Regalguy01

I loved reading this article. Its especially funny when at the end, GM mixes a little diplomacy with downright smart assness(is that a word?) by pointing out how much they have invested in toledo. Basically saying that what's good for GM is good for Toledo, so quit with all the unsubstantiated hate.. Way to go General!.

Thank-you for making that statement. I completely agree. I wondered why the blacked-out grill looked better on some cars and why sometimes the chrome grille seemed so hard to decipher. I feel like such an idiot for not realizing that!!!

Looks sweet with the chrome wheels!!!.

They have it in for the General and other domestics so bad that its sickening. Notice how they ask the question in the ad below it ''Can we trust the general to differentiate the enclave from its siblings'' As if we don't all remember the cookie-cutter GM cars from the 80's. But speaking of the late 80's, who could forget those ugly, cheap, unreliable Hyundai Excels, Scoupes and Elantras? My how they can make concessions for an automaker as long as they are not american. My point is, why do these jackasses hold a grudge with our own so long, yet they seem so forgiving of anything to come from overseas? We know that Buick got left behind in the late 90's and early part of this decade, however the Lucerne is clearly a winner. Month after month the car-buying public solidifies that fact. And am I the only one who thinks the Azera looks like the last gen Acura RL on crack? The only people who would cross shop a Lucerne or Avalon with an Azera would have to be on the Motor Trend payroll. The people who buy the Lucerne or Avalon will likely be stable, middle to upper middle class, well financed people and likely over 35 yrs old. The people who buy the Hyundai are likely to be younger, 20 to 30 somethings with families and can't afford anything more expensive. We are talking two VERY different customer demographics. Have said it once, and will say it again. AZERA = A ZERO No friggin' premium sedan!

Fly, Canon, Paulino and other regular members, please forgive this post.... Razor edge. Dude, I will ask again. ARE YOU A f@#kING IDIOT OR WHAT. No one here gives a rats ass about YOUR take on American values and direction. If you want to get mushy on us, go to the LIFETIME site or write your damn congressman. THIS discussion is about CARS, PLAIN AND SIMPLE. Before you attempt to make fun of me, do your damn homework. Lexus is indeed spelled that way. I am looking at my wifes' car statement to be sure. But I guess I shouldn't point out that your STUPID ass mispelled society in your post you damn fool. At any rate, I do apoligize to all that will read this and my previous post. For you see, I thought you were an idiot from reading some of your posts in the other topics, but only now do I know this to be the gospel. You have not addressed any issue that I have raised objectively. Rather, you have effectively called me a punk by saying that 20 degree weather isn't cold. Well, to that I say this: IT IS f@#kING COLD. Until you experience the winds of the great lakes blowing between your coat and your boxers, you cant tell me a damn thing about being cold. And don't fault GM for recognizing that fact and coming up with something that works to further raise the desirability of its autos by coming up with innovative features. Next, you feeble minded fool, you tout this 'hybrid craze' as something that GM is ignoring. This technology is still somewhat in its infancy. Parts and procedures are foreign to many auto technicians and servicemen alike. Do you know what it costs to work on a Hybrid vehicle that has front end damage? I do, its a facet of what I do for a living. Let me tell you, you pay for that technology when it needs to be serviced. Yet a known engine, like the 3800, 3100, ecotec, etc; hell there's nary a problem that ANY serviceman can't diagnose and remedy for a pittance of what some sophisticated engines might cost. So let me close by saying this, if I haven't already, quit raggin on something you obviously are too shallow to appreciate. Gm's launch vehicles are doing fantastic. You sir, just don't seem to have a legitimate bone to pick. And while I can't keep you from replying to this post, don't expect me to acknowledge you any more from this post on. I learned at a very young age not to argue with FOOLS. The other intelligent people on here may mistake me as being as anal and uninformed as you.

RAZOREDGE:Dude, Who got your panties in a bunch? Your brainless attempt to bash a brand you apparently know little about in a market you obviously don't keep up with is all too transparent Buick, and more importantly GM, seem to have gotten serious about making inovations inside the car again. Something I conceede they may have gotten away from in the 90's. Now you gripe about the TV screens in the headrest. Ummmm. Sorry to bust your bubble, but buick is actually a bit late with this. Further, this is just another amenity that luxury intenders-- the target market for the brand-- will use in distinguishing which vehicle they buy and which stays on the lot. Next you dimissed the heated steering wheel and washer fluid as useless. You obviously didn't grow up in the Midwest(as I did), northeast or northwest. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY MORNINGS I ALMOST FROZE MY A-- OFF TRYING TO CHIZEL ICE OFF THE WINDSHIELD??????? How about when your're headed down the road in 20- degree weather and the condensation freezes up on the windshield. Having heated windshield fluid can have the windows cleared up in less than 30 seconds and the increased visibility could save someones life. Same goes for the steering wheel. I don't care what kind of motor you have, when the temp drops below 20, your heat will take at least 5 mins before coming on. Anyone on here who has ever had to use the ends of their coat sleeve to steer the car because the steering wheel was too friggin' cold will definitely appreciate. :AH-HA_wink: Just for the sake of comparison, lets look at the make that Buick has in its crosshairs, Lexus. Yes critically-acclaimed and publicly sought after, Lexus has become as much a symbol of status as it has of quality. Yet I could make some of the same meaningless Lexus gripes as you have here. For instance on the last gen ES330. Who the hell needs a rear sunshade? You can't use it while driving, and who would just sit in a sun baked car during the summer? hmmm. Or maybe the swiveling headlights, oh my how ever did we turn a curve without them all these years? Wait, I can't forget the adaptive cruise control. So now, instead of pressing the brakes myself when i'm too close to a car, I can wait for the car to do it for me! (GOD forbid it be blinding rain/snow or the system malfunctions by chance) Now I brought that up not to pick a bone with any of those features or that brand. Rather I wanted to make a point. When it comes to luxury autos you have to think outside the box. In our tech-savvy society the discerning car shopper wants all the latest gadgetry and a fantastic ride to boot. I for one am happy to see GM(and buick) coming up with such 'thoughtful conveniences'. LONG LIVE THE PREMIUM AMERICAN MOTORCAR BTW my 66 year old dad LOVES the diagnostic emails that his Lucerne sends him every month. So much so, he forwards them to me and taunts me that my Regal isn't as 'up to technological snuff'

No disrespect to the artists, but I really don't like the first or second sketch. They are wonderful sketches no doubt, but the lines in the first picture are just too busy and staid at the same time. It actually puts me in the mind of the 88-90 model lincoln continental. (my opinion). I DID like the sketch of the interior however. Very nice indeed.

I was quoting the 06' Camry vs 06 LAX. We can wait till BUICK comes out with it's LAX super to compare against the all new 07' camry. As for that low-end grunt in the 3.8, call me biased, but it never sounds coarse/harsh to me. In my Regal, with a Series II that has roughly 91k miles on it, I still get a buttery smooth throttle note that seems warranted depending on how far down my foot is pressed. I will conceed this though, while the tranny is UNMATCHED in its smoothness by aisian or domestic competitors, it is not in keeping with the segment by having only 4 forward gears. I do enjoy the extra gear in the wife's es330 when I am piloting it......

Try the 3 people in my subdivision alone that drive Lacrosse's. One is a single mother with two children and one working mother who's husband is a Nissan Titan driver. The other is owned by the more traditional buick owner, a gray-haired couple who is retired and has a 94' or 95' model Lesabre as well. I will admit that I have seen quite a few LAX rentals myself. No more than the corollas, five hundreds and stratus/sebrings I see a lot of also. Here is where the subjectivity comes in. Step into a base model Camry and honestly tell me that it makes you feel 'pampered' by the plastics parade on display in there. Maybe the buicks wood is faux, but it is no more/less offensive than the drab switch gear I see in the Camry. Or give it a once over and notice that it has cheap, tacky plastic wheel covers? And those ugly filled in areas where the fog lamps should be. I'm sorry, that just screams low-rent to me. I don't mean to paint LAX out to be a design home-run, but just again to show it is definetly competitive within the segment. The LAX'S standard V6 with its 230lb feet of torque is MUCH more powerful than 06' Camry's inline 4 which makes a paltry 160lb feet of torque. Step up to Camry's highest output 3.3 V6 and torque is measured at 220lb ft with its peak coming at 3600 rpm vs the LAX 3.6's 225lb ft @ 2000 rpm. Can't really put a spin on raw numbers now can we? I will conceede, the W-body has its limitations and thus the Lacrosse as well. This should be addressed when the new generation comes out and this one is put to rest. Overall though, you can't pick too many bones with the LAX when weighed against its competition. Is it the most modern interpretation of the midsized car? Hardly. Is it a solid car which can hold its own in the segment? Damn straight.

I don't mean to be rude but, give me a break. You are decidedly against the car and your article shows it. It is clear from the few articles I have read that you all are a bunch of foreign car geeks. The fact that you say you drive an american car only serves to prove you know 'THE TRUTH ABOUT CARS' ,where YOUR hard earned dollars count anyway... Most of yall 'foreign only' folk just 'perceive' those cars as better simply because you are not accustommed to them from daily use. My wife just HAD to have the 03' ES330, and it is a comfortable commute no doubt, but I have to ask her OUT of my Regal many days. Why? She hates that damn herky-jerky transmission when you step into the gas, you know, the one owners bitch and complain about on ANY user website you can find? The Lacrosse is directly competitive with every car in its class including your best from overseas. I say that, and I am not even a huge fan of the car! I even made my own criticisms of the car in a discussion about the upcoming Lacrosse super: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...pic=10155&st=40

Here near Jackson, Ms, I see plenty of Lucernes and I can honestly say 80% appear to be private owners. Many times I can see that annoying dealer decal tacked on the decklid or in the front license plate holder. As for the Charger/300 I think chrysler will continue to do well. Although I am not a fan of either in regular stock trim, they both command an attractive presence when equipped with say, the upscale chrysler grill and chrome wheels. But most folks that buy the lucerne will appreciate it for far different reasons than those that buy the Charger/300. They will be people from a more mature background no doubt and more prone to cross shop with the Avalon or ES350. *Switching gears Now* I have something else that I think is funny. There have been a good many of journalists in media print and people on this site that have said the 'portholes' are either 'cheesy' or another reminder of buick's 'grey-haired' customer base. But I can't tell you how many non-buicks I have seen that people have adorned with portholes now that Lucerne has come to market. From old-school cutlass supremes and honda civics, driven by those young kids that like those loud azz mufflers, to current year luxury vehicles like the DTS and Chrysler's 300.(didn't look bad on some either) In my opinion, this serves as a slap in the face of naysayers. Obviously many admire the 'ventiports' or portholes that Buick was clever enough to conjure up from its past. Last thing, Hyundai(another pimple on the ASS of GM that journalists chalked up to GM's doom) can you say.......................... Azera = AZERO. No presence, no prestige, no friggin premium sedan!

Well I for one like this look. I was never a fan of the CTS styling. In fact, I have liked it the least of all the 'Art and Science' influenced designs since caddy began that campaign. I admit though, it softend on me and looked less and less offensive as the years went on. Then my co-worker went and bought one and she took me out to lunch. Sadly, I was very let down with the interior(though I didn't tell my co-worker). It just seemed, well, 'low rent' to me. The plastic looked hard and cheap and it just didn't seem to have the same level of elegance as say, my wife's ES(lexus) or my moms LS(lincoln). While there are plastics used in both of those cars, their overall quality and presentation seem on a higher level than the CTS. For $35k, I hope they do revise the interior to fit this nice looking exterior. My only question now is: If this is the new CTS, what will they do to the STS to differentiate and justify the $10k+ price difference.

Are you Kidding?? The eyes were the first thing that I noticed!!! They look very sophisticated and classy. I can't wait to see some other colors on the car and interior.

Let me first say that Flybrian, you are the man. You truly come through with the spy shots and photos Now as for the photos at hand, my opinion has changed little from the when I first saw at the auto show. This is one HELL OF A CAR!! The interior looks just as good as the concept. This car, as well as its platform mates, look distinctive and unlike anything else on the market. If GM keeps up with the technological advances in the class as model years pass, there is no reason these cars can't do great! As for those who have questioned GM's decison to bring these cars out now, perhaps they arent paying attention to the class. The M-class is new for this model year. The Rx350 has been significantly updated. The MDX has been redesigned and the Infiniti is all-too proud of their FX(open any car magazine and you will find an advertisement, SOMEWHERE) So GM seems to be in very good company in deciding to come out with these vehicles right now. In fact, considering most of the vehicles I have named will likely have higher starting prices, GM seems poised to undercut the competion quite nicely. So why question GM for coming out with vehicles that appear to have a good chance at carving a successful niche in this hot segment. People could give a damn about gas prices for the most part. Most that buy these vehicles will either be well financed or will love the car so much that they are willing to pay the gas premium to ride in a car that absolutely love.

This thing is HOT!!!!!!! Now I am confused over which to drool over, cause I'm torn between this and the Enclave. you GMC and Buick!!!! Forcing me to choose!!

Dayum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is the first reaction I had when I saw this. With all my clamoring over the Enclave, I never payed attention to this car. It looks great. As for those making comparos between this and its sibling mates, I must say that I see the differences too and you know what? I like them. It contributes to each having its own unique character and should establish a unique customer base for the three brands. To me though, the biggest difference is the interior. This one has a wonderful overload of redish-orange which contrasts nicely with the black and all contribute to a wonderful cabin experience. The Enclave's interior, however, had tan leather that was perfectly blended with black and adorned with rich looking gray/chrome accents throughout. I think GM plans to go after techies and those who love gadgetry with the GMC and the interior is reflective of that. It also appears GM wanted to appeal to an upscale crowd w/enclave so its rich interior w/the console thing that goes throught the cabin and 'personalized' seating bode well for that group as well. All in all I am encouraged. I think GM is going to kick-ass within the cross over segment and these will do well against their asian and german counterparts. Way to go GMC and GM

Amen to that. What the heck is GM thinking? How the hell do they explain such a bling-ed out buick in conservative china, yet we get this toned-down, rebaged, late 90's regal as our 'premium' midsized entry in capitalistic, image-concious America? Are they(GM) serious about regaining american marketshare for the brand or not?!?!?!?!

Being a current W-body owner I feel validated in saying this seems a ho-hum, half-hearted effort of 'beefing' up buick's image if this is all they are doing. The lacrosse's styling is too tame for the market that Buick is going after. There is no 'bling' factor like w/the Enclave. There is no loyalist factor like with the Lucerne. The lacrosse simply seems to be buick's me-too car for the mid sized segment. Don't get me wrong, its not a bad car, but it does little to gain the brand favor with those who have never experienced buick. Now it seems buick is ignoring the styling problem and instead dropping a huge engine into the car. Its not the power that keeps people out of buick showrooms as evidenced by the best sellers in the segment. Honda and Toyota sell far more 4 cylinder model accords and camrys then they do V6's. It isn't even that their styling is so show-stopping, but it usually is modern to say the least. Buick has its head on straight with the Enclave and doing fantastic with the Lucerne, but we Buick lovers do call for a change in the syling of the lacrosse and we are calling for one real soon. Why not take some cues from yourself Buick and design this like say....your own lacrosse concept from 2001? THAT, would be hot.....

Future of GM, you are the truth!! I always enjoy your commentary. I agree 100% with all the comments. People don't buy cars because of style, performance or even quality anymore. People buy cars for status quo. Unfortunately, it is more classy to be seen in a Mercedes than a Caddy, a Lexus than a Buick. However, Mercedes, like toyota, has had an onslaught of problems since the 90's regarding the electronics in their autos. But people still put them as the 'aspirational' brand to designate when one has arrived. I have 87,000miles on my 01' regal and I just got a tune-up. Still have not replaced: Serpentine belt, original tires, water pump, or any other item that can be all too typical of new car breakdowns. I have, however, seen a resurgence of power since I got my tune up. The 3800 still kicks ass at the stop light and I have the rear-view mirror images to prove it. Is this a glitch? Probably as much a glitch as my 1990' park avenue, my very first car, which had 147,000 miles when I bought it in 99' and served me with duty and dilgence until I graduated college and gave it to my brother(with 189,000miles on it and drove it until 221,000 miles) Call me stupid, call me stubborn, but I will remain a faithful GM consumer until GM stops serving me the way they have for the 7 years I have been a vehicle owner. 3rd GM vehicle and I have yet to be left stranded. Other peoples negative perceptions of GM vehicles have(to GM's demise) helped these cars to depreciate far faster than their toyota counterparts. While it ain't good news for GM, its a helluva deal for me!!

It looks grrrrrrrrrrreat!!! I absolutely cannot wait to buy this car!! This car has all the Buick virtues that were lost during the nineties. STYLE, SEX APPEAL, PRESENCE and w/a six speed tranny, it should have PERFORMACE!!! :AH-HA_wink: Buick you got this 27 year old ready to put off having my first child just to have this car. Sad but true!!! The interior still looks beautiful enough to make a baby in!!(I probably won't try that though ) I have got to be the first in my neighborhood to get this car. One of my neighbors has an MDX and someone on the block has the 1st generation RX 300. I can't wait to see them $h! their pants when I pull on the block, going every bit of 5mph, w/the slyest of grins on my face wheelin' this hot new CUV!!!! As for those who don't care for the wheels, I share in your disappointment with these. This car needs to have chrome rims to complete such a distinctive look. However, I do have two words for you. After-market!!!! Come on GM, COME ON BUICK.!!!!!

Don't stop there, the fish-eyes can go as well. I'd like to see a more dramatic lighting house like on the Lucerne. Also, a bolder grill is in order as well. The current one is too 'cute' for my tastes.

My sentiments exactly.

I sure hope this is true!!! http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=104811

Waiting to see the production models of this car keeps me awake at night!! Have they said anything toward what prices will range from???

Overall, I think it looks ok. I owned a 99' Malibu for two years. Mechanically, the car served me beautifully and I traded it w/86k miles on it. The reason, besides it not being the Regal I really wanted, was the interior. The leather was not as supple or soft as I would have liked and the general appearance of the materials was quite subpar w/other cars both foreign and domestic. Again, I say this has the potential to be a pretty decent interior. I just hope they don't kill the deal by using bottom-basement materials. On a similar note, I saw the inside of an 07' Camry and the found nothing generally to shout about. The center stack looked to be very plasticky at the base and certainly not something that made me want to get in the car for a closer look. But I guess beauty is in the eye of the keyholder.......