Jerry's Style: Buick

Showing posts with label Buick. Show all posts

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Buick Business Concept, 2009

Buick Business Concept, 2009

The Buick Business Concept, a new concept vehicle designed to showcase Buick's future vision of "business class on the road".

The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) was developed in China by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design and engineering joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), with global design input.
The Buick Business Concept Vehicle captures the essence of the Buick form language in a thoroughly elegant and expressive design, with its taut surfaces, double sweep spear belt line, strong front and rear identities and dynamic presence.

Classic Influences in Modern Design
According to Cao Min, PATAC Concept Car Chief Designer, the design team set out to create a modern global design for Buick, yet include a subtle Chinese essence and influence. To achieve this balance, they sought to draw from their heritage outside the automotive industry - from classic shapes to arts and ancient relics.
The Buick Business Concept Vehicle's dynamic exterior surfaces and "yin and yang" interior tones are drawn from diverse inspirations including the 2008 Buick Riviera concept car, Chinese artifacts and modern electronic icons. The vehicle, inside and out, communicates an orderly elegance that transcends cultural boundaries and conveys the tranquility and power of Buick.

The Exterior Design - A Sense of Presence and Buick Essence
To establish their design direction, PATAC designers took the global Buick design vocabulary of sculpturally beautiful and dynamic forms established by the Riviera concept car and successfully extended it to a tall, one-box architecture.
The Buick Business Concept Vehicle develops the Buick form language further and incorporates elements of Chinese culture and artistic influences into the details. It takes the Buick design treatment to a new level of sophisticated boldness.

The Power sliding doors with no B-pillar were selected for their ability to showcase an expansive view of the interior and ease of entrance and egress.
The Buick Business Concept Vehicle sits on 20-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum wheels, with a polished mirror finish, and low-profile tires. The outside mirrors incorporate turn signals with the huiwen motif.

The Interior Design - Functionality and Soothing Serenity
Serenity and advanced functionality come to mind when entering the vehicle. The use of deep burgundy suede and subtle creams, representing earth and wood themes, are conveyed through high-quality leather bucket seats, plush vehicle carpet and a luxurious padded steering wheel. Completing the tranquil feel is a roof comprised of two full-length sunroofs that offer a celestial connection for occupants.

The Interior trim and features befitting Buick prestige abound such as a power central console with a deployable tablet for writing or to hold a laptop computer. The console can be moved up and down the two rows of rear seats. The second row of power captain's chairs slide on hidden rails and swivel 225 degrees, enabling them to be adjusted to an infinite combination of orientations. Traditional huiwen patterns are embroidered onto the seats and seat backs, bringing harmony to the entire design theme.

Buick Lucerne Super, 2008

Buick Lucerne Super, 2008

Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick's most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.

The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW) 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM's Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super's chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick's renowned quietness inside.

The Lucerne Super adds a more powerful version of the legendary 4.6L Northstar V-8. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW), an increase of more than 6 percent over existing models. The Super has an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne 's Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling.

Buick Super: elevated design, power and performance
Design elements on the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super denote the new face of Buick. Design cues echo those seen on the popular Velite convertible concept vehicle - and recently introduced on the Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV - including a new waterfall grille and portholes. The LaCrosse Super is the first and only LaCrosse model offered with Buick's iconic portholes; there are four per side to highlight the V-8 engine.

In addition to distinctive design, the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super deliver leading-edge performance and refinement. The 5.3L and 4.6L V-8 engines are renowned for balancing performance and fuel economy. They are complemented by specially tuned suspension systems.

Like all Buick models, LaCrosse and Lucerne Supers are built with an exclusive engineering process called QuietTuning to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the interior. Laminated side window glass, sound-deadening material in the body structure, hydraulic mounts in the engine compartment and more reduce interior noise. Even exhaust nodes have been tuned for overall sound quality. These features contribute to a quiet, refined driving experience.

While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic, including:
    * Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
    * Powertrain enhancements
    * Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems for responsive and confident handling
    * Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick's exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort.

LaCrosse Super
The LaCrosse Super is distinguished from its sibling models with a new exterior appearance that is highlighted by a new waterfall grille, new hood and a new front fascia that incorporates a lower grille opening with chrome trim and chrome fog lamp bezels.

New portholes, rocker moldings, rear fascia with integrated park assist sensors, 3.5-inch-diameter dual chrome exhaust tips, rear decklid spoiler and a Super badge also make the LaCrosse Super instantly identifiable from any angle. LaCrosse Super is offered in four exterior colors: Black Onyx, Platinum Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Red Jewel tint coat.

Inside, the LaCrosse Super exudes comfort and style, including front seats with increased seatback bolstering. All of the seats feature new, woven-embossed leather inserts. A unique wood grain appearance accents the instrument panel, center console, doors and gear shift knob. There are also exclusive instrument cluster graphics - including Super identification - new front sill plates, a silver finish on the instrument panel center stack and Super-specific floor mats.

The LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine that has the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 323-lb.ft (438 Nm) of torque, Buick's new V-8 can propel the LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 5.3L small-block V-8 uses GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM), an engine technology that seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

To support the performance capabilities enabled by the V-8 engine, the LaCrosse Super features a specially tuned suspension system for steering precision, improved ride control and feel, and increased braking performance. Bilstein monotube struts, larger front and rear rotors, high-precision steering gear, StabiliTrak, and recalibrated chassis controls help the LaCrosse Super deliver confident handling and road manners, while also maintaining overall ride comfort.

The Super version comes standard with the largest wheels and tires available on the LaCrosse - 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P235/50R18 all-season tires. Chrome-finish wheels are available.

Lucerne Super adds more luxury appointments
Distinctly designed, the Lucerne Super stands out with a new bright chrome waterfall grille, front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, rocker panels, and Super badge on the decklid. Exclusive aluminum wheels and premium all-season tires complete the look, complementing the vehicle's sport-touring attitude. The Lucerne Super is available in four exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, Gold Metallic, Sharkskin and White Diamond. The interior comes in Ebony or Cocoa/Shale.

Lucerne Super's refined ride dynamics and increased power make it the sportiest Lucerne available . A more powerful version of the 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine provides the Lucerne Super with an ample power reserve. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW), which is 17 horsepower (13 kW) more than the Lucerne CXS.

Lucerne Super's new premium steering gear, StabiliTrak stability control system, brake assist and specifically calibrated Magnetic Ride Control system help deliver a crisp response and enhanced driver control. It rides on standard 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P245/50R18 all-season radials. The exclusive wheel design is finished in bright silver premium paint. Chrome-plated wheels are available.

The Lucerne Super's interior wraps occupants in luxury including a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel with French-seam stitching, unique finish on the instrument panel center stack, leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts for the outboard seating positions, and suede door trim inserts. A heated, real wood steering wheel and shift knob finished in Walnut Burl, power tilt and telescoping steering column, front chrome sill plates and Buick embroidered floor mats round out the Lucerne Super's special content.

Buick LaCrosse Super, 2008

Buick LaCrosse Super, 2008

Buick LaCrosse CXS, 2008

Buick LaCrosse CXS, 2008

Like the recently introduced Buick Enclave luxury crossover and Super models, the 2008 LaCrosse features a more distinctive front end. The new design brings the 2008 LaCrosse sedan in line with a common Buick family appearance. The fascia, hood and chrome waterfall grille are new.

Inside, the '08 LaCrosse continues to offer a well-equipped, comfortable and quiet interior. More comfort and convenience features are now standard for CX, CXL and CXS models for 2008. The LaCrosse CX, for example, is a richer entry-level car, adding a leather-wrapped steering wheel, theft deterrent system, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization and more. All trim levels now have a chrome exterior appearance package, factory remote start feature, XM Satellite Radio, telescoping steering wheel column, redundant steering wheel controls and dual-zone climate control as added standard equipment.

The LaCrosse line now offers three powertrains. The CX and CXL trims are powered by the 3.8L V-6, now in Series III form. With more than 25 million sold, it is one of the most proven and reliable engines in the industry. Rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW), the 3.8L features electronic throttle control to improve engine response and optimize fuel efficiency, along with upgrades for quiet operation.

The performance-oriented LaCrosse CXS has a standard 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing that delivers 240 horsepower (179 kW). The premium, all-aluminum engine features dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Its fully variable intake and exhaust valve timing achieves outstanding flexibility, delivering 90 percent of the engine's peak torque where it is most useful, between 1,500 rpm and 6,000 rpm. The 3.6L VVT delivers a market-leading balance of good specific output, high torque over a broad rpm band, fuel economy and first-rate noise vibration and harshness control.

The recently announced 2008 LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine and portholes to the LaCrosse lineup. With the fuel efficiency of a V-6, the new 300-horsepower (224 kW) 5.3L small-block V-8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology can propel LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. GM's AFM engine technology seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

The LaCrosse line is built at GM's Oshawa 2 Assembly, ranked North/South America 's top manufacturing facility the past two years, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

Buick Invicta Concept, 2008

Buick Invicta Concept, 2008

The sleek Buick Invicta show car revealed here in conjunction with Auto China 2008 is Buick's strongest statement yet of its deliberately international plans. The four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline presents bold direction for Buick's new generation of vehicles in the world's two biggest automotive markets - the United States and China.

Invicta has evolved from Buick concepts such as the 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe, both of which received accolades for their thoroughly modern adaptation of classic Buick themes. Invicta was designed collaboratively by GM centers of expertise in Warren, Mich. and Shanghai, China. The name, which is Latin for "invincible," returns to Buick after a 45-year hiatus in the United States.

Invicta is powered by Buick's first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum fuel efficiency.

Modern, sleek exterior
Invicta's designers drew inspiration from the Riviera concept. Invicta features modern and sleek proportions with exterior lines that flow uninterrupted around the vehicle. For example, Invicta's cat-eye headlamps transition into the Buick heritage-inspired sweepspear design cue, which flows seamlessly along the body sides and merges into the taillamps. Similarly, one can trace the top of the headlamp casing to the roofline and the rear of the vehicle without interruptions.

As with Riviera, Invicta features short overhangs with wheels pushed out to the corners for a well-planted stance. The overall appearance is sleek, thanks in part to a sweeping, low roofline and a front windshield that has an aggressive rake.

Up front, the Buick tri-shield is prominently displayed inside the Velite-inspired chrome vertical waterfall grille. Polished aluminum surrounding the headlamps, portholes, around the D-pillar and along the lower side of the vehicle on the lower doors accentuates the overall exterior design. Reminiscent of a number of historic Buick models, Invicta's portholes - three per side - are located on the hood rather than on the front quarter panels.

Invicta's wheelbase and high belt line give the vehicle more substantial proportions while visually reinforcing its premium appearance. Invicta's 20-inch polished aluminum wheels feature a milled Buick tri-shield in the center cap.
To signal its premium attributes while enhancing the vehicle's sleek proportions, Invicta's exterior is draped in a sumptuous AluStone color. Its warm beige tone contains wafer-thin flakes of aluminum that reflect light to emit a liquid gold appearance.

Flowing, crafted interior
The focus and attention to seamless transitions carry over inside Invicta. The doors merge to become one with the instrument panel, which morphs into the center console.

The wrap-around design of the interior and fluid design provide a spacious cabin for all passengers, especially those seated in the back of the vehicle. At nearly 100 cubic feet of interior space, Invicta delivers large-car comfort in a mid-size sedan. The sense of roominess is further accentuated by a full glass roof, which allows all passengers to enjoy the sights, day or night.

The blending of premium materials - such as wood trim and polished aluminum accents, soft aniline leather, supple suede-like material and soothing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting technology - encase passengers in Buick luxury.

Buick Enclave, 2008

Buick Enclave, 2008

Tiger Woods, the world's top-ranked professional golfer and long-time Buick partner, teamed up with Buick to introduce media to the brand's newest vehicle: the all-new 2008 Enclave luxury crossover SUV, on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Enclave was unveiled at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, one of the world's most prestigious art and design schools.

The Enclave is Buick's first luxury crossover SUV. It is purposely built on an all-new crossover architecture and motivated by one of GM's most powerful V-6 engines ever. The Enclave creates its own niche in the fast-growing crossover market by melding elegant interior and exterior design and a confident ride in a quiet, well-crafted roomy cabin capable of carrying up to eight passengers with space for gear. It arrives in dealer showrooms next summer.

Enclave available in CX and CXL trim levels, with eight exterior and three interior colors, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, a new 275-horsepower V-6 powertrain featuring variable valve timing (VVT) and mated to Buick's first six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated dual-overhead camshaft engine based on GM's global V-6 architecture. It was jointly developed at GM technical centers in Australia, Germany, Sweden and North America. The engine uses full four-cam phasing, rapid data processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.

A host of innovative features that are uncommon or unavailable in competitors' vehicles adds to the Enclave's standout status in the segment, including a second-row seat console that unfolds to contribute to a flat load floor when the seats are folded. Also, the armrest slides back and forth. The center console storage area is equipped with a pull-out tray. When removed, the tray reveals a deep space for storing a pair of 16-oz. bottles or other tall items. Enclave also features a power-operated liftgate, Smart Slide second-row seat feature and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with one of the segment's largest display screens.

Peace of mind while maneuvering in the Enclave is enhanced with Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist and a rear back-up camera, which work integrally to provide not only a visual reference of objects directly behind the vehicle, but an audible warning of the objects' proximity. Displayed on the navigation system display screen, icons and audible chimes provide an easy-to-understand reference to items behind the vehicle. Enclave also is equipped with power-adjustable outside mirrors that automatically angle downward when the vehicle is in reverse, providing a view of the curb or parking lines. The mirrors can be programmed so that one, both or none of the mirrors provide this view.

The innovative and exclusive features mentioned above are only a few of Enclave's more than 45 standard and optional features:
    * Rear back-up camera
    * High-intensity discharge headlamps
    * Articulating Headlights
    * Power liftgate
    * Automatic Grade Shift Logic
    * Smart Slide second-row seat
    * Voice-activated and touch-screen DVD navigation
    * Second-row center console
    * Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
    * Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel
    * Power folding mirrors with integrated turn signal lights
    * Heated windshield washer fluid
    * Heated front leather seats
    * Tiffany-style analog clock
    * Bose 5.1 10-speaker surround sound system
    * Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
    * Factory-installed extended-range remote start
    * Large sunroof and skylight
    * XM Satellite Radio
    * OnStar with Turn-By-Turn voice-activated navigation and more

Delivering on the promise of the concept
The production Enclave delivers on the promise of the concept vehicle that debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The exterior design of the Enclave is a virtual twin of the concept version, while the interior retains the elegant design and craftsmanship that made the concept Enclave popular.

Buick's luxury crossover hints to legendary design cues such as a new waterfall black chrome grille - with a bold tri-shield emblem - and portholes. Enclave's grille represents the new face of Buick that will be shared across future product offerings. The portholes, which are similar in design to those on the new Lucerne sedan, form a distinct "V" shape as they flow out from the grille and into the hood.

Enclave sits on a 118.9-inch (3,021 mm) wheelbase and has a wide, confident stance, with the wheels pushed out to the corners. This creates a "wrapped" appearance between the body and the wheels, which enhances the sure-footed stance. Large, 18-inch flangeless wheels are standard on CX models; 19-inch machined wheels are standard on CXL, while chrome, seven-spoke, 19-inch wheels are available on CXL. Twenty-inch wheels are available though Buick Accessories.

Standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and three-dimensional taillamp housings spotlight the Enclave's craftsmanship and attention to detail. Uncommon in the crossover segment, Enclave's HID headlamps have one bulb for high and low beams. The Xenon HID headlamps are standard, and GM's Articulating Headlights are available. They turn with the direction of the front wheels, providing enhanced illumination around corners.

Interior like a private jet
Enclave's interior is designed as an extension of the exterior form with complementing curves and warm, inviting colors, as well as premium, soft-touch, low-gloss materials. The instrument panel and other interior elements have precise attention to fit, finish and flushness throughout.

Buick's exclusive QuietTuning engineering process reduces, blocks and absorbs unwanted noise from entering Enclave's cabin. Some noise-reducing components include an acoustic laminated windshield, laminated safety door glass, triple door seals, flat-blade windshield wipers, strategically placed sound deadening material in more than two dozen locations throughout the vehicle and outside rearview mirrors and tires designed to minimize noise. The result is a library-quiet interior that allows passengers seated in the third row to hear a conversation between first-row occupants.

Buick Regal GS, 2011

Buick Regal GS, 2011

Buick revealed the production version of the 2012 Buick Regal GS, an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale in 2010 and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family. Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the GS delivers an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds (estimated). Buick's Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the GS, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience by changing the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and GS.

Product highlights include:
    * Exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine rated at an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm)
    * Six-speed manual transmission, with six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control to be offered later
    * Interactive Drive Control System with GS mode
    * Four-wheel independent system with HiPerStrut front suspension
    * High-performance four-wheel disc brake system with Brembo front calipers
    * Standard 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tire and optional 20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires.

The exterior design features unique front and rear fascias, with the front fascia incorporating prominent, vertical air intake slots and specific grille treatment - with the vertical elements accented in a satin-metallic finish. The rear fascia has a pair of integrated, satin-metallic trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Rocker panel extensions and an integrated rear spoiler are also woven into the design. The GS cuts a sportier stance, too, with a slightly lower ride height than other models and aggressive 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tires (20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires are optional).

Inside is a racing-inspired, flat-bottom sport steering wheel and metal sport pedals, along with leather-appointed 12-way power-adjustable sport driver and front passenger heated seats, which include four-way power lumbar. The GS-specific black interior is accented with satin-finish elements on the instrument panel, steering wheel and console, while the instrument panel glows white when the driver engages the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Standard amenities for the Buick Regal GS include:
    * Passive keyless entry with push-button start
    * Standard XM Satellite Radio with three-month trial service
    * Harmon/Kardon premium 320-watt sound system with nine speakers
    * Bluetooth phone connectivity
    * Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with audio controls
    * Leather-appointed sport seating
    * Heated driver and front passenger seats, with 12-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats - including four-way lumbar adjustment
    * 120-volt accessory power outlet
    * Power windows with express up/down feature in the front and express down in the rear
    * Front and rear ultrasonic parking assist
    * Bi-xenon HID headlamps

Turbocharging and HiPerStrut
Power for the Regal GS comes from a high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged DOHC VVT engine with direct injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be available on Regal CXL later this year, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is rated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm). A three-inch-diameter exhaust system provides reduced back pressure, resulting in higher engine power

Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. That means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions generated - including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. Variable valve timing optimizes power, efficiency and emissions across the entire rpm band.

The Buick Regal GS rides on a relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm), which delivers refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics. It also features a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension design. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering; the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The four-link independent rear suspension is designed to minimize unwanted toe and camber effects during spirited driving maneuvers, enhancing vehicle stability. Both front and rear dampers incorporate active Computer Damping Control (CDC), continuously changing damper characteristics to maintain optimal vehicle ride control over varying road surfaces and profiles. More aggressive, performance-oriented damping characteristics can also be selected by the driver through the Interactive Driver Control System.

Braking power comes from a large diameter four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers. A standard, four-channel anti-lock brake system is tuned to reduce stopping distances over varied road surfaces and conditions. An electronic parking brake is actuated via a center console-mounted control. The Buick Regal GS also features standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.

Interactive Drive Control System
The Buick Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on other Regal models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. The driver selects among three operating modes - standard, sport and GS - that change the suspension settings, and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections. All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style.

Selecting GS mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response. "Standard," or the default mode, is the setting for all-around use. The sport mode provides a level of performance between standard and the GS modes.

Buick Regal, 2011

Buick Regal, 2011

With turbocharged horsepower the 2011 Buick Regal, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.
The new Buick Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features - including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar - that aren't offered standard on either competitor.

The Buick Regal's development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia - the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Buick Regal will bring all of Insignia's award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.

The Buick Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.

Design story
The Buick Regal's sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick's signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.

"Buick Regal is all about great proportions," said John Cafaro, design director, passenger car. "For example, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It's an aggressive stance that people aren't used to seeing in recent Buicks."

The car's performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Buick Regal's attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. The instruments have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, housing the climate and "infotainment" controls, was designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sport-oriented driving experience.

A breakthrough interior
The Buick Regal's finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.

Buick Regal's firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support, while a standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back.

Smart applications of technology are also hallmarks of the Buick Regal, including details such as a multi-function controller on the center console for operation of the audio system, navigation system and the Bluetooth phone. The faceplate for the "infotainment" screen is set at a 30-degree angle to contribute to the car's flowing interior design.

A new era in Buick design is also seen in the satin metallic, piano black and new, Kibo-patterned interior trim materials. Kibo is a rich, dark, progressively grained wood that lends an international flair to the Buick Regal.

Driving experience
The chassis and structural systems were developed in Germany and give the Buick Regal the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan, as well as the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. The body structure is one of the most rigid in the segment, which is approximately 25-percent stiffer than the previous Buick Regal. This solid structure supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride.

A relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm) gives the Buick Regal refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics and supports comfortable ride tuning. Additionally, an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings; a four-link independent rear suspension; hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering; and optimized four-wheel disc brakes are optimized to the capability of the individual powertrains and tailored to the expected use by drivers. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, for example, feature larger brakes.

Interactive Drive Control System
Buick Regal's Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver. A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections.

All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. Chassis settings are adjustable by the driver, with Normal, Tour and Sport settings.

IDCS allows the driver to choose between three different operating modes that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The three modes deliver three types of experiences:

    * Normal - balanced and optimized for all driving situations
    * Tour - optimized for comfort and relaxed driving on long journeys
    * Sport - optimized for road holding; enthusiast driving

Selecting "Sport" mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response and speeding up the reaction of the automatic transmission. The "Tour" mode is optimal for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions, providing an increase in comfort. "Normal" or Default Mode is the perfect all-around setting for daily commuting and city traffic. The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it automatically adapts Buick Regal's performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will tighten the suspension and increase steering effort and change to a more aggressive throttle response. When the vehicle senses that the driver is doing relaxed cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.

Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, IDCS also offers safety benefits in emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control.

Jerry's Style

Pages

Blog Archive