Buick Encore, 2013

 

 

•  Buick Encore, 2013

Buick introduced the all-new 2013 Encore - a luxury small crossover that delivers Buick's signature style, interior acoustic refinement and collection of luxury amenities in a maneuverable, versatile and efficient package.

The Buick Encore is on display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and goes on sale in early 2013.

Buick models continue to gain in popularity, with two consecutive years of higher retail sales. The Encore joins Verano - Buick's third all-new sedan in three years - to round out the brand's lineup and continues the momentum established by the Enclave crossover almost five years ago.

With room for five and up to 48.4 cubic feet (1,372 liters) of storage space with the rear seat folded, the Buick Encore offers substantial cargo capacity along with the confident, higher driving position, all-wheel-drive capability and contemporary styling of a crossover.

Additional features include 10 standard air bags and an Ecotec 1.4L turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain, along with standard and available technologies such as Buick's voice-activated IntelliLink - which uses Bluetooth or a USB to connect the driver's smartphone to a high-resolution, full-color seven-inch LCD display radio.

And because it's a Buick, QuietTuning is standard on the Encore, which also features Buick's first use of active noise cancellation technology.

Contemporary design offers versatile spaciousness
In keeping with the global design language that has come to symbolize the brand, the Buick Encore's sculpted and elegant styling traits - including sweeping character lines - make it instantly identifiable as a contemporary Buick. Signature cues include a waterfall grille, chrome accents and surrounds, portholes on the hood and painted lower panels, similar to the Enclave.

"The Encore brings Buick's timeless, sculptural design to the crossover segment in a way that blends elegance, efficiency and utility," said David Lyon, executive director of design. "There's confidence in its athletic stance and elemental beauty in its rich details."

Blue-accented projector-beam headlamps and detailed taillamps enhance the premium appearance; and 18-inch, five-spoke painted aluminum wheels are standard. Seven-spoke chrome wheels are available.

Inside, the Buick Encore's organic styling carries over to a flowing instrument panel that wraps naturally into the door panels. A prominent central instrument panel houses the large, full-color, seven-inch LCD display for the IntelliLink voice-activated radio system. It also features displays for the SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as available navigation and rear camera systems.

A contemporary mix of dark and light tones distinguishes the cabin, which is accented with ice blue ambient lighting, select use of bright trim and wood-grain trim. Premium seats featuring high-density foam for greater comfort on long drives are trimmed with either a contemporary cloth/leatherette motif or available leather. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are available. The rear seat features a fold-down armrest with cup holders.

More of the Buick Encore's comfort and luxury features - standard and available:

•     Remote vehicle start
•     Dual-zone automatic climate control
•     Rainsense wipers
•     Bose premium sound system
•     Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
•     Six-way, power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment and driver memory.

Buick Encore also features plenty of storage capacity and storage compartments. It offers 18.8 cubic feet (533 liters) of storage behind the split-folding rear seat and 48.4 cubic feet (1,372 liters) with the rear seat folded. With the rear seat in place, there's room for at least six full grocery bags and with the rear seat folded, there's room for golf clubs and overnight bags for a weekend getaway. Even the front passenger seat folds flat to extend the cargo length and accommodate long items that would not normally fit in a vehicle of this size.

Nine exterior colors and three interior color combinations will be offered.

QuietTuning gets 'active'
QuietTuning is the process of defining Buick quality, sound and vibration characteristics and designing and refining the vehicle following a three-point strategy of reducing sounds at their source, blocking sounds from entering the cabin and absorbing any remaining sounds.

For the Buick Encore, specific content was applied to achieve 40 sound benchmarks for refinement, including Buick's first application of active noise cancellation. With it, ceiling-mounted microphones detect engine noise, the frequencies of which are processed by a computer that directs counteracting sound waves through the audio system's speakers and subwoofer.

Additional standard QuietTuning features:
    Acoustically treated headliner with a tuned gap between it and the high-strength-steel roof panel
    Sound-absorbing materials used in the cabin, under the hood and in the wheel house liners
    HydraMatic 6T40 six-speed transmission with neutral gear disengagement
    Quiet-tuned 18-inch Continental tires
    Aero-optimized outside mirrors
    Ultra-quiet engine alternator
    Acoustic-laminated windshield and thicker 5mm side window glass
    Foam baffle insulation at the opening of body structure cavities.

'One-tire' philosophy sharpens ride and handling characteristics

The new Buick Encore is built on a global small-crossover platform and engineered with a "one-tire" philosophy. Everything is optimized around a single 18-inch tire specification, designed for more precise suspension tuning, driving refinement, quietness and a feeling of control.

The Buick Encore's 100.6-inch (2,555 mm) wheelbase and wide stance - 60.6-inch (1,540 mm) front and rear tracks - contribute to a more confident-feeling driving experience, while a strong structure enables greater suspension precision and a quieter ride. Tuned engine, including two hydraulic mounts, are tailored to the engine's inherent torque axis to disrupt the transmission of vibration and noise. This configuration also helps control the transfer of momentum, resulting in improved dynamic balance.

A MacPherson strut front suspension is used with coil springs, a large stabilizer bar and side-load-compensated front strut modules. The rear suspension incorporates a compound crank (torsion beam) design, with a double-wall, tubular V-shape beam profile with gas-charged twin-tube shocks. It combines all the advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle, including minimal space requirements, with low weight and consistent camber control. Urethane spring isolators are used to dampen noise.

The Buick Encore also features a column-mounted, variable-effort electric power steering system. It contributes to a 36.7-foot (11.2 meters) turning diameter, while also saving fuel compared to an engine-driven power steering pump.

Safety technology helps protect occupants
Buick Encore is designed with technologies - including radar-based features - to help avoid crashes and protect occupants in case one occurs. Technologies that help avoid them:
    Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control
    Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution
    Cornering brake control and brake assist
    Available all-wheel-drive system that seamlessly shifts power to the rear wheels when required for better traction and handling
    Available forward collision alert and lane departure warning
    Available front and rear park assist
    Available rear vision camera.

When it comes to occupant protection, the Buick Encore's body structure forms a protective cage around the passenger compartment. Sixty-three percent of the underbody structure is comprised of high-strength steels, while 57 percent of the upper body uses high-strength steels, including ultra-high-strength steel. That protection is complemented with 10 standard air bags, which:
    Driver and front passenger frontal air bags
    Driver and front passenger knee air bags
    Front and rear thorax air bags (all outboard positions)
    Side curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers.

Buick Encore's suite of safety features is rounded out with exclusive OnStar technology, which includes the Advanced Crash Response System, emergency assistance and more.

Ecotec turbo engine drives efficiency
The Buick Encore is powered by an efficient, power-dense Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. It generates an estimated 140 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque - a specific trait of turbocharged engines - helps it deliver a better driving experience and performance.

The 1.4L's turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility. A reinforced crankshaft and forged connecting rods deliver additional strength to support the engine's pressurized power and torque over a wide rpm band.

Several of the engine's features contribute to the Buick Encore's overall fuel efficiency:
    A high-efficiency alternator
    Regulated voltage control
    Electronically controlled returnless fuel system
    Deceleration fuel cut-off.

They complement other vehicle-wide systems and components that also help improve efficiency, including low-rolling-resistance tires, electric power steering, neutral idle feature and optimized aerodynamics.

A Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission backs the Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine. It is part of a family of six-speed front and all-wheel drive transaxles developed for small cars and crossovers. It has a unique design, with the planetary gearsets positioned on the same axis as the engine crankshaft centerline, making the entire powertrain unit shorter fore-to-aft. This design enables a shorter overall vehicle length, increased interior space, enhanced safety crush zones and lower weight.

The Hydra-Matic 6T40 offers a "steep" first gear and a "tall" overdrive top gear to achieve a wide ratio spread of 6.14:1. This allows the Buick Encore to achieve robust acceleration, as well as fuel efficiency and lower engine noise at highway cruising speeds. A neutral-gear disengagement feature helps enhance smoothness and efficiency.

The Buick Encore will begin arriving at U.S. Buick dealerships in the first quarter of 2013.

Buick Enclave, 2013

 

 

• Buick Enclave, 2013

Buick introduced the new 2013 Enclave, an evolution of the industry's best-selling three-row luxury crossover. It offers new styling, new safety technologies, in-vehicle connectivity and a more refined driving experience.

LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps complement a more sculpted exterior design. The interior is more contemporary, with ambient lighting and IntelliLink in-vehicle communications with touch-screen control and navigation. The industry's first front center air bag system and new dual-flow front struts highlight the safety and performance enhancements.

The 2013 Buick Enclave makes its public debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show. It goes on sale in fall 2012.

Buick Enclave saw record sales in 2011, making it more popular than the three-row crossovers from Acura, Audi and Lincoln. More than 58,000 were sold last year - with nearly 50 percent sold to customers switching from non-General Motors vehicles.

The Enclave is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, and powered by a direct-injected 3.6L V-6 and an updated six-speed automatic transmission that contribute to the more refined driving experience. Buick's QuietTuning engineering process reduces, blocks and absorbs unwanted noise from the Enclave's cabin, making it quieter than a Lexus RX350.

Sculpted exterior advances Buick's design language
Buick Enclave's sculpted styling redefined Buick's design language upon its introduction more than five years ago. The 2013 model adds new signature cues:

•     New front fascia with LED daytime running lamps
•     New headlamp design, with standard Xenon high-intensity discharge lamps (HID) and LED accent lighting. Articulating headlamps are available
•     New hood and black-chrome waterfall grille
•     New rear fascia design with integrated exhaust outlets
•     New LED taillamps
•     New 19-inch and 20-inch aluminum wheel designs
•     Monochromatic exterior appearance with chrome accents.

The Buick Enclave's new appearance is instantly recognizable as a modern Buick and the LED lighting elements enhance its technologically advanced presence. The blue translucent rings around the Xenon HID headlamps are Buick design cues found on other models, adding distinction across the brand's lineup.

At the rear, the exhaust outlets are framed with a chrome finish within the rear fascia, for an integrated appearance that exemplifies Buick's attention to detail. New LED taillamps provide a safety benefit by illuminating more quickly than conventional bulbs when the brakes are applied.

Harmonious interior environment
The 2013 Enclave's interior is defined by luxurious amenities and high-quality materials, with changes that create a more contemporary ambience and support the integration of Buick IntelliLink. Highlights:

•     New ice blue LED ambient lighting around the dash highlights Enclave's flowing lines, emphasizing the cabin's spaciousness
•     Eight-way power front driver and passenger seats with four-way adjustable head restraints emphasize seat comfort
•     Details including soft touch materials and live stitching throughout the cabin, as well as true chrome accents
•     Four interior color combinations are available with complementing wood tones, including a new Cocoa leather combination
•     A new "center stack" with standard IntelliLink LCD display, tri-zone climate system, capacitive touch controls and available navigation system.

"Enclave's sense of fashion is enhanced with rich saturated tones and the new color combinations, which are driven by Buick customers' lifestyles," said Ven Lai, Buick creative designer, color and trim. "The new Cocoa interior color is a great example. It was developed specifically for the Enclave, adding a higher degree of visual warmth that is complemented by the soft feel of the Nuance sandstone leather - a material that has similar characteristics to leathers used in home furnishings. It makes for a comfortable and rewarding place to be for daily commutes or long weekend drives."

The new center stack was developed for easy, intuitive interaction with the new IntelliLink system, along with redundant controls on the genuine Mahogany-accented steering wheel. The tri-zone climate system's new controls are designed to be more intuitive, too, with easier, at-a-glance operation, bold digital temperature readouts and larger controls that are easier to operate with gloves.

Buick Enclave offers three rows of seating, available in seven- or eight-passenger configurations. The second-row seats feature the SmartSlide system, which allows easier entry to the third row, with the pull of a single handle. There is 23.3 cubic feet (660 liters) of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum of 115.2 cubic feet (3,263 liters) of cargo space available when the second and third rows are folded. That's more than the Mercedes-Benz R Class, Infiniti JX, Acura MDX, Lincoln MKT, Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90.

IntelliLink brings wealth of choices
Buick's IntelliLink system is standard on all models and enhances the driving experience with a higher level of wireless connectivity and customized options - all while building on the safety and security of OnStar.

IntelliLink is intuitive and easy to use and includes the capability of setting up a "home page" for favorites. It integrates online services such as Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio™ using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in other Buick models. Additional features:
    High-resolution color display with touch-screen control
    Bluetooth with hands-free (for phone calls) and A2DP audio-streaming protocol support
    Address book download and hands-free calling
    USB port
    Auxiliary audio input port
    Redundant steering wheel controls
    Enhanced voice recognition powered by Nuance
    AM/FM/Audio CD/MP3 CD/ HD Radio
    SiriusXM Satellite Radio and data services
    Selected Smartphone apps can be controlled through the IntelliLink interface via the touch-screen, steering wheel controls or voice commands. The first apps to be supported are Pandora and Stitcher
    Supports playback of MP3 files stored on flash memory drives.

IntelliLink is standard with all Enclaves, including those with the optional navigation system. The IntelliLink screen also serves as the display for the standard rearview camera system. A premium 10-speaker Bose audio system is also available and is optimized for the Enclave's refined interior acoustics.

Industry-first front center air bag highlights comprehensive safety package

In 2012, every Buick model was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, underscoring the brand's commitment to safety leadership. The 2013 Buick Enclave builds on that commitment with the industry's first front center airbag - a standard feature.

The front center air bag, standard on all 2013 Enclave models, was created to help protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes. It deploys from the inboard side of the driver's seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger, delivering a more comprehensive occupant restraint system. No other air bag in passenger vehicles today offers this type of protection in the front seat.

Standard safety features also include StabiliTrak, traction control, panic brake assist, rear-vision camera system and seven total air bags - including head-curtain side air bags covering outboard occupants in all three passenger rows. Rounding out this suite of safety features are two systems available for the first time on the 2013 Enclave: side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert, which use radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see - and provide visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions.

Additionally, customer convenience features such as a power liftgate and remote start are standard. The Buick Enclave also comes with six months of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service, which includes automatic crash response, turn-by-turn navigation, roadside assistance, emergency services link and remote door unlocking. The myBuick mobile app with OnStar RemoteLink offers connectivity to the Enclave from outside the vehicle, including extended locking and unlocking capability and extended remote start functionality.

A smoother, more controlled driving experience

The Buick Enclave's engineers improved its carlike driving experience with revised front and rear dampers, for greater smoothness and an enhanced feeling of control. In the front suspension, new dual-flow dampers and rebound springs are used to reduce the jarring feel of bumps, as well as provide a quieter and smoother ride. In the rear, new low-velocity control shocks help reduce road inputs that could be felt inside the passenger compartment.

All models feature independent front and rear suspensions, with variable-effort power-assisted steering; and a direct-acting stabilizer bar on the front MacPherson-strut suspension helps provide a more immediate feeling of responsiveness during turns. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 19- and 20-inch wheels are available.

Revised controls in the next-generation Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission also contribute to Enclave's smoother feel behind the wheel. They improve the shift feel and overall driveability - and the fuel-saving six-speed design helps the three-row Buick Enclave deliver an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models).

Buick Verano, 2012

 

 

•  Buick Verano, 2012

The all-new 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan, the brand's third new model in the past two years and first in the compact luxury segment, makes its debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

Buick Verano goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011, the latest model in a product renaissance that began with the Enclave and continued with the LaCrosse and Regal. Like them, Buick Verano is distinguished by luxury and technology, including 10 standard air bags, an available heated steering wheel and a next-generation radio system with OnStar-powered connectivity that enables seamless communication between the Buick Verano and the driver's smart phone.

An Ecotec 2.4L and six-speed automatic powertrain combination is standard and delivers an estimated 177 horsepower (132 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. torque (230 Nm), 0-60 mph performance of 8.0 seconds and an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. A 2.0L turbo engine will be offered in the future.


Five elements infused in Buick Verano that define its character:

• Sculpted design - Refined styling with a sporty profile, blending Buick's signature cues - including a black chrome waterfall grille, blue translucent projector beam headlamps, portholes and chrome accents
• Luxurious interior - Premium seat comfort and support redefined for a compact sedan and matched with upscale, soft-touch materials and premium leather - all complemented by leading-edge infotainment and ambient lighting
• Quiet tuning - The quietest compact sedan on the road - quieter than many midsize and full-size cars - Buick Verano's quietness is supported by acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, refined chassis dynamics and specially manufactured 17-inch standard forged alloy multi-spoke wheels, which minimize road noise
• Refined and responsive performance - Powerful and efficient Ecotec 2.4L/six-speed automatic powertrain matched with a refined, responsive suspension system, including a sophisticated Watts Z-link rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes with standard anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control
• Purposeful technology - Convenience and safety features that enhance the driving experience and are rare for the segment, including 10 standard air bags, a next-generation radio, touch screen navigation and advanced connectivity technologies powered by OnStar.

Sculpted design
Buick Verano carries the modern Buick design cues introduced on the Enclave and interpreted for the LaCrosse and Regal. They include a bold, detailed black chrome waterfall grille, prominent blue translucent projector beam headlamps, portholes, chrome accents, premium wheels and a tailored body-to-wheel relationship. An arching roofline connects a steeply raked windshield and fast-sloping rear pillars to give the car a sporty profile that's complemented by large, 17-inch standard multi-spoke forged alloy sterling silver-finish wheels. Two premium 18-inch wheel designs are available.

Unique to Buick Verano are translucent blue projector-beam headlamps, which give the car a distinctive, upscale appearance. A palette of rich colors enhances the premium look, including Claret Red Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat. Other exterior color choices include Black, Olympic White, Switchblade Silver Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic and Mocha Bronze Metallic.

Luxurious interior
Complementing Buick Verano's precisely crafted, premium-accented exterior is an interior marked by exceptional seat comfort and support, as well as premium soft-touch materials, including ambient lighting inspired by the LaCrosse. Metallic and wood trims and warm ambient lighting make the cabin an inviting environment.

Neutral and medium titanium colors are offered on interiors with leatherette/fabric seating surfaces, while ebony, cashmere and a unique Choccachino color are offered on the available leather-trimmed interiors. Buick Verano uses the same premium leather material for the seats that is used on the LaCrosse.

The instrument panel blends with an integrated center stack that houses the infotainment display, climate controls and radio controls. Flush-mounted components within the center stack have a gap tolerance of less than 1 mm, while the instrument panel-to-door panel gaps are less than 5 mm. Those tolerances are among the best in class.

Additional interior standard and available features include:

• Push-button engine start
• Dual-zone climate control with standard air conditioning (automatic climate control available)
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated leather-appointed seating
• Electronic parking brake
• Console armrest that slides and locks
• Power windows with express up/down in the front and express down in the rear
• Steering wheel radio controls
• Uplevel front and rear reading lamps.

Buick Verano's heated steering wheel and heated seats are linked with the remote start feature. In temperatures lower than 45 F (7 C), the steering wheel heater and seat heaters automatically activate.

Quiet tuning
Buick Verano delivers the library-quiet driving experience for which Buicks have become known. Quiet-tuning systems, processes and components are built into every facet of the vehicle's architecture. All are designed to block or absorb sound and dampen or eliminate vibrations.

Hydraulic ride bushings, for example, and an isolated engine cradle reduce or eliminate vibration pathways that could be transmitted to the passenger compartment. Similarly, a number of noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are employed throughout the body structure:

• The steel front-of-dash panel is sandwiched between two damping mats
• Nylon baffles are used in various hollow portions of the body structure and filled with sound-absorbing foam that expands when the body enters the paint oven
• The headliner comprises five layers of thermal fiber acoustic material, including a premium woven fabric on the visible outer layer
• Patches of sound-damping material are applied strategically throughout the body structure and melt into place when the body passes through the paint oven, allowing the patches to follow the contours of the sheet metal below
• Sound insulation material between rear-body structural components that is made from recycled denim
• Triple-sealed doors that feature fiberglass "blankets" serve as water, airflow and noise barriers. The doors are also beta-braced, meaning they close with a solid, precise sound and no resonance
• Optimized windshield and side glass for quietness, with 5.4-mm-thick laminated windshield and 4.85-mm laminated side glass
• The engine's intake and exhaust systems are tuned for quiet performance
• Isolated brake and fuel lines prevent vibrations.

Even the wheels and tires contribute to Buick Verano's quietness. The standard 17-inch aluminum wheels are manufactured in a unique way to enhance quietness, while the tires minimize road noise.

Refined and responsive performance
A power-dense Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder, with dual-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and E85 capability, is the standard engine in the Buick Verano. It produces an estimated 177 horsepower (132 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. of torque (230 Nm). Direct injection technology helps it produce more power with less fuel and lower emissions - including up to 25-percent reduced hydrocarbon emissions when compared with a multi-point fuel injection engine. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission that helps the Buick Verano deliver an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. Electric power steering and a more efficient transmission design help optimize fuel economy.

The front suspension uses decoupled MacPherson struts for better isolation, providing greater separation of extreme road conditions - large potholes, for example - from everyday driving conditions. At the rear, a technically advanced Watts Z-link design helps center the rear axle during cornering, which helps keep the Buick Verano's handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and right-hand turns. The linkage's capability to center the axle during cornering delivers a more-balanced driving experience because the rear suspension better follows the lead of the front suspension.

The Z-link design is also lighter and requires less space than a typical fully independent rear suspension. The lower weight contributes to Buick Verano's fuel economy, while the compact design enables more trunk space.

Steering inputs are executed by an electric power steering system, featuring a dual-pinion rack. Electric powering steering helps save fuel because it removes the conventional power steering pump from the engine's driven accessories. Engineers tuned the speed-sensitive system to provide quick, direct reaction to steering actions and a strong on-center feel. The system has a ratio of 15.5:1 and requires only slightly more than two turns, lock to lock.

Stopping power is handled by a four-wheel disc brake system with standard anti-lock and electronic brake force distribution, as well as StabiliTrak electronic stability control with traction control.

Purposeful technology
Comprehensive connectivity is enabled by OnStar's remote vehicle access, which makes keeping tabs on the vehicle a breeze from anywhere with a smart phone. Highlights:
    Passive entry
    Heated steering wheel
    Touch screen navigation system
    Bluetooth connectivity (both phone and audio)
    XM Satellite Radio
    Bose sound system
    Next-generation radio.

Downloading an OnStar app enables the use of remote vehicle features from anywhere in the world. With a few taps, customers can check the:
    Fuel tank level and range
    Fuel mileage
    Remaining oil life
    Tire pressure
    Odometer reading.

Other remote-access features include remote vehicle locking/unlocking, remote vehicle start and a vehicle locator.

The next-generation radio system includes a navigation system, along with USB and auxiliary input jacks, and includes full Bluetooth with streaming audio, structural speech recognition, SMS texts and more. Additional connectivity features include text-to-speech conversion of SMS texts, smart phone app integration (Pandora, Stitcher, etc.) and Gracenote music organization for external devices (USB drives, etc.), including Playlist Plus and Album Art features.

Safety is another component in Buick Verano's technology story. Primary features:

•     Ten standard air bags, including frontal, head curtain side air bags, front and outboard rear-seat side-impact air bags and new knee air bags. The head-curtain side air bags deploy in a rollover crash
•     StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes
•     Collapsible pedal system, which allows the pedals to detach during a crash to reduce the risk of leg or ankle injuries
•     OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.

Buick Verano has a strong, unitized body structure that incorporates 60-percent high-strength steel in key areas to enhance strength and crash protection. It is used to help prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment. Safety development included testing at GM's rollover test facility.

Buick Regal GS, 2012

 

 

Buick Regal GS, 2012

The Buick revealed the production version of the 2012 Buick Regal GS, an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale in 2010 and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family. Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the GS delivers an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds (estimated). Buick's Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the GS, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience by changing the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and GS.

Product highlights:

•     Exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine rated at an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm)
•     Six-speed manual transmission, with six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control to be offered later
•     Interactive Drive Control System with GS mode
•     Four-wheel independent system with HiPerStrut front suspension
•     High-performance four-wheel disc brake system with Brembo front calipers
•     Standard 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tire and optional 20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires.

The exterior design features unique front and rear fascias, with the front fascia incorporating prominent, vertical air intake slots and specific grille treatment - with the vertical elements accented in a satin-metallic finish. The rear fascia has a pair of integrated, satin-metallic trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Rocker panel extensions and an integrated rear spoiler are also woven into the design. The GS cuts a sportier stance, too, with a slightly lower ride height than other models and aggressive 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tires (20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires are optional).

The inside is a racing-inspired, flat-bottom sport steering wheel and metal sport pedals, along with leather-appointed 12-way power-adjustable sport driver and front passenger heated seats, which include four-way power lumbar. The GS-specific black interior is accented with satin-finish elements on the instrument panel, steering wheel and console, while the instrument panel glows white when the driver engages the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Standard amenities for the Buick Regal GS :

•     Passive keyless entry with push-button start
•     Standard XM Satellite Radio with three-month trial service
•     Harmon/Kardon premium 320-watt sound system with nine speakers
•     Bluetooth phone connectivity
•     Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with audio controls
•     Leather-appointed sport seating
•     Heated driver and front passenger seats, with 12-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats - including four-way lumbar adjustment
•     120-volt accessory power outlet
•     Power windows with express up/down feature in the front and express down in the rear
•     Front and rear ultrasonic parking assist
•     Bi-xenon HID headlamps

Turbocharging 

Power for the Regal GS comes from a high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged DOHC VVT engine with direct injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be available on Regal CXL later this year, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is rated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm). A three-inch-diameter exhaust system provides reduced back pressure, resulting in higher engine power

Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. That means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions generated - including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. Variable valve timing optimizes power, efficiency and emissions across the entire rpm band.

The Buick Regal GS rides on a relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm), which delivers refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics. It also features a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension design. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering; the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The four-link independent rear suspension is designed to minimize unwanted toe and camber effects during spirited driving maneuvers, enhancing vehicle stability. Both front and rear dampers incorporate active Computer Damping Control (CDC), continuously changing damper characteristics to maintain optimal vehicle ride control over varying road surfaces and profiles. More aggressive, performance-oriented damping characteristics can also be selected by the driver through the Interactive Driver Control System.

Braking power comes from a large diameter four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers. A standard, four-channel anti-lock brake system is tuned to reduce stopping distances over varied road surfaces and conditions. An electronic parking brake is actuated via a center console-mounted control. The Buick Regal GS also features standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.

Interactive Drive Control System

The Buick Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on other Regal models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. The driver selects among three operating modes - standard, sport and GS - that change the suspension settings, and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections. All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style.

Buick GL8, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 Buick GL8, 2011

The luxury MPV builds on the heritage of the original Buick GL8, China's first family of executive wagons. Since the model's debut in 1999, more than 330,000 have been sold across China.

The new model, which will reach the market in January 2011, features seven innovations and 27 technological breakthroughs along with improvements in design, space and safety, technology, power, features and quality. The result is an unprecedented luxury MPV experience that is unmistakably Buick.

"The new GL8 was developed by Shanghai GM in cooperation with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai with the specific needs of our customers in mind," said Terry Johnsson, Shanghai GM Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "It offers everything that consumers have come to expect from Buick, including a dynamic, smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. Like its predecessor, the new Buick GL8 is the right product at the right time."

The new Buick GL8 has a graceful exterior design highlighted by Buick's distinctive double sweep spear running from front to back. Decorative metal bands add a sense of smooth, modern elegance. Its classic waterfall grille and chrome portholes further underscore the new GL8's Buick heritage.

With a length of 5,256 mm, a width of 1,878 mm, a height of 1,800 mm and a wheelbase of 3,088 mm, the new Buick GL8 provides a spacious ride for all occupants. The dignified interior merges Eastern and Western aesthetics. It features ice-blue atmosphere lighting and a 360-degree wraparound design inspired by luxury yachts.

Among the other amenities available are two-tone ergonomic genuine leather seats; a two-piece panorama sunroof; an electric anti-pinch sliding door and one-touch electric lift rear door; a 10-speaker, 5.1-channel Bose sound system; a 7-inch touch screen up front and 10.2-inch WVGA HD display in back; and the OnStar in-vehicle safety, security and communication service.

An enhanced suspension with independent front-and-back sub-frames ensures a smooth, steady ride. Buick's signature QuietTuning reduces, blocks and absorbs interior noise, for a distraction-free environment that is comparable to that of a luxury sedan.

The new Buick GL8 comes with a choice of a 3.0-liter V-6 SIDI intelligent direct injection engine or a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with segment-leading fuel efficiency. GM's advanced 6-speed automatic transmission comes standard, providing unrivaled power in the luxury MPV segment.

In the area of safety, the new Buick GL8 has a super-solid body frame. The Bosch 8.1 ESP system delivers premium handling. It is complemented by large-size tires and disc brakes, with six air bags available on selected models. For maximum visibility, the new Buick GL8 incorporates multi-dimensional blue ray Bi-Xenon HID headlights and crystal-like chrome LED taillights.

The new Buick GL8 luxury MPV has a retail price of between RMB 288,000 and RMB 388,000. Shanghai GM is also introducing an upgraded 2011 model of the current Buick GL8 in December 2010, targeting the upper-medium MPV segment. It includes a new 2.4-liter Ecotec engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. This "dual-vehicle strategy" will enable Shanghai GM to more fully address the MPV market, from the upper-medium to luxury segments.

Buick Regal GS Concept, 2010

Buick Regal GS Concept, 2010

 

With an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Regal GS Concept is a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand's newest sport sedan. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

The mechanical elements were developed with the aim of delivering a driving experience that is sporting, confidence-inspiring and refined. It has a performance-oriented drivetrain, a lowered body and lower center of gravity. Exterior and interior cues include two additional vertical front air intakes; large, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires; a racing-inspired sport steering wheel and metal pedals. Recaro high-performance front seats feature four-way lumbar support and cushion extensions.

Inside, the Buick Regal GS varies from the standard Regal by featuring a completely jet black interior, including the pillars and headliner, sport shifter for the six-speed manual transmission and a suede-covered, flat-bottom steering wheel reminiscent of those used in international racing series. The instrument panel glows ice blue when the driver engages the sport mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Turbocharged AWD performance
Power for the Buick Regal GS comes from a high-output 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system calibrated for performance driving. An electronic, limited-slip rear differential helps ensure the engine's power is distributed effectively during cornering.

The high-performance drivetrain is expected to enable the Buick Regal GS to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. That performance is complemented by a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) design in front. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering. This improves ultimate grip levels in dry and wet conditions, as well as improves the direct feel of the road, while isolating undesirable feedback. Behind the wheel the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The Buick Regal GS features a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

The Buick Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on Regal CXL models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety, while also adapting the driving characteristics of the car to the driver's preferences. The driver selects among three operating modes - normal, sport and GS - that change the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

Buick LaCrosse, 2010

Buick LaCrosse, 2010

 

Redesigned from the ground up, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan makes its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 12, 2009. The Buick LaCrosse offers all wheel drive, a suite of advanced intelligent personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of two fuel-saving V-6 engines.

Sculpted design
Buick's long heritage of leading designs, such as the Y-Job Concept, the Roadmaster and the Riviera, helped define American automobile design through the years, according to Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. Today, Buick design is a product of a global team and resources. Creative collaboration between designers in the United States and China, in partnership with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) as well as chassis and body engineers in Europe, resulted in the first General Motors vehicle to be created on three continents.

Luxurious interior experience
Inside, the two-tone interior is defined by a flowing, uninterrupted design theme that wraps around the instrument and door panels. Attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, including the analog instrument cluster, chrome offset by dark wood accents, and the contrasting thread and French stitching on the instrument panel.

Buick's signature QuietTuning - an engineering process to reduce, block and absorb interior noise - provides a distraction-free passenger environment.
An unexpected, inviting touch is the cool blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin from the center console, instrument panel and door panels.

Intelligent personal technologies
The contemporary atmosphere of the cabin includes the digital connectivity and personal technology offered in the new Buick LaCrosse. That includes features such as in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. For rear-seat passengers, a power rear-window sunshade and a DVD entertainment system, with two display screens integrated into the seatbacks, is available.

LaCrosse's intelligent technologies also work to deliver a 360-degree field of vision behind the steering wheel, for a greater feeling of comfort, security and safety. It starts with the available head-up display in the windshield, allowing the driver to monitor speed while keeping his or her eyes on the road. At night, the available adaptive lighting package can direct the high-intensity discharge headlight beams up to 15 degrees for enhanced illumination of the road and its curves.

Buick LaCrosse offers Side Blind Zone alert that notifies the driver if a vehicle in adjacent lanes is traveling in the driver's blind spot. The LaCrosse is also available with a rear view camera, with the display integrated into the navigation system screen.

The technology available on Buick LaCrosse enhances a suite of standard safety features that is designed to meet the criteria for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 20 Star Safety Rating. Highlights include front-, side- and roof-mounted head-curtain air bags, StabiliTrak stability- and traction-control system. The safety and security of OnStar is also included for the first year of ownership.

Responsive performance
Buick LaCrosse's stiff body structure serves as the foundation for precise suspension tuning, safety and a quiet ride. Buyers can choose from a family of efficient, direct-injection six-cylinder engines and a fuel-conserving six-speed automatic transmission with tap-up/tap-down control.

The direct injection engines in the Buick LaCrosse create more power with less fuel and reduce vehicle emissions through greater combustion control - particularly cold-start emissions that are reduced by up to 25 percent.

The 2010 LaCrosse will be offered in three models - CX, CXL and CXS:
    * CX - equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
    * CXL - also equipped with the new 3.0L direct injection V-6, adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch wheels. Intelligent AWD is available.
    * CXS - equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6; real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional). The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates an estimated 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm).

Buick Invicta Concept, 2008

Buick Invicta Concept, 2008

 

 

The sleek Buick Invicta show car revealed here in conjunction with Auto China 2008 is Buick's strongest statement yet of its deliberately international plans. The four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline presents bold direction for Buick's new generation of vehicles in the world's two biggest automotive markets - the United States and China.

Invicta has evolved from Buick concepts such as the 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe, both of which received accolades for their thoroughly modern adaptation of classic Buick themes. Invicta was designed collaboratively by GM centers of expertise in Warren, Mich. and Shanghai, China. The name, which is Latin for "invincible," returns to Buick after a 45-year hiatus in the United States.

Invicta is powered by Buick's first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum fuel efficiency.

Modern, sleek exterior
Invicta's designers drew inspiration from the Riviera concept. Invicta features modern and sleek proportions with exterior lines that flow uninterrupted around the vehicle. For example, Invicta's cat-eye headlamps transition into the Buick heritage-inspired sweepspear design cue, which flows seamlessly along the body sides and merges into the taillamps. Similarly, one can trace the top of the headlamp casing to the roofline and the rear of the vehicle without interruptions.

As with Riviera, Invicta features short overhangs with wheels pushed out to the corners for a well-planted stance. The overall appearance is sleek, thanks in part to a sweeping, low roofline and a front windshield that has an aggressive rake.

Up front, the Buick tri-shield is prominently displayed inside the Velite-inspired chrome vertical waterfall grille. Polished aluminum surrounding the headlamps, portholes, around the D-pillar and along the lower side of the vehicle on the lower doors accentuates the overall exterior design. Reminiscent of a number of historic Buick models, Invicta's portholes - three per side - are located on the hood rather than on the front quarter panels.

Invicta's wheelbase and high belt line give the vehicle more substantial proportions while visually reinforcing its premium appearance. Invicta's 20-inch polished aluminum wheels feature a milled Buick tri-shield in the center cap.
To signal its premium attributes while enhancing the vehicle's sleek proportions, Invicta's exterior is draped in a sumptuous AluStone color. Its warm beige tone contains wafer-thin flakes of aluminum that reflect light to emit a liquid gold appearance.

Flowing, crafted interior
The focus and attention to seamless transitions carry over inside Invicta. The doors merge to become one with the instrument panel, which morphs into the center console.

The wrap-around design of the interior and fluid design provide a spacious cabin for all passengers, especially those seated in the back of the vehicle. At nearly 100 cubic feet of interior space, Invicta delivers large-car comfort in a mid-size sedan. The sense of roominess is further accentuated by a full glass roof, which allows all passengers to enjoy the sights, day or night.

Invicta also showcases a high level of interior craftsmanship while creating an environment that is soothing, quiet, comfortable and inviting for all passengers.

The blending of premium materials - such as wood trim and polished aluminum accents, soft aniline leather, supple suede-like material and soothing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting technology - encase passengers in Buick luxury.

Beyond its sumptuous appearance, Buick created a show car for the senses. Authentic French seam stitching on the soft-touch instrument panel pad, door panels and steering wheel invites touch. Buttons, switches and door pulls are crafted to deliver a tactile quality experience. Soft and soothing Ice Blue ambient LED lighting on the instrument panel, around the central vehicle function controls, along the console and center storage, and in the front footwells provoke visual sophistication. Two discriminating "spotlights" also accent the center point of the front and rear seats.