InvictaMan

One other thought: I hope the dealer network will find some way to get input on the content potential buyers would like to see in those initial buys. It was a hopeless challenge to find an Enclave that did not have captains chairs and a NAV without the rear seat DVD system in a tasteful color (that would be black or brown). Not every buyer in their new target range has a brood of kids and are purists about their SUV seating arrangement. This was a "real" problem for full load capacity until they finally came out with the rear, center console. Just thought it might be nice to find what you are looking for when the INVICTA (are you listening Buick and GM? LOL) hits the showrooms.

More observation to potentially back up the budget model theory. Take a look at that center console. The screen above the controls appears to be smaller in size than that of the NAV screen we've seen. I sure hope that didn't shrink, when everyone else's screens are getting larger. This model does appear to have the ambient lighting, take a look at the sweep of blue across the dash and the glow on the side of the console. Looks like the cheaper rear views too. Went back and looked and I must say my guess for the production model was pretty much on the money. The biggest difference is in the lower fascia. I actually prefer my lower fascia, more aggressive and less vanilla. Let's hope the projector lenses appear on the upscale version, they look much more in keeping with where this vehicle should be. Production Invicta Chop Link

I'll chime in agreement with the fact that this is just a poor photo of either a pre-production model that is not completely put together or more likely, a base model. It looks contented down, the interior has cheaper materials than other spy photos we have seen. This car is so close to the concept, and every other spy photo that we have seen, that it seems absurd for everyone to go over the deep end. Let's wait and see what it looks like when it gets all dressed up for introduction and is photographed properly. I will agree that the headlights have gone down in style, and something other than parts bin, round fog lights would be nice. Just reading the article makes me wonder how much trust to put in its content: "In just its third model year since debuting for 2005, the Buick LaCrosse is still a relatively new vehicle. While a freshening was expected—and confirmed earlier this year—for 2009, we weren’t under the impression that Buick’s mid-size sedan was being totally redesigned so soon. However, in light of these leaked photos of a pre-production 2010 LaCrosse, it appears GM has put the car on fast-forward." Where have Jordan Brown and Car and Driver been the last two years or so while this has been developed. Obviously not seeing the same sources as we have and definitely not reading C&G. The sad part is that upon looking at the photos more closely, there is what appears to be a LaCROSSE badge on the back. Could be chopped, but. Man, I hate that name.

With all the talk of GM division crossover, I've always said that Cadillac wouldn't have to worry about the likes of Buick stepping on their heels if they were aiming at the right competitors. Apparently one of their should be competitors is feeling the heat from the new CTS, their new baby car sure looks a lot like it in design characteristics. You can bet that the interior of this will be a level for Cadillac to envy though. Link To Leftlane Article

Very interesting.... the images at Leftlane that I linked to are no longer there. Must have gotten a little too hot and close for comfort for somebody. The image Camino posted first shows most of the detail that were in the new one, for those who did not get to see it. I agree, this is a step that should be taken to make the Vette more credible; however, a friend who has a C5 ZR1 thought it was a bit dramatic. There will always be purists. If the Vette takes this direction. maybe this means that we will see a Caddy Cien after all. Hey, take a look at the new Aston Martin One-77 and you can see it is time to move forward.

Here's some new info and pics from Leftlane. Link

Buick is 6th — ahead of BMW, Lincoln, Honda, Porsche, Jaguar, M-B and 43 points above industry average. Link To Article At Leftlane

I agree. Though I need SUV utility for business, gas prices are making me consider dropping a luxed up SUV that can do utility and drive clients around with some class. I'm thinking the old pick-up can handle duty and I can return to a more efficient sedan for daily driving. That is why I am waiting for the Invicta specs before I make a decision. The Acura TL would have been on my short list, but the new ones are just too ugly and I have issues with Honda now. The Invicta is definitely more appealing to me if it is executed as well as or better than the Enclave and it stands up to the competition. My biggest issue with Buick is the price. They seem unwilling to negotiate (at least that was my experience with three different dealers on the Enclave) and are still pushing prices that do not yet support the longterm value. It takes time, and buyers who are willing to take that gamble are not being rewarded in the sale.

Especially when Acura's uglies are on the way to market and Buick is still dragging along on Invicta production. I will tell you that I have two friends who opted for Enclaves over the MDX. And I am still considering those two choices. So there must be some cross shopping.

Given the current state of design over at Acura, this would be a prime opportunity for Buick to get in there and steal away sales. Have you seen the new pics of the TL? Jimmy Durrante lives again! Or perhaps, "calling Marie Antoinette." The Invicta could lay waste to that thing. A shame, the TL was always such a handsome vehicle. I'll take sweap spear over hunchback wheel swells any day. Same goes for the TSX. Buick needs a smaller than Invicta entry, there is nothing premium about Saturn. Somewhat changing the subject, but, the Riviera Concept far exceeds the design language of these new renderings of the NSX at Edmunds: Link To Renderings At least the hunchback fender swells are more integrated. Another thought: Based on what we have heard about the Chinese Regal on the SWB, is there going to be enough difference between it and the Invicta to motivate NA buyers to choose between them? I see Regal as a completely different car, not just fascia changes. Other than a slight wheelbase difference, it sounds too much like Century and Regal deus to me.

Interesting data, but a lot of gray areas for interpretation. If it were a true survey, the gray areas would not be counted as legitimate data. It would be interesting to see how things would stack up without the maybes. Thanks for taking the time putting this together for us and thanks to everybody who took the time to respond. It was a fun read.

Don't claim to be a teacher, that's my sister, but I thought this might be a great place to insert this... Honey and Vinegar Link Bottom line, instead of slamming GM, how about letting them see how sweet your honey can be (proof of a market for your desires, like the letter campaign) and they might just want to taste it. I know they must read this site, man, how depressing that must be to face ridicule each day.

The internet is a great tool... and a great weapon. There is a reason why they call these things "viral." Negativity spreads fast on the WWW and things appear more real than they actually are sometimes. Ever heard the phrase "But I heard it on TV?" I came here because I wanted to switch my thinking from foriegn to domestic. My family historically has always been GM buyers and I was told this was a GM "enthusiasts" site. A great deal of what I've seen here in the last year is negativity, one-upmanship and attempts to make those who come here to learn about GM feel ignorant and insignificant. Unfortunately, that happens in most internet communities. It is just so easy when you don't know people personally. I guess we have to look up to the top of the page and read "GM's Biggest Fans and Toughest Critics" to realize that some of the negativity has been invited.

Ran across the gallery of this car. In the thumbnail link it looked like a Pontiac. I'm sure Pontiac enthusiasts only wish. Enjoy! Link to gallery

Like I said, "fascinating."

I didn't say revitalization. Rebirth is about as good as it gets. And with Buick (and all car companies) to be performing as good as they are in this climate, I'd say is a good thing. The economy has been off for six or more years, and I'd hardly call the current gas prices a surprise. My comment simply outlined that Buick is getting far better respect and appreciation than just a few short years ago.

Not ragging the Malibu, because I think it is a great car in its class, but I am pining for the world's nicest Buick. Just a very few short years back, people didn't even give Buick the time of day. Look at the car mags and web sites now. Thanks to the Lucerne and more importantly, the Enclave, Buick is starting to be taken seriously. This car, if executed as well as the concept and Enclave, will be a great asset for GM. If not in sales, in achievement and PR. I'm finding the rebirth of Buick fascinating.

They look to be as much or more useful than the windows in the Chrysler 300. I'm just happy they didn't disappear from concept to production. There was lamentation here a while back about the fear of loosing the low profile greenhouse, surely we aren't going to turn on it now.

1. How many new Buicks have you purchased/leased since the 1998 model year? None. I inherited both a 1967 and 1972 Skylark from my parents in college. 2. Do you intend to purchase/lease a new Buick in the next two model years? Yes, Invicta is very possible. Enclave, maybe. Would love a Theta-Ep Buick. Can that happen in two years?

Upon second look it appears that the first photo, with the guy standing behind it, shows a car that is a darker color, like black. All to date have been white, so they are multiplying. Bad news is, the pretty rear views are gone on these mules. Hope that is just an oversight.

Looks like the tail lights are on target. More headlight detail. Door handles. One piece at a time, sweet Jesus! GM, PLEASE NAME THIS CAR! Link below. Enjoy! LeftLane Article

My sentiments exactly. This car has always looked like a quick fix for the "why does Chevrolet get to have the most desired performance car" blues. I thought this car looked half-baked when it first debuted. If I were Cadillac, I'd ditch it until I could have a true car that fits this segment, not a Corvette in dated, creased sheet metal. Remember Evoq? Blow some dust off of those plans and you are half way there.

Article says one, maybe two. We've known for some time now that the Outlook was on death row. Who knows, maybe the Acadia will survive. But three high end, or should I say expensive, Lambdas? GMC crossovers seem like Cadillac trucks, kind of out of place. GMC is the "professional truck" brand, they should stick to trucks and let the "car" companies sell cars and crossovers. JMHO.

Apparently the downsizing continues and two Lambdas are getting the ax. Must be Outlook and Acadia with huge Enclave sales. Link To LeftLane Article.

Tumbleweed crosses screen from left to right.