GMI's Revitalization in Action | The Dream Buick Lineup

[dindak]

Enclave is a nice SUV and the pictures we have seen are pretty close to reality but the Lacrosse and Lucerne are still not good enough in my opinion. I'd love to some of these bold Buick ideas come to life, but I think given GM's financial restraints, we will see them concentrate on Chevy while Pontiac and Buick stagnate a bit.

[Brglotus]

Wow, great looking cars, I love them all except the wheels on the Roadmaster is a bit much. I think this is exactly what Buick needs plus technology and elegance for the right price. I may have to buy a future Buick. GM, please get these out fast because everyone is going to copy just like they did with some Caddy designs.

[RedVee8]

Some cool cars there. Buick need not be moribund, vital design can live under this brand. Interesting that you kept away from Lsomething names.

[Al465]

Originally Posted by cfch3399

I don't know, I'd be cautious in giving too many Zetas to every brand. First Pontiac and Chevy. The idea to make Pontiac mostly RWD and give large FWD to Buick doesn't sound too bad.

If Zetas is an excellet platform, why not? Too many of a good thing is not bad but excluding it just because it's a Zeta is nonsense.

[logansowner]

Wow, was to make a fantasy world come off as a real future product on the front page, just to get people to read it.

[Aromanances]

Dear Buick,

Please do not have a 3800/4speed Enclave. Please make all of them 3.6/6speed with perhaps a 4.6/6speed option. Please don't dumb down the Enclave just to be cheap. Please stop chasing the Traditional Buick Customer to the grave because you will fall in with them. The world has changed in the last twenty years the "TRADITIONAL BUICK CUSTOMER" has not, other than to become fewer. Please fast track the Epsilon II Lacrosse. The current car can't be warmed over anymore. Please put the Six speed and 3.6 in the Lucerne.

Thank You
Previous, Current, and hopfully future Buick owner.

[petervegas]

Excellent work!

The designs are much to stylish for GM to ever consider......

[Al465]

Originally Posted by ChevroletRevived

It's a Future Product Extravaganza!
Feature Website: HERE

Welcome to a new Feature here at GMI; Revitalization In Action. Planned as a series of dream lineups possible for each of GM's brands, the first in this series, Revitalization in Action; The Dream Buick Lineup, has been a long time in the making, a collaboration of GMI Staff Member ChevroletRevived and GMI Chopper Fbodyrules. Our mission? To show, with a realistic feasibility factor, the great and focused lineups possible for each GM brand in North America. There has been talk of a brand cancellation, but with tight focus and a small, but effective vehicle lineup, divisions can become as one, as with the BPG collaboration. This Feature does this, showing what is possible in a focused line of Buick vehicles. The reason for the selection of the Buick brand as the first in our series is simple; Buick, along with the rest of BPG, is first in line for it's $3 billion revitalization. That, along with the shared belief that the Buick brand has much yet untapped potential were the driving factors in it's selection. The voice of the fans can make a difference. Some serious R&D and a brand with a lot of potential can spell success; if done right. And that's what we're here for. Thanks for viewing, and enjoy!




2010 Buick LaCrosse

Available: Spring 2009
Platform: EPII
Drive Wheels: Front
Engines: CXL: 2.8L HF V6 w/245 hp (FWD), CXS: 3.6L HF V6 w/295 hp (AWD)
Transmission: 6 speed Automatic (Standard)


This car is a proposal for the next LaCrosse, set on the versatile new EPII platform, currently under development. Our proposed LaCrosse, following the rumors of the next generations's move upwards in size and price, is larger then the current model, and is mirrored after it's larger and more expensive Roadmaster sibling. Not developed to be a sports performance BMW-esque sedan, the LaCrosse's mission is to take the ES head on. This car is not positioned as a ''cut rate'' ES, rather the LaCrosse not only matches, but exceeds the standards set for this class. It's aim? To take refinement, sophistication and technology to new levels, directly competing and winning it's Japanese peers. The LaCrosse is priced competitivley, with the uplevel CXS model priced squarely in ES territory. Moving downmarket, the CXL starts you out at a lower price point the the car's competitors, covering the smaller luxury segments with it's $29,995 introducutory price point. We believe that it's competitiveness in exceeding the set standards, combined with distinctive American style and boldness lacking in the ES, the LaCrosse will win over buyers as it changes perceptions and Buick shifts back into contention.



2010 Buick Wildcat

Available: February 2009
Platform: Zeta
Drive Wheels: Rear
Engines: CXL: 3.6L HF V6 w/300 hp, CXS: 4.6L Northstar V8 w/350 hp
Transmission: 6 Speed Automatic (Standard)

Starting out above standard LaCrosse CXS territory, the Wildcat RWD sedan is priced competitively, coming at around $42-55k. Positioned as a Buick alternative to the Lexus GS and aimed toward young professionals and businessmen, the Zeta based RWD Wildcat will be a Buick ''want'' vehicle, the sportiest in the sedan lineup. Inside and out, the styling of the Wildcat sedan copies cues from the successful Velite concept car, first shown in 2004. The interior of the Wildcat possesses subtle retro cues, like a retro-futuristic steering wheel, chromed vents and round instrument binnacle showcased in the Wildcat Gran Sport (shown below). Satin nickel trim abounds, and only a few sparse, yet ideally placed, pieces of wood round off the look of freshness and modern minimalist style inherent in the car's design. A favorite of enthusiasts and professionals alike, the Wildcat is a Buick like no other, a uniquely placed piece of automotive perfection, and the image leader of the sedan lineup.




2009 Buick Wildcat Gran Sport

Available: Fall 2008
Platform: GM Y-Body
Drive Wheels: Rear
Engines: 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V8 w/425 hp
Transmission: 6 speed automatic

Introducing the Buick Wildcat Gran Sport: the ultimate expression of Buick's renaissance and the ''Halo'' vehicle of the Buick lineup. Coming in at around $55-60k, the powerful and luxurious V8 Gran Sport takes cues from Buick's past, most noticeably in it's unmistakable Riviera boat tail liftback rear end. The Gran Sport is a styling stunner, oozing style and class with it's beautiful pilarless construction, Velite styling, and handleless doors. Truly the pinnacle of style and luxury in the Buick lineup, the Gran Sport, like the Corvette, offers value for the money, keeping company with exotics and luxury coupes much higher in price. The Gran Sport will be a real perception shatter, bringing a competitive dose of American style and luxury to the segment and spreading the positive new image across the entire lineup.




2009 Buick Roadmaster & 2010 Roadmaster Coupe (below)

Available: Spring 2008 (Sedan) and January 2009 (Coupe)
Platform: Zeta
Drive Wheels: RWD
Engines: CXL: 3.6L HF V6 w/275 hp, & Northstar 4.6L V8 w/350 hp
Transmission: 6 speed automatic (Standard)


The next generation Lucurne is currently under development by Buick. In our proposal, it will be getting a name change, to Roadmaster. Based on the Zeta RWD platform and built at the Oshawa plant in Ontario, Canada, the Roadmaster features the emotional styling language displayed on the Enclave luxury crossover, first introduced as a concept in January 2006. As the replacement for Buick's hot selling Lucurne, the Roadmaster carries on that car's strong points and builds on them. With even more power and bold American styling, the new Roadmaster offers RWD V8 power and a refined and upscale interior. Roadmaster will be in a class of it's own, offering comparable features and refinement of luxury sedans costing thousands more. Starting at the high end of the 300C's price point, the Roadmaster will handily surpass that car's refinement, luxury and features, all with a distinctive American style of it's own. Positioned as a low price American Lexus LS, Roadmaster will be the integral part of Buick's renaissance plan, an exellent selling, high profit model in the Buick lineup.



Buick Enclave:
NAIAS: Buick Enclave Concept



GMI Staffer Ming's Opinion:

It disappoints me that GM needs to spend huge sums of money to "revitalize" any of its brands. Revitalization means that for any number of reasons GM has let these brands decay or has led them astray. Either that, or it takes GM so long to come "full circle" back to infuse more money into its many brands that they become stale over the span of time it takes for GM to cycle through them completely.

For Buick the problem has been using "proven" technology as an excuse for not spending R&D dollars on keeping things up to date. The naturally aspirated 3800 engine, for instance - the Buick Workhorse, while great in 2000, hasn't changed a bit since then. The Lucerne's 3800 engine gets less than 200 horsepower, while Hyundai has since introduced its Azera 3.8L V6 producing 265 horsepower.

Buick needs two things for success. Technology and Style.
On the tech front, Buick should have the best possible, most competitive engines that still have a track record for reliability. The 3.6L DOHC engine should be standard on the Lucerne. If that means tweaking horsepower output a bit to improve smoothness, NVH and fuel economy then so be it. It also needs 6-speed automatics across the board. Nothing says "value" (read "cheap") these days more than a 4-speed.
Buick needs expressive styling that oozes luxury and harkens back to its glory days of the mid 20th century. Buick of China seems to have the right formula for looks. Detroit's CSV Terraza and to a lesser degree, the LaCrosse are examples of Detroit budget styling gone wrong. The examples of styling in the photos above would give Buick a great injection of life that is sorely needed. But the Beancounters at GM must not be allowed to saddle any of them with yesterday's technology, giving only pricey "Ultra" models the technology needed to compete. Looks alone will not win back respect for Buick.

CONCLUSION
The Lucurne has demonstrated that, with good product, there is yet life to be found in Buick. The market is wanting big, RWD sedans yet again. Could the market's demand for this kind of product help rekindle the fire at Buick for producing classic American sedans and coupes? The beginning of a new era at Buick, one where styling and quality reign once again? I commend GM for the Enclave; it embodies the very spirit of Buick, and what it should be again. Product is the vehicle for exploiting potential, and now, with it's revitilization, Buick is getting those vehicles. This dream lineup was an example of the competent, competitive and focused lineup possible at Buick. Now, with it's revitalization coming up, will the dream be realized?

Written by: GMI Staff Member ChevroletRevived
Chops provided by: GMI Chopper fbodyrules

Great looking styles! Something I've never understood, is it more costly to form the sheet metal of a nice looking car versus an ugly looking car?
If not, why bother building an ugly looking car. Maybe an engineer involved in the process can explain that to me........Jack

[Buicksforme]

What AWESOME cars,but 2009 & 2010 may be to late. Buick needs to bring these cars out NOW!!

[HEVguy]

Wow, I like those concepts and ideas!

Although, the 2010 Lacrosse cabin looks a bit awkward to me, and the Roadmaster concept is too close to the Caddy Sixteen IMHO... If the Sixteen were made also, then I'd have to be upset about them being premium re-badges.

Anyway, though, overall I really like the ideas!!!! Nice cohesive, consistant styles.

[momolos]

I like the ideas but way too pricey Buick in my opinion. They should have VW prices maybe a little higher. I think they should keep the Lucurne name it is making headway in the market. And keep it FWD and make another smaller than the FWD Lucurne but bigger than the LaCrosse. This is my opinion. Lets go GM!

[momolos]

I like the ideas but way too pricey Buick in my opinion. They should have VW prices maybe a little higher. I think they should keep the Lucurne name it is making headway in the market. And keep it FWD and make another smaller RWD car that is smaller than the FWD Lucurne but bigger than the LaCrosse. This is my opinion. Lets go GM!

[megeebee]

Originally Posted by mbukukanyau

chopped Cadillac Sixteen...
Problem is, the Asians are going to Use GM design cues before GM

It's happened before. I often wonder where Nissans bally-whooed recovery would be if they hadn't copied the themes off of the Cadillac Evoq so heavily, and so quickly. Honda's Acura did too. One of the may strengths that Asian companies have is being able to bring new stuff to market fairly quickly. I know GM is trying on that score, but it still takes them alot longer to get a car from idea to metal than most of their competitors.

[8>4]

LaCrosse-EpsilonII-improvement of current model
Lucerne-Larger FWD platform (Chi)-improvement of current model
Roadmaster- LWB Zeta-flagship sedan
Riviera-LWB Zeta-coupe version of Roadmaster
Velite-SWB Zeta-hardtop conv. just like concept.
Enclave-Lambda-just like concept

[KingElvis]

This is really neat and entertaining 'content.'

I like how you used only the DOHC engines for Buick - nice.

The photoshops are great, except for Lacrosse.

It really is fun and engaging, though I think even the authors of this know that it has 2 essential flaws.

1. Waaay too many models. What we know about the B/P/GMC realignment says that Buick and Pontiac should have roughly half as many models in the future to avoid stepping on eachother. They've got five now, so even three would be pushing it - consider all of GM's brand's - eight of them - could they ever sell 48 (6x8) different models? Narrow it down to "Lacrosse" (knowing what it means in Canada, why was that the only contemporary name you kept?) and Wildcat.

2. This is a double edged sword - I really love how you are trying to move Buick many rungs up the ladder, but the prices here seem more appropriate for Cadillac. The cheapest Buick is about as much as the most expensive one now. Dealers would have a coniption fit.

Actually though, by nixing the Enclave, Gran Sport and Roadmaster sedan, and cranking all the prices down about $5000, these two problems would be eliminated. You'd be left with a Lacrosse, Wildcat and Riviera.

I suppose I can understand a "Wildcat" model - even though it's among the least known names. Actually "Roadmaster," "Limited," "Special" and "Century" go all the way back to the 1930s, while Wildcat was limited to the Bucket seat craze of '60s. Also, why call two completely different cars the same name? You've got two 2 doors and yet no Riviera? Is is it too late to change the Roadmaster 2 door name to Riviera?

I'm looking forward to seeing the other lineups. I think as this goes on, you'll see that three cars per brand is more than enough.

Overall, an impressive effort. Why not issue some kind of press release, or try to frame this as a quasi 'net news' story about GM's rabid defenders coming to it's aid?