Buick Lucerne News **CXX Luxury Liner at SEMA (page 4)**
04-25-2004, 11:29 PM
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Buick Lucerne News **CXX Luxury Liner at SEMA (page 4)**
General Motors Corp. has registered the name:
LUCERNE for the USA and Canada.
This is rumored to be a future, large Buick sedan.
LUCERNE for the USA and Canada.
This is rumored to be a future, large Buick sedan.
04-27-2004, 12:07 PM
#6
Yeehaw
Originally posted by SJ Silver Type-S
Thats a brand of Milk in the Bay Area...
Thats a brand of Milk in the Bay Area...
yeah here too....they make all kinds of dairy products.
thats a horrible name.
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09-13-2004, 09:11 AM
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High-end Buick LeSabre replacement to get V8; move stirs internal debate - - By RICK KRANZ | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek.com
DETROIT -- Buick will drop a V8 engine into the highest-priced LeSabre replacement, a move that is spurring an 11th-hour debate.
General Motors staffers are wrestling with how to position the high-end model - the first Buick with a V8 in nearly a decade - in relation to the V6-powered replacement for the LeSabre.
One element both models will share is a series of portholes in the front fenders. That styling cue will signal whether the model carries a V-8 or a V6. The V8 version has four portholes; the V6 has three.
Buick's top-selling vehicle, the front-wheel-drive LeSabre sedan, will be re-engineered and restyled for the 2006 model year. Sales will begin in late 2005.
A new name is likely, as Buick introduces a family of sedans and nameplates to rejuvenate the brand. One name mentioned by dealers is Lucerne.
A GM insider who asked not to be identified says that the V8 LeSabre replacement will be marketed as a "sport luxury" sedan. It will be priced to fill the slots vacated by the Park Avenue and Park Avenue Ultra. Those vehicles have sticker prices from $37,145 to $42,320, including destination.
The insider says the V6 sedan will be priced to keep LeSabre owners in the fold. The 2005 LeSabre's sticker prices range from $27,945 to $33,605, including destination.
2 schools of thought
Because the V8 model's sticker price could be as much as $8,500 above the top-end V-6 LeSabre, GM is debating how much difference - if any - needs to be created beyond portholes.
"That is still in flux. There are two schools of thought," says the GM source. Some say, "You should have some differentiation between (the V6 model) and the sportier edition, and the other (view) is spend your money a different way."
While specifics other than portholes were not given, the sheet metal between the V6 and V8 models will be shared. The V8 model could have a different fascia and grille, along with large wheels.
No 20-inch wheels
Some within GM's styling group want large, 20-inch wheels, the rage in the aftermarket. But wheels larger than 18 inches will not be offered. The car's suspension was not engineered to handle the bumpier ride caused by low-profile tires and large wheels, says a GM engineer familiar with the program.
The last V8-powered car Buick offered was the big, boxy 1996 Roadmaster, a sibling to the Chevrolet Caprice.
The Buick Rendezvous SUV has a V8.
Portholes were a Buick styling characteristic for many years, starting in 1949. They were reintroduced on the 2003 Park Avenue Ultra. But the portholes were expected to die when the Park Avenue is killed this year.
Sources say that GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz revived portholes after the Maserati Quattroporte sedan was unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt auto show. That Maserati has three portholes in the front fenders.
DETROIT -- Buick will drop a V8 engine into the highest-priced LeSabre replacement, a move that is spurring an 11th-hour debate.
General Motors staffers are wrestling with how to position the high-end model - the first Buick with a V8 in nearly a decade - in relation to the V6-powered replacement for the LeSabre.
One element both models will share is a series of portholes in the front fenders. That styling cue will signal whether the model carries a V-8 or a V6. The V8 version has four portholes; the V6 has three.
Buick's top-selling vehicle, the front-wheel-drive LeSabre sedan, will be re-engineered and restyled for the 2006 model year. Sales will begin in late 2005.
A new name is likely, as Buick introduces a family of sedans and nameplates to rejuvenate the brand. One name mentioned by dealers is Lucerne.
A GM insider who asked not to be identified says that the V8 LeSabre replacement will be marketed as a "sport luxury" sedan. It will be priced to fill the slots vacated by the Park Avenue and Park Avenue Ultra. Those vehicles have sticker prices from $37,145 to $42,320, including destination.
The insider says the V6 sedan will be priced to keep LeSabre owners in the fold. The 2005 LeSabre's sticker prices range from $27,945 to $33,605, including destination.
2 schools of thought
Because the V8 model's sticker price could be as much as $8,500 above the top-end V-6 LeSabre, GM is debating how much difference - if any - needs to be created beyond portholes.
"That is still in flux. There are two schools of thought," says the GM source. Some say, "You should have some differentiation between (the V6 model) and the sportier edition, and the other (view) is spend your money a different way."
While specifics other than portholes were not given, the sheet metal between the V6 and V8 models will be shared. The V8 model could have a different fascia and grille, along with large wheels.
No 20-inch wheels
Some within GM's styling group want large, 20-inch wheels, the rage in the aftermarket. But wheels larger than 18 inches will not be offered. The car's suspension was not engineered to handle the bumpier ride caused by low-profile tires and large wheels, says a GM engineer familiar with the program.
The last V8-powered car Buick offered was the big, boxy 1996 Roadmaster, a sibling to the Chevrolet Caprice.
The Buick Rendezvous SUV has a V8.
Portholes were a Buick styling characteristic for many years, starting in 1949. They were reintroduced on the 2003 Park Avenue Ultra. But the portholes were expected to die when the Park Avenue is killed this year.
Sources say that GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz revived portholes after the Maserati Quattroporte sedan was unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt auto show. That Maserati has three portholes in the front fenders.
09-13-2004, 09:12 AM
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I think there is nothing wrong with putting a V8 in the next gen. Lasabre when we see midstream Pontiacs get one.
If supposedly Buick will go againts Lexus, then a V8 is necessary, even with the Lasabre's case.
If supposedly Buick will go againts Lexus, then a V8 is necessary, even with the Lasabre's case.
09-13-2004, 01:20 PM
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I've always had a soft spot for Buick. My dad drove a Regal and I luved it. The V8 is definitely need, but I see Buick/GM's balls shrinking as I read this article. Now, to go against Lexus, Buick should create a lineup similar to there's, even though they can't command the same prices. I think they should copy Lexus' entrance in this market, emulating the best and gaining ground over time. The prices for a V6 LeSabre is $28-36K... now, I commend them for wanting quiet cars like Lexus, but at that price, and because it's going to have a V8 option, lets spend another few thousand and get the damned interior up to par. The proposed flagship for the line is a RWD platform which will hopefully support the Velite too, right? Well, even if they undercut the cheapest luxury competion by $5-6K, they could have a very nice car V8 standard flagship for the $50K range. I think if the marketing is done right, and the pricing is cleverly done, GM has room for two Lux brands, though they would be coming in at different ends of the spectrum. Caddy going all out, putting they're nuts on the table with power, handling, etc. And Buick making tasteful, powerful, quiet, luxurious cars. That won't happen though, as long as they keep bring jokes the the market like that ugly ass LaCross and Terranza (did I spell those right?), wish is a Minivan/fake SUV. 
09-13-2004, 02:55 PM
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Buick need more than a V8 or extra portholes - they need a new image to get new customers into the fold. Otherwise even with a V8 the car will be dismissed as a old man's Catarac.
09-13-2004, 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by kansaiwalker1
Buick need more than a V8 or extra portholes - they need a new image to get new customers into the fold. Otherwise even with a V8 the car will be dismissed as a old man's Catarac.
09-14-2004, 11:40 AM
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Actually I also have a soft spot for Buick since my dad used to drive a 2 door Regal coupe and then later a 4 door Century.
I loved those cars but after my dad was "converted" he only drives Cressidas and now Avalons.
I loved those cars but after my dad was "converted" he only drives Cressidas and now Avalons.
10-17-2004, 09:31 PM
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Spy Shots: ’06 Buick Lucerne - - The LeSabre replacement shapes up quite nicely. - - by Brenda Priddy - - Source: The Car Connection
Are these pictures worth enough to some General Motors engineers to have the local police department intervene? You bet they are! Twenty-four hours after these photographs were taken, our brave and dedicated photographer was pulled over by the local cops, at which time the officer turned around and gave a "thumbs up" to the worried engineers across the street. Apparently they had concerns that we were stalking them!
But truth be told, it was obvious that we were after this first glimpse of the new Buick Lucerne. Codenamed GMX222, the LeSabre replacement will restyled and re-engineered, and likely to reach dealerships in late 2005 as a 2006 model. The front-wheel-drive sedan will move up a notch with Buick amenities to fill the gap to be left by the Park Avenue. LeSabre sales may even continue for a short a while after the Lucerne is launched, adding an even more upscale lure to the eventual replacement.
The Lucerne will be offered with a V-6, or with an optional and quicker 5.3-liter V-8 re-engineered by GM for front-drive use. A six-speed automatic is also expected to be available.
One thing the camouflage may conceal is traditional portholes in the front fenders - three for the V-6 and four for the V-8.
Are these pictures worth enough to some General Motors engineers to have the local police department intervene? You bet they are! Twenty-four hours after these photographs were taken, our brave and dedicated photographer was pulled over by the local cops, at which time the officer turned around and gave a "thumbs up" to the worried engineers across the street. Apparently they had concerns that we were stalking them!
But truth be told, it was obvious that we were after this first glimpse of the new Buick Lucerne. Codenamed GMX222, the LeSabre replacement will restyled and re-engineered, and likely to reach dealerships in late 2005 as a 2006 model. The front-wheel-drive sedan will move up a notch with Buick amenities to fill the gap to be left by the Park Avenue. LeSabre sales may even continue for a short a while after the Lucerne is launched, adding an even more upscale lure to the eventual replacement.
The Lucerne will be offered with a V-6, or with an optional and quicker 5.3-liter V-8 re-engineered by GM for front-drive use. A six-speed automatic is also expected to be available.
One thing the camouflage may conceal is traditional portholes in the front fenders - three for the V-6 and four for the V-8.
10-17-2004, 10:44 PM
#15
Fahrvergnügen'd
First of all, $42k for a Park Avenue Ultra is fucking retarded. That car is about $9k overpriced (at least).
Secondly, GM needs to stop messing with names ... The name LeSabre isn't the reason why the cars don't sell. It's because they are boring cars sold to retirees in Tampa.
GM is so lost.
Secondly, GM needs to stop messing with names ... The name LeSabre isn't the reason why the cars don't sell. It's because they are boring cars sold to retirees in Tampa.
GM is so lost.
10-18-2004, 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by charliemike
First of all, $42k for a Park Avenue Ultra is fucking retarded. That car is about $9k overpriced (at least).
Secondly, GM needs to stop messing with names ... The name LeSabre isn't the reason why the cars don't sell. It's because they are boring cars sold to retirees in Tampa.
GM is so lost.
Secondly, GM needs to stop messing with names ... The name LeSabre isn't the reason why the cars don't sell. It's because they are boring cars sold to retirees in Tampa.
GM is so lost.
Yep. WTF is a Lucerne? That name is scary, to close to Lucifer for me. Nothing wrong with the LeSabre badge.
10-18-2004, 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by titan
Those are the biggest wheels I've ever seen on a Buick (a good thing). Dual pipes are nice too.
Probably 18s.
10-18-2004, 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by titan
Yep. WTF is a Lucerne? That name is scary, to close to Lucifer for me. Nothing wrong with the LeSabre badge.Lu·cerne
1. French luzerne, from Provençal luzerno, glowworm (perhaps from its shiny seeds), from Latin lucerna, lamp, from lcre, to shine.
2. A city of central Switzerland on the northern shore of the Lake of Lucerne, an irregularly shaped lake surrounded by mountains. The city developed around a monastery founded in the eighth century and is a major resort. Population: 59,724.
3. A leguminous plant (Medicago sativa), having bluish purple cloverlike flowers, cultivated for fodder; -- called also alfalfa.
Source: Dictionary.com
12-17-2004, 11:15 AM
#22
Not bad. The tone of the wood...it might even be real! I like the interior door set up; soft padding on top, soft padding for the armrest, getting closer to the Lexus target...I'm glad GM has realized that the one-piece molded look comes off as nothing but cheap looking.
12-17-2004, 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Loseit
softer angles than the STS..looks nicer then. The cadillacs look cheap because of those right angles inside.
02-07-2005, 08:57 PM
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WTF... I don't like that generic ass grill. DAMNIT, they need to make a grill as close to the Velite's as possible. It's attracitve, and like nothing else on the market, while not looking cheap. Thanks for the link Gav; time to register.
02-07-2005, 09:18 PM
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^^ I spoke to soon. Buick has decided to use the Velite's grill. It's good looking. And the Lucerne is acutally an impressive looking car (in the same bland way one might find the LS impressive). Nicer exterior execution than the Lacrosse. It acutally looks like a luxury car. Shame it's FWD.
Last edited by titan; 02-07-2005 at 09:21 PM.
02-09-2005, 11:49 AM
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Luxury cars take center stage at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show - - By BOB GRITZINGER - - Source: Autoweek
Lucerne, a front-driver that replaces the perennially strong-selling LeSabre, offers a V8—a first for a Buick car since the ’96 Roadmaster. The 4.6-liter 275-hp V8 is an alternative to the base 3.8-liter 195-hp V6.
Cadillac premieres the DTS, the division’s only remaining front-driver now that all other models have been converted to rear- and all-wheel drive. The large sedan now sports the common Cadillac styling and comes with two 4.6-liter V8 engine choices, one making 275 hp and a higher-revving version producing 290 hp. DTS and_Lucerne go on sale this fall.
Cadillac premieres the DTS, the division’s only remaining front-driver now that all other models have been converted to rear- and all-wheel drive. The large sedan now sports the common Cadillac styling and comes with two 4.6-liter V8 engine choices, one making 275 hp and a higher-revving version producing 290 hp. DTS and_Lucerne go on sale this fall.
02-09-2005, 11:51 AM
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Source: Autoweek
Buick has some ambitious and aggressive plans for its LeSabre replacement.
How ambitious? Try Toyota Avalon or Lexus ES 330 territory.
How aggressive? Try a price point north of the $26,725 LeSabre and a move into the entry-luxury segment.
As the third vehicle in Buick's self-described product transformation, the Lucerne is a re-engineered and restyled sedan that Buick hopes can attract a new buyer.
"We expect the Lucerne, along with the LaCrosse and Terraza, to appeal to many new customers and account for approximately 75 percent of Buick sales," says Buick general manager John Larson. "We're in the process of rolling out one of the most aggressive product programs in Buick history."
Buick, and the LeSabre, could use a shot in the arm. LeSabre sales have dropped 21.4 percent during the last three years, from 145,304 in 2001.
With an infusion of ride and performance technology, and the addition of a V-8 engine, Buick says the front-wheel-drive Lucerne offers a better mix of technology and sophistication.
Buick will push the Lucerne's exterior design, premium interior and overall quietness when it brings the vehicle to market in the fourth quarter this year.
Among the changes this year:
>>> Lucerne will be the first Buick to offer Magnetic Ride Control, a handling system that uses magnetically charged particles suspended in fluid to continuously adjust the fluid's thickness to varying road surfaces and driving characteristics. The result: less body roll during cornering.
>>> Lucerne is the first Buick car to offer V-8 power in a decade. The V-8 features a 4.6-liter, 32-valve dual overhead cam engine estimated at 275 horsepower. A 3.8-liter V-6 is also available.
>>> Buick will provide six standard airbags on the Lucerne, including a dual-stage driver air bag, side-impact and side curtain air bags. Also included is a dual depth front passenger airbag that deploys to either a reduced depth or increased depth depending on the position of the seat and severity of impact.
How ambitious? Try Toyota Avalon or Lexus ES 330 territory.
How aggressive? Try a price point north of the $26,725 LeSabre and a move into the entry-luxury segment.
As the third vehicle in Buick's self-described product transformation, the Lucerne is a re-engineered and restyled sedan that Buick hopes can attract a new buyer.
"We expect the Lucerne, along with the LaCrosse and Terraza, to appeal to many new customers and account for approximately 75 percent of Buick sales," says Buick general manager John Larson. "We're in the process of rolling out one of the most aggressive product programs in Buick history."
Buick, and the LeSabre, could use a shot in the arm. LeSabre sales have dropped 21.4 percent during the last three years, from 145,304 in 2001.
With an infusion of ride and performance technology, and the addition of a V-8 engine, Buick says the front-wheel-drive Lucerne offers a better mix of technology and sophistication.
Buick will push the Lucerne's exterior design, premium interior and overall quietness when it brings the vehicle to market in the fourth quarter this year.
Among the changes this year:
>>> Lucerne will be the first Buick to offer Magnetic Ride Control, a handling system that uses magnetically charged particles suspended in fluid to continuously adjust the fluid's thickness to varying road surfaces and driving characteristics. The result: less body roll during cornering.
>>> Lucerne is the first Buick car to offer V-8 power in a decade. The V-8 features a 4.6-liter, 32-valve dual overhead cam engine estimated at 275 horsepower. A 3.8-liter V-6 is also available.
>>> Buick will provide six standard airbags on the Lucerne, including a dual-stage driver air bag, side-impact and side curtain air bags. Also included is a dual depth front passenger airbag that deploys to either a reduced depth or increased depth depending on the position of the seat and severity of impact.
02-09-2005, 01:01 PM
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Yeah... I like this car. Styling is derivative, but so is the LS. It's a DAMN shame they powertrains are sooo sad. This car should get the 3.6HFV6 and a 300HP version of the Northstar. It should also be AWD... it's crazy that the Aura will get the 3.6L V6 at launch, but they won't put it in this car.
02-09-2005, 01:44 PM
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The 3.8L V6 makes only 195hp? And they want to take on the new Avalon's 280hp V6?
I hope they make the V8 Lucerne widely available because the 195hp V6 ain't gonna cut it in this beached whale.
I hope they make the V8 Lucerne widely available because the 195hp V6 ain't gonna cut it in this beached whale.