August25
General Motors’ revitalization of its Buick brand has been short lived, with no offerings substantial enough to pique buyers’ interests since the introduction of the Enclave CUV. However, help is on the way in the form of the next-generation LaCrosse — which was previewed by the Invicta concept — which GM has announced will make its official U.S. debut at November Los Angeles Auto Show.
In addition to announcing the LaCrosse’s U.S. debut, GM also released a single teaser image of the new sedan. However, the image reveals little else than the Buick badge and the marque’s signature waterfall grille.
The sedan is expected to be sold in the United States and China, and was developed with both markets in mind. It might be badged Regal in China.
Buick is clearly stepping up its game when it comes to exterior design — and we hope driving dynamics and interior quality will be equally improved.
Buick has relocated its signature portholes from the front fender to the hood — a seemingly more functional location. Most of the other details follow Buick’s latest design language, including the ‘waterfall’ grille and smooth sculpted surfaces.
The concept’s interior will not be toned down at all for production, and our spy photos reflect this. As seen with our earlier spy photos of the Chevrolet Equinox’ interior, the LaCrosse will continue GM’s latest twin-pod gauge design.
Codenamed GMX353, the new LaCrosse will be the first car in the United States to ride on the new global front-wheel drive Epsilon II platform.
According to our sources, the new Buick will be assembled at GM’s Fairfax facility starting in February of 2009. The LaCrosse should hit dealer showrooms in mid-2009 as a 2010 model. LaCrosse annual production is expected to be in the 65,000 to 75,000 range.
(Scroll below the concept photos to see Leftlane’s illustration of the production model).
Teaser image
Official leaked image
June 26th, 2008
Production LaCrosse Interior - June 4th, 2008
Invicta Concept Car Official Images
Production LaCrosse Illustrations - April 3rd, 2008
Production LaCrosse Interior - April 10th, 2008
good to see that buick is finally getting there version of the chevy malibu/pontiac g6/saturn aura
Does anyone other than Tiger Woods care?
Not a Buick fan personally but I would be hard pressed to call that anything other than nice looking.
The Chinese in China are going to **** their pants.
RaineMan, you forget the senior citizens, those who don’t pick mercury at least
Buick is almost as redundant as Mercury. Almost.
Developed with both the US and Chinese markets in mind. Huh. Does that mean it crumbles like a fortune cookie or folds like a cheap tent?
Let’s hope they ditch the LaCrosse name for Allure or Invicta at the last minute.. much more attractive names for a much more attractive car.
I just finished a good book called “Rain Fall.” 2 words.
abpout a samurai who kills a woman in tokyo, than protects hois daughter.
good stuff
name it REGAL.
or even Skylark wouldnt be bad… I think it’s been long enough for people to forget the 1981-1998 Skylark econocar.
I’m impressed. The interior on this is the closest to the concept that I’ve seen so far. Very well done.
It has a brutish look about it, which is not bad thing. The interior will be a make or break as it s a bit odd for my taste, but I have not seen it real-life so it might be better than I give it.
Buick designs great concept show cars then cuts their balls off on the way to the assembly line.
Buick has cost MILLIONS in product development and people still won’t buy them.
My Marquis will beat any crap FWD Buick excuse for a car.
d@mn that cars is nice just dont cheap out gm
So far, so good. Just lose the lame “LaCrosse” moniker (”Invicta” would work perfectly) and you might have a winner on your hands.
It doesn’t look bad.
I wonder if they can add some features that aren’t in the Malibu?
Full hybrid that gets MPG competitive with the Camry Hybrid, fully functional nav system with screen/map display, fold down rear armrest, heated washer fluid, USB/iPod/iPhone support.
With the 4 cylinder and 6-speed transmission, it would be a very attractive comfortable commuter car.
Wow very impressive, they improve inside to outside plus the JD power also up for Buick. It is nice to see to get some respect…Well done…
fossil mobile
Nice but JD Powers doesnt mean **** I do agree that it is a major improvement over their current lineup I hope this will attract some younger buyers When I say younger I mean people in their 50’s
Normally I would say that Buick doesn’t do anything nice but those enclaves are flying off the showroom floor. This vehicle is following the same style so it might do alright.
They’re keeping the name LaCrosse b/c it translates to POS in chinese.
oldman420, I think you’re on to something there as Buick is transcending the styling of the Enclave to this vehicle.
Wants to be a Lexus GS.
This car is filling a big void in GM’s line up which is inbetween the Malibu and the CTS. The Malibu is nice, but not wow. The CTS is wow, but with a big price tag. There is probably a good market share in this sweet spot, which is where I’m at. I wouldn’t mind paying 34-36k with for one of these with the 20’s and Nav. Will this car be powered by a direct injection V6?
Plus I really don’t like the interior on the CTS its too in your face. The Malibu’s and this “Invicta” are more a little easier on the eyes.
Hey Buick, Saab called. They’d like their headlights back. Thanks.
hahah f451 this thing looks axactly like an enclave. Same rear lights, new european headlight design. Same body lines, same crease in the hood, same grille trype with billet. I think if you don’t see it your on something.