GM bringing back the 'Super' line of Buicks
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GM bringing back the 'Super' line of Buicks
While the whole 'Super' thing is way before my time, it could be a good hint of potentially cool Buicks to come.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/finan.../D8O03HTO0.htm
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/finan.../D8O03HTO0.htm
General Motors Corp. said Tuesday it is bringing back its "Super" line of Buicks, about five decades after the premium models last were sold, as it makes broader efforts to reinvigorate the 104-year-old brand in the U.S. and grow in China.
Buick General Manager Steve Shannon said the automaker soon will unveil the "Super" line, last used in 1958. For now, he said, it will include versions of the LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.
"These vehicles will elevate in terms of design, power and performance," Shannon said during a presentation to the Automotive Press Association in Detroit.
Buick General Manager Steve Shannon said the automaker soon will unveil the "Super" line, last used in 1958. For now, he said, it will include versions of the LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.
"These vehicles will elevate in terms of design, power and performance," Shannon said during a presentation to the Automotive Press Association in Detroit.
Last edited by johnsocal; Mar 20, 2007 at 05:29 PM.
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I think we've been hearing about that for a while, or rumors, I for one can't wait to see what that might mean.
I think that was expected with all the changes, dropped models and not everyone loves the new Lacrosse.
Any Pics????
Buick's U.S. sales, however, were down nearly 15 percent in 2006 to about 240,650. GM's effort to cut low-profit sales to rental car companies, as well eliminating aging models such as the LeSabre sedan, accentuated the drop.
GM plans to unveil a new look for the LaCrosse in North America later this month, ahead of the New York Auto Show.
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1) Grand National was a version of the T-type, which was a version of the Buick Regal.
2) Grand National was named after a NASCAR series. Buick decided to break with that image, and hasn't looked back. Pontiac even ran away from that image by getting out of NASCAR a couple of years ago.
3) The Buick Grand National was a high performance LUXURY car, a fact that's completely forgotten today. It was cushy, it was expensive, and it could accelerate like there was no tomorrow. The Grand National cost about as much as an entry level Corvette (the T-type was considerably cheaper). The Grand National GNX was one of the most expensive cars made by GM at the time. Yes, the GNX cost much more than a Corvette.
4) Buick's performance cars are going to be called "Super" in the future. That includes any coupe that Buick may or may not get off of Zeta.
Sorry. No Grand National...
... but you'll probally see a Buick turbo V6 eventually.
Last edited by guionM; Mar 20, 2007 at 06:17 PM.
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I hate to butt heads with Guy, but I need to clarify a few things...
1) The Grand National was an appearance package on a T-type, and a like equipped T-type versus Grand National was not much more expensive. I think the Grand National package was $995 or less.
2) What is interesting is that the Grand National wasn't SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive than a like-equipped Monte Carlo SS. They barely cracked $20k fully equipped when Corvettes were high $20s. Most Grand National window stickers I've seen on eBay are high teens to slightly over $20...at least a safe $5k below a base Vette from the '85-'87 timeframe.
3) The GNX stickered for $30-32k, slightly above a well-equipped '87 Vette coupe. Granted, dealers charged WAY more than that (I've heard them as high as $60k when new), but still...
I love '80s cars
1) The Grand National was an appearance package on a T-type, and a like equipped T-type versus Grand National was not much more expensive. I think the Grand National package was $995 or less.
2) What is interesting is that the Grand National wasn't SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive than a like-equipped Monte Carlo SS. They barely cracked $20k fully equipped when Corvettes were high $20s. Most Grand National window stickers I've seen on eBay are high teens to slightly over $20...at least a safe $5k below a base Vette from the '85-'87 timeframe.
3) The GNX stickered for $30-32k, slightly above a well-equipped '87 Vette coupe. Granted, dealers charged WAY more than that (I've heard them as high as $60k when new), but still...
I love '80s cars
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There is little chance of the Grand National name coming back, but that is just my opinion. They would upset too many enthusiasts if they brought the name back without it being 100% true to its heritage. Regardless, I don't think they could come close to making a legendary car like that twice in a row.
And to add to the facts, the Turbo Buick ECM was the most advanced that GM had made to that point. It was miles ahead of anything else they out there.
And to add to the facts, the Turbo Buick ECM was the most advanced that GM had made to that point. It was miles ahead of anything else they out there.
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Perhaps a Zeta Buick model could get the Regal name, and in that way facilitate the return of the GN?
But this all might be "pie in the sky" at this point.
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There is little chance of the Grand National name coming back, but that is just my opinion. They would upset too many enthusiasts if they brought the name back without it being 100% true to its heritage. Regardless, I don't think they could come close to making a legendary car like that twice in a row.