If you were in charge of Buick

1897 Views 25 Replies 15 Participants Last post by BigAls87Z28, Feb 16, 2004

BigAls87Z28

Discussion Starter · Feb 11, 2004

If you were in charge of Buick, what cars would you build? What cars would bring back the everyday luxury car? You have to use exisiting chassis, including Zeta. Also, describle the styling you would go for on each car. Any special gizmoz or gadgests? Lets hear them.

1 - 20 of 26 Posts

mgescuro

· #2 · Feb 11, 2004

If I were running Buick, I would make sure Buick returned to and became the epitome of Traditional American luxury.

1) Riviera -- Built on Expanded Kappa platform Coupe and Convertible.
2) La Crosse -- Exactly the way it is, except that 3800 Series III V6 has to go.
3) Ranier -- Do a better job at it. Plain and simple.
4) Rendezvous -- Exactly the way it is, except a better engine and interior. ON the new Lambda platform.
5) Park Avenue -- Entirely new design. Revamped interior. V8. Sell no more than $50K. The Buick flagship. Use the current DTS platform and don't badge engineer it. ANd remove those damned portholes.
6) Roadmaster -- I LOVE the name. It should be a large luxury car, with its main competition as the Town Car.

No Terrazza.

There should be a car that slot in between LaCrosse and the Park Avenue Ultra. I've got no name for it though.
And depending on the entry-level Lacrosse, perhaps an entry level family luxury car that slot below the LaCrosse. A new Le Sabre perhaps that is relatively inexpensive and built on the Epsilon.

Buick should create an "Ultra" series for most of its vehicles. Nav screens, nuance leather, QuietTuning, 5-6 spd auto, 5 passenger (no front bench seating). And Buick should have V8's in the "Ultras."

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StevenJ

· #3 · Feb 12, 2004

1. Gran Sport - Most over looked Buick of all time. Yeah I know it was a package to the Riviera whatever but still. It should be built off the Monaro with a all new body and interior. The frame, chasis, and running gear can all be reused. There should also be a convertible.

2. Park Avenue - RWD V8, more detail, more chrome, more traditional yet beautiful and fully modern like the new Chrysler 300.

3. Le Sabre - lower end versions of the Park Avenue.

4. La Crosse - Smaller four door V6 fwd to cost between $20-24. (The entry level Buick.

5. An SUV - just one decent looking SUV. No reason to go hog wild.

chadbarb99

· #4 · Feb 12, 2004

I'd bring back the Grand National and or GNX of course.

BigAls87Z28

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 12, 2004

Originally posted by chadbarb99@Feb 12 2004, 02:59 PM
I'd bring back the Grand National and or GNX of course.

nothing for nothing, but a GN or GNX wouldnt help sales at buick nor help them project a image of luxury.

paul8488

· #6 · Feb 12, 2004

does anyone recall the buick sceptre concept car? it was out a bunch of years ago... like probably '97 or '98. it was grand am sized... VERY slick looking sedan. it was very smooth and curvy... woulda been way ahead of anyone else (style-wise) if it had come out then. guess buick isn't aiming to have a car that small anymore... but it sure showed some forward-thinking. and of course now the sceptre is way too dated... but it was an impressive concept in its day!

paul8488

· #7 · Feb 12, 2004

Originally posted by mgescuro@Feb 11 2004, 09:26 AM
If I were running Buick, I would make sure Buick returned to and became the epitome of Traditional American luxury.

1) Riviera -- Built on Expanded Kappa platform Coupe and Convertible.
2) La Crosse -- Exactly the way it is, except that 3800 Series III V6 has to go.
3) Ranier -- Do a better job at it. Plain and simple.
4) Rendezvous -- Exactly the way it is, except a better engine and interior. ON the new Lambda platform.
5) Park Avenue -- Entirely new design. Revamped interior. V8. Sell no more than $50K. The Buick flagship. Use the current DTS platform and don't badge engineer it. ANd remove those damned portholes.
6) Roadmaster -- I LOVE the name. It should be a large luxury car, with its main competition as the Town Car.

room in your lineup for a reatta? guess there's no room with a riviera (as they proved before!)... but i still think that is a gorgeous car... 15 years later!... and would love to see a modern interpretation. couldn't be corvette/XLR based... kappa's too little... hmmm... someone with photoshop skills should update a reatta for me

Tone

· #8 · Feb 12, 2004

Most traditional carmakers today start their brand exercises (like this one) by trying to identify the car or cars that exemplify who they were, who they are and who they'd like to be.

For examle, judging by their show cars and press comments, it seems Chevy's cars are the Tri-5 ('55 - 57) Bel Airs, the Corvette, and the mid-60's mid and full size SS cars.

If I were to vote for Buick's cars, I'd say the '50s Skylark and Roadmaster, the original Riviera as well as the early 70's "boattail" model best exemplify "Buick."

All the models have a kind of elegant sportiness that is very appealing. The designers once talked about the Riveria being a Ferarri crossed with a Rolls Royce, which seems apt.

Given this, I think Buick can get by with three cars and one SUV/cross over:

Entry-Level sedan: could be something similar to today's La Crosse in size, but should be a step up from that car. Should offer GM's best V6 and V8 engine and depending on the platform be either front or rear wheel drive with the option of AWD.

Full-Sized Sedan (i.e. Park Avenue): should share the platform Cadilac will use for the STS, but with less-edgy styling and a slightly lower price point. Should offer rear or AWD and a twin cam V8.

Specialty Coupe/Convertible (i.e Riviera): Two door, four seat coupe and convertible built on a suitable RWD platform. V8 only.

SUV/Crossover: Depending on the platform could be either FWD or RWD standard, with the option of AWD. Should offer a twin cam V6 or V8. Should have the option of third row seating and address Buick's customer's need for both room and all-weather performance.

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mmciau

· #9 · Feb 12, 2004

Buick should seriously look at this car as a 4 door

Mike

http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action...ew?modelid=8000

Watchdevil

· #10 · Feb 12, 2004

I would just kill Buick or maybe just produce a LeSabre for the old farts who don't want to be seen in an Chevrolet but cannot afford a Cadillac... Buick is now is just providing filler to give Buick dealers something to sell.

GM's multi-division strategy has outlived it's usefulness. It may have worked best in the 1950's when there was only one basic size car built in various body styles and trim levels. Back then each GM division used it's unique styling, different nameplates designating different trim levels, price points and status heiarchy to sell cars. GM lost ground in the 1970's building so many cars within it's own company that competed against each other. GM made it's bundle in the 1970's selling everyone mid-size cars styled like larger personal luxury cars, but at a lower price.

Now it seems only a game of each division marketing a full line of cars, trucks and SUV's. GM doesn't need this many divisions. It's a wonder how Holden can make do with one division in Australia.

GM needs to be cut down to Chevrolets and Cadillacs... period.

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BigAls87Z28

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 12, 2004

Well this is what I think.

#1 a long wheelbase Epsilon based entry level small sports like sedan much like the G20 IS350. Ecotec power, or 3.5l power. Semi agressive styling with suttle smooth lines to accentuate flow.
#2 a lacrosse type car with minor changes.
#3 a zeta based coupe to invoke some sportyness and life into Buick. Lines much like the Monaro. Powerd by either teh 3.9 v6 or 4.4 mini northstar. RWD and AWD option.
#4 a long wheel base zeta sedan. This is the flagship for Buicks sedans. 6spd auto trans. Same 3.9 and 4.4 in the coupe. Reclinging and sliding rear seats like a Maxx. Give it a large aperance over all. Big grill with large tri shield. RWD and AWD option.
All cars can be optioned with DVD navi, leather seats(standard in the zeta sedan), heated seats, and all the other luxury options.

Also thinking about a limted run sports coupe off an extended wheel base Kappa. It would have to be V6 powerd. Hard top at first, then a vert to follow up a year later. Something to really give the Crossfire/Z4 a run. Polished aluminum or wood inserts trim. 5spd semiauto or 5spd manual.

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BigAls87Z28

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 12, 2004

Originally posted by Watchdevil@Feb 12 2004, 07:59 PM
GM doesn't need this many divisions. It's a wonder how Holden can make do with one division in Australia.

GM needs to be cut down to Chevrolets and Cadillacs... period.

The population of Austrialia is probably less then the NY/NJ/CT tri state area. They dont need 40 brands.

sheithappens

· #13 · Feb 12, 2004

V8 ONLY with Displacement on Demand
Rear wheel drive standard
All wheel optional
Comfortably smooth yet firm ride
So quiet your ears ring
6 speed no excuses
Better wheels with a WIDE variety of choices. Wheels make or break a car.
Dual Exhaust
ETC.
:type:

Watchdevil

· #14 · Feb 12, 2004

Originally posted by bigals87z28+Feb 12 2004, 04:41 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (bigals87z28 @ Feb 12 2004, 04:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Watchdevil@Feb 12 2004, 07:59 PM
GM doesn't need this many divisions. It's a wonder how Holden can make do with one division in Australia.

GM needs to be cut down to Chevrolets and Cadillacs... period.

The population of Austrialia is probably less then the NY/NJ/CT tri state area. They dont need 40 brands. [/b][/quote]
We dont need 40 brands either... not really...

cyboexpo2002

· #15 · Feb 12, 2004

Originally posted by Watchdevil+Feb 12 2004, 10:45 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Watchdevil @ Feb 12 2004, 10:45 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Originally posted by [email protected] 12 2004, 04:41 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Watchdevil

Click to expand...

@Feb 12 2004, 07:59 PM
GM doesn't need this many divisions. It's a wonder how Holden can make do with one division in Australia.

GM needs to be cut down to Chevrolets and Cadillacs... period.

Click to expand...

The population of Austrialia is probably less then the NY/NJ/CT tri state area. They dont need 40 brands.

We dont need 40 brands either... not really... [/b][/quote]
:laughbounce: true.

footney

· #16 · Feb 14, 2004

h34r: As of now GM have too many division and dealers; It is limited in creating innovtive and new design. GM kill should Buick, GMC, and Pontiac divisions. GM should focus it resources on Saturn, Chevolet, and Cadillac. Saturn compete in the compact market on down. Because Saturn has no true design history, its cars can be innovative and radical. Chevrolet can compete in compact car to near luxury market. The SS version of Chevrolet models can more compensate for the intended "sportiness" of Pontaics and "the professional grade" of "GMC. Furthermore, Cadillac is headed in the right direction as long as is does not create an front-wheel drive entry level car or ulta-luxury vehile costing over $90k.

This new competitive strategy will cost GM sales volume; however, it can better utilize it resourcr to differentiate with stronger designs and innovation in every segment of the auto i

ndusrty.

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footney

· #17 · Feb 14, 2004

As of now GM have too many division and dealers; it is limited in creating innovative and new design. GM kill should Buick, GMC, and Pontiac divisions. GM should focus it resources on Saturn, Chevrolet, and Cadillac. Saturn can compete in the micro to compact market segment. Because Saturn has no true design history, its cars can be really innovative and radical. Chevrolet can compete in the compact car to near-luxury market segment. The “SS” versions of Chevrolet models can more compensate for the intended "Euro-sport" like performance of Pontiac and "the professional grade" of "GMC. Furthermore, Cadillac is headed in the right direction as long as is does not create an front-wheel drive entry level car or ultra-luxury vehicle costing over $90k.

This new competitive strategy will cost GM sales volume; however, it can better utilize it resource to differentiate with stronger designs and innovation in every segment of the auto industry

Sorry for the previous post—no spell check feature.

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AMcA

· #18 · Feb 14, 2004

Buick desperately needs two things: one, a big rear drive V8 sedan. Buick means big, powerful sedan and that's what they need to build on. I believe the new Zeta (a.k.a. Sigma-lite) platform ought to do it. And give it a genuine small block V8 - the classic one with the pushrods. Detune a Vette motor. You've already got the tooling. Then you'd have a real Buick, one that Americans would totally respond to.

The second thing they need is an image car. But I'm not sure there's an easy answer. Another Riv? I don't think so, given that the market for big coupes is not what it once was. A Kappa car? I kinda doubt it - way too small to qualify as a Buick.

I think the most interesting direction is the one shown by the LaCrosse show car of recent years (not the kinda boring new Lex-arse ES 330 competitor). It combined the great traditional virtues of a big comfortable American sedan with the kind of functionality that Americans demand of their cars these days - the ability to carry ridiculous amounts of stuff every once in a while that helps make SUVs and minivans so popular. I think this means some kind of a crossover, probably. An unusually sedan-like one, but with transformer capabilities.

That's my 2 cents.

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babershah

· #19 · Feb 14, 2004

If I were in charge of Buick, I would work on a product "BOOM", Buick has been for over 10 years and Lacrosse is the newest product. But looking at the likes of competiton Buicks have to kept up to date, I MEAN all the interior amenties like a Volkswagen or even Toyota. Interior amenities I refer to:
1. Navagation System (or OnStar)
2. Clean center console
3. soft leather seats (best example Ford 500)

These are the products I would add/replace:

1. Lacrosse- give it a nav. system (optional), that's it

2. LeSabre- a definite replacer that GM sells very well, replace with updated interior

3. Park Avenue- replace with RWD sedan, the "FLAGSHIP"

4. Convertible- new product below (of course) Cadillac XLR, luxury interior
Cost about $43,000

5. New SUV- I know you may say there's Rainer, but I would like a luxury SUV to compete with Lincoln and Lexus

6. Sport Wagon- LAMBDA platform crossover, extends Buick's upscale image

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MCGARRETT

· #20 · Feb 14, 2004

I love some of these responses....you can tell that there are a lot of thinkers out there....

[/QUOTE]As of now GM have too many division and dealers; it is limited in creating innovative and new design. GM kill should Buick, GMC, and Pontiac divisions.

Hello......you are in charge of the Buick Motor Divison and you just FIRED yourself. Goodbye six figure income......hello unemployment.

Hey nevermind the 400,000+ sales that Buick has, never mind the 1,000,000 or so that Pontiac and GMC sell.

First thing I would do a head of Buick Motor Divison is hire the GM corporate jet to fly me to Europe on a vacation, while my penthouse office at the General Motors World Headquarters is decorated.....after I return, I then will get to work on making changes at Buick.

1-Bring the "red white and blue" colors back to the Buick tri-shield logo, and while were at it, bring back the crosses and the little deer heads too(look at a Buick badge from before 1985) I am not that fond of the current "clear" logo

2-Give Buick a verision of the G6/Malibu platform, a premium smaller mid-size car. It goes along with GM's 2 prong mid-size car approach.(i.e G6/Grand Prix/Malibu/Impala). Buick can have Skylark and LaCROSSE. A coupe and convertible, like the G6, a sedan and perhaps a smaller cross-over type wagon, all with standard 3.9 V6 and available DOHC 3.6 V6. Poss AWD option. The most luxurious version of the platform, loaded with all the goodies, wood trim, navigational system. A Buick version of the 9-3 if you will.

3-Give the LaCROSSE a coupe model. Standard 3.6 DOHC only, perhaps an available 5 or 6 speed manual for the coupe. This would give Buick a premuim upscale coupe that can be sold against cars like higher end versions of the Solara and Accord, which both are over $30,000 in their respective top o the range models. I also would not mind seeing a 280-300hp DOHC V8 being made available in top of the line LaCROSSE models.

4-After expanding the LaCROSSE range, I would make the LeSabre RWD, a little larger than the current model, with a focus of rear seat comfort and trunk space. Standard 3.6 DOHC V6 and an optional V8. Standard traction control and a lower end version of Stabilitrack, for those concerned about the white stuff. Custom, Limited and a sporty Wildcat model, with suspension mods and less chrome, sort of a Mercury Marauder, but done correctly. Clean lines with a distinctive Buick style that is not to be mistaken with any other car. 3 portholes on LeSabre. No portholes on Wildcat models.

5-The Park Avenue-gone-history-out a here! The name has been around since 1975, it was a good run, but time to go. Replace the Park Avenue with the Roadmaster, thats a name that has such a nice ring to it! RWD of course, V8 standard, pushing about 300hp standard, with another 50hp or so available on the hotter motor. I dont agree with the statement that the flagship can be smaller, the Roadmaster should be bigger than the LeSabre, though both are going to be on the same platform. Stabilitrack, the ultimate in road going comfort, second only to Cadillac, max back seat room and trunk space.

6-The Riviera, Buick's new 4 passenger personal luxury coupe. V8 only, similar HP options as the Roadmaster. Retractable hardtop, with a real back seat. Study every Buick Riviera built from 1963 to 1971,skip the 1970 and 1969 models, for design inspiration and then add a hint of 1949 Buick Roadmaster and the Buick Blackhawk for flavor. This is the kind of car the you drive to the golf course with the top down, a snap brim fedora on your head and a cigar in your mouth, and you light it with a $20 dollar bill!

7-The Ranier, give Buick the basic LWB version of the GMT300 chassis that is used by the Envoy XL, but let Buick style a completley new body around it. Standard 4200 I6, optional 5300 and 6000 V8's . Also, throw an independent rear suspension in there for good measure, or you can just scrap the current model and give Buick a version of the Cadillac SRX platform to play with.

8-The Rendezvous, restyled on the new Lambda platform with a standard 3.6 V6 DOHC and an availble DOHC V8, larger thrid row seat. Perhaps a full length sunroof like the Cadillac SRX.

9-The Terazza. It's not that I don't think that Buick should have done a minivan, but I would have like to have seen something a little more original. The Terrazza is okay for now, but since it's not probable that Cadillac will make a mini-van, the Buick should be the swankiest mini-van on the market. The next gen Terazza should have an interior that rivals the best luxury cars in the world, with seats similar to lounge chairs in the rear. A standard 3.6 DOHC V6 of course and perhaps an optional V8, that would be a class first, and give Buick an advantage in the market.

Of course all models will have the highest spec gadgets available, i.e COLOR HUD, NAV systems, stablilitrack, PAS, many many many airbags, radar cruise control.

Whew...I'm tired. Get to work boys, I taking the corporate jet to Hawaii on a vacation. :bounce:

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