Posts Tagged buick gmc
Cadillac XTS – The Upcoming Full Sized Luxury Sedan
Posted by in Cadillac on July 2, 2011
General Motors is in the midst of an important renaissance, one that will either make or break the automaker. The car company now has four US divisions to deal with, down from eight, which means that Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet will either help or hinder the automaker.
Big Changes For Cadillac
GM has been saying a lot about Buick lately, but most recently gave the automotive press a glimpse of what is coming down the pike for Cadillac. Leading the way will be a new full sized sedan, code named XTS, which is one of several new Cadillac models planned. Keep reading to take a closer look at what General Motors is considering for its luxury brand, a line of premium vehicles that continues to grow and expand.
Cadillac XTS - Replacing both the full sized front wheel drive DTS and the intermediate sized rear wheel drive STS, the code named XTS model is expected to debut in 2011. Using a modified version of the platform underpinning the all new Buick LaCrosse, the XTS is expected to be all wheel drive, which would help the sedan compete against its European competition including Mercedes, BMW and Audi.
Cadillac ATS - Could it be that a baby Cadillac will actually be born? While the CTS franchise has been a runaway hit, it isn’t the entry level product that some have imagined for Cadillac. In Europe, the slow selling BLS has fit that bill, but it isn’t quite the car that GM foresees for the US market. Instead, a true entry level Cadillac billed “ATS” is being planned, but not much is known about the vehicle. What GM has said is that the ATS will be aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series while the CTS will continue on as a 5 Series fighter.
Cadillac CTS - The most popular Cadillac is the CTS, a second generation midsize line that has gotten a lot of positive press for GM since its introduction in 2003. A wagon version of the sedan will hit the market this fall and come next spring the coupe will complete the franchise. Yes, we’ll see V-Series models across the CTS line, for super speed and performance!
Already on its way is the next edition of the Cadillac SRX. This midsize crossover will be sold alongside the Escalade, the latter model’s fate which isn’t yet known. Regardless, come 2012 Cadillac will look dramatically different than what it does now, a line of American luxury vehicles like no other. Read the rest of this entry »
Buick Verano Gives Brand An Important Stake
Posted by in Buick on July 2, 2011
When General Motors remade itself following its bankruptcy restructuring of summer 2009, the company began a process to shed itself of four unwanted brands: Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Hummer. The fact Buick remained behind seemed a curious one at first, given Pontiac’s stronger sales.
GM’s decision, initially panned by some critics, has proven to be the right one. Combined Buick-Pontiac-GMC showrooms are now Buick-GMC, selling premium cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles without the burden of having to make room for Pontiac. The Buick brand is being remade with new models such as the LaCrosse and Regal being sold alongside the Enclave crossover and full-size Lucerne. For 2010, Buick sales were up by 52 percent, the best performance of the four surviving GM brands and, indeed, the best performing brands sold in America period.
Compact Buick
But, GM is not stopping there with its premium brand. Buick is situated between Chevrolet and Cadillac, but it also targets entry-level luxury car buyers who might consider an Audi A3 or other smaller models, a premium car segment that will soon offer the Buick Verano as yet another option.
The Buick Verano is based on the same platform as the compact Chevrolet Cruze, but unlike past GM cloning practices, badge engineering will be absent. The five-passenger Verano will have a fresh grille, different hood and other exterior treatments unique to itself. Underneath, much of the same underpinnings found in the Cruze will be in the Verano, but the Buick will have a different and larger engine to offer, the same engine powering the standard Buick Regal.
Cabin Amenities
Inside, the Buick Verano, which is expected to go on sale later in 2011 as a 2012 model, will offer a cabin unique to GM compact cars. Typical Buick styling will be used, with leather seating options, wood and aluminum trim and enhanced sound system standard or available. Expect OnStar GPS navigation to be standard and XM satellite radio to be available.
The same 10 airbags found in the Cruze will also be offered, underscoring just how much GM values safety in its C segment models. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, traction control, blind spot intelligence and collision warning are other features likely for the Verano.
Further differentiations will be noted in the way the Buick Verano rides, handles and how it keeps noise out. Indeed, Buick has been getting a lot of attention for how quiet its cars are, making good use of the latest sound deadening materials to control outside noise. Read the rest of this entry »