Buick's "Thuper" Cars
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,306
From: Jersey Shore
Buick's "Thuper" Cars
Why dont they just close the brand, its getting too painful to watch.
Boring, parts bin, and a waste of funds.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/03/26/auto...ce=yahoo_quote
Boring, parts bin, and a waste of funds.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/03/26/auto...ce=yahoo_quote
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,705
From: Oakland, California
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,977
From: SeVa
With a median age of 65, Buick buyers tend to be older than those of any other GM division. With these new "Super" models, GM is trying to shift Buick to a somewhat younger, albeit not exactly youthful, audience.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
But the more expensive car is: larger, more luxurious, and to most more attractive. What don't you understand about it having less power? It isn't an M5 it is a large Buick sedan that competes against the Town Car and 300C (note not SRT8).
Registered User
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,947
From: Springfield,OH. U.S.A.
Originally Posted by Big Als Z:
Why dont they just close the brand, its getting too painful to watch.
Boring, parts bin, and a waste of funds.
Why dont they just close the brand, its getting too painful to watch.
Boring, parts bin, and a waste of funds.
With 'noise' in the wings, Buick spruces up lineup
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
By Don Hammonds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Buick may mean quiet elegance to most folks, but things promise to get pretty noisy at General Motors' entry-level luxury division later this year with the introduction of two nifty new models -- the Enclave and the LaCrosse Super.
The Enclave is an all-new luxury crossover and the LaCrosse Super will be an upscale version of Buick's intermediate car. Super is, of course, the Buick series name that for years denoted a top-of-the-line luxury car that was second only to the vaunted Roadmaster in terms of creature comforts.
Meanwhile, Buick's ushering in its 2007 model line with some cosmetic changes, trim adjustments and options enhancements.
The LaCrosse, Buick's increasingly popular mid-sized family car gets new, sportier cluster graphics with red pointer gauges, Harvest Burl wood trim, a steering wheel with Buick's tri-shield emblem, and two new choices of cloth seat fabric -- gray and neutral. Four new exterior colors also have been added: Stone Grey Metallic, Midnight Amethyst, Midnight Blue Metallic and Red jewel Metallic. Power comes from a 200 horsepower V-6 for the CX and CXL models and a 240 horsepower V-6 .
The 2007 Buick Lucerne
The Lucerne is the one to beat if you want all-American luxury in an up-to-date design. It comes in three models -- XCX, CXL and CXS -- and it is offered with two engine choices, four option packages in each model and tons of luxury goodies for consumers.
Brand new in 2006, the 2007 Lucerne keeps change to a minimum. But corrected one of the biggest issues for the 2006 model -- the lack of some options that are considered key for success in the luxury field -- by adding a new GPS/DVD navigation system and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also gets two new exterior colors -- Light Quartz Metallic and Gold Mist Metallic -- and two new two-tone interior choices: cocoa and cashmere, and cocoa and shale.
Power for the Lucerne comes from either a 195 horsepower V-6 or a spirited 4.6 liter, 275-horsepower V-8, along with six air bags of various sorts including those all-important roof rail curtain air bags. Standard equipment includes magnetic ride control, heated washer fluid, rain-sensing wipers heated and cooled seat and a Harmon-Kardon nine speaker audio system.Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway with the big V-8, and 19 city/28 highway for the smaller V-6 version.
Driving this car will bring back pleasant memories of the Buick of old. It's eerily quiet, luxuriously equipped, and self-possessed on the road. But the differences with older Buicks is that the Lucerne is quite a handler for its size. There's next to no body lean, brakes are excellent and it really bites into corners and curves. One more thing: fit and finish is miles ahead of anything else you have seen on a Buick.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
By Don Hammonds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Buick may mean quiet elegance to most folks, but things promise to get pretty noisy at General Motors' entry-level luxury division later this year with the introduction of two nifty new models -- the Enclave and the LaCrosse Super.
The Enclave is an all-new luxury crossover and the LaCrosse Super will be an upscale version of Buick's intermediate car. Super is, of course, the Buick series name that for years denoted a top-of-the-line luxury car that was second only to the vaunted Roadmaster in terms of creature comforts.
Meanwhile, Buick's ushering in its 2007 model line with some cosmetic changes, trim adjustments and options enhancements.
The LaCrosse, Buick's increasingly popular mid-sized family car gets new, sportier cluster graphics with red pointer gauges, Harvest Burl wood trim, a steering wheel with Buick's tri-shield emblem, and two new choices of cloth seat fabric -- gray and neutral. Four new exterior colors also have been added: Stone Grey Metallic, Midnight Amethyst, Midnight Blue Metallic and Red jewel Metallic. Power comes from a 200 horsepower V-6 for the CX and CXL models and a 240 horsepower V-6 .
The 2007 Buick Lucerne
The Lucerne is the one to beat if you want all-American luxury in an up-to-date design. It comes in three models -- XCX, CXL and CXS -- and it is offered with two engine choices, four option packages in each model and tons of luxury goodies for consumers.
Brand new in 2006, the 2007 Lucerne keeps change to a minimum. But corrected one of the biggest issues for the 2006 model -- the lack of some options that are considered key for success in the luxury field -- by adding a new GPS/DVD navigation system and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also gets two new exterior colors -- Light Quartz Metallic and Gold Mist Metallic -- and two new two-tone interior choices: cocoa and cashmere, and cocoa and shale.
Power for the Lucerne comes from either a 195 horsepower V-6 or a spirited 4.6 liter, 275-horsepower V-8, along with six air bags of various sorts including those all-important roof rail curtain air bags. Standard equipment includes magnetic ride control, heated washer fluid, rain-sensing wipers heated and cooled seat and a Harmon-Kardon nine speaker audio system.Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway with the big V-8, and 19 city/28 highway for the smaller V-6 version.
Driving this car will bring back pleasant memories of the Buick of old. It's eerily quiet, luxuriously equipped, and self-possessed on the road. But the differences with older Buicks is that the Lucerne is quite a handler for its size. There's next to no body lean, brakes are excellent and it really bites into corners and curves. One more thing: fit and finish is miles ahead of anything else you have seen on a Buick.
March 1, 2007 Popular Mechanics:
Spy Reports: 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super and Lucerne
Caught during winter testing in northern Michigan, the 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super (pictured at right, top) will be unveiled at the New York auto show later this month, GM said today. It has a new front, the grille is larger than the present model, and its vertical bars are taller and set wider apart. However, it looks like the fenders and hood are unchanged, reflecting Buick’s decision to save money by restricting the changes to the grille, front fascia and lower air intake.
As goes the fascia of the LaCrosse, so goes the front of the Lucerne (pictured at right, bottom). This Buick is sporting a new, more aggressive snout. The grille frame has sharper corners, rather than the current car’s soft curves and oval shape. There are also few bars in the grille. These changes are being made to help rid the big Buicks of their conventional car image. —Jim Dun
Spy Reports: 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super and Lucerne
Caught during winter testing in northern Michigan, the 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super (pictured at right, top) will be unveiled at the New York auto show later this month, GM said today. It has a new front, the grille is larger than the present model, and its vertical bars are taller and set wider apart. However, it looks like the fenders and hood are unchanged, reflecting Buick’s decision to save money by restricting the changes to the grille, front fascia and lower air intake.
As goes the fascia of the LaCrosse, so goes the front of the Lucerne (pictured at right, bottom). This Buick is sporting a new, more aggressive snout. The grille frame has sharper corners, rather than the current car’s soft curves and oval shape. There are also few bars in the grille. These changes are being made to help rid the big Buicks of their conventional car image. —Jim Dun
Last edited by 90rocz; Mar 28, 2007 at 07:11 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,947
From: Springfield,OH. U.S.A.
BUICK RETURNS ‘SUPER’ NAME TO DESIGNATE PREMIUM MODELS
Exclusive Buick models elevate design, power and performanceNEW YORK – Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick’s most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.
“We’re bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models,” said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. “Our Supers are not just about increased horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge.”
While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic, including:
• Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
• Powertrain enhancements
• Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems for responsive and confident handling
• Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick’s exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort
Exclusive Buick models elevate design, power and performanceNEW YORK – Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick’s most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.
“We’re bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models,” said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. “Our Supers are not just about increased horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge.”
While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic, including:
• Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
• Powertrain enhancements
• Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems for responsive and confident handling
• Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick’s exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort
(Did I mention I currently own a Rendezvous CXL/AWD and Park Ave "Ultra"??
Last edited by 90rocz; Mar 27, 2007 at 10:21 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 78
From: Surrey, B.C., Canada
There was an article in todays paper that said Buick sales are down 30% in the U.S. in the first two months of 2007. Sales sank to 240,657 in 2006 from a high of almost 1 million in 1984. By the end of February, Buicks sat on dealer lots an average of 101 days before being sold, almost twice as long as the 54-day average for Lincoln.
Buick plans to produce a single mid-sized car for U.S., and China, one of the only bright spots for the struggling brand. Buick posted a 25 % increase in 2006 sales to 304,230 vehicles to grab 11.8 % of the market, up from 11.2 % last year. Ten new or revamped GM models will debut in China this year.
Buick is one of three GM brands, along with Pontiac and Hummer, among the five nameplates dropping the most in U.S. sales (the other two were Isuzu, and Mini).
-source Greg Bensinger, Bloomberg News
I've noted that two quietest dealerships nearby are the Pontiac/Buick/GMC store, and the Mitsubishi dealership. Never seems to be any customers in either, and the service department at the Pontiac etc place was absolutedly deserted the other day.
Buick plans to produce a single mid-sized car for U.S., and China, one of the only bright spots for the struggling brand. Buick posted a 25 % increase in 2006 sales to 304,230 vehicles to grab 11.8 % of the market, up from 11.2 % last year. Ten new or revamped GM models will debut in China this year.
Buick is one of three GM brands, along with Pontiac and Hummer, among the five nameplates dropping the most in U.S. sales (the other two were Isuzu, and Mini).
-source Greg Bensinger, Bloomberg News
I've noted that two quietest dealerships nearby are the Pontiac/Buick/GMC store, and the Mitsubishi dealership. Never seems to be any customers in either, and the service department at the Pontiac etc place was absolutedly deserted the other day.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 4,320
From: Memphis
The buick enclave is the first truly impressive and compelling vehicle I've ever seen come from that brand.
When the LaCrosse first came out some people on this forum were telling me it was a legitimate solid competitor to the Lexus ES330/350. I laughed. I wonder if they'd still tell me it is? I noticed even Buick had that attitude for a while, but then started marketing the Lucerne as the ES competitor instead. I'd be more likely to concede the Lucerne as a competitor for those who don't mind somewhat drab interior design and are looking for something bigger than an ES that sells for an ES price. But still, not much came of it because it was still a ca that never managed to catch the eye from a brand that most people these days can't even seem to remember if it still exists (I can't tell you the number of people that even now can't remember if it's Buick or Oldsmobile or both that are no longer made!)
Again, I believe the Enclave is a valiant effort made in salvaging the brand, but they will have to make many many such efforts over the next several years if they honestly intend to salvage it.
When the LaCrosse first came out some people on this forum were telling me it was a legitimate solid competitor to the Lexus ES330/350. I laughed. I wonder if they'd still tell me it is? I noticed even Buick had that attitude for a while, but then started marketing the Lucerne as the ES competitor instead. I'd be more likely to concede the Lucerne as a competitor for those who don't mind somewhat drab interior design and are looking for something bigger than an ES that sells for an ES price. But still, not much came of it because it was still a ca that never managed to catch the eye from a brand that most people these days can't even seem to remember if it still exists (I can't tell you the number of people that even now can't remember if it's Buick or Oldsmobile or both that are no longer made!)
Again, I believe the Enclave is a valiant effort made in salvaging the brand, but they will have to make many many such efforts over the next several years if they honestly intend to salvage it.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
There was an article in todays paper that said Buick sales are down 30% in the U.S. in the first two months of 2007. Sales sank to 240,657 in 2006 from a high of almost 1 million in 1984. By the end of February, Buicks sat on dealer lots an average of 101 days before being sold, almost twice as long as the 54-day average for Lincoln.
Sure they had a few Rendevous and Raineer's sitting around for the 2006 MY but everyone knew they were lame ducks.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,947
From: Springfield,OH. U.S.A.
Originally Posted by Patrick Davies:
There was an article in todays paper that said Buick sales are down 30% in the U.S. in the first two months of 2007.
There was an article in todays paper that said Buick sales are down 30% in the U.S. in the first two months of 2007.
In my opinion, the Regal GS was twice the car the new Lacrosse is...it has as much if not more room than a Lacrosse,(saw them parked side-by-side yesterday), it looked to have more class than the Lacrosse as well, and was faster.
Like the articles I snipped above, I believe they're making progress, just still in the process of reinventing.
P.S.:I own a '03 Rendezvous and love it!..
-it's right sized, space efficient, plenty of features outside the norm, like; overhead DVD, heated seats, heated mirrors, lumbar adj, 6-disc in dash CD player, 8 speakers, HUD, AWD, "back up assisst" etc...
It was the only GM smaller SUV with a 3rd row seat, and the most interesting body design, and rock solid on the test drive.
