Buick unveils Regal GS Show Car

2011 Buick Regal GS

• 21st-century successor to Buick’s Gran Sport heritage
• Bold, sporty design with unique exterior details and an aggressive stance
• High-output Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission
• Adaptive all-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip rear differential
• 0-60 in less than 6.0 seconds
• Buick’s class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control System

DETROIT : January 7, 2009 – With an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Regal GS show car is a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand’s newest sport sedan. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.


The mechanical elements were developed with the aim of delivering a driving experience that is sporting, confidence-inspiring and refined. It has a performance-oriented drivetrain, a lowered body and lower center of gravity. Exterior and interior cues include two additional vertical front air intakes; large, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires; a racing-inspired sport steering wheel and metal pedals. Recaro high-performance front seats feature four-way lumbar support and cushion extensions.

“We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal,” said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. “Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick’s storied Gran Sport legacy.”

The Regal GS exterior is distinguished by vertical air inlets in the front fascia, as well as unique rocker panels, an integrated rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, Olympic White paint and satin metallic accents.

“The idea behind the Regal GS was taking the production model in a more aggressive direction to appeal to performance enthusiasts,” said John Cafaro, Buick design director. “But along with its aggressive stance, there’s sophisticated style in the design that complements the driving experience.”

Inside, the Regal GS varies from the standard Regal by featuring a completely jet black interior, including the pillars and headliner, sport shifter for the six-speed manual transmission and a suede-covered, flat-bottom steering wheel reminiscent of those used in international racing series. The instrument panel glows ice blue when the driver engages the sport mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Turbocharged AWD performance

Power for the Regal GS comes from a high-output 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system calibrated for performance driving. An electronic, limited-slip rear differential helps ensure the engine’s power is distributed effectively during cornering.

The high-performance drivetrain is expected to enable the Regal GS to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. That performance is complemented by a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) design in front. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering. This improves ultimate grip levels in dry and wet conditions, as well as improves the direct feel of the road, while isolating undesirable feedback. Behind the wheel the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The Regal GS features a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

The Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on Regal CXL models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety, while also adapting the driving characteristics of the car to the driver’s preferences. The driver selects among three operating modes – normal, sport and GS – that change the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

Images : 2011 Buick Regal GS

[Source : GM-BUICK]

Buick to reveal U.S. Spec. 2011 Regal Sport Sedan

2011 Buick Regal - U.S. Spec.

• A new midsize Buick sport sedan with a European-bred driving experience
  
• On sale in the second quarter of 2010
  
• Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia and available now as a Regal in China
  
• Modern, sleek design with great attention to detail and excellent build quality
  
• Efficient, four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain with 30 mpg (est.)
  
• Turbocharged model available in summer 2010
  
• Driver-selectable Interactive Drive Control System available in summer 2010
  
• Available rear-seat thorax air bags
  
• Standard 18-inch wheels, leather and heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and OnStar.

LOS ANGELES : November 11, 2009 – On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.
“The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you’ve ever experienced from this brand,” said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. “The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan.”
The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren’t offered standard on either competitor.


The Regal’s development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Regal will bring all of Insignia’s award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.

The Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.

Regal at a glance
Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The well-equipped Regal CXL includes the following as standard or available equipment:

• Standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
  
• Available 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available late-summer 2010
  
• Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control
  
• Estimated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine
  
• MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension
  
• All-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability
  
• Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake
  
• Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
  
• Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available
  
• Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port
  
• Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS)
  
• Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.

Design story
The Regal’s sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick’s signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.

“Regal is all about great proportions,” said John Cafaro, design director, passenger car. “For example, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It’s an aggressive stance that people aren’t used to seeing in recent Buicks.”

The car’s performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Regal’s attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. The instruments have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, housing the climate and “infotainment” controls, was designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sport-oriented driving experience.

“There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior,” said Cafaro. “The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do.”

A breakthrough interior

The Regal’s finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.

Regal’s firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support, while a standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back.

Smart applications of technology are also hallmarks of the Regal, including details such as a multi-function controller on the center console for operation of the audio system, navigation system and the Bluetooth phone. The faceplate for the “infotainment” screen is set at a 30-degree angle to contribute to the car’s flowing interior design.

A new era in Buick design is also seen in the satin metallic, piano black and new, Kibo-patterned interior trim materials. Kibo is a rich, dark, progressively grained wood that lends an international flair to the Regal.

Under the hood

Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.

Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Regal, it delivers more agile performance. The 2.0L turbo cements the sport sedan credibility of the Regal, with on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm.

Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Regal.

Driving experience

The chassis and structural systems were developed in Germany and give the Regal the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan, as well as the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. The body structure is one of the most rigid in the segment, which is approximately 25-percent stiffer than the previous Regal. This solid structure supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride.

A relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm) gives the Regal refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics and supports comfortable ride tuning. Additionally, an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings; a four-link independent rear suspension; hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering; and optimized four-wheel disc brakes are optimized to the capability of the individual powertrains and tailored to the expected use by drivers. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, for example, feature larger brakes.

Latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC or StabiliTrak), anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control system (TCS) are standard with Buick’s innovative, Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) real-time damping system offered on models equipped with the 2.0L turbo powertrain.

Regal’s Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver. A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections.

All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. Chassis settings are adjustable by the driver, with Normal, Tour and Sport settings.

IDCS allows the driver to choose between three different operating modes that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The three modes deliver three types of experiences:

• Normal – balanced and optimized for all driving situations
  
• Tour – optimized for comfort and relaxed driving on long journeys
  
• Sport – optimized for road holding; enthusiast driving .

Selecting “Sport” mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response and speeding up the reaction of the automatic transmission. The “Tour” mode is optimal for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions, providing an increase in comfort. “Normal” or Default Mode is the perfect all-around setting for daily commuting and city traffic. The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it automatically adapts Regal’s performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will tighten the suspension and increase steering effort and change to a more aggressive throttle response. When the vehicle senses that the driver is doing relaxed cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.

Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, IDCS also offers safety benefits in emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control.

2011 BUICK REGAL VS. ACURA TSX AND VOLVO S60*

	2011 BUICK REGAL CXL	ACURA TSX	VOLVO S60
Standard engine horsepower (hp / kW):	182 / 136 (2.4L I4)	201 / 150 (2.4L I4)	208 / 155 (2.5L I5)
Standard six-speed automatic:	Yes	No	No
Fuel economy with standard engine (city / hwy, estimated):	20 / 30 (2.4L I4)	21 / 30 (2.4L)	19 / 28 (2.5L I5)
Wheelbase (in / mm):	107.8 / 2738	106.5 / 2705	106.9 / 2715
Headroom – front (in / mm):	38.8 / 985	37.6 / 955	38.7 / 983
Headroom – rear (in / mm):	36.8 / 935	37.0 / 940	37.9 / 962
Legroom – front ( in / mm):	42.1 / 1069	42.4 / 1077	42.6 / 1082
Legroom – rear (in / mm):	37.3 / 947	34.3 / 871	33.3 / 846
Trunk volume (cu ft / L):	14.25 / 403	12.6 / 357	13.9 / 393
Rear seat thorax air bags:	Available	Not available	Not available
Heated front leather seats:	Standard	Standard	Available
Satellite radio	Standard	Standard	Available
Bluetooth capability	Standard	Standard	Available
Navigation system	Available	Available	Available
OnStar	Standard	Not available	Not available
Standard alloy wheel:	18-inch	17-inch	17-inch

*2009 models of the TSX and S60 cited.
Bold denotes category advantage.

2011 BUICK REGAL PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:	2011 Buick Regal Premium Sport Sedan
Body style / driveline:	four-door, 5-passenger front engine transaxle. Front-wheel-drive midsize vehicle
Construction:	steel body frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel, thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias
EPA vehicle class:	Midsize
Manufacturing location:	Russelsheim, Germany
Key competitors:	Acura TSX, Volvo S60, Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat

Engines

	2.4L DOHC I-4	2.0L DOHC I-4 Turbo
Displacement (cu in / cc):	145.4 / 2384	122 / 1998
Bore and stroke (in / mm):	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98	3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86
Block material:	precision sand cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	SPM cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing intake and exhaust	overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust
Ignition System:	individual coil-on-plug	individual coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery:	high-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control	direct injection with variable high-pressure rail and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	11.2:1	9.2:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	182 / 136 @ 6700 rpm (est)	220 / 164 @ 5300 (est)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm)	172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm (est)	258 / 349 @ 2000 (est)
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded	premium recommended but not required
Max engine speed:	7000 rpm	6350 rpm
Emissions controls:	close-coupled, catalytic converter; variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system	close-coupled catalytic converter; variable valve timing; 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; wide-range O2 sensor
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy)	20 / 30	18 / 29

Transmissions

	Hydra-Matic 6T45	Aisin AF40
Type:	six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive	six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive
Application:	2.4L	2.0L turbo
Gear ratios (:1):
First	4.58	4.14
Second	2.96	2.37
Third	1.91	1.55
Fourth	1.44	1.15
Fifth	1.00	0.86
Sixth	0.74	0.68
Reverse	2.94	3.39
Final Drive	3.23	3.33

Chassis/Suspension

Front:	independent, MacPherson strut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings; continuous damping control (Interactive Drive Control System) available on models equipped with 2.0L turbo
Rear:	four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar; continuous damping control (IDCS available on models equipped with 2.0L turbo
Traction control:	all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention
Steering type:	hydraulic, specifically calibrated rack-and-pinion power steering; variable-effort with 2.0L turbo
Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock:	2.68 (18- and 19-inch wheels)
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / meters):	37.4 / 11.4 (18- and 19-inch wheels)
Steering ratio:	15.2:1

Brakes

Type:	four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC)
Brake rotor diameter – front (in / mm):	2.4L: 11.7 / 296 vented; single-piston, cast iron caliper 2.0L: 12.6 / 321 vented; single-piston, cast iron caliper
Brake rotor diameter – rear (in / mm):	2.4L: 11.5 / 292 solid; single-piston, aluminum caliper 2.0L: 12.4 / 315 vented; single-piston, aluminum caliper

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:	18-inch aluminum (std on all models) 19-inch aluminum (opt with 2.0L turbo
Tires:	Michelin Pilot MXM4 P235/50R18 Goodyear Eagle RSA P245/40R19

DIMENSIONS
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm) :	107.8 / 2738
Overall length (in / mm):	190.2 / 4831
Overall width (in / mm):	73.1 / 1811
Overall height (in / mm):	58.4 / 1483
Front track (in / mm):	62.4 / 1585
Rear track (in / mm):	62.5 / 1587

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	38.8 / 985 (front) 36.8 / 935 (rear)
Legroom (in / mm):	42.1 / 1069 (front) 37.3 / 947 (rear)
Shoulder room (in / mm):	56.7 / 1440 (front) 54.4 / 1382 (rear)
Hip room (in / mm):	55.4 / 1407 (front) 52.3 / 1328 (rear)
EPA Passenger Volume (cu ft / L) :	96.81 / 2741
EPA Interior Volume (cu ft / L):	111.1 / 3146
Cargo Volume (cu ft / L):	14.25 / 403

Capacities

Fuel tank (gal / L):	18.5 / 70
Engine oil (qt / L):	2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7 2.0L: 6.3 / 6.0
Curb weight (lbs / kg):	3600 /1633 (2.4L)

[Source : GM - BUICK]

Buick sells 2 millionth vehicle in China

2009 Buick Regal Chinese Market Edition

SHANGHAI : June 24, 2009 – The 2 millionth Buick sold in China by Shanghai GM, a red New Regal sedan, was delivered today to its owner in the southern city of Guangzhou.


"It took eight years for Shanghai GM to sell its first 1 million Buicks, but only three years to sell its second 1 million units," said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. "This demonstrates the ongoing popularity of Shanghai GM's leading mainstream brand in what is now Buick's largest market."

Shanghai GM, GM's flagship joint venture in China with SAIC, began manufacturing and selling Buick products in 1998. Shanghai GM has built a portfolio of more than 40 Buick models and variants, making it one of the most comprehensive brands sold in China today. It also has been recognized for its pioneering Buick Care aftersales service.

Leading the way for Buick are the Excelle and GL8 families. Since the Excelle's introduction in 2003, more than 900,000 Excelle sedans, Excelle HRV hatchbacks and Excelle Station Wagons have been sold, including more than 94,000 in the first five months of 2009. Shanghai GM also has sold more than 240,000 GL8 and GL8 FirstLand executive wagons since the product's introduction in 1999, making the GL8 the undisputed leader in the segment.

Buick is entering a new era of development with a series of new products and powertrains that offer an enhanced driving experience. Its next-generation models like the New Regal are based on global platforms and feature the latest technology while retaining Buick's traditional characteristics such as a quiet ride, a high level of safety and elegant styling.

According to Wale, "Buick's newer models are proving popular due to their outstanding quality, design and value. They represent the attitude, achievement, capability and entrepreneurial spirit of their owners."

From the New Regal's introduction last December through the end of May 2009, more than 34,000 units have been sold, giving it leadership in the upper-medium sedan segment with a price range of RMB 180,000 to RMB 250,000 (US$26,000 to US$37,000). In addition, Shanghai GM has sold nearly 2,800 imported Buick Enclave SUVs, with demand continuing to outpace supply.

With the upcoming introduction of the Buick New Regal 2.0 Turbo and new Buick LaCrosse featuring a 3.0-liter V-6 SIDI engine, demand for Buick vehicles across China is expected to continue to grow.

The Buick brand has a long and distinguished history in China that dates back to the early days of General Motors itself. In the first part of the 20th century, Buick was the car of choice for many of the country's influential citizens. Such individuals as Dr. Sun Yat-sen, China's first provisional president; Zhou Enlai, who became China's premier; and Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, owned, drove or were driven in Buick automobiles.

Images : 2009 Buick Regal Chinese Market Edition

[Source : GM]

Buick Renaissance Continues With The 2010 Lacrosse Luxury Sedan

2010 BUICK LaCrosse

• Sculpted styling defines Buick’s modern global design
  
• Luxurious interior crafted of premium materials with cool blue ambient lighting
  
• Intelligent personal technologies enhance the driving experience
  
• Responsive performance via efficient, direct injection dual overhead cam engines paired with six-speed automatic transmissions

DETROIT : January 8, 2009 – Redesigned from the ground up, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan makes its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 11. The LaCrosse offers all wheel drive, a suite of advanced intelligent personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of two fuel-saving V-6 engines.


“The new LaCrosse was created with great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It builds on the success of Enclave as the next step in Buick’s renaissance. And, as with Enclave, our goal is to attract a whole new buyer to our dealerships for LaCrosse.”

Sculpted design

Buick’s long heritage of leading designs, such as the Y-Job Concept, the Roadmaster and the Riviera, helped define American automobile design through the years, according to Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. Today, Buick design is a product of a global team and resources. Creative collaboration between designers in the United States and China, in partnership with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) as well as chassis and body engineers in Europe, resulted in the first General Motors vehicle to be created on three continents.

“The new LaCrosse is intended to represent modern elegance,” said Welburn. “Throughout the design, you experience a balance of contrasts. Both the interior and exterior have been designed with harmony in mind. The exterior balances taut, sculpted lines with sensuous accents and surfaces. Inside, smoked chrome accents, warm wood, first-class leather and materials combine with cool blue ambient lighting to create an inviting environment.”

The exterior design is faithful to the Buick Invicta show car introduced at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.

“It is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with its signature ‘sweep spear’ body-side styling, portholes inside the character line on the hood, and waterfall grille,” added Welburn.

Luxurious interior experience

Inside, the two-tone interior is defined by a flowing, uninterrupted design theme that wraps around the instrument and door panels. Attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, including the analog instrument cluster, chrome offset by dark wood accents, and the contrasting thread and French stitching on the instrument panel.

Buick’s signature QuietTuning – an engineering process to reduce, block and absorb interior noise – provides a distraction-free passenger environment.

An unexpected, inviting touch is the cool blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin from the center console, instrument panel and door panels.

Intelligent personal technologies

The contemporary atmosphere of the cabin includes the digital connectivity and personal technology offered in the new LaCrosse. That includes features such as in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. For rear-seat passengers, a power rear-window sunshade and a DVD entertainment system, with two display screens integrated into the seatbacks, is available.

LaCrosse’s intelligent technologies also work to deliver a 360-degree field of vision behind the steering wheel, for a greater feeling of comfort, security and safety. It starts with the available head-up display in the windshield, allowing the driver to monitor speed while keeping his or her eyes on the road. At night, the available adaptive lighting package can direct the high-intensity discharge headlight beams up to 15 degrees for enhanced illumination of the road and its curves.

LaCrosse offers Side Blind Zone alert that notifies the driver if a vehicle in adjacent lanes is traveling in the driver’s blind spot. The LaCrosse is also available with a rear view camera, with the display integrated into the navigation system screen.

The technology available on LaCrosse enhances a suite of standard safety features that is designed to meet the criteria for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 20 Star Safety Rating. Highlights include front-, side- and roof-mounted head-curtain air bags, StabiliTrak stability- and traction-control system. The safety and security of OnStar is also included for the first year of ownership.

Responsive performance

LaCrosse’s stiff body structure serves as the foundation for precise suspension tuning, safety and a quiet ride. Buyers can choose from a family of efficient, direct-injection six-cylinder engines and a fuel-conserving six-speed automatic transmission with tap-up/tap-down control.

The direct injection engines in the LaCrosse create more power with less fuel and reduce vehicle emissions through greater combustion control – particularly cold-start emissions that are reduced by up to 25 percent.

The 2010 LaCrosse will be offered in three models - CX, CXL and CXS:

• CX – equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
  
• CXL – also equipped with the new 3.0L direct injection V-6, adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch wheels. Intelligent AWD is available.
  
• CXS – equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6; real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional). The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates an estimated 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm).

LaCrosse production will begin this summer at the Fairfax Assembly facility in Kansas City, Kan.

2010 BUICK LACROSSE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Model:	2010 LaCrosse CX, CXL and CXS
Body style / driveline:	front-drive/all-wheel-drive, front-engine, four-door, five- passenger sedan
Construction:	integral
EPA vehicle class:	midsize sedan

Powertrains

Engines	3.0L V-6 VVT DI	3.6L V-6 VVT DI
Displacement (cu in / cc):	182.7 / 2994	217 / 3564
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	89.0 x 80.2	3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing	DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	255 / 190 @ 6950 (est)	280 / 209 @ 6400 (est)
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	211 / 286 @ 5600 (est)	261 / 354 @ 5200 (est)
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):	18 / 27	17 / 26
Transmission:	Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed
Final drive ratio:	2.77:1 (w/ 3.0L) 3.66:1 (w/ 3.6L)

Chassis/Suspension

Suspension (front):	MacPherson strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar
Suspension (rear):	four-link (CX); “H”-arm (CXL, CXS); real-time damping available
Steering type:	power; variable-effort rack-and-pinion
Brakes:	split, dual-circuit four-wheel-disc with power assist
Wheel/tire sizes:	17-inch, 18-inch and 19-inch

Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm):	111.7 / 2837
Overall length (in / mm):	197 / 5003
Overall width (in / mm):	73.1 / 1858
Overall height (in / mm):	58.9 / 1497
Track (in / mm):	front: 61.5 / 1565 rear: 61.6 / 1587
Curb weight (lb / kg):	CX: 3948 / 1791 (est) CXL FWD: 4018 / 1822 (est) CXL AWD: 4199 / 1904 (est) CXS: 4065 / 1844 (est)
Fuel capacity (gal / L):	CX, CXL FWD, CXS: 18.4 / 69.6 CXL AWD: 19.5 / 73.8

Images : 2010 BUICK LaCrosse

[Source : GM - BUICK]

GM Prepares to Export Buick Enclaves to China

2009 Buick Enclave

LANSING, Mich.- Discerning vehicle buyers in China are another step closer to experiencing what their U.S. counterparts have been raving about for the past year: the hot-selling Buick Enclave luxury crossover. Chinese officials visited the Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant Thursday and Friday to observe operations in preparation for the manufacture of U.S.-built Enclaves crossovers for export to China. Pending approval, China-bound Enclaves could begin rolling off the assembly line as early as next month.



Buick announced last year it would expand its international reach following a four-year, $800 million (USD) agreement signed by General Motors and Shanghai GM (SGM) to export Enclaves to China beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008. Enclave will be imported by Shanghai GM and sold through a network of more than 400 Buick dealerships across China. The plant visit by Chinese Quality Certification Center and SGM officials is another step in this agreement.

Buick is one of the most well-known automobile brands in China, with more than 1.7 million Buick owners. Last year, Buick sold more than 300,000 units there and more than 567,000 worldwide, a 17,000-unit increase over 2006. Buick has a strong history in China, where Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a Chinese revolutionary hero, and Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, both owned Buicks.

"Our customers in China are going to fall in love with the Enclave's beauty, luxury and functionality in the same way that this vehicle has captivated buyers here," said Susan Docherty, vice president, Buick-Pontiac-GMC. "Buick has been a revered brand in China for more than 90 years, and Enclave is going to enhance our strong presence in the Chinese marketplace, providing an elegant and premium vehicle built in a world-class facility."

Enclave is Buick's first luxury crossover. Known for its elegant design, well-crafted and library-quiet interior, Enclave has segment-leading fuel economy and space to transport up to eight passengers plus their gear. It is one of GM's hottest-selling vehicles in North America, having sold more than 55,800 since launching in 2007. GM recently announced it was adding 7,000 units of additional Enclave production for the United States for the remainder of this year.

The Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant, which opened in 2006, uses state-of-the-art manufacturing practices. Both the assembly plant and the contiguous stamping plant are certified to ISO 14001, an international voluntary set of environmental standards. In addition, it is the only manufacturing facility in the world that has achieved Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Green Building Rating System.

Images : 2009 Buick Enclave



[Source : Buick, GM]