Car Throttle

More power! Who would turn that down? Not us. Buick, the division of General Motors everyone presumed dead a few years ago, has made a spectacular comeback. Enclave, LaCrosse, Regal, upcoming Verano - suddenly Buicks are starting to be a whole lot more appealing to younger buyers. Especially that Regal GS (as much as we wanted the undiluted V-6 powered Opel Insignia OPC...grr). However, we digress. The LaCrosse has gotten some changes for 2012 and concurrently manages to move in both directions at once. For its $30,810 price, the LaCrosse is available in miserly fuel-sipping eAssist guise as well as a no-cost V-6 version. That gives buyers clear choices; it'll be interesting to examine sales figures and see how the market is responding. The

Buick is experiencing a renaissance in sales and new product, and 2010's sales numbers bear that out. After a period of decline, they are on the upswing, posting a startling 52.88% percent improvement with sales of 155,389 cars for the year. The Enclave and LaCrosse have been successful models, and the Regal that joined the lineup this year is attracting new buyers. That is set to continue with the Verano small car slates for the upcoming North American International Auto Show. To help with attracting younger buyers, a Regal GS model has already been introduced. Could we see a similar variant of the LaCrosse as well? The Regal GS definitely should attract a younger, more enthusiast-oriented demographic. But what about the LaCrosse? Could a performance variant make

Today the Buick brand announced the addition of a new engine, a 2.4L Ecotec unit making 182 horsepower. The 4-cylinder debuts alongside the other two V6 engines being offered. The 4-cylinder model helps separate the Buick LaCrosse from it's key competitors like the Lincoln MKZ and Acura TL. I'm not sure whether this will be a move seen by buyers as an unique option or if it will help get the car cross-shopped with other mid-size sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Regardless, it should translate into increased sales and that is a good thing. Especially with these (highway) fuel numbers; 30 mpg highway, 20 mpg city. Pricing hasn't been released yet; will be interesting to see where they decide to position it. Should make for a very good value

Saturn has been sold to The Penske Group, and to continue sales until the new owner finds a vehicle supplier, GM has contracts to continue producing the Aura, Vue and Outlook. All is good, right? Well, that deal doesn't include the Vue Plug-In which was slated to go into production. Those plans are now in limbo. There is still is the remote possibility the vehicle could be built for Penske as the contract negotiations are ongoing, but that scenario is unlikely given GM's desire to use the technology in other applications. What vehicle will be using it then? Some have speculated the new Chevrolet Equinox and Cadillac SRX could be candidates for the technology. However, it could be used for a new crossover for Buick. I've heard rumors

Just 4 GM brands made the cut and will be continue part of the new leaner, meaner, faster, smarter (ok ok that's enough) "New GM". Buick is one of the brands that made it. Doesn't make sense you say? Actually no, it makes a lot of sense. The Buick brand is huge in China and cutting Buick here would have a big impact on that. Even if Buick lost money in North America (which it doesn't) it would make sense keeping it open for the big profits and sales in China. Furthermore, great products have come (Enclave) and are coming (2010 LaCrosse) that hold a lot of promise. GM has a really big opportunity to go after Lexus with Buick, offering cars with some style. Leave Cadillac to take on

Buick Business Concept. Bland name, amazing vehicle. Like most of the other vehicles introduced at the Shanghai Auto Show, no official images came out immediately. Official press photography and press information have now been released though and wow, I'm impressed! Routan? Pfft. The Business Concept truly would be the ultimate minivan/MPV if produced. From here on out though, I'm going to refer to it with the MPV moniker. That's what Buick calls it, and it sounds better too. Avoids the whole "minivan" name tag stigma thing the United States is currently going through. According to Buick, the concept was designed with "global input" at the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a joint venture between GM and it's Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). The Chinese seem to be best at designing Buicks; they just get it.

GM has released pricing on the much-anticipated Buick LaCrosse near-luxury sedan. The LaCrosse was released in January at the North American International Auto Show. It can't get to market soon enough! Amazing interior! The LaCrosse showed huge advances in General Motors development, offering a Buick a credible mid-range model that can do battle with the likes of Acura;s TSX, Lexus's ES and Lincoln's MKZ- and win. It was co-developed between American and Chinese design team and the continuation of a new era for Buick that began with the Enclave crossover. It's a shame the negative publicity surrounding the GM might hurt this car as it goes to launch; it is loaded with technology and every bit competitive with the best. Base pricing for the LaCrosse CX model starts out at $27,835, including a