Opel Getting Next-Generation Lacrosse, Enclave

[nsap]

Opel Getting Next-Generation Lacrosse, Enclave
Buick, Opel sharing even more products going forward.
www.GMInsideNews.com
May 31, 2011
By: Nick Saporito

Over two years ago GMI reported that General Motors brass was looking to align the Buick lineup with that of the Opel lineup in Europe, going as far as potentially selling Buick models as Opel’s in Europe. Well, according to GMI sources, those plans are now officially in motion.

In an effort to better align the Buick and Opel brands, the next-generation Buick Enclave and Lacrosse will likely be sold in Europe under the Opel nameplate. The current Enclave and Lacrosse are already global products, with both being sold in China and the Lacrosse being sold in South Korea under the Alpheon nameplate.

The next Enclave will be the first Buick to star as an Opel in the 2015 model-year. As of today the Enclave is expected to remain on GM’s Lambda crossover architecture. GMI has also been told that the Enclave could end up utilizing four-cylinder engines in the next generation, which would be a near must for the European market. On a related note, the 2013 Enclave is expected to receive minor tweaks for the North American market.

In the following year the next-generation Buick Lacrosse will head to Europe as well. Sources familiar with development of the Epsilon platform state that the new Lacrosse will slim down both in size and weight, and likely follow the Regal’s philosophy of four-cylinder only engine options. Lacrosse is also expected to gain the next-generation of GM’s eAssist technology and a new parking assist feature that GM is working on.

Both Buick’s will likely play flagship roles in the Opel lineup, which could mean the Lacrosse will spell the revival of the Omega nameplate within the Opel stable.

The additions to the Buick-Opel tie up further solidifies that the two brands are going to be sharing more than just the Regal/Insignia going forward. Now if only Opel would share the Astra hatch with Buick…

[mbukukanyau]

Now, how about Buick getting Opel OPC's lineup?

[calgaryhhr]

I could understand doing a Lacrosse type vehicle for Europe/Opel but why the Enclave? How many vehicles of that size/class are actually sold in Europe? I can't imagine the market is very strong for those types of vehicles.

[zl-1]

Those are probably a bit too large for our tastes (I don't see the LaCrosse shrinking as that would make it a Regal/Insignia), but let's see how it goes...

In any case, putting the NA, European and Chinese markets sharing the same vehicle lineup (save for the badge) is clever as GM wil have a clear brand ladder: Chevy/Holden, Opel/Buick, Cadillac. Holden will most likely cover a bit more than the Chevy spot, though with its RWD large vehicles.

[nsap]

I could understand doing a Lacrosse type vehicle for Europe/Opel but why the Enclave? How many vehicles of that size/class are actually sold in Europe? I can't imagine the market is very strong for those types of vehicles.

Supposedly the Enclave "prints money" for GM, so I suppose even at low volumes it would be economically viable to sell it in Europe. Not to mention the next Enclave is supposed to slim down and make huge efficiency gains.

[Amphibian]

The LaCrosse doesn't come as a huge surprised. Plenty of European brands sell one upscale "executive" type of car, such as Lancia's Thema or Citroen's C6. Can Opel move enough to justify it? Perhaps we'll find out soon. This could push for an OPC model that would create a nice LaCrosse GS for Americans if we're worthy.

The Enclave is a bit more of a surprise to me, however. How many gigantic crossovers are sold in Europe for this quasi-upscale market? Maybe GM feels that there is an uptapped market there.

Either way, both models will need to make use of diesel I-4s and V-6s and gas I-4s and V-6s to work. The article mentioned just light revisions for the 2013 Enclave ... seriously? It should already be thinking of a redesign!

[Hitman1970]

If LaCrosse is shrinking does that mean a slot is available for a large sedan in Buick's future? Return of Park Avenue or Lucerne?

[nsap]

If LaCrosse is shrinking does that mean a slot is available for a large sedan in Buick's future? Return of Park Avenue or Lucerne?

I don't want to overshoot the shrinking of LaCrosse. It's shedding mass and exterior dimensions. It's not downsizing.


I say we make a deal with Opel. You want our Enclave/LaCrosse? You give us Astra GTC!

[rueben44]

I always laugh when people say cars like the Lacrosse are to big for Europe yet we see gobs of Mercedes, BMW, Audi's, and a multitude of other makes with cars the same size or larger. Lets not even start with the Range Rovers, X5's and GL's.

^^^^^^To the above post no deal has to be made it is totally up to Buick NA whether we get it or not. They are giving us the Astra as the Verano but lets see what else they decide.

[CaddyLac10]

Thanks for the news Nsap.

Can you please clarify my questions below?

It doesn't sound like GM has plans for a true flagship at Buick anymore.

I can see four cylinder only engines for the Regal, but it doesn't seem right the LaX, which appears to be taking on the role of a flagship for Buick - It just seems a little lackluster for Buick's top of the line sedan. Is Buick still considering a sedan above the LaX?

What does this mean for the GS models? Is the LaX still slated to get a GS version?

Will the Enclave get the 3.0TT?

Will Buicks end up becoming more like Opels or will Opels end up becoming more like Buicks?

[Amphibian]

I don't want to overshoot the shrinking of LaCrosse. It's shedding mass and exterior dimensions. It's not downsizing.


I say we make a deal with Opel. You want our Enclave/LaCrosse? You give us Astra GTC!

I wonder if that means that there will conveniently be enough room for a larger Buick (VF Commodore or Caprice based, if I may be so bold) to slot above the LaCrosse, giving Buick once again a proper flagship.

[Carguy]

I hope this does not cause Buick to drop that signature sweep spear styling feature! That would be SAD!!

[Hitman1970]

I don't want to overshoot the shrinking of LaCrosse. It's shedding mass and exterior dimensions. It's not downsizing.


I say we make a deal with Opel. You want our Enclave/LaCrosse? You give us Astra GTC!

Got it. Thanks. A Verano convertible would be nice too.

[kmacleod]

I don't want to overshoot the shrinking of LaCrosse. It's shedding mass and exterior dimensions. It's not downsizing.


I say we make a deal with Opel. You want our Enclave/LaCrosse? You give us Astra GTC!

nsap, I second that!!

Ken

[oldsfiesta1958]

So is 2013 going to be a full redesign for the Enclave?

Any rumor of eAssist for the Enclave?