VenSeattle

I don't recall LaCrosse's interior materials getting complaints. It was the conservative styling and the "wood trim" pattern that received complaints. The interior materials for the LaCrosse (cloth headliner, soft touch plastics, protein leather) received VERY good reviews.

I agree with ocnblu about having a separate name for Buick's performance line-up.

I think it would be good for Buick to keep the CX, CXL, & CXS trims for their normal models, and create a "Red-Line or V-Series" like model line-up that co-exists with the normal Buick line-up. I really do like "Ultra" but I could see GNX also... as in LaCrosse GNX, Lucerne GNX, & Velite GNX. The GNX or Ultra Series would need more than "performance" to set themselves apart from the other divisions. Make the GNX or Ultra series a boutique series and more customizable than Redline or V-Series. (being able to customize is a luxury service expected by a Premium brand)

For the GNX series, Buick could provide:

Interior:

• Two tone leather interiors with suede inserts
• Remove the standard walnut wood trim and experiment with marble veneer or Corian*)
• Add satin nickel finishes inside (I actually prefer Buick to try something different: try experimenting with copper colored trim)

Exterior:

• Unique exterior metallic paint colors
• Tinted windows (maybe add a unique color to the factory tint that will compliment the exterior/interior colors which will help create a signature look)
• Keep the same general shape of the new "Velite inspired" grille but switch the front grilles from vertical bars to chrome horizontal bars similar to Infiniti's
• Two or three wheel options
• Add bi-Xenon headlamps
• Add LED tail lights

Increase HP by SuperCharging or Turbo: 3.6l SC (maybe 290hp-300hp), 4.6l SC 320hp-330hp)

* look at the possibilities with Corian (rumor is Lincoln is considering to use Corian):





OH! And welcome back Paulie!!!! :)

I'm back from a long time ago...
crazy, but I don't think I was missed :(

[post="871"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Don't ever think that. Good to see you again! Still have the Corolla? Cross winds still getting you down? :)

I'm here... Still the same. Happy to see that C&G is back in business. B)

I'm jealous... Have fun! Here's my list:

1) Highway, tire, & road noise. The Lucerne & DTS are supposed to be much better with blocking/absorbing outside noise.

I've rented Devilles and Sevilles. They were no quieter on the highway than my Park Avenue. I've also had a first Gen Aurora for an extended period and found its interior to actually be quieter. You'll be a good person to gauge the noise level.

2) Road inconsistencies. How well does it handle road inconsistencies? This will be especially important if the one you test drive has Magnetic Ride Control.

3) Steering wheel controls. The Steering wheel design is new for GM (but similar to the Infiniti Q45’s.) Are they intuitive?

4) Body Flex. The wheel base has been stretched even further and the body strengthened... does the car feel solid/more solid than your Aurora?

That’s it for now :)

Woo Hoo! :lol: Now we'll have to relearn who everyone is if they go with a new member name. Man, I remember how much fun that was the last time. lol! It's all worth it. ^_^

Yeah... We'll need to lock this forum :) Good to see you alpha!

Other related articles:

GM to Increase '06 Buick Warranty, Cut Prices:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005...k_warranty.html

GM Promises Consumers Outstanding Value in Their Purchase:
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/08/01/139129.html

http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0...5/01-237654.htm

Detroit News
Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Buick extends warranty on entire lineup


By John Porretto / Associated Press

DETROIT -- Trying to keep pace with high-end competitors, General Motors Corp.'s Buick brand will increase its bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage to four years or 50,000 miles on all 2006 models, up from three years or 36,000 miles, the head of the division said.

GM planned to inform dealers of the enhancement Tuesday.

In addition to the expanded warranty, Buick will make the OnStar in-vehicle communications system standard on all models beginning in 2006 as well.

The new warranty will cover virtually everything except oil changes, Buick Division General Manager Steve Shannon said in an interview with The Associated Press. It also includes roadside assistance and courtesy transportation when vehicles have to remain in the shop overnight, he said.

"If you look at our premium competitors -- Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Lincoln -- it's consistent with where they are," Shannon said. "These are some pretty significant steps to improve the perception of the brand and increase customer value."

Buick, the century-old brand known for producing reliable passenger cars, particularly for the older set, began reshaping its car portfolio in the past year by adding a new premium sedan, the 2005 LaCrosse, and eliminating two aging models, the Century and Regal.

At the Chicago Auto Show in February, Buick revealed another upscale sedan, the Lucerne, which is scheduled to reach showrooms this fall. The Lucerne will cover the same territory in the lineup as the outgoing LeSabre and Park Avenue. It will be Buick's first car to offer a V-8 engine in a decade.

Before Lucerne and LaCrosse, much of Buick's focus was on truck-like vehicles, namely the Rainier and Rendezvous sport utility vehicles and the Terraza crossover sports van, which debuted last fall.

The 2002 Rendezvous was Buick's first truck in 80 years.

As a brand, Buick fared very well in recent J.D. Power and Associates surveys rating initial quality and dependability after three years of ownership. Buick ranked fourth among all brands sold in the United States in both surveys.

Still, overall sales were down 8.4 percent for the first half of 2005, though Buick -- like several other GM brands -- had a robust June with total demand jumping 31 percent from June 2004, the company said.