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The Rebirth of Buick.........

421 messages,  Last post on Nov 27, 2009 at 3:10 PM

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#118 of 421
Re: To me... [cooterbfd] by sls002
Sep 29, 2008 (7:42 am)
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Replying to: cooterbfd (Sep 28, 2008 3:52 pm)

The FWD Cadillac, the DTS has the same engines as the Buick. The RWD Cadillac's have the VVT Northstar, which produces 320 hp.
#119 of 421
Re: To me... [sls002] by nippononly
Sep 29, 2008 (11:52 am)
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Replying to: sls002 (Sep 29, 2008 7:42 am)

If Buick is a notch below Cadillac, then why are the Buick cars so different from Cadillacs (if I am not mistaken, the remaining time of the old school, FWD DTS is VERY short, and rightfully so)? I can understand that GM would not want to cheapen the Cadillac brand by having entry-level versions of its cars, but couldn't Buick offer cars on the Cadillac platforms, but tuned for ride comfort, and lacking in some of the power and amenities of the Cadillacs?
 
I am with stovebolter, there isn't anything sporty about the Pontiacs, except for the Solstice. By the same token, there isn't enough upscale in the Buick line to distinguish it from all the other brands at the General, not to mention Mercury.
 
I could possibly see the future of Buick as a sort of "80% of Cadillac" brand, but then it has to share platforms and engines with Cadillac. They can be one step down for each respective model, but they can't be so similar to the lesser cars at Chevy and Saturn.
 
Certainly, if what I believe will happen DOES happen, and the future of Buick is as the North American outlet for GM China's products, we won't see it fulfilling that "80% of Cadillac" role.
#120 of 421
Re: Re-badging [stovebolter] by dave8697
Sep 29, 2008 (2:05 pm)
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Replying to: stovebolter (Sep 28, 2008 7:00 pm)

I think it is for People who want a quieter, more comfortable ride than the Impala. The typical customer I think, would rather have a Lucerne but can get near matching quiet, comfort, and same engine for $4-6k less. An entry level Buick.
 
Can anybody talking about the fit/finish flaws actually name a specific item on a brand new one that they test drove with possible intention to buy or is this the same old same old that no longer applies? My '84 Camaro had 10 fit/finish issues. My '01 Chev had maybe 3. The trend is towards zero.
 
So GM makes a few good nameplates, like about 20, and Honda makes more? The CRV from my neighborhood has vibrating tinny noises that sound like all the other 150k plus mile Hondas I've rode in. The sound of falling apart drivetrains.
#121 of 421
Re: To me... [nippononly] by sls002
Sep 30, 2008 (7:08 am)
Reply

Replying to: nippononly (Sep 29, 2008 11:52 am)

Yes, the DTS/Lucerne platform is to be replaced by a RWD platform. Not sure if there will be a Buick version. However, the other Cadillac platform (sigma) is also going to terminate at the end of the current CTS model. The sigma platform is an expensive to build platform, and Buicks would not be profitable. Buicks could be built on Holden or Opel platforms though.
 
What I see as GM future is bankruptcy followed by reoranization with only Chevy/Cadillac as the makes/models that survive.
#122 of 421
Re: To me... [sls002] by circlew
Sep 30, 2008 (7:33 am)
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Replying to: sls002 (Sep 30, 2008 7:08 am)

What I see as GM future is bankruptcy followed by reoranization with only Chevy/Cadillac as the makes/models that survive.
 
Agreed. Then, they can stop competing within themselves. Makes perfect sense for a new business model...oh, and kill the UAW as well.
 
Regards,
OW
#123 of 421
Re: To me... [sls002] by dtownfb
Sep 30, 2008 (3:58 pm)
Reply

Replying to: sls002 (Sep 30, 2008 7:08 am)

What I see as GM future is bankruptcy followed by reoranization with only Chevy/Cadillac as the makes/models that survive. <i/>
 
Agreed but I think you can add Pontiac to that mix. Perfect opportunity to use Pontiac to continue the "mission" of Saturn. Pontiac can be the European division with a flair. Keep Buick strictly for international sales since it is doing so well in China. Besides not competing against itself, GM can't afford to support all these different divisions.
#124 of 421
Re: To me... [circlew] by cooterbfd
Oct 01, 2008 (2:19 am)
Reply

Replying to: circlew (Sep 30, 2008 7:33 am)

...oh, and kill the UAW as well.
 
If you don't like the UAW, or are just jealous of their benefits, that's fine, but that Thread is read only. Don't let this thread denigrate to pros and cons of unionism. I want a discussion about Buicks going forward.
#125 of 421
Re: To me... [cooterbfd] by circlew
Oct 01, 2008 (6:17 am)
Reply

Replying to: cooterbfd (Oct 01, 2008 2:19 am)

OK, but it's part of that Bad Business Model! Like it or not.
 
Regarding Buicks, if it were me, I'd have Holden whip up a new Grand National.
 
The G8 Zeta could be modified for 2 or three versions for Buick including a AWD version.
 
Regards,
OW
#126 of 421
Re: To me... [circlew] by tjc78
Oct 01, 2008 (6:58 am)
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Replying to: circlew (Oct 01, 2008 6:17 am)

Regarding Buicks, if it were me, I'd have Holden whip up a new Grand National.
 
I couldn't think of a worse time to introduce something like that. Economy isn't doing great and gas prices are still high. Why spend all that developmental $$ on a limited production model.....
 
IMO keep the Enclave as is, and give Buick a luxo version of the G8 with the bulk of the models using the 3.6 and if they feel the need a "super" version with the V8. Main competitors (Toyota Avalon / Hyundai Genesis)
 
Then I would bring a version of the Aura/Malibu only avail with the 3.6 to compete with the Lincoln MKZ and ES 350.
 
Offer all these models with all the "tech" toys (touch screen NAV, hard drives, MP3 support, bluetooth, keyless start, etc) they can find and tune them to be a balance of ride comfort with just enough sport to keep the younger crowd interested.
 
The Lacrosse and Lucerne should be dumped ASAP as they are not bad cars but riding on old platforms and engines. By updating the fleet to some of GMs newer offerings you could possibly bring in a few foreign buyers without hurting the other divisions too much.
#127 of 421
Re: To me... [circlew] by bumpy
Oct 01, 2008 (10:24 am)
Reply

Replying to: circlew (Oct 01, 2008 6:17 am)

Naah, just move the steering wheel and plop some badges on this:
 
Holden W427

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