First Drive: 2008 Buick Lucerne Super

The Lucerne is Buick's large passenger sedan, and for 2008 a new Super trim level debuts. I had a chance to drive this new V-8-powered trim on country roads near Lake Geneva, Wis., recently and found the sedan as likable now as I did a few years ago when I last tested it.

The previous Lucerne I tested was a CXS model, which was the top-of-the-line version at the time and featured a 275-hp, 4.6-liter V-8. The new Lucerne Super also has a 4.6-liter V-8, but it makes more horsepower: 292. Like the CXS, the Super offers plenty of power for daily driving. The Super also has a rather loud (for a Buick) exhaust note that makes a hearty rumble every time you give it gas. A four-speed automatic remains, but it's a well-mannered, smooth-shifting transmission. Estimated gas mileage is 15/22 mpg.

Buick Invicta Concept: The Next LaCrosse?

• Looks like: Buick wants to borrow some of Jaguar’s XF magic
• Defining characteristics: Coupe roofline, more menacing Buick grille
• Ridiculous features: A menacing Buick
• Chance of being mass-produced: High, very high. Buick is a big deal in China and it needs to be cutting edge there. U.S. buyers will reap the rewards.

No story about the emergence of China as a consumer market is more intriguing to car buffs than the way Buick is lauded as a desired brand there. In the U.S., you hear Buick and you think “grandpa” or, at best, “Tiger Woords.” Besides the recent Enclave crossover, there hasn’t really been a Buick worthy of attention.

The Chinese, however, want new Buicks of every shape and size and have gotten updated large sedans from Australia and smaller sedans built just for the Asian market. Now Buick has unveiled the Invicta concept car you see here, and says it will be the global design face of Buick.

The word is the Invicta will replace the aging LaCrosse in the U.S., although the names may vary in different markets. The concept is powered by a turbo-charged four-cylinder producing 250 hp and is teamed to a six-speed automatic. Nothing outrageous about that, and it also seems aimed at an increasingly fuel-conscious America.

The extreme slope of the roofline will probably be tamed in production but we’d expect the front and rear ends to stay true to the concept. Check out photos below and let us know if you think this Buick sedan will help the brand’s image in the U.S.

Buick Announces Pricey New Lucernes

For the 2008 model year, GM is offering two new trim levels of the Lucerne sedan: the CXL Special Edition and the Lucerne Super. Both add value to the aging model, but they also come with significant price tags attached. Both go on sale this month.

The Lucerne Super has a 292-hp V-8 engine, more precise steering, improved shocks and springs, magnetic ride control, 18-inch wheels and all-season tires for a price tag of $38,630 plus a $765 destination charge. The current top-of-the-line Lucerne with a V-6 engine starts at $29,570 and has $1,500 cash back.

While the Lucerne is a larger sedan, we much prefer the redesigned Cadillac CTS, which has a more powerful and more efficient V-6 engine and a much more upscale interior for nearly $5,000 less.

A newly announced Lucerne CXL Special Edition will feature either a 197-hp V-6 or a 275-hp V-8 along with various cosmetic changes inside and out. It will be offered in three unique colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat and Crystal Red Tintcoat. The V-6 starts at $31,285 and the V-8 at $33,085 before the $765 destination charge.

We’re not sure dressing up the Lucerne will help sales, which were down 37% in March. 

Buick, Pontiac, GMC Unveil April Deals

We told you about Chevrolet’s new incentives Tuesday, but there are also new deals available for 2008 Buick, Pontiac and GMC models. However, most aren’t as much as competitors are offering right now.

GMC trucks typically have some of the higher incentive offers available, and this month is no different. The automaker is offering between $2,000 and $3,250 on its 2008 GMC Sierra trucks (the specific deals vary based on trim level and features). GMC is also offering $2,000 on its Envoy and Yukon SUVs, and each model gets at least 2.9% financing for up to 36 months.

Pontiac’s and Buick’s deals are less exciting. Buick is offering 2.9% financing or $1,000 cash back on the Lacrosse and 2.9% or $1,500 on the Lucerne. Pontiac has similar offers on the Grand Prix and G6: 2.9% financing for both, or $2,000 cash back on the Grand Prix and $1,500 back on the G6. All the offers expire April 30.

OnStar Adding Live Directions to Nav Systems

When GM rolled out turn-by-turn directions for navigation-less models, we were impressed with the thrifty idea even if the execution wasn’t pretty. Now the company is making the obvious leap to adding live operator-provided directions to models equipped with factory-installed navigation systems.

Yep, using Destination Download you’ll be able to call an OnStar operator and get them to send directions to your navigation screen instead of having to type them in yourself.

GM Pays Out for Coolant-Related Repairs

Any chance you bought a GM vehicle between 1995 and 2004? If so, GM might owe you as much as $800 as part of a settlement in one of the largest product-liability lawsuits a U.S. automaker has ever faced.

The problem stems from an engine coolant known as Dex-Cool, which caused engine malfunction in an estimated 35 million vehicles. Even if you bought your car used, you could be entitled to compensation for repairs linked to the faulty coolant.

The details break down like this: If you paid for a repair because of Dex-Cool on any 3.1-, 3.4-, 3.8-, or 4.3-liter V-6 engine in the first seven years or 150,000 miles of the vehicle’s life, then GM owes you some amount of money. If the repair came in the seventh year, you're owed $50, in the sixth year $100, and any repair in the first five years earns you $400. Any damage to the car beyond the engine's cooling system, and you're looking at up to $800. Finally, if you had to pay for multiple repairs, you’re entitled to multiple repayments.

Now you're beginning to see how this could add up for GM.

Claims can be submitted until Oct. 27 of this year. For more information, or if you think you qualify for repayment, go to www.dexcoolsettlement.com. Read the models after the jump.

Recall Alert: GM Calls Back Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix

GM has issued a recall for the 1997-2003 Buick Regal GS and the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP from the same model years, not surprisingly for the same problem: a potential oil leak.

Hard braking may cause oil to leak under the exhaust manifold's heat shield, which could potentially start a small fire. The fire may not even occur until after the car has been parked for five to 10 minutes, so GM suggests not parking the car in any closed structure (including a garage or carport).

GM sent out notifications today, and dealerships should be prepared to fix the problem. The recall affects 207,542 vehicles. Follow the link to GM’s homepage for further information.

Recall Watch: 207,542 Pontiacs and Buicks Recalled Due to Engine Fire Fears (Autoblog)

Toyota, GM Search for Models Over 35 MPG

Opinions are decidedly mixed on the federal government’s recently passed 35 mpg standard, but carmakers are still scrambling to adapt to it. Toyota showed off its A-BAT concept at the Detroit auto show, and it could be one fuel-efficient addition to the company’s lineup motivated at least in part by the new standard of 35 mpg average fuel economy by 2020. The other, the Urban Cruiser – which sounds like an awesome ‘70s crime film – will debut as a production model intended for the European market at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

GM is doing the 35 mpg dance, too, looking to add a Buick model that’s smaller and cheaper than the Lacrosse. It’s also possible that GM will look to add a new vehicle to Hummer’s lineup, potentially called the H4. That’s exciting news, even if the idea of Hummer unleashing an environmentally friendly version of its gas-guzzling zeitgeist symbol is almost too much to even consider.

Buick may add a car below the Lacrosse (AutoWeek)

Toyota could add 2 more small vehicles to U.S. lineup (AutoWeek)

Presidential Cash Back from GM

GM has been steady, if not spectacular, in doling out cash back incentives offers over the last six months. Those incentives are getting a sudden spike this week, according to Bloomberg News: The automaker is offering an additional $1,000 cash back on 15 models in an attempt to further boost sales in the typically difficult winter climate.

The promotion includes the 2008 Saturn Vue and Aura, bumping those vehicles’ offers to $2,500. Also receiving rebates, according to Bloomberg, are Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Silverado, Pontiac G5, and 2007 Corvettes.

The sales are timed to coincide with Presidents’ Day, and if there’s a better way to honor American history than buying a Buick Lucerne or a Chevy Silverado, we’ve yet to hear of it.

For a full list of incentives, check out Cars.com’s Incentives Page and Top 10 Rebates list.

Sticker Shock: $40,000 for a 2009 Buick Lucerne Super

GM just announced pricing for the new Buick Lucerne Super, which they hope will be considered a performance machine. The 292-hp V-8 powered front-wheel drive sedan will command a sticker price of $38,630 before a $765 destination charge when it goes on sale in April. That’s a lot for a Buick Lucerne, but GM does jam-pack it full of standard features to justify the price. A 2008 Buick Lucerne CXS with a 275-hp V-8 starts at $36,180 by comparison.

What do you get for nearly 40 large? Quite a bit. Magnetic ride control, heated and cooled leather seats, heated windshield wipers, parking sensors, remote start, suede trim on the doors and seats and a heated steering wheel are all standard on the Super trim. Typical options like a moonroof, navigation system, 18-inch chrome wheels and lane departure warning system are still extra.

Even with this seeming value, we’re a tad shell-shocked at the sticker. For less money, you can get an all-wheel drive Chrysler 300C with a more powerful Hemi V-8 ($36,670), a Saab 9-5 Aero ($36,320) which has less power but a nicer interior, or even a top-of-the-line Buick Enclave CXL crossover ($37,034) which gets identical mileage. Does the sticker seem reasonable? Tell us. And if so, will buyers line up?   

GM Continues Year-End Incentives

There's plenty of hype about year-end sales deals, and it's easy for deals to get lost in the shuffle. The Event of a Lifetime? Sounds a bit dramatic. Red Tag Sales Event? Better get shopping — those tags are red! For some, they’re just another unwelcome level of anxiety around the holidays — a mad rush to make cars fly out dealership doors before the year's over. But do they pay dividends?

For the consumer, at least in GM's case, the answer is no. Despite fussing over its December Red Tag Sales Event, the manufacturer is keeping offers going through March 3. Many of those offers — especially on 2007 models — are nearly identical to last month's deals, meaning consumers who sat things out in December have an extra couple of months to breathe deeply before buying.

Check out all of GM's deals — like $2,750 off a 2007 Saturn Vue, or 0.0% financing on a 2007 GMC Acadia — on Cars.com's Incentives page.

Buick Bringing Riviera Concept to Detroit

Buick will use the Detroit auto show in January as the stage for the U.S. debut of its Riviera gull-wing coupe concept, first unveiled in China earlier this year.

Buick says the Riviera, which borrows styling cues from the popular Buick Velite convertible concept of a few years ago, shows the styling direction Buick will take in its future cars, starting with the next-generation Buick LaCrosse, which Buick says is "coming soon."

The Riviera concept will move from the Detroit show to the Chicago Auto Show in February. Buick says it has no plans to produce a Riviera, which borrows a popular name from the past. The concept’s U.S. auto show circuit travels, however, could certainly influence a favorable verdict, especially if show-goers give it an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

GM Red Tag Sale Returns

It's the most wonderful time of the year — the time when consumers brave long lines and early-morning frost, all in the name of discount holiday gifts.

GM is hoping that festive consumerist spirit extends to its vehicles. The automaker just released details of its annual Red Tag Sales Event, which comes bearing gifts of increased cash-back and financing incentives on a variety of models. The offers range from 0.0% financing for 60 months on all 2007 GMC and Chevrolet models — including the popular GMC Acadia — to hefty cash-back bonuses perfect for shoppers looking to save some extra holiday cash right away. To lock in 0.0% financing on a 2007 Chevy HHR or save $2,000 on a 2007 Saturn Aura Hybrid, buyers will have to get to dealers before the sale expires Jan. 2. 

To locate GM's offers in your area, search the Red Tag Sales Event site here, or check out Cars.com's full list of national offers for all of GM's and other brands' latest incentives.

XM Now Standard on all 2008 Buicks, Hummers, Saabs

GM has already made XM Satellite Radio standard on all Cadillac models, and now it’s adding it to other premium brands, including Buick, Hummer and Saab. All new 2008 models will get XM equipment standard, along with a free three-month trial subscription. Subscription rates start around $12 per month, but if a proposed XM/Sirius merger goes through there will be more affordable options starting around $8 a month.

XM is also standard in these models: the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Silverado, Tahoe, Cobalt, Corvette and Impala; Saturn Vue, Outlook, Aura and Sky; GMC Acadia, Yukon and Sierra; and the Pontiac G5 and Solstice, among others.

Related
New XM, Sirius Service Will Offer A La Carte Programming (KickingTires)

Buick Enclave Flying Off Lots

The Wall Street Journal compiles a “Hot Off The Lot” list every month that marks how long a car stays on a dealer lot. In September, the new Buick Enclave crossover tied the seemingly undying Toyota Prius atop the list. It was followed by luxury SUVs like the BMW X5, Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GL.

Other interesting tidbits drawn from the numbers include the most popular color: white; the most-traded-in model: the Buick Rendezvous; and that the majority of Buick buyers were young — at least for that brand: 36 to 55 years old. 

Hot Off The Lot (Wall Street Journal via GM InsideNews)

UAW Strike Against GM Ends, Everyone Happy

We’re not sure what exactly was holding things up over the weekend that led to the GM strike that lasted two days, but all sides seem to be happy today. The main sticking point, it turned out, wasn’t the UAW taking over retirement health care management — stay awake one more second — it was GM providing some kind of reassurance that there is job security for UAW members.

Oddly enough, this morning there are still no specifics on how GM managed to offer job security in an industry that is seeing increasing competition not just from Japan and Korea but from China as well.

GM says this deal helps reduce the gap in costs between foreign nameplate cars made in America with its own products. There’s roughly $200 per vehicle that domestics pay more than imports that use non-UAW labor. We’ll keep an eye on new car prices to see if they dip $200 or if the company adds more features. We’re not holding our breath on the former.

GM, UAW Reach Tentative Deal; Strike is Off (The Detroit News)

What GM's Strike Means to Car Shoppers

At 11 this morning, the United Auto Workers union went on strike at American GM plants. This basically shuts down production of many new GM cars, trucks and SUVs for the foreseeable future. But does that mean you won’t be able to find that new GM car, truck or SUV when you go car shopping in the immediate future?

According to the latest inventory numbers, GM on average has enough vehicles for 67 days at the current rate of sales. Some hot vehicles like the Buick Enclave — built in Lansing, Mich. — only had a 26-day supply, which is roughly 3,600 vehicles, as of Sept. 1. Trucks and SUVs like the Chevy Silverado (90 days) and GMC Yukon (139 days) won’t be hard to come by, however.

Another big issue is how new cars built at striking plants will suffer. Those new cars include the 2008 Cadillac CTS, on which GM has already spent millions of dollars in advertising and marketing. If the strike drags on, the CTS could be hard to find, especially because it has received so much positive buzz. GM is also heavily betting on the all-new Chevy Malibu, which was set to begin production next month. We’d guess the strike will be resolved by that time, however.

UAW Strikes GM (The Detroit News)

GM Extends Financing for 2006 Models

GM has beefed up its incentives programs, extending 0.0 APR financing offers on most models in its family — including Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Hummer, Pontiac, Saturn and Saab — to 60 months. The bad news is that the zero-percent-for-60-months-on-every-model offer only applies to 2006 models, which are often hard to find. On many of those models, GM has added an additional $1,000 cash bonus to those financing offers.

Customers also have the option of bigger cash rebates without the financing deal. Cash back ranges from $500 all the way up to the 2006 Cadllac STS’ ever-generous $9,000 offer. All offers expire Oct. 1.

For a complete rundown of GM and other manufacturer incentives, see Cars.com’s incentives page. You can search new car inventory, including new 2006 models, on Cars.com here.

First Drive: 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP, 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super

Many car companies take aging models and snazz them up to make them relevant again. So GM isn’t alone when it comes to tarting up two underachievers like the Pontiac Torrent SUV and Buick LaCrosse. Joe Bruzek and I got to take them on the track and city streets and came away somewhat unimpressed. 

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super

Driving the LaCrosse Super reminded me of the first time I took out the last Impala SS. It drove just like the original, but with a huge, honking V-8 powering the front wheels. The Impala, however, was an underappreciated car with lots of value to it. The LaCrosse is still your grandfather’s Buick, he’ll just have a harder time driving it.

The LaCrosse Super’s ride is comfortable and dead quiet, but there’s a lot of body lean when cornering. Plus, I felt like there wasn’t a lot of headroom for such a large sedan. The blue gauges mixed with a dark brown interior was also not the most eye-pleasing combo. Don't believe me? Check out the photo gallery below. — David Thomas

Customer Satisfaction Leans Luxury, Domestic

The University of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index for 2007 was released today and identifies some interesting trends about how happy buyers are with their car purchases. This year, Lexus led the way with a score of 87, compared to the average of 82. Four other companies tied with a score of 86: Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln/Mercury (both owned by Ford) and BMW.

Toyota dropped three points from 87 to 84. The survey suggests that poor customer service and a number of recalls over the past year are to blame for the fall. Rounding out the bottom of the list is Jeep, which scored a lowly 75. Dodge and Chrysler were also both below average at 80 and 79, respectively.

Besides the success of its Lincoln and Mercury nameplates, Ford also saw the largest improvement, moving up three points to 80.

Full List of ASCI Scores
Car Buyers Give Toyota Lexus Top Score (BusinessWeek)

Surprises Top J.D. Power Dependability Ratings

For the first time in a dozen years, another brand has tied Lexus for the top spot in the annual J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, which ranks vehicles based on the number of problems their owners report in the first three years of ownership.

The surprise is even more noteworthy because the brand ranked dead even with Lexus for vehicle dependability is Buick. Both Buick and Lexus owners reported 145 problems per 100 vehicles, well below the industry average of 216 problems per 100 vehicles.

The Power study surveyed more than 50,000 owners of 2004 model cars to determine vehicle dependability and reliability after three years of ownership.

Yet another surprise: rounding out the top five most dependable vehicles were Cadillac, Mercury, and Honda. In other words, three of the top five were domestics and two were Japanese at a time when Japanese car sales are rising and domestic sales are retreating.

There were more surprises.

Buick Enclave in Short Supply

Imagine a domestic vehicle in such short supply that there are 3,000 people on a waiting list just to get one.

And imagine that the domestic in high demand, but low supply, is a Buick — the 2008 Enclave crossover.

The only thing that would be more surprising is if the car was an Oldsmobile.

"We have 3,000 Enclaves on a waiting list nationwide,” said Buick spokesman Dave Darvitz. “Demand has been a pleasant surprise."

Darvitz said Buick will employ a third shift at its Delta Township, Mich., plant for six months to boost crossover output, with most earmarked for the Enclave. GM doesn't want to overbuild the vehicle and then get stuck offering incentives to move unsold inventory. Enclave is one of three new midsize crossovers at GM all built on the same assembly line. The others are the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia.

A waiting list is an out of the ordinary event for Buick.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Buick Enclave

GM’s family of large crossovers gets its newest member with the Buick Enclave. The stodgy nameplate gets the sexiest of the bunch and the most upscale interior treatment, but does the rest of the driving experience live up to the looks? Mike Hanley delivers his take on the family hauler from Buick and of course the test vehicle was in the newest trendy paint color, light brown.

2008 Buick Enclave Expert Review

Tiger Woods Still Shilling for Buick

Last week we heard word that General Motors was moving Tiger Woods from in front of Buicks to a more corporate role promoting such things as OnStar. According to one of GM’s blogs, that’s not the case. Tiger will still be a spokesman for Buick but will be “expanding” his role to include other GM services.

Perhaps this move comes because Buick has just one new product it’s banking on, the Buick Enclave, and there isn’t enough for Tiger to do. GM’s head marketing guru, Mark LaNeve, recently told AutoWeek that the company doesn’t want a spokesman at the center of its advertising efforts.

“We don't want Tiger, or any celebrities, as core to one of our brands," he said. “We felt we can deliver that message much more clearly and distinctly without Tiger in the middle of it — so we put Tiger on the edge — and get back to really talking about the product." Even with a better-looking Buick, most people will probably still enjoy seeing Tiger more than 30 seconds of seat and cargo area close-ups.

If you’re a Tiger fan, he has posted pictures of who will undoubtedly become the greatest female golfer of all time on his website.

Tiger Woods and Buick (FYI Blog)

GM Promotes Sale With Transformers

There are movie tie-ins and then there are movie tie-ins. Starting today and running through July 9, General Motors is advertising a “Transform Your Ride” sale on select models. The sale is tied in with “The Transformers,” which opens July 3. Buyers can get 0% financing for 36 months — if they qualify — or $1,000 cash back. These deals are in addition to current offers which can be found on Cars.com's Incentives page. 

As sales go, this isn’t even close to the huge discounts of summers past, but the TV commercials are promised to be high-definition with 5.1 surround sound and will include images of robots from the movie, many of which transform into GM vehicles. A list of eligible cars can be found below, but we’re more intrigued by the movie than this sale.

Tiger Woods Bumped as Buick Spokesman

No, Buick didn’t get LeBron James, Peyton Manning or Lance Armstrong. Those sports celebrities aren’t as desirable as Tiger Woods, according to advertising pundits. No one is. So it comes as a major surprise that GM is moving its greatest pitchman from Buick to a utility role shilling GM corporate products like OnStar.

This has to be one of the oddest moves in recent advertising history. As Buick’s lineup finally gets cooler, with the new Enclave crossover, the brand says it wants the products to shine on their own. It seems to us that the lovable Woods would make people pay attention to the commercial in the first place. Plus, as golf fans themselves get younger and more appealing to advertisers, Buick could also reduce its aging demographic.

The sports fan in us wonders if this will make it easier for Tiger to skip the Buick Open next week, which has been rumored since the birth of his first child last week. Whatever happens, this is GM’s move and not something Woods himself requested. We’ll wait until whoever made the decision gets a pink slip. We all remember the last time GM made a bold corporate move, putting small silver GM emblems on every model across the board. Not many people noticed. Now we’re guessing not many people will notice Buick ads.

GM: Tiger Woods Will Market OnStar, More (USA Today)

GM Offers Incentives for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is usually a time when automakers offer sales, specials and incentives on new cars. So far, except for the GM brigade, we haven’t seen many flashy advertisements on automakers’ consumer sites. General Motors is offering zero-percent APR financing combined with $1,000 cash back on select models, listed below, until May 31. Read the fine print, however, as these kind of incentives typically require a qualified buyer, limited financing terms and sometimes a down payment of up to 15 percent.

Buick
2006 and 2007 LaCrosse and Lucerne

Chevrolet
2006 and 2007 Cobalt, Malibu, Impala, Suburban and Tahoe; 2007 Silverado

GMC
2007 Sierra; 2006 and 2007 Yukon

Pontiac
2006 and 2007 G5, G6 and Torrent

Saturn
2007 Ion, Vue and Relay

Hands On: Pontiac G8, Buick Enclave

I'm still in the wilds of Wisconsin, but have non-track camera photos that might be of interest. Last night we got an early look at the all-new Pontiac G8 sedan and Buick Enclave crossover. Check out the photo album for some cell phone shots (we didn't know the cars would be there or we would've brought a better camera) below.

Some initial reactions:

The G8 is really nice. This red G8 we got a look at isn't a production model, but it's the most polished prototype I've ever seen. I can't believe the one that goes on sale at the end of the year will be different in the least. Perhaps, the new emblem will get some alterations. A Pontiac rep said the new, silver one is getting a lot of positive comments though.

The interior is far beyond any Pontiac in a long time, mainly because it's from Australia, but even still, it is an improvement from the GTO's interior. The armrests for example are padded in leather. The rear seats are quite comfy too.

The red really shows off the car's menacing look well, and looks a hundred times better than the grey show car from the Chicago auto show.

We did get some vague comments on the price of the G8 which should be in the low $30,000 range up to "around" $35,000 for the top of the line GT, but no one was announcing anything this far in advance of the on sale date.

The Buick Enclave was exactly what I expected; a very nice adaptation of the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. There isn't more to really say. The layout is identical, the Enclave simply has nicer leather and trim pieces. The most obvious difference is the exterior styling which was quite nice in the maroon color of the display car.

Check out the cell phone photos here. I apologize for the low res. Feel free to ask me more questions in the comments below. 

Buick Rendezvous, Pontiac Aztek SUVs Under Investigation

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating nearly 280,000 Buick Rendezvous and Pontiac Aztek SUVs from the 2001 – 2004 model years for a possible leak in the vehicles’ fuel tanks. There have been 213 complaints filed with the agency.

The problem stems from improper welding that could allow fuel or an odor to leak from the fuel tanks’ inlet filler pipe. NHTSA says vehicles manufactured after December 2003 are not affected by the problem. This is the second stage of the investigation by NHTSA, and there has not been a recall at this time.

Rendezvous, Aztek SUVs Investigated for Fuel Leak (The Detroit News)

Buick Riviera Concept: Future Looks Up for Buick

GM has recently figured out that different parts of the world like different slices of Americana, and perhaps these areas are where it can get the best ideas to its reinvigorate brands all over the globe, even in the U.S. Today, General Motors introduced the Buick Riviera concept at the Shanghai Motor Show and says this is the look of Buick’s new global design direction.

Yes, that means future U.S. Buicks will start to look like this in the near future. We’ve already seen enlarged grilles on the 2008 Lucerne and LaCrosse as well as on the upcoming Enclave crossover. Now, GM’s Asian design studio will take the reins of the future of Buick’s style, with a catchy blurb from a GM exec: It’s not East, not West…It’s Buick.

As for the Riviera, it looks a little too compact for American tastes. The last Riviera rolled off the line in 1999, and even if it wasn’t enjoying the mass popularity of it’s heyday, it always maintained a distinct look from the competition. The concept is powered by a new hybrid powertrain that will end up in a future production car — although probably not the Riviera — to debut in China prior to the 2008 Olympics.

The Riviera concept is a radical look and we haven’t wrapped our heads around it quite yet. Check out the pictures below and let us know what you think in the comments.

Buick Enclave Incentive for Luxury Owners

When the Buick Enclave arrives at dealerships sometime in the near future — some dealers will see them by the end of the month, with full supplies expected in early July — there will be an incentive for owners of competing vehicles. Drivers who go from a luxury vehicle like the Lexus RX 350 — exact competing models involved in the promotion have not been announced — to the new Buick Enclave will get $1,000 cash back in what is called a “conquest cash incentive.”

Buick spokesman David Darovitz says there are already more early orders for the Enclave than the company can produce, so there’s no reason for it to offer a wider rebate, as was reported elsewhere on the web earlier this week.   

Related:
Buick Enclave Pricing Announced
2006 L.A. Auto Show: Buick Enclave

Buick's Brand-New Park Avenue, For China

Believe it or not, there are still people in the world under AARP age who think Buick is a luxury nameplate. Unfortunately for GM North American, they reside in China. While GM is still rebounding in the U.S., it’s holding its own globally as the world’s largest automaker, with Buick seeing a rebirth in car-crazed China. The company recently released an all-new Park Avenue there based on a longer version of a sedan made by its Australian-based Holden brand. 

The Park Avenue is luxurious compared to Buicks in America, with rich-looking leather everywhere and a large rear seat. One bit of Americana did make it into the Park Avenue besides the Buick emblem, though: Tiger Woods appears in the promotional materials for the new car. There are no plans for the Park Avenue to come to the U.S. If it did, would you consider buying one?

Check out more photos below.

GM Halts Rear-Wheel-Drive Development Over Bush Mileage Proposals

We just got some major news from General Motors by way of Jim Mateja of the Chicago Tribune. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz told Mateja that GM is stopping rear-wheel-drive vehicle planning because of possible new fuel efficiency standards.

The upcoming Chevy Camaro is still on the docket, but the future Impala — which Lutz says may not be named Impala — could be shelved until a front-wheel-drive model is designed. The article didn't mention the upcoming Pontiac G8, due out in 2008, but we assume it's still in the pipeline.

Lutz says the RWD cars can’t achieve 30% better mileage, which is part of the Bush administration’s proposal to raise fuel economy over the next 10 years.

The move also curtails development of some exciting new vehicles we now may never see, including a high-performance midsize Pontiac — a possible G6 replacement? — a small Cadillac below the CTS, a Buick Lucerne replacement, and 300-hp versions of the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roadsters.

It’s an interesting article — maybe even a “must read.”

[GM Puts Brake on Rear-Drive Vehicles, Chicago Tribune]

More Super: 2008 Buick Lucerne Super is Here

Unlike the Buick LaCrosse, the Lucerne already had a V-8 engine in its CXS model. What does the new Lucerne Super do to top that? Besides the revised grille and front end, its 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 gets tweaked to put out 17 more horsepower, bringing the total to 292 hp.

There’s also the addition of stability control, brake assist and magnetic ride control to improve handling. The Lucerne Super comes in only four exterior colors, rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels and, of course, has the  “Super” badges. The Lucerne Super looks like a nice upgrade for the lineup, but we’re surprised it won’t go on sale until spring 2008. Until then, check out the photos below. 

2008 Buick LaCrosse, LaCrosse Super Debut

If you’re wondering what Buick is going to do to compete in a growing field of entry-level luxury cars, look no further than the front of the updated 2008 LaCrosse sedan. You’ll notice a much larger center grille, plus added chrome that will either win over fans or turn them away.

What Buick is hoping is for the new LaCrosse Super and its 300-hp V-8 to really bring in new fans. The all-new trim level adds a 5.3-liter V-8 engine with active fuel management to keep mileage reasonable, yet still reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The rest of the lineup retains the same engines as the outgoing 2007 models, in CX, CXL and CXS trims. We’re a bit surprised GM didn’t significantly alter the LaCrosse’s interior. With so much attention paid to the new grille and Super trim level, the interior didn’t get the new upgraded materials seen in most other new models, including the Buick Lucerne.

The 2008 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer. Pricing has yet to be announced.

More images below.

GM Bringing Seven World Intros to New York Auto Show

The next two weeks are going to be busy around the Cars.com offices as we prepare for the last major U.S. auto show of the season. GM isn’t letting us off easy, either. Word today from show organizers is the company will debut seven never-before-seen models and another four that will be making their U.S. debut, including the Saab E100.

We already know one of them will be the updated Buick LaCrosse, but we haven’t gotten official word on the rest. There is this little bit of teaser, though, of a “closely guarded world concept” that will kick things off. The other six vehicles will be ready for production. Can anyone guess what will make an appearance? We’re betting on a super Corvette of some kind, but the phrase “world concept” is throwing us off.

Super Line of Buicks Made Official

The auto enthusiast community has heard whispers of a high-end, high-performance Buick LaCrosse with a V-8 engine and other performance upgrades for some time. Today, GM representatives made the addition of a “Super” trim level to the Buick line official. Last used in the 1950s, Buick brought the Super designation out of the history books for the purpose of reinvigorating the brand.

GM also said Buick will continue to put out fewer, but more exclusive, models from here on out. Both the LaCrosse and Lucerne will get Super trims, but there was no word on whether the yet to be released Enclave crossover will also benefit from the program, which would make it the first of GM’s new line of crossovers to get a V-8 engine.

A revised LaCrosse will debut later this month in advance of the New York Auto Show, but will it debut with its Super siblings?

[GM Forges Future for Buick Brand, YahooFinance, Via GMInsideNews].

GM Rolls Out March Incentives

Starting today, March 15, and running through April 3, GM is offering 0% financing and $1,000 cash back on a number of new 2006-’07 Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC and Saturn cars, including the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups.

The 0% financing is for 36 months with 2.9% for 48 months and 4.9% for 60 months to qualified buyers.

The two-week deal is to spur sales for the rest of March and includes some interesting new models, besides the trucks. GM dubs the deals the “Spring Sales Event” or “Upgrade Event,” depending on the brand. Keep reading for a list of models.

Buick Enclave Pricing Announced

The 2008 Buick Enclave crossover finally has a price. There are two trims, the CX starting at $32,055 for front-wheel drive and $34,055 for all-wheel drive and the CXL, with more standard equipment starting at $34,255 for front-wheel drive and $36,255 for all-wheel drive. Prices do not include the $735 destination charge. The Enclave will go on sale in early summer and comes with a 275 hp V-6 engine standard.

The Buick crossover is the third all-new crossover from GM and aims to steal buyers from luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Saturn Outlook starts at $27,255 and the GMC Acadia starts at $29,255.

While we don’t think luxury buyers will pick the Enclave over more expensive vehicles on its own merits, it does offer a value factor because of its seating for seven and stylish exterior for well under $40,000.

Related:
2006 L.A. Auto Show: Buick Enclave

Buick More Popular in China

Buick isn’t what it used to be in the U.S., even with one of the world’s best athletes — Tiger Woods — promoting its new cars. Sales are down 15% this year, and that’s with relatively new products like the Lacrosse and Lucerne in the lineup. News isn’t so bad in China, though. The Chinese revere Buick’s heritage, and sales in that country increased more than 27% in 2006. That’s such a large boost, that Buick will sell more cars this year in China than it does in the U.S.

As for falling U.S. sales, until more products like the Buick Enclave, shown here, make their way to market, we don’t see this trend reversing any time soon for the GM brand. 

[China Could Save a Tarnished GM Brand, MSNBC.com]