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I guess I envisioned GMC heading in a sportier direction with their CUV products (sort of like Mazda or Nissan to a lesser extent), so this blocky vehicle sort of came as a shock and disappointment to me. The overall shape is fine, but the overdone front end treatment and overwhelming fender flares sort of ruins it for me. Since the vehicle is named "Terrain", I guess I should have envisioned something similar to what actually emerged (especially since GMC has traditionally been a truck based brand). The Acadia actually looks refined and sort of sporty to me. I thought it would set the styling direction for any future GMC CUVs. I guess I was wrong.

I guess I'm looking at it a different way, but the Riviera Concept's grille looks like it starts higher up on the hood and only dips slightly below the headlights. There appears to be plenty of surface area below it to me (Link: Visit My Website, Source: Net Car Show). It actually looks like an extension of the elevated section of the hood. That's just how I see it; of course everyone sees things differently. I'm not trying to be argumentative; I'm just trying to convey how it looks to me. As for the Astra based HRV; it looks like they simply applied a Buick waterfall grille over the opening where the Opel grille existed. If anything, they might have put the upper edge of the grille slightly above the existing opening since the Buick grille actually juts out and then flows down. I don't think it will sit any lower or exceed the bottom of the existing opening of the Opel version. Again, this is simply how I see it. Link: Visit My Website, Source: China Car Forums. I think it will look fine and appropriate, just like the rest of the car. Don't be sorry for using your talents to express your interest or enthusiasm in the brand. I know I offered some constructive feedback based on my tastes or vision for the brand, but that doesn't mean that your efforts are not appreciated or valued. It's great to know that there is someone else who appreciates Buick and is excited about the brand's future and potential. I don't have the tools or ability to do chops, so I enjoy looking at what other people create and submit and subsequently exchanging ideas and opinions about them.

I hate to say this, but the Milan actually competes with the Fusion. It sadly isn't a notch up. It's just a more effeminate version for those who are repelled by the extroverted Fusion grille. Just like the current Malibu, G6, and Aura actually compete with each other; it just depends on which version appeals to your design sensibilities. Actually, an Insignia based Regal sedan should be positioned as a Passat CC competitor (as well as the Acura TSX and Lincoln MKZ to a lesser extent). GM should produce the sedan in North America with the Euro suspension tuning and a turbocharged DI 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (paired with a choice of 6-speed auto or manual trannies) as the base engine. The 3.0L DI V6 could serve as an optional engine. Quiet tuning and luxury features/tech also need to be part of the package, but the emphasis should be on the car's slightly sportier nature to properly differentiate it from the 2010 Invicta (oops! I mean LaCrosse; I guess I'm still hoping that GM will wise up and change the name). GM has a lot of potential in the Buick brand and they need to start tapping into that potential by properly expanding the brand's product portfolio. This car seems to be an appropriate candidate for that expansion effort.

Well... if we're going to keep the waterfall grille, then the buick trishield needs to stay centered on the grille. The badge looks a little awkward sitting below the grille. Is this the grille from the recent Riviera Concept? The grille looked great on the concept, but it looks a bit odd on the chopped picture. It may be because it is sitting much lower on the chopped picture, maybe? It looks a little like a big toothy smile instead of the iconic Buick waterfall grille. If it was moved up higher with the bottom of the grille matching the bottom of the grille opening on the Opel version, then it might look much better. The grille on the Riviera Concept actually cut into the hood. I'm just offering a suggesting. I really don't mean to critique your work (I realize that it was a quick chop job). I applaud your interest and efforts. I do like the horizontal bar in the lower grille, though. As far as the "badge on a stick" suggestion (AKA "The Hood Ornament"?), I say "No, No, No". That retro touch needs to mercifully stay buried in automotive history (but it was good for a LOL moment).

More pictures of the new Astra 5-door: Link: Visit My Website Source: Net Car Show Link: Visit My Website Source: Official Vauxhall Astra Mini-site This is one great looking 5-door. I used to think that the Mazda3 5-door was nice, but Mazda ruined it with the 2010 remodel. The new Astra 5-door would give Buick a solid competitor that would attract a lot of younger buyers to the brand. GM would be foolish to keep this Astra variant out of Buick's lineup.

Here's some more information about the next generation Astra from GM Inside News: Link: Visit My Website Source: GM Inside News I really want to see the 5-door come here as a Buick along with a sedan and coupe. If gas prices continue to go up, this segment will become more important than ever. Buick needs to be there ready to pounce with different variants. I think all three versions are exactly what Buick needs to attract younger buyers to the brand. I still wouldn't revive the "Skylark" or "Skyhawk" names for these vehicles though. Buick needs to go in a new direction since the compact segment is an area of the market that Buick has been absent from for quite a while. They need to use model names that reinforce the idea that something new and exciting is happening at Buick. Based on some previous posts by other people, I would maybe split the models between the following three names: * Centieme: This would be the sedan version. "Centieme" would allow Buick to sort of revive the "Century" name, but avoid the negative and outdated connotations associated with that name. Since the sedan is the most traditional Buick bodystyle of the three, using a heavily modified version of a classic Buick name would be appropriate. * Invicta: Since GM is foolishly not going to resurrect this name for the brand's new LWB Eps II flagship sedan (AKA the 2010 LaCrosse), I would apply this name to the sporty compact coupe version of the Astra (or possibly Calibra?). "Invicta" sounds upscale and sporty, which would be the perfect combination of concepts to apply to this vehicle (I would then use the "LeSabre" name on the 2010 LaCrosse). I would not use the waterfall grille on this product though. Buick coupes should have a simpler grille design. I would insert a larger version of the Buick trishield in the trapezoidal grille opening flanked by a horizontial chrome bar on either side of the badge (this badge treatment could also be used on the rear of the vehicle). * Vivace: Since hatchbacks are primarily a Euro phenomenon, I would apply an international, Euro sounding name to the 5-door hatchback product in the hopes that it will appeal to those who fancy themselves more worldly and sophisticated than the mainstream. I would market this product as a "sports tourer" or "cross tourer" instead of a hatchback to avoid the negative U.S. based perception for this particular bodystyle. I know using alternative terms is just silly marketing speak and labeling, but it can effectively make something appear cooler than it would otherwise. Instead of giving Buick a dedicated hybrid or electric model, I would simply supply those powertrains as options on these vehicles. Other products I would like to see in Buick's lineup: * Bengal: A small 2-seat coupe built on the Gamma platform. Since it is a coupe, it would have the same badge/grille treatment as suggested for the Invicta above. * Velite: Basically, the next gen Corsa 5-door. If the next gen Corsa 5-door receives the same upscale looking design as the next gen Astra 5-door, then it should be an appropriate product to include in Buick's lineup to help the brand meet future CAFE regulations as well as satisfy evolving market conditions and expectations. * Regal: Basically, a rebadged Insignia sedan. * Riviera: A flagship personal luxury coupe built on the LWB Eps II platform. The grille treatment should be the model's exclusive cursive "R" badge flanked by a horizontal chrome bar on either side of the badge.. * Bravura: Basically, the next gen Opel Meriva MPV. This product would come equipped with the reverse hinged rear passenger doors featured on the recent Meriva Concept. The Meriva Concept hopefully previews a vehicle that will look more upscale and less minivan-ish than the current version. This will help it fit into Buick's lineup and be successful in the U.S. * Rendezvous: Basically, the next gen Opel Zafira MPV. Like the Bravura, this vehicle would have reverse hinged rear passenger doors (which would be an exclusive Buick MPV feature). All of these products would be added to the Enclave and 2010 LeSabre (oops! I mean LaCrosse) to give Buick one heck of a solid midmarket premium product portfolio.

I'm not particularly partial to American design. I just think the design of the Genesis Coupe is too busy and tries too hard to make a statement (which is probably the point since Hyundai is entering a new segment with this product). The Coupe 60 Concept has simple yet sporty lines that look effortless; it's a classic design that has an evolutionary future. I do admire that Hyundai has entered the segment, but I don't exactly care for the looks of the finished product. I do agree that it will appeal to a lot of people; it just doesn't appeal to me (which is fine, it doesn't need to). I thought that was the purpose of the Camaro? The only difference I see is that the Camaro went the retro route and drew on its iconic history while Hyundai went a more modern route with its design (which is appropriate since it doesn't have any iconic, historic models from which to draw inspiration). If GM would install a turbocharged 4-cylinder in the Camaro, then I would say the 2 are about even (except for the overall design approaches). I do agree with this statement. Expanding on this train of thought, I also think GM missed out on an opportunity to make Pontiac an affordable alternative to BMW. A production version of the Torana TT36 Concept on a downsized version of Zeta would have made a great affordable alternative to those who want but couldn't afford a 3-Series sedan (Pontiac LeMans). I think a production version of the Coupe 60 Concept would have had a similar appeal (Pontiac GTO). I think a smaller 3-door coupe with the same Holden inspired styling direction would have been a great addition to Pontiac's lineup too (Pontiac Fiero). It still amazes me that GM let Pontiac's potential and the underutilized Zeta platform go to waste.

I went to Buick's website today to look at the Lucerne. I think the exterior styling is nice and appropriate for Buick. That's the best thing I can say about the car, though. The interior is hopelessly bland and stodgy; it definitely wouldn't seriously appeal to anyone who is in the market for a modern premium sedan. Then I looked at the spec sheet. Basically, the flagship sedan of the corporation's midmarket premium brand offers an anemic 227 hp 3.9L V6 engine paired with an outdated 4-speed automatic transmission. Foglights are standard equipment on the "Super" trim level only, you can't even get them as an option on the CX or CXL trim levels. There were other similar surprises on the specs and features list. Basically, I would not have thought that the Lucerne was a premium sedan, let alone the premium brand's flagship sedan, just by looking at the interior pictures or the specs and features list. What an injustice for what is supposed to be the corporation's midmarket premium brand. It just seems very uncompetitive. I hope GM is fixing this situation with the 2010 LaCrosse. I know Buick has some MSRP limitations, but none of the brand's products should be decontented to the extent that the brand's premium image and position is compromised just to be able to advertise a low price point. Conveying a sense of luxury and advanced tech should be higher priorities for Buick. If GM doesn't fix this, it won't be long before Buick will have completely derailed its positioning, image, and perception, just like Pontiac and Saturn. Buick can't just claim that its products are premium, it has to reinforce it with appropriate engineering, design, and equipment. The website is in need of a serious makeover as well. It looks dingy, stodgy, outdated and sort of cheap. GM really needs to kick it up a few notches to make it attractive and appealing to a younger demographic. That being said, the 2010 LaCrosse certainly looks the part of a premium flagship sedan. I just hope GM didn't cheap out on the features and details. If they did, then they may as well plan to close shop on this brand, just like they did with Pontiac. The whole point of having different brands is to use a combination of appropriate product and effective marketing to appeal to different segments and demographics. If the brand can't successfully do this, then it is basically worthless and unnecessary. Buick has a lot of potential if GM can manage to effectively tap into it.

It looks like GM is trying to make this thing look more and more like a fleet sales queen. Job well done, idiots! This is supposed to be the flagship sedan of your high profile, high volume, mainstream brand, GM! It should set the standard for the brand's future, not remind everyone why you need government bailout money. Why GM is not diligently working on a LWB Eps II sedan to replace this relic is beyond me. Eps II looks to be a wider platform than Eps I; this would allow GM to make the Impala larger and roomier than the current LWB Eps I Malibu. There is no reason GM should wait for the next gen Malibu to come out before replacing the current W-body Impala. Actually, Chevrolet should resurrect the "Caprice" name for this large LWB Eps II sedan. The "Impala" name and badges could then be applied to a rebadged Commodore as a low volume performance sedan. I don't mind giving GM bailout money to help them survive the current economic crisis. However, I would like to see some coherent and exciting future product plans that would ensure me that this money is being spent in a manner that would prevent this situation from happening in the future.

I personally don't think the Genesis Coupe is all that appealing design-wise. It looks like an overly stylized imitation of the Infiniti G37 coupe. The idea behind the car is sweet (affordable RWD coupe), but the actual appearance of the car isn't all that attractive to me. I would have rather seen Pontiac with something like this: Link: Visit My Website Link: Visit My Website Source: NetCarShow Now this is the real deal. Clean, simple, sporty, and purposeful lines. Everything Pontiac should be.

Actually, I would like to see the "Riviera" name revived for a midsize personal luxury coupe on the LWB Epsilon II platform. Since GM was dumb enough not to use the "Invicta" name for the 2010 LaCrosse, maybe Buick could use it on this compact coupe. However, my personal preference would be for GM to get wise and rename the 2010 LaCrosse "Invicta" and call this hot little coupe "Vivace".

Here's the TopSpeed version of the article: Link: Visit My Website Source: TopSpeed This would make a great product to attract younger people to the brand.

Fiat can have Saab, but I would prefer Opel and Vauxhall to stay under majority control of GM.

I would sell the sedan and the 5-door hatchback here as the Buick Centieme. I think the 5-door version looks more youthful than the wagon and would probably do more to attract younger buyers to Buick. The design of the new 5-door appears to be more upscale than the current version, which will allow it to fit in Buick's lineup. If Buick could come up with some upscale marketing term for the 5-door other than "hatchback", then I think it could fly. I'm not sure there will be a next gen Astra TwinTop. The rumors are that Opel might develop a resurrected Calibra coupe on Delta II. If Opel does this, GM should bring it here as the Buick Vivace. Why "Centieme" and "Vivace"? Why not "Skylark" and "Skyhawk"? As much as I like these established Buick names, I think using them on compact products positioned to attract younger buyers to the brand will fail. For this particular category of the premium segment, I think Buick would be wise to use modified ("Centieme" for "Century") or new ("Vivace") names in an attempt to reinforce the notion that Buick is changing and transforming. Besides, these products are taking Buick into segments where it hasn't been in quite a while, so there really wouldn't be any market confusion in using new or modified names. Since both names have Euro origins and auras, this might help the products appeal to a demographic that is infatuated with anything Euro sourced. I would still like to see GM hold on to Opel. It is the corporation's established brand in mainland Europe. It would be a shame to see it go. From what I understand, Europeans are very loyal to their homegrown automakers. It would be very difficult for GM to replace Opel with another brand in Europe.

I think a production version of the Torana TT36 would be quite a different proposition from the Camaro. It would be a compact RWD 5-door sedan that would offer quite a bit of utility and practicality over the Camaro. It wouldn't exactly be a high volume product like a FWD compact sedan would be, but it wouldn't be as low volume or impractical as the Camaro either (which also has a short shelf life, being a sporty coupe). I do think it would attract a lot of young professionals that are just starting out and can't quite afford a RWD German luxury compact. This car could serve as a sporty and affordable alternative.

As cool as that would be, I don't think GM has the money to do that. Trishield badges, a waterfall grille, ventiports (hopefully), chromed door handles (maybe), and chrome trimmed taillights (maybe) will be about it, unfortunately. I still think it will be miles ahead of the rebadged Cavalier/Cobalt clone Pontiac has had to put up with for the last 20 something years.

That's because it's the next gen Astra sedan with a Buick front end. It looks like GM is going ahead with the Buick/Opel alignment, which is a good thing. This just came up on GM Inside News today: Link: Visit My Website Source: GM Inside News All I can say is cool. I hope Buick gets the sedan, 5-door, and a coupe.

How True! LOL

Sad! They looked to be on top of the world then (at least in Chrysler terms).

These spy shots were posted on CarScoop on 4/30/2009: Link: Visit My Website Source: CarScoop I think it shows potential and I would love to see it added to Buick's lineup in the U.S. as the "Centieme" sedan. "Centieme" (a name used on a concept CUV that previewed the Enclave) would give Buick a chance to sort of resurrect the "Century" name without the negative and stodgy connotations attached to that name. With Pontiac gone, Buick will need to expand downward size-wise to give Buick/GMC dealers some smaller products to sell. This car seems like the perfect product to counter the loss of Pontiac's small cars. It will be refreshing to see something compact or smaller that isn't simply a rebadged Chevrolet product.

Indeed. The sad part is that with each news story that emerges, GM's future appears to be getting gloomier. I was really hoping that GM would emerge from this situation with the following global reconfiguration intact: * Mainstream Affordable: Chevrolet/Pontiac (North America), Chevrolet/Holden/Daewoo (Global Depending On Market) * Midmarket Premium: Buick/GMC (North America), Opel/Vauxhall/Buick (Global Depending On Market) * Luxury/Specialty: Cadillac/Corvette (North America & Global) Basically Saab, Hummer, and Saturn would be out of the picture. It looks like it all is unraveling fast. My only hope is that GM can keep some kind of controlling interest in Opel, GMDAT, and Holden. I don't think GMNA is strong enough on its own anymore to engineer, design, develop, and produce all of their own products without some type of global assistance (unfortunately). I'm starting to think Ford might actually be the only one left of the Big Three when it's all said and done. I hope I'm absolutely, positively, seriously wrong about this.

I would still like to see this: Link: Visit My Website Link: Visit My Website Link: Visit My Website Link: Visit My Website Smaller, sporty, yet practical. I think this thing would make quite an impact if GM ever gets healthy and brave enough to build it (which will probably never happen).

I thought Vauxhall was only sold in Great Britain. I could see where a Vauxhall/GMDAT alignment could end Chevrolet in the U.K., but I don't see why Chevrolet would have to end in mainland Europe. The only reason I could see is that maybe Vauxhall might be more accepted in mainland Europe than Chevrolet. I think predicting Chevrolet's demise in mainland Europe might be a little premature.

I think they should reduce Pontiac down to just the G8 sedan for now and move it in with Chevrolet (I'm sorry. I like the Solstice, but it's not profitable so it needs to go). I would then work with Holden to explore how flexible Zeta can be and work on building a 4 car niche lineup for the brand from there (2 sedans: compact/midsize & 2 coupes: compact/midsize). Chevrolet would lose the next gen Camaro to Pontiac if this were to occur; it would become the Pontiac Trans Am instead. The midsize coupe would be the Pontiac GTO. The compact sedan would be the LeMans and the midsize sedan would be the Grand Prix. Plans would be made to build most of the U.S. intended products in North America though. Since Chevrolet would be getting Pontiac to fullfill its affordable performance needs, I would spin Corvette off into its own brand and pair it with Cadillac to be the corporation's Porsche fighter. I would give Corvette a 2 car lineup on 2 different wheelbases of the Y-body platform. The short wheelbase car would be a 2-seat 3-door coupe and convertible called Radius. The long wheelbase car would be the C7 Corvette and would go by the Stingray name. GM would still have a 3-tier sales channel configuration: * Chevrolet/Pontiac: Affordable Mainstream & Affordable Performance * Buick/GMC: Volume Premium & Utility Premium * Cadillac/Corvette: Sport Luxury & Sport Specialty

I really would like to see GM follow through with the Opel/Buick alignment. If a plan like yours did occur, I would actually try to purchase the rights to the Aurora name instead of Oldsmobile (rumor has it that GM actually considered changing the division name from Oldsmobile to Aurora during the height of its last transformation phase). I think "Aurora" sounds more modern and less stodgy. "Aurora" also actually fits much better with "Saturn" than "Oldsmobile". Overall, it's an interesting proposition. For Buick's sake, I hope Opel stays under some kind of GM control.