Buick News: General Motors Files Trademark Applications For Tourx and Regal Tourx

[William Maley]

AutoGuide recently found two new trademark applications from General Motors. The applications were filed on December 16th and are for the 'Tourx' and 'Regal Tourx' trademarks. The applications say the trademarks are for “Motor land vehicles, namely automobiles.”

 

AutoGuide speculates the Tourx name could be for a wagon variant of the next-generation Buick Regal. GM is currently hard at work on the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Insignia - the model that the Regal is based on - and is expected to come in a five-door and wagon versions.

 

We believe AutoGuide is on the right track with the wagon, but we're going to take it in a different direction. A couple years back, Opel and Vauxhall introduced the Insignia Country Tourer. Starting with a standard Insignia wagon, Opel and Vauxhall added a new all-wheel drive system, body cladding, and increased ground clearance. At the time the Country Tourer was announced, we said that GM could make a business case for it as a competitor to the Subaru Outback. If there is a next-generation Country Tourer, we wouldn't be shocked if came over as a Buick.

 

But automakers trademark a number of names and symbols, only to be never used. This could be the case here. It will be interesting to see if GM uses this name for the next-generation Regal.

 

Source: AutoGuide

 

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[ocnblu]

Sounds good to me.  So does "Regal Estate", on the other hand.

[cp-the-nerd]

Sounds like AWD nomenclature. It's very popular among luxury brands. Cadillac has "CTS4/ATS4/XTS4", Audi "Quattro", Mercedes Benz "4Matic", etc.

[oldshurst442]

Bimmer Xdrive...

 

So Buick decides to do Tourx.

 

So...is it pronounced as Tour  'ex' or is it  like 'tourques'?

 

I hope a Regal Tourx is more like an Audi Allroad or a Subaru Outback or a Volvo  Cross Country...as in a lifted station wagon rather than just a simple European 'break'...

Because as we all know, normal  station wagons dont sell at all in North America, this NEEDS to be lifted to actually give CUVs/SUVs a run for their money. 

[Drew Dowdell]

TourX.... pronounced TourCross.

 

and yes, I would be interested in a Regal TourCross

[oldshurst442]

Tour 'cross', huh?

 

I thought it would be pronounced like the letter 'x'....like BMW with xDrive. But, I guess its more like Volvo's Cross Country...

 

Tour Cross?

I like the name...I dont like the way its spelled.

 

I dont like hatchback type vehicles...CUVs/SUVs...lifted station wagons or otherwise. 3rd and 4rth gen Pontiac Firebird/Trans Ams and Corvettes are as far as I go with hatchbacks.
 

Useful they are, cup of tea for me, they are not.

 

 

PS: I forgot about Toyota Supras of the 1980s and 1990s and Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo...I like those hatches a lot too.  Basically hatchbacks that have NO relationship akin to family haulin' or soccer mom written all over them...

Pocket rocket hatches?

No thanks on those as those are clearly based on econoboxes...that can haul families...

 

Subaru WRX STis...yup....Ill do those...

 

Buick Regal Tour Cross that is like an Audi Allroad? I might deem it pretty like I do the Allroad, or even the Subaru Outback, but Ill stick to the sedan version...

Edited December 22, 2015 by oldshurst442

[smk4565]

A wagon won't sell.  Just make more crossovers for the sheeple.

[ocnblu]

...as opposed to "Crosstour" 

[Drew Dowdell]

A wagon won't sell.  Just make more crossovers for the sheeple.

 

Subaru is like 50% wagons

TourX.... pronounced TourCross.

 

and yes, I would be interested in a Regal TourCross

 

I suppose I should point out that I am just guessing. 

[oldshurst442]

Well, If it really is Tour "Cross", I wished it was spelled "cross".

And if its not....I hope its Tour "X"...sounds cool.  In my ears at least.

 

About the Subaru thing...

Subaru makes wagons look cool. The AWD and the WRX and the Rallye connections...Im assuming is what makes Subaru wagons look cool.

 

Too bad AMC could not hold on a few more years.

[hyperv6]

I expect something along the lines of a Insignia Cross 4.

This will be a little more like an Audi like wagon.

Now if only all those who cried for a wagon only would really buy one.

At least with the Opel production this will be able to sell at low volumes and make money. This is a positive for Buick globalism.

This is just a little more of the Buick White Space the spoke about.

[loki]

...taurusX...?

[surreal1272]

A wagon won't sell.  Just make more crossovers for the sheeple.

The Germans don't have a problem selling them, enough so to keep on making them anyway. There is no reason why GM can't give a shot.

[G. David Felt]

Personal taste. Germans are far more conservative than many Americans and they do not have the same attitude towards road trips and personal transportation. Many people do not like sitting on the ground in a station wagon. They would rather have the higher seating position of a CUV/SUV.

[Drew Dowdell]

Personal taste. Germans are far more conservative than many Americans and they do not have the same attitude towards road trips and personal transportation. Many people do not like sitting on the ground in a station wagon. They would rather have the higher seating position of a CUV/SUV.

 

I just have to LOL at this... 

[G. David Felt]

Glad I can make you laugh. I have come to realize that most of both sides of my family being all German are very conservative pricks that have a hard time accepting change or differences in others. Probably another reason my parents left everyone in Missouri and the LA area and moved to Seattle back in the mid 60's where I was born and raised. Gotta love being free and accepting of all.

 

Happy Holidays to everyone in the last 10 days of 2015!

[Drew Dowdell]

Well, you happen to be wrong about the German attitudes towards road trips and such.... and the reason for their preferences for wagons.

[riviera74]

Well, you happen to be wrong about the German attitudes towards road trips and such.... and the reason for their preferences for wagons.

 

So why do Europeans in general (and Germans in particular) prefer wagons over crossovers?

[cp-the-nerd]

...as opposed to "Crosstour" 

 

Has no one seen this post? Seriously, we're going to have a buick tourcross as honda's accord crosstour has just totally failed and left a bad taste in everyone's mouths.

[Drew Dowdell]

 

Well, you happen to be wrong about the German attitudes towards road trips and such.... and the reason for their preferences for wagons.

 

So why do Europeans in general (and Germans in particular) prefer wagons over crossovers?

 

 

They don't see the benefits of SUVs.

 

Cons for SUVs in Europe:

1. Less stable at very high speed driving.  The autobahn is well known for it's lack of speed limits in some places, but other countries have very high speed limits too. France's top speed limit is over 80mph.

2. Lower fuel economy v. wagons.

 

Pros for Wagons and hatchbacks in Europe:

1. 90% of the utility of a crossover... sometimes better utility than certain crossovers.

2. sedan like handling

3. better fuel economy than a crossover

 

The fuel economy thing is probably the biggest factor. Even with a diesel, a FWD Opel Astra Wagon 1.6 CDi gets much better fuel economy (3.8 liters / 100km)* than a FWD Opel Mokka 1.6 CDi with the same engine and transmission (5.1 liters / 100km)*.    *lower is better, converted to the US measurement it is roughly 51mpg v. 46mpg.  Yet both vehicles have roughly the same utility.  Europeans in general are highly conscious of fuel consumption due to the high cost of fuel, but Germans in particular are very financially frugal (even credit cards are looked down on there, the way they do mortgages on houses is very different too)

 

Another factor is winter driving.  In most parts Germany specifically and in all of the Nordic countries, you are required to run snow tires on your car during certain months of the year, so having AWD is less of a "thing" for them. If I could get by in a RWD CTS with snow tires, than a FWD Astra wagon would do at least as well.   Many people in the US seem to think that if they spend $2,000 on AWD, then they can "save" having to spend $500 on snow tires... and people automatically equate AWD with SUV even though that isn't the case. And since AWD is a negative on fuel consumption, they value saving fuel over some marginal increase in snow going ability. 

 

Aside from freaks like Dfelt who are too tall  , the vast majority of crossover drivers in the US would be better served by a wagon..... but because SUVs/CUVs are status symbols, wagons have become unpopular.   That said, I would totally buy a wagon, but even I can't sell it to my other half..... 

[hyperv6]

The truth is where they travel and how much fuel is has more to do with their choices.

They have paid a lot more for fuel and in Germany and most parts of Europe the roads may be wide in the large cities but the smaller towns space is a premium not just for driving but parking and storage.

CUV models are not the choice for the most part because they take up more space in many cases and they most often use a little more fuel.

Also it is a cultural thing too. they just have other priorities too.

[Drew Dowdell]

Oh.. the other part I forgot to mention.  There is a huge "Caravan" culture there.  They'll strap a camper up to just about anything and go take a road trip somewhere.

[Suaviloquent]

Hmmmm.

 

Sounds interesting. Pretty good actually. Tasty.

 

OH!! and they're probably going to use the hi-po AWD that's used in the upcoming Focus RS.

 

I think this will be a score for enthusiasts if it comes to fruition, maybe even a discount CTS wagon. 

[ocnblu]

They can do a Regal TourX and a Verano 5-door TourX.  That way they can cover the Outback and the Crosstrek.  Holla!

[hyperv6]

Oh.. the other part I forgot to mention.  There is a huge "Caravan" culture there.  They'll strap a camper up to just about anything and go take a road trip somewhere.

Yes campers as we call them are popular there as few people have the ability to own a RV there. The Caravans are cheaper and much easier to use there and are pulled buy their one and only vehicle.

Most people in Europe generally have 1 car and in many cities many do not even own one car. Public transportation has always been a main part of their culture their not just in cities but between them.

Heck they have beer in vending machines too.

Many Americans who have never left this country just assume everyone else is much like us. Well they may have some similarities but we are much different in many ways too. This is not all one world.

We here in America do a great many things different and it amazes many overseas how we do them.

[G. David Felt]

One thing I loved about Japan when I went to college there from 1988 to 1991. You can get ANYTHING in a vending machine and the culture allows for kids to run out of the house and down to the corner of the street and pick up dad a 5th of whiskey, mom some smokes, etc. What ever they need so the parents are relaxing at home. Gotta love vending machines.

 

 

[regfootball]

does this mean Buick will become the AWD brand for GM?

 

I really don't think they need to do this, they should have been all in on the Envision and even another crossover first.  The Envision looks from 2012 already and the place of build and limited quantity means not all in IMO.

 

But as a niche for Buick to do this, like the Cascada is ok.  It may help build interest in the brand as unique.

 

I know the Allroad A6 wasd popular in these parts in like 2004, but all those folks have moved on.  I don't think people like the look of ruggedized jacked up wagons.

 

If Buick wants badly to fill niches then where the eff is the Adam, and the 3 door hatch and wagon versions of the Astra?  The three door OPC astra would be a huge image car for Buick.

 

Buick should offer a whisper quiet diesel in the upcoming Regal and also Verano.

[Drew Dowdell]

does this mean Buick will become the AWD brand for GM?

 

I really don't think they need to do this, they should have been all in on the Envision and even another crossover first.  The Envision looks from 2012 already and the place of build and limited quantity means not all in IMO.

 

But as a niche for Buick to do this, like the Cascada is ok.  It may help build interest in the brand as unique.

 

I know the Allroad A6 wasd popular in these parts in like 2004, but all those folks have moved on.  I don't think people like the look of ruggedized jacked up wagons.

 

If Buick wants badly to fill niches then where the eff is the Adam, and the 3 door hatch and wagon versions of the Astra?  The three door OPC astra would be a huge image car for Buick.

 

Buick should offer a whisper quiet diesel in the upcoming Regal and also Verano.

 

Buick kinda already is.  Aside from Verano and Cascada at the moment, every car they offer comes with AWD.  And there are rumors that the Verano will gain it. 

[Suaviloquent]

I just want Buick to be unstoppable right now...I guess I am being totally sucked in by GM.

 

Good on them. I've never wanted a car company to succeed to so much. 

[hyperv6]

does this mean Buick will become the AWD brand for GM?

 

I really don't think they need to do this, they should have been all in on the Envision and even another crossover first.  The Envision looks from 2012 already and the place of build and limited quantity means not all in IMO.

 

But as a niche for Buick to do this, like the Cascada is ok.  It may help build interest in the brand as unique.

 

I know the Allroad A6 wasd popular in these parts in like 2004, but all those folks have moved on.  I don't think people like the look of ruggedized jacked up wagons.

 

If Buick wants badly to fill niches then where the eff is the Adam, and the 3 door hatch and wagon versions of the Astra?  The three door OPC astra would be a huge image car for Buick.

 

Buick should offer a whisper quiet diesel in the upcoming Regal and also Verano.

Yes Buick has already moved this way to AWD. They are at that price metric where they can offer the things that Chevy can not offer at a Chevy price but yet still offer some of the things Cadillac can offer but the people can't afford on the higher end car.

Buick is targeting low to mid Audi, Acura, Lexus and other cars in the lower priced luxury segment. Cadillac will focus on the RWD/AWS and offer the kind of quality and options Buick can not add at their price metric. You will have three specific classes of cars at GM.

Also with Buick the White Space they speak of will be the AWD Wagons, The OPC Buick Version of a hatch and a Buick version of the GT Opel is getting. These are all cars that would be sold in smaller volumes and niches that one market alone can not support but several global markets can.

Buick will be doing car you never thought we would see not only at Buick but in America or even from GM.

Buick has been giving some pretty big hints that we are going to see some very un Buick like products and things we will be excited about seeing.

[smk4565]

I still think a Regal wagon is a waste of money, when the sedan has poor sales results.  GM is better off putting that money into a Cadillac crossover.  Trying to make the Regal a $35k Subaru Outback isn't going to work.

 

I could see them making the Regal and standard to differentiate it from Malibu and give a more premium feel and position in the market.  

[hyperv6]

I still think a Regal wagon is a waste of money, when the sedan has poor sales results.  GM is better off putting that money into a Cadillac crossover.  Trying to make the Regal a $35k Subaru Outback isn't going to work.

 

I could see them making the Regal and standard to differentiate it from Malibu and give a more premium feel and position in the market.

Well we will have several Cadillac crossovers as they are already coming. So any money you would save means nothing. Also with Opel building and selling the bulk of the wagons Buick can bring them here sell them in low numbers and still make money and change a few minds.

I think you plan to just make a more expensive feeling Malibu has failed already and this is why they are moving to take this car to a higher price range with less need for bigger volumes in one single market.

GM had a damage culture and you just want to return to it. While success is not assured the odds are much more in favor of them making money here with realist expectations.

[Suaviloquent]

Hey, more product = more choice and I want them to succeed because stealth wealth and wagons!!!

 

We, the enthusiast community cried for more wagons, and we're getting them. Nice.

 

So - is it fair to consider this a discount CTS Wagon?

[smk4565]

They just lowered the price of the Regal to $27 or $28k a year ago because it didn't sell. So making a more expensive Regal is the answer? Plus the current Lacrosse starts at $31k even if they make it $35k base, $30k is the Regal's sweet spot.

I think the Regal is just a dead product though, making it a wagon doesn't make it cooler or more desirable. It probably does the opposite.

[hyperv6]

They just lowered the price of the Regal to $27 or $28k a year ago because it didn't sell. So making a more expensive Regal is the answer? Plus the current Lacrosse starts at $31k even if they make it $35k base, $30k is the Regal's sweet spot.

I think the Regal is just a dead product though, making it a wagon doesn't make it cooler or more desirable. It probably does the opposite.

You need to look at what is really going on. the Regal and Lacrosse are two of the oldest GM models still out. They are old news in a fast changing segment and that is why they are not seling.

Now also look at the fact a new one is coming soon and I would say the lower price is just to keep sales up a little and clear out inventories of parts etc as the platforms are going away.

The fact is to make it sell better it is to make it a better and more compelling car. How do you do that you put better things in it and with a Buick and the range they are moving into they can afford better things.

Also with a higher price point the profits are higher and the lower volumes will make more money.

The key for Buick is to put themselves in a place where they are higher than Chevy and lower than Cadillac and offer better things than Chevy and things that hint at Cadillac level but are not Cadillac level.

The fact of life is if you want a different car you rebadge a Chevy you rebadge it and tart it up a bit can call it a Buick. If you want a better car you charge more and build a better car with the increase in price. You get what you pay for and if you want a different car charge less but if you want a better car build it and charge for it. No one rides free.

How many years of Buick being a tarted up Chevy do you need for an example of how that formula failed terribly.

Again the globalization here will let Buick to offer things they could not alone and sell them at lower numbers and make more money. This is a dream situation that few companies can pull off. Audi has done it and GM can do it with taking some chances on some creative and new products. How about an Opel GT in Buick trim? AWD wagons with world class AWD systems and handling.

Just look to the new Camaro and imagine what Buick can do with the proper support and funding.

Many people and too many GM people really have no clue how well this situation could come out baring any economy or global issues etc.

[Suaviloquent]

 

They just lowered the price of the Regal to $27 or $28k a year ago because it didn't sell. So making a more expensive Regal is the answer? Plus the current Lacrosse starts at $31k even if they make it $35k base, $30k is the Regal's sweet spot.

I think the Regal is just a dead product though, making it a wagon doesn't make it cooler or more desirable. It probably does the opposite.

You need to look at what is really going on. the Regal and Lacrosse are two of the oldest GM models still out. They are old news in a fast changing segment and that is why they are not seling.

Now also look at the fact a new one is coming soon and I would say the lower price is just to keep sales up a little and clear out inventories of parts etc as the platforms are going away.

The fact is to make it sell better it is to make it a better and more compelling car. How do you do that you put better things in it and with a Buick and the range they are moving into they can afford better things.

Also with a higher price point the profits are higher and the lower volumes will make more money.

The key for Buick is to put themselves in a place where they are higher than Chevy and lower than Cadillac and offer better things than Chevy and things that hint at Cadillac level but are not Cadillac level.

The fact of life is if you want a different car you rebadge a Chevy you rebadge it and tart it up a bit can call it a Buick. If you want a better car you charge more and build a better car with the increase in price. You get what you pay for and if you want a different car charge less but if you want a better car build it and charge for it. No one rides free.

How many years of Buick being a tarted up Chevy do you need for an example of how that formula failed terribly.

Again the globalization here will let Buick to offer things they could not alone and sell them at lower numbers and make more money. This is a dream situation that few companies can pull off. Audi has done it and GM can do it with taking some chances on some creative and new products. How about an Opel GT in Buick trim? AWD wagons with world class AWD systems and handling.

Just look to the new Camaro and imagine what Buick can do with the proper support and funding.

Many people and too many GM people really have no clue how well this situation could come out baring any economy or global issues etc.

 

 

The point he's trying to make is that Buick should not be receding on pricing, and I agree.

 

If the new Regal really is going to turn heads - and I hope it does.

 

Starting at $30 to $34k... being near the top end of the spectrum will cause immediate sticker shock - in a bad way.

 

Confident brands, espcially near luxury trying to bridge the gap must keep maintaining prices. Then again, it is 7 year old car now.

 

Lots of time to develop a new generation. It's a wait and see situation, but GM has had trouble being as profitable as others for its sheer size as an automaker. 

[smk4565]

The LaCrosse starts in the low 30s, the Cadillac ATS around $33-34k.  So a Buick Regal is supposed to cost as much as a Cadillac ATS?  If they want to charge $34k for a Regal, a LaCrosse or ATS should be $40k base, and at that price those cars wouldn't sell.  The ATS hardly sells now, the 3-series, IS, A4, C-class, all outsell it.

 

I think a Regal with a 250 hp turbo 4, all wheel drive, 8-speed, leather, power accessories, etc should be like $29k.  You can get that stuff in a Fusion, Subaru, or a more powerful Accord or Camry V6 (minus awd) for that money.  This is why the Regal doesn't sell well.  There are 10 cars with just as good a powertrain and performance for under $30k.  

 

I think the LaCrosse should go up in price to $34,995 base model.   I would actually make the Sonic smaller and kill the Spark off.  Then I'd downsize and down price the Cruze and Malibu so that the Regal and Impala have a place in the market.  They keep wanting to make the Cruze and Malibu bigger and more expensive, and all that does is squeeze the Regal and Impala out of the market.  There are already rumors that this is the last generation of Impala.  So they put the Sonic in the Cavalier/Cobalt slot, introduce Cruze, move the Malibu up-market and kill Impala.  Then you are still left with a 4 car line up, but you killed the best name plate off.  Makes no sense.

[hyperv6]

First off most of the cars sold here are not base models so toss your low ball prices out the door. Get real with what things are really going for and it adds up just fine.

Second you are comparing old models to new models here. Let Buick finish their work and it will make sense to the rest of us and maybe you.

We are in a transitional period as Cadillac is working to move higher up and give Buick some space to fill in. Both companies are not even close to being where they need to be yet.

You need all your marbles to play in this game and GM has now shown all the marbles yet. Lets get the game pieces all on the table before you start getting to critical here. Much of your argument will be negated with the new products as they appear.

[balthazar]

As was pointed out earlier in a local example, 75% of La Crosses' sold were the top trim level, starting at $40K. Base model base price is irrelevant.

 

The issue with Buick's sedans isn't price or equipment, it's advertising. Buick need a larger & more prolific advertising effort.

[smk4565]

How long will it take?  Cadillac has been in business since 1902.  Even if you want to call a reset after bankruptcy in 2009, they have had 6-7 years now.  You can develop products in that time frame.  Cadillac also just released their full size sedan and priced it like an E-class.  Where is this up market move?   If Buick is waiting for the Cadillac up market move it isn't going to happen.  

 

Buick also has a small, medium and large sedan, at a $5,000 premium over the Chevy of similar size, so they pretty much have sedans covered.  With Envision they will have compact, small, and large crossover, which pretty much covers that since I'd assume the Terrain will be the mid-size crossover at the dealership.  Cascada gives Buick a unique, personal convertible type car, since there are very few convertibles on market, that is a good product to have.  It brings a different buyer into the show room.

 

I don't think Chevy can sustain Spark, Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Impala car line up.  5 sedan/hatches is a lot, plus Camaro and Corvette and Volt.  I would dump the cheapest one (Spark), and slide the others down a bit.  People don't see the Regal as a luxury or sports car, it was a mid-size family car for a long time.  If anything the 2016 LaCrosse should be called Avenir and priced at $35k base, then rename the Regal to Lacrosse and price it at $29k.  You raise the price $2,000 on the same car, but the perception is they are getting a LaCrosse which is better than a Regal.

[smk4565]

As was pointed out earlier in a local example, 75% of La Crosses' sold were the top trim level, starting at $40K. Base model base price is irrelevant.

 

The issue with Buick's sedans isn't price or equipment, it's advertising. Buick need a larger & more prolific advertising effort.

So why offer a rental grade trim to cheapen the name plate if the take rate on the top trim is so high?  And what is the take rate on a Lexus ES or MKZ mid-level trim?  LaCrosse should be $35k base, move it up market already.  Put it where the Aurora and Park Avenue where, those started in the mid 30s fifteen years ago.  At least then there would be a window at $28-35k for the Regal.  Although I still like my plan to name the midsize Buick LaCrosse and the full size one Avenir or Invicta.  Rename the Verano to Regal.  Dump the Verano name plate.  Buck has so many good name plates in their history and they come up with crap like Verano.  If anything the Convertible should be called Verano for Summer.

Edited December 25, 2015 by smk4565

[balthazar]

Same reason the Germans siblings do; choice. BMW is planning another 4-banger 7-series...

[balthazar]

No one buys cars like you seems to think they do.

No one looks up what the base model base MSRP price is UNLESS they're buying that or that tightly budgeted. The vast majority go mid-tier, or in this case, top tier.

No one buys or doesn't buy a LaCrosse at $44K sticker BECAUSE there is also a FWD base LaCrosse MSRP'd @ $32K. This never bothers you when -say- mercedees has a 50K or more swing in a model's price, here you're bothered with a 12K swing???

[smk4565]

Same reason the Germans siblings do; choice. BMW is planning another 4-banger 7-series...

But the new Lacrosse has a standard V6.  Pay $20,000 more for a Cadillac CT6 and you get a 4-cylinder.  This is why Cadillac sedans don't sell.  BMW is making a 4-cylinder 7-series for China and the 2 liter displacement.  I think they are nuts, that car should have a 3 liter six at the bottom.

 

But I just fixed Buick's lineup in 5 minutes in my previous post.

[smk4565]

No one buys cars like you seems to think they do.

No one looks up what the base model base MSRP price is UNLESS they're buying that or that tightly budgeted. The vast majority go mid-tier, or in this case, top tier.

No one buys or doesn't buy a LaCrosse at $44K sticker BECAUSE there is also a FWD base LaCrosse MSRP'd @ $32K. This never bothers you when -say- mercedees has a 50K or more swing in a model's price, here you're bothered with a 12K swing???

The price spread doesn't bother me the LaCrosse starting at $31 with the Regal starting at $28k and the Impala at $28k does.  An Impala LT is like a LaCrosse base model in price.  I am saying start the LaCrosse at the same price point of an Impala LTZ to spread them out more.   Price the LaCrosse $35-49k.   Impala and Regal would be $28-37k.  XTS dies after a couple more years and that takes away LaCrosse competition at the top end.

[balthazar]

 

 

But the new Lacrosse has a standard V6.  Pay $20,000 more for a Cadillac CT6 and you get a 4-cylinder.  This is why Cadillac sedans don't sell.  

No one buys cars like you think they do.

VERY few buy based on the number of cylinders, or the overall length of a car. Performance is what counts and what is felt, performance, ride, room, features, etc etc.

Not 'platforms', wheelbase, NVH and other relative intangibles.

 

CT6 has no bearing on the La Crosse, and vice versa.

[balthazar]

LaCrosse should be $35k base, move it up market already.

Why? Buick doesn't sell any at the base/no-option MSRP. There's no point. It's not going to bump sales. It's a non-issue.

Just like no one worries (Oh; I suppose there's an 'kms' somewhere who worries about these non-issues on MB boards) that the $175K s-class starts at $92K and that Daimler should "bump it up market already".

[ocnblu]

Buick really needs a car above the LaCrosse.  I agree with that, and it should be RWD.

[smk4565]

The RWD car above the LaCrosse is the CTS.  

 

Buick doesn't need 4 sedans.  I would be in favor of downsizing the LaCrosse to make it closer in size to an Azera or Cadenza, maybe 195 inches long.  Dropping the Regal (or build Regal on Delta, drop Verano nameplate) and introducing a 200 inch long rear drive Buick sedan for around $40k.  Then there would be 3 sedans with LaCrosse as the middle.  Which in the Lucerne days, the LaCrosse was the base level Buick, not sure why it is the top level car now.

[Drew Dowdell]

 

As was pointed out earlier in a local example, 75% of La Crosses' sold were the top trim level, starting at $40K. Base model base price is irrelevant.

 

The issue with Buick's sedans isn't price or equipment, it's advertising. Buick need a larger & more prolific advertising effort.

So why offer a rental grade trim to cheapen the name plate if the take rate on the top trim is so high?  And what is the take rate on a Lexus ES or MKZ mid-level trim?  LaCrosse should be $35k base, move it up market already.  Put it where the Aurora and Park Avenue where, those started in the mid 30s fifteen years ago.  At least then there would be a window at $28-35k for the Regal.  Although I still like my plan to name the midsize Buick LaCrosse and the full size one Avenir or Invicta.  Rename the Verano to Regal.  Dump the Verano name plate.  Buck has so many good name plates in their history and they come up with crap like Verano.  If anything the Convertible should be called Verano for Summer.

 

 

There won't be a 4-cylinder Lacrosse in the next version, so expect a big price bump for the new car.