-Type

Seller: garmo
Address:
City: Goodyear
State: Arizona
Country: USA
Price: $7,500.00
Date Added: December 28, 2007
Expiration: April 26, 2008
Views: 664

Description: Well I hate to do it but I need to let her go......It has been a great car but just drive too much....

I have had it about a year now and put a good deal of work into it. It is not a perfect car and not asking a perfect price.....So here is the list....

110K miles mostly highway, adult driven as long as I have had it....
I was told when I bought it, the motor was replaced at 20K for a bad crank. Don't know if it is true but it runs strong, always used Mobile 1. Emissions good till Oct 08.

All power seats, windows Limo tint in back, legal up front), sunroof work great. New turn signal switch. Only thing that I haven't fixed is the cruise control. I think it just needs a vacuum line. Haven't had time to look at it. All parts look to be there.

Would drive anywhere, I average 100 miles a day. Get many, many compliments. Here is the VIN to check with carfax.....1G4GK4795FP423334. You won't be disappointed. I have many more pics I can email........

© Source: seriouswheels
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2010 Buick LaCrosse Spied!

These are the newest pictures of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, caught by our spies during testing.

As before, General Motors had two security guards for round-the-clock coverage in a public parking area. When the engineers left for a break, thick car covers with huge locks were placed on the camouflaged prototypes and the security folks sprung to action, intimidating even the most innocent pedestrians.

Codenamed GMX353, this second-generation LaCrosse will be riding on the new (global) front-wheel-drive Epsilon II platform. It will be the first car in the United States to use this architecture.

Production is expected to start at the Fairfax, Kansas, facility in February of 2009, with the new LaCrosse reaching dealerships shortly afterwards as a 2010 model. Annual production numbers in the 65,000-75,000 range are expected.

© Source: thecarconnection
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Rare 1954 Buick Century Riviera Model 66R

Seller: wilco
Address: 313 S. 2nd Street
City: Grand Haven
State: Michigan
Country: USA
Price: $19,500.00
Date Added: November 29, 2007
Expiration: March 28, 2008
Views: 6

Description:
When's the last time you saw one of these offered for sale? Only 1 out of 5 1954 Rivieras was a Century. 1954 was the year that Buick reintroduced the Century. It shared the smaller wheel base of the Special but had the big Roadmaster engine. The engine was a 322ci nailhead with a 4 barrel carb and produced 200 hp. In 1954 it was one of thethree fastest production cars made. It earned the title "Banker's Hotrod". The roofline is also different from the Super and Roadmaster.
This car has spent its entire life in Texas and Arizona and in absolutely RUST FREE. It has had one repaint and that still looks good, The upholstery and carpets are also in good shape. The bumper and grille have been rechromed and the stainless is excellent. The tires are Coker Classic bias plys and are in good shape, the spare is new. The engine was rebuilt in 1989 and since I bought the car I have spent over $5,000 correcting mechanical and other issues. A partial list of the improvements made are, new master cylinder, rebuilt fuel pump, addition of auxillary electric fuel pump with under dash toggle switch. repair of all guages, repair of speedometer, odometer reads 29+K miles but I doubt if that is accurate. Complete new windshield wiper assembly, new horn relay, repair and lube of all cables associated with heat and defrost, much electrical rewiring to ensure that all lights work properly. Repair of the optional WonderBar Radio (a $1000 item today) new sending unit in fuel tank. adjustments made to improve steering,
adjustments to the synaflow transmission to ensure that it locks up in park. Hoses replaced as needed.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Buick Lucerne Review

What's New for 2008
The Buick Lucerne becomes a safer, more upscale sedan for 2008. Stability control is now optional on V6 models, and all Lucernes now offer an optional lane departure warning system and a "Side Blind Zone Alert" system that warns the driver when other vehicles enter the Buick's blind spots. Later in the model year, the retro-inspired Lucerne Super model arrives to top the range. The Super features a more powerful V8, upgraded suspension and unique styling cues inside and out. The CXL model loses its optional V8 this year, but high-end CXS models gain a power tilt-telescoping steering column.

Introduction
The 2008 Buick Lucerne has quite a standard to uphold. As Buick's flagship car, the Lucerne represents the American brand most synonymous with big sedans. It also carries the responsibility of retaining the loyal customer base that likes Buicks just the way they've always been: soft, roomy and comfy.

For those buyers, this full-size sedan lands pretty close to the target. The Lucerne is one of the largest cars on the road, featuring enough room for five adults (six with the optional front bench seat) and an interior with easy-to-use controls. It rides quietly and reacts to bumps with the gentle motions its older customers prefer. Finally, Buick stands above much of its import-brand competition by offering a V8 engine in addition to a V6.

For 2008, the Lucerne gains features that widen its appeal. Drawing inspiration from the original Buick Super line of the 1940s, the new Lucerne Super will settle in at the top of the model line when it arrives in the spring of 2008. The Super has a more powerful version of the Northstar V8, firmer suspension tuning, suede-trimmed seats, a wood steering wheel and various other cosmetic touches. New safety technology also spreads throughout the Lucerne line. Stability control is now available on V6 models, and all but base CX Lucernes can be ordered with lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems.

© Source: edmunds

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2008 Buick Enclave Review

Introduction
Buick wants to be known as a premium automaker, but none of the vehicles the brand has rolled out over the last five years have fully lived up to their luxury billing. The 2008 Buick Enclave could be the one that breaks Buick's mediocrity streak.

At first glance, the Enclave is just another new crossover SUV with a standard V6, a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. But step inside and it's a different story from other Buicks. The cabin doesn't look like it was built to a price; rather, it comes across as a product of thoughtful design, with artistic curves to the dash, shapely front seats and Tiffany Blue-inspired illumination. On the whole, the '08 Enclave is a step up for Buick and a viable entry in the premium crossover SUV class.

The Enclave still shares its underpinnings with GM's latest batch of crossover SUVs, including the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. All use fully independent suspension, and all have an all-aluminum 3.6-liter V6 good for 275 hp, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Interior dimensions are massive by midsize SUV standards. Not only can the Enclave accommodate adults in all three rows, it has a maximum cargo capacity of 116 cubic feet -- more room than most full-size sport-utilities. A 60/40-split, fold-flat third-row seat is standard in every Enclave, and in keeping with the Buick's upscale mission, twin captain's chairs are fitted in the second row. For families who need even more seating capacity, a bench seat is available for no extra charge, and conveniently, this seat also folds flat. Cloth upholstery and rich-looking wood-grain trim are standard in all Buick Enclaves, and leather is included on the upscale CXL model. All the expected safety equipment, including stability control and three-row side curtain airbags, is standard across the board.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Buick LaCrosse Review

Summary
Pros
Smooth and quiet ride, powerful V6 and V8 engines in CXS and Super models, available seating for six.
Cons
Lackluster handling in V6 models, noisy base V6, unsupportive seats, many low-budget interior materials, cramped rear legroom, stability control not available on base CX model, middling side-impact crash test results.
What's New for 2008
The big news this year is the arrival a new La Crosse Super model with a 300-horsepower V8, sportier suspension tuning, and larger wheels and brakes. It's further distinguished from lesser LaCrosse variants by fender "portholes," unique front and rear styling and dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets.

Introduction
The 2008 Buick LaCrosse is a decent midsize sedan operating at a disadvantage: Despite representing one of the new and improved GM product designs of late, it does battle in the highly competitive $25,000-$30,000 bracket of the family sedan segment. Import and domestic brand rivals keep getting faster, more agile and more upscale, while the Buick soldiers on with an aged platform, outdated drivetrains, and a staid design and image. As such, the LaCrosse typically doesn't make it onto the radar of mainstream midsize sedan shoppers.

In an attempt to boost its visibility in the marketplace, Buick has reached back into the 1950s and resurrected its premium "Super" moniker for a new V8-powered variant of the LaCrosse. While all 2008 models benefit from a freshened, reshaped "waterfall" grille, the top-drawer Buick LaCrosse Super is engineered by the GM Performance Division and features unique styling with exclusive portholes on each side and a deck lid spoiler out back. Chrome-tipped dual exhaust and 18-inch wheels offer further evidence of the enhanced hardware that lies underneath: a powerful 5.3-liter V8 packing 300 horsepower along with upgraded suspension and brakes to match. Lesser LaCrosse models continue to use a pair of V6s: an aging 3.8-liter 200-hp V6 (CX and CXL) and a more modern 3.6-liter DOHC V6 putting out 240 horses (CXS).

© Source: edmunds
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1987 Buick Grand National

Seller: autoquest
Address: 710 West 7th Street
City: Tifton
State: Georgia
Country: USA
Price: $12,900.00
Date Added: November 21, 2007
Expiration: March 20, 2008
Link to your website: www.auto-quest.com
Views: 27

Description:
1987 Buick Grand National. V-6 Turbo with intercooler. Black with gray interior, AC, power disc brakes and power steering. The car was painted about 2 years ago. Nice Car! For more information please call Roger or Bob at 229-382-4750.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Celebrity Era Ends at Buick as Tiger Is Reassigned to OnStar

Saying that it no longer wants "a celebrity at the core of any brand," General Motors on Thursday said golf great Tiger Woods would now be used as a pitchman in companywide ads for products like OnStar instead of serving as the face of Buick.

Mark R. LaNeve, GM's vice president of North American sales, service and marketing, said the automaker will continue to use Woods in corporate-level marketing. "Tiger's a great asset," LaNeve said. "We can use him in lots of ways. Why shouldn't we use him in ways other than Buick?"

Woods, 31, has been a prominent part of Buick advertising since 1999. He reportedly has a five-year contract with the automaker worth $40 million that runs through 2009. But there has been widespread media criticism that the Woods/Buick association lacked credibility, especially since most Buick buyers are well into their 60s.

LaNeve said the new Buick strategy would be to sell the cars based on their own merits, not on their ties to celebrities such as Woods.

In addition to taking delivery of a new Buick Enclave CXL recently, Woods also drives a Buick Lucerne and several other GM vehicles.

© Source: insideline
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1937 Buick Shafer 8 of Coker Tire Company

(from Corky Coker) Phil Shafer built Indy cars from 1931 until about 1939 (about the time the cars went completely to single seat). This car is equipped with Rigling and Henning (of Indianapolis) special built chassis powered by a 284 cid Straight 8 Buick engine from a Buick series 60. Shafer had so much confidence in his Shafer 8 that he shipped one of his cars to Europe to drive in the German Gran Prix and finished 13th in 1931.

As was raced at Indy, my Shafer 8 has an original Buick 3 speed transmission. Seven of Shafer’s Buick powered racers qualified for the famed Memorial Day Classic from 1931 until 1936. “Stubby” Stubblefield’s 5th place finish in 1933 was Shafer’s high point. Al Miller started in the third row in a Shafer 8 in 1934 and finished 6th. Shafer himself made the 1931, 1932, and 1934 INDY races, finishing 11th, 12th, and 15th places respectively. Cliff Bergere, who went on to become an Indy immortal, brought a Victor Gasket Shafer 8 home to 13th place in the1935 Indianapolis 500. He ran with the front of the pack until at 196 laps, he ran out of gas.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Buick Skylark for China in 2009

General Motors will launch a new Buick Skylark compact in China in 2009 that could be exported to the U.S. as a 2010 model.

The Skylark will replace the Daewoo-based Excelle in China and will be assembled by the Shanghai GM joint venture, Inside Line has learned.

GM also is considering whether to add another Chinese Buick, the new Australia-sourced Park Avenue sedan, to its U.S. lineup in 2009, supplier sources told IL.

The new Skylark is based on GM's Delta 2 global small-car architecture. It will share its underpinnings with the next-generation Chevrolet Cobalt, Opel Astra and Pontiac G6. A new Saab, the 9-1, will be based on the same platform, as will the next-generation Saturn Astra.

The current Buick Excelle that's built in China is a version of the Daewoo Lacetti that's also sold in North America as the Suzuki Forenza and in other overseas markets as the Chevrolet Optra. The next-generation Lacetti also is expected to shift to the Delta 2 platform in Korea.

The new Park Avenue is based on the Holden Statesman and goes on sale shortly in China. IL has learned that Buick's U.S. dealers have asked for the car in late 2008 as an '09 model. GM has tentative plans to assemble a redesigned Park Avenue, based on its Zeta rear-drive architecture, in North America in late 2010, alongside a new rear-drive Chevrolet Impala.

© Source: insideline
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2008 Buick Lucerne Gets New Safety Technologies

In a move to keep pace with its Japanese and German competitors, the 2008 Buick Lucerne will be fitted with two new safety options this summer. The Lucerne will get a lane-departure warning system and side blind zone alert system.

General Motors said the same technology behind the Buick systems will be featured on the 2008 Cadillac STS and DTS sedans.

The lane-departure warning system kicks in when a driver traveling at 35 mph or more crosses a lane marking without signaling. The driver is warned by an amber light located in the fuel gauge and a chime of three beeps. Buick says the system does not steer the vehicle.

The side blind zone system uses radar sensors behind the rear fascia to let the driver know when following vehicles in adjacent lanes are entering a side blind zone.

Both systems can be turned off by the driver.

Pricing has not been announced for the new systems.

© Source: article on insideline
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