Big News from Buick, Pontiac, GMC at the New York Auto Show
By Susan Docherty
Vice President, North American Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing
Wow, I feel like I’ve been waiting for this day to arrive for months. Spring is finally here and what better place to be during this season than New York City. Today is special for another reason…”big” announcements for Buick, Pontiac, GMC at the New York Auto Show. The all-new 2010 GMC Terrain, a five-passenger crossover SUV, took center stage at this morning’s press event making its world debut. We also introduced the GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid and announced pricing for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan.
GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to today’s changing market conditions. The 2010 GMC Terrain is an appealing choice for traditional SUV customers who love the capability of an SUV, but for various reasons want a smaller package with better fuel efficiency. The Terrain’s new, 2.4L four-cylinder engine features direct injection and is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg!
We know our customers are going to be thrilled with the bold styling, premium features (standard rear vision camera, remote vehicle start, USB audio connectivity; MP3 playback and Programmable power rear liftgate to name a few..) and the fuel economy of the all-new Terrain.
GMC’s 2009 Yukon Denali Hybrid also made its world debut today. It is a luxurious, full-size SUV that seats eight, tows up to 5,800 pounds (2,636 kg) and achieves an estimated 21 miles per gallon in city driving, thanks to the engineering excellence of the Yukon’s patented 2-mode hybrid system. The GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid will arrive in May at Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealer showrooms. It joins the Yukon Hybrid and Sierra Hybrid pickup truck in the GMC hybrid lineup, making GMC the first manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid models.
We are thrilled that our new Buick flagship, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse will soon be arriving in BPG dealerships. The LaCrosse offers a choice of two advanced, fuel-saving V-6 engines; all-wheel 
drive; and a suite of advanced intelligent personal technologies and safety features. We announced today that pricing for the CX model, with a long list of standard features, starts at $27,835 including a $750 destination charge. Our Buick customers want a premium vehicle without a premium price, and they’ll get an outstanding value with our new LaCrosse.
The BPG showroom just keeps getting better. Be sure to check out the 2010 Terrain crossover SUV at www.gmc.com and the 2010 Buick luxury sedan at www.buick.com. And if you’re looking for more info on the benefits of direct injection, join the conversation with Ecotec engine chief engineer Chris Meagher today at 3:30 p.m. EDT on the @gmblogs Twitter account. Direct injection technology is part of what helps vehicles like the GMC Terrain get better fuel economy without sacrificing horsepower, and Chris will be available to respond to your questions and comments about it.
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Can you plug any of these up and use electricity for some or all of a commute to work? No? Then NO SALE! We need plug in cars yesterday! Bring back the EV1 and use the Ovonics NiMH battery for 200+ miles per charge! You could save the planet, save the economy, AND payback the taxpayer loans if you would just start making the EV1 (or EV2, 3, and 4) and use the Ovonics Cobasys NiMH battery. I would buy one right now today if you would just make them again. Please listen to me and stop making cars that don’t plug in. We need to ween ourselves completely off of oil and the best way is with plug in hybrids like the Chevy Volt. Once we are used to plugging in and our power grid get smarter and much greener we can move over to 100% electrics like the Toyota Rav4 EV. I rent cars for long trips to the beach, etc. anyway so I would own 100% electric cars for daily commute and errands. Please do the right thing, GM!
I think the folks pushing for a mororized skate board for transportation are all wet. Of course, if that is what turns you on and takes care of your travel needs, go for it. What you fail to realize is that most of us want good reliable, comfortable, safe, good looking cars we can be proud of. Cars are more than just getting from point a to point b to most drivers. We love our cars, they are part of who we are. Those who have nver driven a Hemi, a corvette, a shelby, or any Cadillac just haven’t experienced driving. It’s like comparing a balogna sandwich to a New york Strip. So for those of you who believe the Balogna sandwich is fine eating, you just haven’t experienced good food; or good cars.
What bothers me is not that you like small, uncomfortable cars; it’s that you would force me to have one too. It will never happen.
Clicker
Well, this is pretty good mileage for an SUV. My Mom’s 2006 Malibu 4 cylinder has never gotten above 27.5 mpg (according to the onboard computer) with careful highway driving. That is a much smaller lighter vehicle. That care is pretty good but i keep shaking my head at how cheap the interior plastics are holding up poorly. When turned sharply the steering makes a clicking sound that reminds me of CV joint going out. The dealer said this is just normal for the Malibu but is very annoying. The sun visor also dropped down and will not stay up. I used velcro since it is not under warranty. The sad thing is that is previous generation Malibu was a very good seller and staple for Chevy. It represented a major improvement in quality and reliability compared to the cars from the past thirty years – in that mid-sized segment. It was also developed off some of Opel’s platforms I think. I am sure the new Malibu is much better still – so at least GM is improving, but what took so long and why did they finally get with it in just the past four years or so.
They were content to sell the truck based SUV’s. And here we go today with more SUV’s and badge engineering. How can I believe in a GM turnaround when there is absolutely no need for GMC. For the deluded customer who thing they are getting something better in a GMC than a Chevy – I’m afraid we all know it is just a Chevy. Buick and Pontiac need to be standalone sexy car dealerships in five years. Do the fact that GM only makes one really popular seday (Malibu) tell you that they really need to concentrate on fewer cars and fewer brands. It is all about design, quality, and marketing. Look how popular the Mini is and how it can be customized in so many ways. I call it universally appealing design that endures – like also the Beetle after ten years!
whats pontiac have to do with any of this?
Way to go! The new Terrain and LaCrosse are dynamite looking cars. These cars will sell. Congratulations on a job well done!
And, NO Josh, not all of us want plug in cars.
Please, what exactly is a “crossover SUV?”
Is it an SUV or not? Crossover from what? If it’s a crossover from a car platform, then isn’t it actually nothing more than what we used to call estate or station wagons? Isn’t this really nothing more than a warmed over version of the old AMC Eagle
The Buick is probably the first Buick that I’ve seen that doesn’t look like something my Grandmother would own. Very well-executed. I still feel that it needs maybe just a hair more aggressive styling in the front. I can’t put my finger on it, but it has a sort of “cool last year” look. If you look at what Audi is doing with their rather cool looking LED-tube rail of running day lights, it makes a really dramatic impression. Something simple and original like that on the front of this car would make the extra “ommph” it needs.
I think you all need to re-think the way that the grilles on your SUVs look. I like the three bars seen on some of the new Chevy models. But the chrome mesh-like patterns looks somewhat unsophisticated. I think of Air conditioning grates or maybe filters over the tops of commercial ovens or something when I see these. More contrast maybe.
Either way, thanks for sharing these with us.
Josh
Too bad we can’t contain your comments and views for energy. But as usual …….. you know what I would really like to say………
The Buick LaCrosse is very eye-catching! And the starting prices for each trim level seem very reasonable, but please keep a lot of loaded models with the biggest rims on dealers’ lots… because Buick needs to show off an upscale, beautiful image (rather than a base model with cloth seats, hubcaps, etc.). And please take the pictures of the “W” body (old) LaCrosse off the Buick website. Just put the new model there, besides the nclave and Lucerne, with a note “coming soon” or “available summer 2010.” Also, increase the size of the notice about the latest award from J.D. Power, which is great news that Buick needs to communicate with shoppers.
Josh,
There is no business case for mass production of an electric car today unless that car costs $100,000 which puts it well out of reach of GM’s typical customers.
I know its the reflection but that back right quarter panel on the buick looks like it was already dented. It really bugs me when they dont test for this type of stuff. the Focus suffered from it as awell the rear of the focus when seen in real like looks like it was rear ended, yikes. Good job either way, its a nice looking car for a Buick. I kinda wish they would do a sport version of it, kinda dress it up a bit more.
Love the Buick. Hate the styling on the Terrain, and I own a GMC and love the brand. The Acadia and Yukon/XL look really classy. The Terrain looks awkward at best with those out of place fender flares and quarter panels.
Ummmm. PLEASE tell me the rumor to sell Buick to SAIC is totally unfounded??? I want my AMERICAN MADE by GM 2010 LaCrosse NOW!!! I’m jonesing for a new car.
Spot on with Buick. The Terrain is unmistakably GMC and has a very handsome interior. Though I wish the boldness of the exterior would translate into a bolder interior design. The two-mode system is an amazing piece of technology, but very few are going to buy the Denali Hybrid, you’re best off putting a would class diesel in it to get the same fuel economy as the hybrid. Or don’t charge 7-10K more for a hybrid model than the standard model.
“We are thrilled that our new Buick flagship, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse will soon be arriving in BPG dealerships.”
I like the new LaCrosse, but is the term “flagship” misused here, or will the LaCrosse be the largest car Buick produces? If so, it looks like GM will be driving me straight to the competition. What about the Lucerne replacement? How about bringing the Park Avenue over from China?
I would love to have a car with cloth seating, however, the cloth needs to be of the quality of the 60s and 70s Cadillacs, not the horrible stuff found in the base Lucerne. On a more modern note, the cloth used in the new Mazda 6 is quite conservative, without looking cheap or ostentatious. In fact, I ordered my Henredon slipper chairs upholstered in a similar material.
Both models are attractive–especially the Buick. Keep up the good work, GM!
Its unfortunate that the Buick/Pontiac are the brands that are still in doubt. The G6 and G8 are both great cars to drive and the Enclave is probably the best thing GM makes.
I know the people in charge do not read this board, but if you were smart, instead of looking into segway type products, you would think about building a mid-size car that could be used as a mobile home.
You missed the last trend of every going hybrid, just do your research on the amount of people who willing or forcefully will be homeless over the next five years. I lived in my car to complete college in New York City, and there were plenty like me…not to mention all the news about tent towns. Where do you think they sleep when it gets cold?
Is there any chance either of these will be offered with a true Flex-Fuel (CNG or LPG/E85/gasoline) capability?
I recently acquired an electric scooter- top speed 55 mph, 60 mile range at 30 mph (that’s 90% of my daily, fair-weather use), 30 mile range at 50 mph. Recharges 90% in 2 hours, 6 hours for a full charge. Obviously this isn’t for everybody, and doesn’t suit all my needs (won’t use it 2/3 of the time because of weather), but I’ve cut my fuel costs by 3/4 (yes, actual monthly costs have reduced that much, I’m not figuring annual costs since I just got it).
I enjoy the convenience of simply plugging in my scooter to “refuel” it. It would be nice to have a compact hatchback or sedan with that kind of economy and convenience and all-weather functionality as well- something the size of a Chevette or Cavalier? Even an enclosed 2-seater sporty EV (or plug-in hybrid) would be more useful.
GM’s designs have come a looong way!
Still, seeing ANOTHER SUV from GM in this environment seems like a big fat joke… on us.
Where are the compacts and midsized sedans? Is GM on the same planet as the rest of the American population?
GM still doesn’t get it…
C’mon guys. I’m usually a GM supporter, but do we really need another badge-engineered Chevy sold as the GMC Terrain?
There’s nothing wrong with it, of course, but your resources are much better spent focusing on the core of the business.
“There’s nothing wrong with it, of course, but your resources are much better spent focusing on the core of the business.”
You’re right Conecrusher. Just think of the money GM could have used to better purposes had they just let their BPG dealers sell the Chevy Equinox instead of needing to re-brand it as a Terrain.
What exactly is the point of having Chevy and GMC trucks that are one and the same?
“Still, seeing ANOTHER SUV from GM in this environment seems like a big fat joke… on us.
Where are the compacts and midsized sedans? Is GM on the same planet as the rest of the American population?|
Ken:
Have you done 5 minutes of research on GM’s offerings? Have you ever heard of the Malibu, CTS or G8? They are sedans. Have you heard of the 2011 Cruze? It’s a compact coming out next year. Have you heard of the Lacrosse? It’s a sedan coming out this summer. You say its disappointing that GM is still making SUVs but fail to note their competitors are making them as well. At the NY autoshow Mazda, Land Rover and Jeep debuted new or updated crossovers or SUVs. The SUV isn’t going away simply because hybrid fans want it to disappear. Americans still want the utility of crossovers.
I think pricing of the Lacrosse is on the money because it really doesn’t overlap with the Malibu or G6. The CXS gives you a lot of features for less than ES350 or TL and it looks better than BOTH of those cars. I don’t think people will be laughing at the idea of Buicks going head to head with Lexus models any more.
Ken,
GM has a LOT of compacts and midsize models–just look at the Chevy and Pontiac lineups, including the Aveo, Cobalt, Malibu hybrid. And on the Pontiac side–the G3, G5 Vibe, etc. In fact, GM has more models that get 30 mpg or higher than any other manufacturer. I just wish GM would promote its fuel efficient models more than they do.
I really hope the LaCrosse can effectively compete with the Lexus ES350 and Toyota Avalon, but I’ll reserve judgment until I drive one. I was burned before as I thought the Lincoln MKS was going to be my next car until I drove one for a few days and found it drove more like a low-rent Ford than a Lincoln. It is a beautiful car, but not at all Lincoln-like in its ride and refinement. If GM is benchmarking the ES350 for its LaCrosse, I hope it benchmarks the LS460 for its Lucerne/DTS replacement.
“You say its disappointing that GM is still making SUVs but fail to note their competitors are making them as well.”
This is a GM blog, not a general auto industry blog, and comments here are intended to be read by GM executives regarding GM products, therefore mention or comparisons of competitors products shouldn’t be a requirement. I have plenty of criticism for “foreign” vehicle companies, but criticizing them here for making product that competes with GM’s most lucrative market segments won’t be a part of that.
GM DOES NOT HAVE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO PRODUCE LIGHT TRUCKS, sentiments to the contrary be damned.
I don’t have to note that the competition makes competing product. Competition in that segment, or any other, is fair game for anyone. Get over it.
Um, sheth, it’s getting a bit tedious seeing your posts all over Fastlane starting with the words “Have you [even] done XX minutes of research blah blah blah.” Yes, I am familiar with the now famously overhyped Malibu, CTS and G8 and even Lacrosse. Does that surprise you? I didn’t “fail to mention” that other makers were showing off SUVs at the NY Auto Show because, well, I honestly thought people who read Fastlane already knew that! So by that argument, I should instead be writing that GM should be doing exactly what other automakers are doing because that’s been a successful formula in the past? Wake up and smell the ozone, sheth, GM is in a unique position at the moment that requires a creative strategy that goes beyond doing the same thing as everybody else.
By now, the rancid bitterness that oozes off all your posts must be as distasteful to others as it is to me. But my distaste for censorship is even stronger so I will continue to participate in Fastlane discussions knowing fully well that I risk being insulted and humiliated by the self-appointed Fastlane blogmaster, Almighty sheth…
with the 35 MPG mandate coming how long will cars like this be sold.? GM will have to sell a lot of Volts to get this kind of corporate average. even if gasoline does not go up in price there will have to be a lot of 45/50 MPG hybrids built and sold to get the MPG average required by the new federal mandate so vehicles like SUVs can still be sold.
The name is LeSabre. Why the GM brain trust thought it would be wise to change the name will go down in history along side the Oldsmobile decision. What’s in a name? Sometimes…EVERTHING!
Some things need to go:
FWD Cadillacs, V-8 FWD sedans, brand overlap (CUVs).
The FWD Caddies and Impala SS are horrible vehicles with forklift chassis dynamics.
The overlapping CUVs should be trimmed, not every brand needs a CUV or a minivan.
Some things need to stay:
Saturn, Buick, Pontiac, GMC.
Each has a niche. They don’t all need minivans, CUVs, and the same models.
Saturn: Value, economy. Let’s get some highly advertised hybrids, plug-in, and hybrid diesel models. Many folks really like the Saturn experience.
Buick: Mid-luxury, near luxury. One of the 2 CUV brands and a couple cars. A popular brand that needs a RWD Lucerne replacement and call the LaCrosse the LeSabre.
Pontiac: performance. 2-3 RWD coupes/sedans. less conent than Cadillac, better performance than Lexus/Infinity.
GMC: the upscale versions of the Chevrolet. Besides, some folks prefer to the GMC look to the Chevrolet look. Merge the Escalade and Denali lines into one truck line.
Somethings need to return:
RWD large sedans, SFA HD 4×4 trucks, manual transmissions.
Each is basic and a big reason that GM loses on cross-shops.
If it weren’t for the Duramax/Allison combo and the Powerstroke fiasco, GM would be in the toilet in the HD truck world. For HD use the Ford and Dodge 4×4s are superior. Hands down.
But alas, none of this will change. The DTS returns as a bloated FWD AARP wagon, RWD is virtually dead, HD trucks still have the sissy IFS, shifting yourself is going the way of the do-do, and no matter how nice the new LaCrosse is, it should be called LeSabre.
BTW, don’t tell me the take rate on a manual trans is low and that’s why it was dropped. Because if no dealer will order them and the factory won’t build them for 6 months, why bother? The Dodge dealer down the street had 5 on the lot.
Why aren’t you making a re-badged version of the Volt for your Buick division and calling it the Electra? It seems such a natural.
“AARP wagon”
Very clever James. First time I’ve heard the term “AARP wagon,” but a very apt description. (And I say that as someone who received an unsolicited AARP card in the mail on my 50th birthday a few years a go.)
“Why aren’t you making a re-badged version of the Volt…”
They don’t call it “re-badging” or “badge engineering” any more.
It’s now called “platform sharing.”
Change a Chevy grill and taillights, bolt on different fenders and apply the Buick decals- that’s “badge-engineering.”
Slip a Chevy chassis under Caddy bodywork, and voila- it’s a platform-shared Cadillac.
See the difference?
“Buick flagship”
Hold on there. The customers will let you know when you have a Buick flagship with a V-8 SIDI with Active Fuel Management. Don’t try to pawn off a V-6 as a flagship. That’s not going to fly.
How about a Riviera sedan/coupe with a V-8 SIDI with Active Fuel Management.
How about a Pontiac Bonneville/GTO with a V-8 SIDI with Active Fuel Management.
Flagships are bottom line profit to leverage the small cars.
a lot of us retired people like me who bought 1 or 2 new GM car every 3-4 years can no longer do that due to the drop in the value of our retirement funds in the stock market. till the market comes back no new cars for the mrs and i and i bought a new corvette every 3-4 years and the mrs bought a new impala in the same time frame
Even if a good GM emerges from bankruptcy, Chevrolet still doesn’t have the right compact and subcompact offerings. There’s a reason why Opel preferred to engineer its own cars rather than use daewoo’s enginneeing. Take a look at this: the 2010 Opel Astra (http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090409.001/2010-opel-astra-unofficially-revealed), it’s simply fantastic! This is the product that should be rebadged as the Cruze in the US. Same goes for the Corsa as Aveo.
Fritz, now it’s up to you to take your passion, and make it happen!
“They don’t call it “re-badging” or “badge engineering” any more. It’s now called “platform sharing.” Slip a Chevy chassis under Caddy bodywork, and voila- it’s a platform-shared Cadillac. See the difference?”
I hear you Beaugrand, now that you’ve pointed that out, I do see the difference. (wink-wink)
OK, so why not a Buick that shares a platform with the Volt and call it a Buick Electra? Whether badge-engineering or platform-sharing, the name Electra seems a natural fit.
“I don’t have to note that the competition makes competing product. Competition in that segment, or any other, is fair game for anyone. Get over it.”
Beaugrand:
GM does not exist in a vacuum. To criticize GM for making crossovers when EVERY competing manufacturer offers them is questionable. I don’t know how else to put it in terms you can understand. If you personally don’t want a crossover do not buy one. But don’t be surprised that GM is trying to compete in what is a growing segment. A few years ago the press was beating up on GM for being late to the crossover game. Now people like you are critical because you believe GM should make nothing but cars and hybrids. If GM is trying to be profitable they have to compete in segments that have potential for decent profits. You also made some silly statement about GM “exclusively” making light trucks. First of all the TErrain isn’t a truck. Secondly, GM is introducing the Lacrosse, Camaro and CTS wagon this year and neither are trucks. The Cruze and Volt are due next year and niether is a truck. Last time I checked, the CTS coupe isn’t a truck either. Again, what exactly is your point? If GM is going to get profitable and pay back the money it borrowed it better compete in every critical segment of the market.
“Slip a Chevy chassis under Caddy bodywork, and voila- it’s a platform-shared Cadillac.
See the difference?”
Yes I do. What you just described is what Toyota does with the Camry and ES350. In fact, every major automaker does it. If you are against platform sharing you should buy a 7 series or S class- I don’t believe they share platforms with other vehicles. Almost every affordable vehicle sold in the US shares a platform with other cars and/or crossovers. BTW the Cobalt and HHR are on the same platform and shockingly most people can actually tell them apart. How about you?
Ken:
My post said nothing about GM doing the same thing as everyone else. I said the SUV market isn’t dead and anyone who is shocked that GM is making fuel efficient crossovers is out of touch with reality. Out of all the SUVs shown in NY, the Terrain was the only one (except CX-7) with a for cylinder engine and it was the most efficient. I wouldn’t say that is doing what others are doing. Furthermore, you didn’t offer any specifics explaining why GM is wrong for producing an efficient entry level crossover. You say GM needs different thinking but that is a very general statement. It’s hard for me to take you seriously when you just finished saying GM doesn’t offer any cars and is essentially an SUV only company. When I mentioned a few cars you dimsissed them in a childish manner and ignored the awards and accolades those cars have garnered. Since you don’t like the cars (for reasons I don’t understand) you want me to believe they are “overhyped” even though you offer zero justification for that claim. If you have solutions maybe you should offer them. Declaring that GM should exit the competitive crossover segment doesn’t sound like a winning strategy to me.
BTW, I do like how you changed the subject to ME instead of admitting your initial comment didn’t make much sense. In case you forgot, you originally said GM needed to get on the same “planet” as Americans and offer some midsize sedans and compacts. When I pointed out that they have done so and plan to continue to do so you decided to offer a critique on my style of posting.
The U.S. Government should give a 20% rebate of MSRP on any vehicle bought by a consumer from GM, Ford, and Chrysler. In other words, if a consumer buys a GM vehicle for $20,000.00 they should receive $4,000.00 from the U.S. Government.
The alternatives are costlier, and this would boost sales TREMENDOUSLY!
The title of the article says “Big News from Buick, Pontiac, GMC at the New York Auto Show” but I don’t see any thing about Pontiac in there. I see stuff about Buick and GMC, which does sound good, but what about Pontiac?
The LaCrosse looks like a nice car, it would be even better if it had a name that your Buick customer base could identify with. Bad enough that Bob Lutz was allowed to cancel/rename some models that had great brand equity. If your company wants to return to your glory days, your management has to take the time to better understand your customer base. They clearly dont.
I disagree that the BPG showroom keeps getting better. Pontiac is on life support, due to neglect and mismanagement. GM needs to be more customer focused, the arrogant attitude of the past must change. Help is available, but first you must admit you need it.
I agree with Brian. I was expecting something and we get absolutely nothing, not even inclusion on teh list of 2010 models with DI engines. Guess I know what change won’t make production. Meanwhile this now worries me that there will not be a 2010 G8, let alone ANY 2010 Pontiac other than Vibe, G3 and G6 already in the order books. The answer is simple enough, since it’s all about badge engineering and platform sharing; import every model Opel and Holden that can be US certified, installing a Pontiac arrowhead on each and not only will Pontiac CONTINUE to outsell both Buick and Cadillac, but it will wat more than surpass their combined sales here in NA.
Meanwhile, the LaCrosse looks pleasing, it gets HUD, which every car should have option of, but I’ll say it again and again every chance I get: at 500 lbs more than the car it replaces and actually weighing more than a G8 the LaCrosse is a PIG. Lose the 1/4 ton and watch mpg miraculously rise before your very eyes.
We are excited about the future of GM and can’t wait to see the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse. I’ve seen the new Camaro at Epcot and its great. We’re hoping that with new financial structure, GM can excell to new heights.
One of our GM cars is this 1987 Pontiac Firebird V-8 Quadrojet which looks and drives just like it rolled off the show room floor, as I’ve been saying. It gets plenty of driving too and its a fantastic ride. For the great people of GM, I’d like you to take a look:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3317037
Thanks for building such great cars and please keep doing it. Thanks for building our family’s current cars which include Cadillac DTS, Aurora, Intrigue, and Acadia, and soon maybe an STS.
We are praying for you in these unusually difficult times.
chiefpontiac:
Are you sure there will be no 2010 G8? I haven’t heard that anywhere else. I would hope the G8 continues to be upgraded each model year. You say nothing is happening in the Pontiac showroom but the G8 GXP just came out and the G6 just got upgraded. I’m not to excited about the G3 though.
As for the Lacrosse, it is heavy but not really heavier than the G8. The G8 V6 is about 3800lbs and the V8 is close to 4000lbs. The Lacrosse is actually similar in length to the G8 so I’m not surprised it weighs about the same. The base Lacrosse is about 300-350lbs more than base current model. The Lacrosse Super is close to 3800lbs which is about 250lbs less than the CXS. More technology and safety gear adds up to more weight.
Sheth, the LaCrosse for 2010 starts at a curb weight of 3948 for CX, 4019 for CXL, and 4065 for CXS. It is even heavier than the Lucerne. The 2009 LaCrosse weighs 3495, 3502, and 3770 with V8., and is longer than its replacement. The G8 V6 weighs in at 3885, the GT at 3995, and the GXP at 4050. These numbers are all official published GM values. Overall dimensions of the LaCrosse are essentially the same, except it is taller than the car it replaces, which is itself just as large (or larger in length) than G8. FWD as a package used to mean weight savings. .Just think how heavy it would be if it didn’t have an all-aluminum engine and lightweight suspension components.
No, I have not heard any negative news concerning G8 for 2010, just that leaving it out of the list of direct injected vehicles makes it stand out in its obsolesence. If Pontiac survives GM’s reorganization/liquidation there still won’t be a G8 past about 2012 when the VE goes on a diet.
“You also made some silly statement about GM “exclusively” making light trucks. First of all the TErrain isn’t a truck.”
First of all, you’re wrong. It IS a truck, by both EPA and GM definitions.
Second, what I said was that GM doesn’t have an exclusive right to make trucks- so criticizing Toyota for making their excellent Tundra pickup is outrageous hypocrisy. And don’t think for a minute I haven’t raked Toyota over the coals for the Tundra’s disappointing mileage.
For CAFE purposes, vans, SUVs and “crossovers” are “trucks.” Now, if GM wants to classify “crossovers” as cars, that’s fine, but that drags down their CAFE numbers for cars. I don’t think they want that. So, it’s a (wink, wink) truck. So are station wagons.
I suppose a subcompact hatchback with a fold-down-flat rear seat could also be a “truck,” for CAFE purposes. I’m surprised we don’t see a lot more of that, from all manufacturers.
“To criticize GM for making crossovers when EVERY competing manufacturer offers them is questionable.”
I guess you missed my point- not surprising.
I criticize ALL OF THEM for making inefficient vehicles.
I just don’t waste my effort criticizing them here, on a GM blog, just as I wouldn’t bother to criticize GM on a Toyota blog. That would just be stupid.
As for personally buying a “crossover,” I think my (GM) minivan is a far more practical vehicle. However, it isn’t proportioned for carrying 4′X8′ sheets of plywood, nor can I transport a standing, full-size refrigerator, which is disappointing. If I could remove the roof and convert it quickly into a pickup truck, it would be much more practical and useful multipurpose vehicle.
Moot point, GM foolishly pulled out of the minivan market (yet stayed with the Hummer market). I think they’ll be gone in 5 years, anyway, the profitable bits taken over by Ford or Fiat.
I’m happy to see you are putting DI in almost every engine now.
So, is the Malibu going to get the new DI Engines or will the Equinox have a better engine in it then your main midsize car?
Speaking of DI, we know the 1.4L Turbo in the Cruze (ugh) will be DI but the base 1.8L isn’t and this engine is getting criticized in Europe for being sluggish and noisy.
Are you going to come out with another Compact with tepid reviews or are you going to actually make an effort and make that 1.8L DI and more refined?
Knowing GM’s past I am not very encouraged. In addition, the handling and steering have been panned. Here we go again-the Astra will have all the handling and be praised and our version of the platform will be mediocre.
Don’t you ever learn? Apparently not I’m afraid.
here is some great news from GM. Confirmed: 2010 G8 Get’s 3.6L SIDI
The Buick and Terrain are exciting new vehicles that are refreshing to read about. I am really sick of all the negative stuff that has been floating around lately.
Thanks…
…making GMC the first manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid models.”
I’m speechless — three full-size SUVs and pick-ups. Will that bold move be remembered as GM’s legacy, or the epitaph on the corporate tombstone?
JohnP:
The Lacrosse is heavy but the difference between the CXS and Super is much smaller than the gap between the CX and current CX. I wouldn’t put much value into the fact that the current model is longer because the W platform is not space efficient for its size. The new Lacrosse has more rear seat room than the current model as well as a longer wheelbase. The G8 is probably somewhat lighter due to less sound deadening and less features. The Lacrosse has a host of features not found on the G8.
As for 2010 products, I don’t believe GM gave a complete list of models that will have DI for 2010. I just read (gminsidenews.com) that the 2010 G8 will have the new powertrain even though it hasn’t been announced yet. I read previously that the Commodore will get the new powertrain which indicated to me that it would be coming to the States as well. Let’s stay tuned and see what happens.
Beugrand:
Wrong as usual. GM NEVER calls it’s crossovers trucks. In fact, I don’t think GM ever calls anything based on a FWD platform a “truck”. If the Terrain is a truck than so is the Nissan Rogue or CR-V. Trucks typically can go off road and have decent towing capability. The Terrain has niether.
“For CAFE purposes, vans, SUVs and “crossovers” are “trucks.” Now, if GM wants to classify “crossovers” as cars, that’s fine, but that drags down their CAFE numbers for cars. I don’t think they want that. So, it’s a (wink, wink) truck. ”
CAFE only has two designations so crossovers are deemed trucks, which is good for all the manufacturers. In reality crossovers are more like big FWD based station wagons than trucks., The Terrain matches the mileage of the Mazda 6 which is a sedan with less cargo space. While the EPA calls it a “truck” its just as efficient as many cars. Another example: the Terrain V6 gets about the same mileage as a MB C300 with less hp.
“I criticize ALL OF THEM for making inefficient vehicles.
I just don’t waste my effort criticizing them here, on a GM blog, just as I wouldn’t bother to criticize GM on a Toyota blog. That would just be stupid.”
Perhaps you should buy a Tesla and leave GM (and Toyota) alone for now. The Terrain is not inefficient considering it’s size, hp ratings and interior space. Actually, common sense tells us that it’s VERY efficient for its size. Its not efficient compared to a Honda Fit but that is a much smaller vehicle with 117hp. Actually, the Terrain gets only 3 less mpg than the Fit which illustrates that it is quite efficient for its size. Your criticisms are pointless because GM (and others) have to respond to market demands while trying to comply with regulations. Americans still want hp, they still want SUVs and they still want vehicles that are considerably larger than what people buy in Europe. Unless you are going to address the demand part of this your tirades about “inefficient” vehicles are unecessary.
Minivans are a declining segment and have been for years. This is one reason why GM and Ford got out of the market.
SteveG:
I have seen a couple reviews and I don’t know that they all say the Cruze has poor handling. From what I’ve read its not a sports sedan but it very composed and quiet on the road. The handling seems to be more than acceptable but the car is not overtly sporty. I think the 1.8L is the base engine for the Cruze. I’m not sure why you want a DI version of that engine when we will get the 1.4L turbo here. I think that will be the engine with more refinement and efficiency.
Why are HIDs and HUD being deleted from the Lacrosse? A real luxury car should have HIDs just as the Enclave does right now. Are there supplier problems affecting the equipment on the Lacrosse?
“CAFE only has two designations so crossovers are deemed trucks, which is good for all the manufacturers.”
I don’t think the US DOT or the US EPA has any obligation to create a special category for what is, essentially, a marketing ploy. The classification seems to be based on the vehicle’s intended use: if its primary mission is to haul people, it’s a car, if the seats are removable or fold flat to haul cargo, it’s a truck. I personally think that’s too lenient- if it can be used as a people-hauler it should be classified as a car and meet car safety, pollution, and CAFE standards- and have the MSRP sticker displayed in the window, to keep dealers honest.
“Perhaps you should buy a Tesla and leave GM (and Toyota) alone for now.”
Perhaps I have as much right to express my opinions here as you?
Because you’re obviously a corporate shill pretending to be a consumer-
And I’d more likely get one of those $20,000 Chinese BYD electric cars that will be here in 2011- quite possibly before GM releases the Volt- IF (big IF) GM is still around in 2 years.
“Minivans are a declining segment and have been for years.”
Right. So how many Hummers are they selling these days?
What were minivan sales the last 6 months compared to SUV sales?
“Americans still want hp, they still want SUVs and they still want vehicles that are considerably larger than what people buy in Europe.”
Right. Americans vote with their money, and increasingly they want drugs, hookers, cheap booze, free music downloads, and big inefficient trucks. The corner dope dealer is also simply “selling what Americans want,” they’re also raking in huge profits while vehicle dealerships are closing right and left…
Interestingly, motor vehicles and alcohol, which are “legal,” kill more people than drugs and hookers, which are illegal.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr57/nvsr57_14.pdf
Are you really sure you want to stick with the “We’re just selling what the consumers want” argument?
“Are you really sure you want to stick with the “We’re just selling what the consumers want” argument?”
Positive. Suggesting that businesses should sell product that people do not want is absurd, but that probably explains why you are proferring such an argument. I understand that you are angry that the average American wants something larger than an electric scooter but that is reality. Unless gas prices are raised significantly Americans are not going to migrate to tiny cars and pricey electric vehicles in appreciable numbers. You foolishly think that because Americans are shunning large V8 powered SUVs that there is little demand for anything that isn’t a car. The average V6 powered crossover gets about 2-3mpg better mileage than a traditional BOF SUV. Americans are moving to V6 powered crossovers that are somewhat smaller and slightly more efficient, but they are not wholeheartedly embracing subcompacts, hybrids or electric cars. Small cars are best suited to urban living and American is very suburbaban which is a primary reason our choices of vehicles are so different from those of Europeans. The government could change consumer behavior with high gas taxes but politicians have no will to do so and thus you can continue to expect Americans to buy midsize sedans and crossvers in large numbers.
Comparing minivan sales to the sales of Hummers is ridiculous. MInivans are a mainstream segement that used to be very solid. The growth of crossovers has hurt minivans since they are stigmatized. Hyundai will be dropping their minivan due to low sales which means that leaves Honda, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan. Nissan’s minivan has been a failure for many years so I wouldn’t be shocked if Nissan gets out of that segment soon.
“Perhaps I have as much right to express my opinions here as you?
Because you’re obviously a corporate shill pretending to be a consumer-”
Everyone has a right to an opinion but posting on an auto manufacturer’s site when you have nothing but disdain for that company and for gas powered cars in general strikes me as odd and fruitless. As far as I can tell Tesla might be the only car company that can possibly satisfy your demands so perhaps you should spend more time on their blog. I can guarantee you GM won’t be moving exclusively to electric propulsion anytime soon so you might as well save your keystrokes. The ICE isn’t going anywhere in the near term so you might as well get over it and stop bashing the auto industry for making vehicles that burn fuel.
“Suggesting that businesses should sell product that people do not want is absurd…”
‘Tis not. It’s the job of marketing experts to tell people what they want to buy. People have been getting PhD’s for decades learning how to shape and influence opinion and to create demand for a product, where no demand would otherwise exist.
Much of the demand for SUVs was due to nothing more than clever marketing techniques. The auto companies could have used those same techniques to make small, lightweight, efficient cars just as desirable, but they had no incentive to do that because SUVs had such a large profit margin.
You should read Vance Packard’s landmark book, “The Hidden Persuaders.”
History is full of examples of industry convincing people to buy things they really didn’t want. Do you remember bell-bottom plaid trousers and leisure suits from the 1970’s? Rememebr the extra-wide shoulder pads in women’s suits in the 90’s? Do you think anyone really would have wanted to buy that stuff, had industry not convinced them it was the “in” thing?
Unfortunately, the car industry is more about fashion than it is function. And the car makers used sophisticated techniques to make SUVs fashionable in the 1990s.
Why are they getting rid of pontiac? There is more Pontiacs than Buicks!!! Plus less expensive!! That rather irritates me!! There really isn’t that many good looking cars from chevy, buick, nor saturn!! What’s going to happen GM when they get rid of these other plants? Especially Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, & Saturn!!! I think it’s a bad decision by GM. They put themselves in this position!! I know alot of people that worked @ Gm & they are not happy w/this situation!!! To the last person Sheth you are correct, besides no one will be able to afford that crap anyways so why put it out!!!!!!!
“A real luxury car should have HIDs just as the Enclave does right now…”
No car should have HID headlamps ~ luxury or not. They are perhaps the grossest example of driver selfishness and of being inconsiderate to other drivers there is. Driving down the highway at night and meeting a car with HID lamps is almost like looking into an arc welder. The Federal Highway Administration should outlaw them because of how they destroy the night vision of other drivers on the road.
If you were driving the Paris-Dakar Rally across the Sahara, they would be appropriate. But there is no place for them when sharing the road with others.
Buck:
Nonsense. Most anti SUV zealots embrace the fallacious notion that Americans were duped into buying SUVs. This makes no sense at all. You say that automakers could have been putting money into small cars instead of SUVs but that didn’t happen because gas prices are too low to support premium compacts in the US. In Europe GM and Ford offer premium compacts that cost far more than their offerings in the US. Why? Gas prices are high in Europe and compact cars are prevalent. Also, in Europe people don’t necessarily expect a small car to be cheap and thus they will buy a highly optioned small car with an efficient engine. Americans buy SUVs because a)we have the space to park them b) they are more versatile than cars and c) gas prices make them relatively affordable to operate. Better ads are not going to be sufficient to get the average suburbanite to trade in their SUVs for a Honda Fit. High gas prices would do much more to get people out of SUVs. Since you are a student of history you probably know that Ford and GM really had little idea that SUvs were going to take off when they launched models like the Tahoe and Explorer. The popularity of those models in the early to mid 1990s led to offerings from foreign and domestic competitors. The public’s reaction to SUVs led to a proliferation of SUV models. No one knew Americans were going to embrace the concept of the SUVS with such fervor.
“You say that automakers could have been putting money into small cars instead of SUVs…”
I didn’t say that. I said that auto companies could have used the same marketing techniques they used for SUVs to make small, lightweight, efficient cars just as desirable. And it’s not a question of “better ads” ~ it’s done by manipulating people’s image of self-worth, conformity, and what they perceive as their hierarchy of needs.
Obviously carmakers sell what people want to buy. But you overlook the ability of carmakers to shape and mold what people will think is fashionable, desirable, and will fulfill their perceived needs. Perhaps you are not sophisticated enough to realize it, but they attempt to manipulate us constantly using advanced and time-tested techniques.
For example: The whole SUV boom had very little to do with function, but was instead a fashion-driven fad. After all, how many mothers really needed a 6,000 lb SUV to drive Meagan or Jason to school? They just thought they did after the Big Three made them question their soundness as mothers if they weren’t carrying their kids around in a heavy and “safe” SUV.
Buck:
Let’s try to deal in reality if you don’t mind. SUV ads never played up safety. The laws of physics dictate that a larger vehicle has a better chance of protecting its occupants in a crash and many folks figure that out on their own. You seem to assume people are too stupid to figure out what kind of vehicle they like and only make decisions based on the manipulations of advertisers. You also claim that SUVs have no functional advantage of coventional cars. This is not true. SUVs can hold more gear, seat more people and drive all four wheels. Until recently there were only a handful of non luxury cars available with AWD. Four wheel drive was a major attraction for many SUV buyers, especially those who live in snowy areas of the country. The problem with small car fans like yourself is that you presume that because you don’t need (or want) anything larger than a compact that no one has a use for a larger vehicle. That is not the case. I don’t own an SUV but I can tell you there are times when the extra space would come in handy. In addition, its convenient for you to pretend that all SUVS are V8 powered gas guzzlers but today the majority of SUVs are powered by four cylinder and V6 engines. There is no more than a 2mpg difference between the mileage of a midsize V6 crossoever and a midsize sedan. In essence the crossover has replaced the station wagon. Crossovers sit higher and offer AWD but the concept is similar and people like the versatility. It really has nothing to do with being brainwashed by savvy advertising.
“You also claim that SUVs have no functional advantage of conventional cars.”
I don’t claim that at all. I do claim that most people don’t need or use the capabilities that SUVs offer. If you’re a farmer, rancher, contractor, professional fisherman, or someone of that ilk who needs an SUV to do your job and make money ~ be my guest.
If you’re a soccer mom or office cowboy who thinks you need an SUV to make a fashion statement while jockeying the kids to school or soccer practice, when commuting to and from the office park, or when driving the your country club on Saturday morning, you should rethink how you consume the earth’s limited resources. Those people driven by the need to make a fashion statement are those whom the Big Three automakers played to with their sophisticated marketing savvy.
“Let’s try to deal in reality if you don’t mind. SUV ads never played up safety.”
Ah, but they did. You either a short memory, or never saw those ads. Honestly, you don’t remember any of those ads showing mother’s driving their kids to school in an SUV, or of someone driving an SUV in the rain or along the curvy and ice-covered roads of some mountain while going to a ski resort?
I’ve seen Toyota ads with your descriptions. It okay for Toyota but not okay for GM. I forgot, Toyota is Teflon coated.
These are so sleek looking rides. It’s good to see Buick designing models that are more fashionable. I second what Josh P said. Bring back the EV1. GM was trailblazing a whole new concept that worked. Why did they do away with it? I bet if GM revives the EV1 they’ll put themselves in the front again.
Hey Josh- Plug in? Plug in to what.. a coal or oil fired generating plant—or how about a nuclear plant? Duh.