GM Trademarks Buick Riviera Name

CAR GARAGE | GM Trademarks Buick Riviera Name | GM's trademarking of the name Riviera Could mean a few different Things. Buick is planning on showing off a new Riviera concept car sometime in the near future - a move That Could preview of a future Buick halo car. Buick is getting a rear-drive model of its own on either the Alpha or Zeta platforms. Currently, the only rear-drive Buick is the Chinese-market Park Avenue, the which is a Holden Commodore with a Buick badge. What do you think GM's got in store for the Buick Riviera?

At the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show, it introduced the well-received Buick Riviera Concept.  The front-drive car featured gullwing doors and a two-plus-two seating configuration. Had the Riviera Concept been produced, it would have served as Buick's flagship model, just as the nameplate had in the past.

Automakers frequently try to cash in on the nostalgia of old nameplates for new models. Now, According to GM Inside News, GM is set to cash in on a historic nameplate yet again, having filed a trademark for the "Riviera" nameplate.

Buick Enclave (2013)

CAR GARAGE | Buick Enclave (2013) | The 2013 Buick Enclave makes its public debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The 2013 Enclave advances the award-winning design, craftsmanship and technology That Buick reintroduced to a new generation of customers," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. Buick Enclave saw record sales in 2011, making it more popular than the three-row crossovers from Acura, Audi and Lincoln. The Enclave is Offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, and powered by a 3.6L direct-injected V-6 and an updated six-speed automatic transmission That Contribute to the more refined driving experience. Buick's Quiet Tuning engineering process reduces, blocks and absorbs unwanted noise from the Enclave's cabin, making it quieter than a Lexus RX350.

The Buick Enclave's engineers improved its car like driving experience with revised front and rear dampers, for Greater smoothness and an enhanced feeling of control. In the rear, new low-velocity shocks help control inputs Reduced road That Could be felt inside the passenger compartment. All models feature an independent front and rear suspensions, with variable-effort power-assisted steering; and a direct-acting stabilizer bar on the McPherson-strut front suspension helps Provide a more immediate feeling of responsiveness during turns. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 19 - and 20-inch wheels are available. Revised controls in the next-generation Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission also Contribute to Enclave's smoother feel behind the wheel. They improve the shift feel and overall drive ability - and the fuel-saving six-speed design helps the three-row Enclave Buick deliver an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models).

In 2012, every Buick models was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, underscoring the brand's commitment to safety leadership. The 2013 Buick Enclave builds on that commitment with the industry's first front center airbag - a standard feature. The center front air bags, standard on all 2013 models Enclave, was created to help protect drivers and front passengers in side-impact crashes far. Standard safety features also include StabiliTrak, traction control, panic brake assist, rear-vision camera system and seven total water bags - Including head-curtain side air bags covering all outboard occupants in passenger three rows.

Buick Enclave offers three rows of seating, available in seven-or eight-passenger configurations. The second-row seats feature the Smart Slide system, the which allows Easier entry to the third row, with the pull of a single handle. The Buick Enclave's new appearance is instantly recognizable as a modern Buick and the LED lighting elements enhance its technologically advanced presence.

2012 Buick Regal GS

CAR GARAGE | 2012 Buick Regal GS | Buick's Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the GS, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience by changing the suspension settings and steering sensitivity Between three modes: standard, sport and GS. "Built on the performance foundation of the Regal, the Buick Regal GS was designed as an even sportier expression of responsive performance and style," said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. The GS-specific black interior is accented with satin-finish elements on the instrument panel, steering wheel and console, while the instrument panel glows white when the driver engages the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCs).

The Buick Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCs) chassis technology (also Offered on other Regal models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and Greater driving safety. The driver Selects Among three operating modes - standard, sport and GS - that change the suspension settings, and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system. A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. Selecting GS mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response. The sport mode provides a level of performance standard and the GS Between modes.

A three-inch-diameter exhaust system provides reduced back pressure, resulting in higher engine Power Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power through Increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions.

The Buick Regal GS rides on a wheelbase of 107.8 Relatively long inches (2738 mm), the which delivers refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics. It also features a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension design. front and rear dampers incorporate active Computer Damping Control (CDC), continuously changing damper characteristics to maintain optimal vehicle ride control over varying road surfaces and profiles. Braking power comes from a large diameter four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers. The Buick Regal GS also features standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.

2013 Buick Encore

CAR GARAGE | 2013 Buick Encore | Buick Encore is a great-looking, smart choice for Those who crossover want luxury amenities in a more maneuverable and agile vehicle," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. Buick introduced the all-new 2013 Encore - a small luxury crossover delivers That Buick's signature style, interior refinement and acoustic collection of luxury amenities in a maneuverable, versatile and efficient package. With room for five and up to 48.4 cubic feet (1.372 liters) of storage space with the rear seat folded, the Buick Encore offers substantial cargo capacity along with the confident, higher driving position, all-wheel-drive capability and contemporary styling of a crossover.

A Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission 1.4L Ecotec Backs the turbo engine. This design enables a shorter overall vehicle length, Increased interior space, enhanced safety and lower weight crush zones. This allows the Buick Encore to Achieve robust acceleration, as well as fuel efficiency and lower engine noise at highway cruising speeds. A neutral-gear disengagement feature helps enhance smoothness and efficiency.

The new Buick Encore is built on a global small-crossover platform and engineered with a "one-tire" philosophy. The Buick Encore's 100.6-inch (2.555 mm) wheelbase and wide stance - 60.6-inch (1.540 mm) front and rear tracks - Contribute to a more confident-feeling driving experience, while a strong structure enables the Greater suspension precision and a quieter ride. The Buick Encore also features a column-mounted, variable-effort electric power steering system.

The Encore brings Buick's timeless, sculptural design to the crossover segment in a way That blends elegance, efficiency and utility, said David Lyon, executive director of design. Blue-projector-beam headlamps accented and detailed tail lamps enhance the premium appearance; and 18-inch, five-spoke painted aluminum wheels are standard. Seven-spoke chrome wheels are available. Inside, the Buick Encore's organic styling carries over to a flowing instrument panel wraps That naturally into the door panels. A prominent central instrument panel houses the large, full-color, seven-inch LCD display for the IntelliLink radio voice-activated system. Premium seats featuring high-density foam for comfort on long drives Greater are trimmed with either a contemporary cloth / leatherette or available leather motif. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are available.

2013 Buick Regal To be Outfitted with Mild Hybrid eAssist as Standard

It takes a lot of money and time to develop and produce hybrid cars and electric vehicles, but that's not to say regular gasoline cars can't benefit from some of their technology.

Mild hybrid technology is a cost-effective way of improving the gas mileage of a car using a fairly simple electric motor and battery setup.

That's the approach Buick is taking, when it equips its 2013 model-year Buick Regals with eAssist.

The 2.4-liter gasoline Regal will use the system, that pairs a small lithium-ion battery pack with a small electric motor, to assist the engine. That will allow it to achieve an estimated 36 mpg on the highway, under the EPA cycle.

That's an improvement of 5 mpg over the 2012 Buick Regal 2.4, and raises combined economy from 23 mpg to 29 mpg, or enough to save around $450 in gas each year on the EPA's 45 percent highway, 55 percent city, 15,000 mile estimate.

eAssist is already available on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan. Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing, explains that “Buick is committed to increasing innovation across the lineup,"

"By making the advanced eAssist powertrain standard on a second vehicle, we are putting the spotlight on smart technology" he adds.

Buick hasn't yet announced an on-sale date. Pricing for the 2013 Buick Regal eAssist is also yet to be confirmed.



Source: Green Car Reports

Useless Teaser of the Day: 2013 Buick Encore Small CUV

So you thought General Motor's second teaser of the 2013 Buick Encore would actually show us the CUV, did you? Well, it doesn't. All we get is a glimpse of the Encore's hood.

You'll have to wait a few more days to get a meaningful preview of the small crossover model when the Detroit brand reveals the second of a total of four pictures on its official Facebook page.

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Useless Teaser of the Day: 2013 Buick Encore Small CUV

So you thought General Motor's second teaser of the 2013 Buick Encore would actually show us the CUV, did you? Well, it doesn't. All we get is a glimpse of the Encore's hood.

You'll have to wait a few more days to get a meaningful preview of the small crossover model when the Detroit brand reveals the second of a total of four pictures on its official Facebook page.

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The Company Formerly Known as “Old GM” is Dead at Age 103

It was long overdue, but it was bound to happen: the company lawyers named Motors Liquidation Co. but which we came to know as "old GM" during the 2009 government bailout period, died on Thursday, December 15.

Though it had a very long lifespan of 103 years, no one really noticed its demise. After all, this was just U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerbert signing the death certificate. Giving birth to the “new GM” two years ago was a very painful process – and one that most of those involved would like to forget.

It meant the sacrifice of three of its brands (Pontiac, Hummer and Saturn) and getting rid of another (Saab, which ironically is now in a similar position), closing 13 plants along with 900 dealerships. GM also had to reduce its U.S. workforce from 91,000 to 68,500 employees, which either way, is a far cry from the 525,000 workers it had in the States and another 100,000 outside the country in 1955.

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The Company Formerly Known as “Old GM” is Dead at Age 103

It was long overdue, but it was bound to happen: the company lawyers named Motors Liquidation Co. but which we came to know as "old GM" during the 2009 government bailout period, died on Thursday, December 15.

Though it had a very long lifespan of 103 years, no one really noticed its demise. After all, this was just U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerbert signing the death certificate. Giving birth to the “new GM” two years ago was a very painful process – and one that most of those involved would like to forget.

It meant the sacrifice of three of its brands (Pontiac, Hummer and Saturn) and getting rid of another (Saab, which ironically is now in a similar position), closing 13 plants along with 900 dealerships. GM also had to reduce its U.S. workforce from 91,000 to 68,500 employees, which either way, is a far cry from the 525,000 workers it had in the States and another 100,000 outside the country in 1955.

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10 Cool Muscle Cars

We love cool muscle cars and here we feature our 10 favorite muscle cars. The true muscle car was built for the everyday American who wanted more power and these beauties certainly have power. 

1. 1970 Buick ‘GSX’ Stage 1 
This cool muscle car did the quarter mile in 13.38 seconds and came in only two colors – Apollo White or Saturn Yellow.

2. 1969 427 COPO Chevelle 
A special order by dealers designated Central Office Production Order, the 1969 427 COPO Chevelle.

A special order by dealers designated Central Office Production Order, the 1969 427 COPO Chevelle had a limited run of about 320 cars. This 450 bhp muscle car was fitted with a L72 427-cid V-8 due to demand from muscle loving Chevy dealers. Interestingly enough, Chevy didn’t want their mid-sizes at the time to have more than 400 cid. But the COPO Chevelles were made and distributed to some very happy dealers.

3. 1965 Pontiac GTO 
Possibly the one to start the American muscle car craze, the Goat or 1965 Pontiac Tempest GTO.

Possibly the one to start the American muscle car craze, the Goat or 1965 Pontiac Tempest GTO option featured racing car options that remained inspirational long after it was out driven in speed and power. From 0-60 in 6.1 seconds was not shabby, but not awe-inspiring considering the next 10 years of muscle cars. Regardless, this muscle car has the chops to make this list just by starting the phenom that has turned car enthusiasts into weekend warriors under the hood.

4. 1969 ZL1 Camaro 
Perhaps one of the rarest of muscle cars, the 1969 ZL1 Camaro.

Probably one of the rarest of muscle cars, the 1969 ZL1 Camaro featured a jaw-dropping 500 horses under the hood in an aluminum V-8 engine. This cool muscle car could go from 0-60 in about 5.3 seconds, which was why some of the 69 models made found their way into drag-racing. Over time, the full complement of cars was sold; however, the package option was never offered again.

5. 1970 454 Chevelle SS 
The 1970 454 Chevelle SS muscle car.

The 1970 Super Sport package Chevelle featuring the LS6 package came in at a whopping 454 horse. The option was standard for the average car buyer of the day making it one of the most powerful stock cars anyone could purchase. With racing stripes and a smooth interior, this muscle monger was the average muscle lover’s dream.

6. 1969 Ford Mustang ‘Boss 429’ 
The ‘Boss 429’ 1969 Ford Mustang was the costliest non-Shelby Mustang Ford offered at the time.

The ‘Boss 429’ 1969 Ford Mustang was the costliest non-Shelby Mustang Ford offered at the time. The reason came down to the semi-hemi 429 engine that Ford wanted to get into NASCAR. While the car was not built for its screaming starts, it was known for long-haul racing capabilities and smooth handling.

7. 1970 Plymouth Hemi-Cuda 
A brute on the road, the Hemi Cuda was made for muscle lovers.

The baddest of the 1970 Plymouth Barracudas or Hemi Cudas featured a 425 bhp 426 hemi engine. This muscle car boasted a 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and was known for burning rubber without much prompting. A brute on the road, the Hemi Cuda was made for muscle lovers. The Hemi Cuda came in one engine size, 426, while the other four engine options for the ‘Cuda did not have hemispherical heads.

8. 1969 Z28 Camaro 
Perhaps one of the most stylish muscle cars, the Camaro Z28.

Not the most powerful, the 1969 Z28 Camaro was built for the excitement of road racing and loved for its sense of style and handling capabilities. Perhaps one of the most stylish and cool muscle cars, this Camaro could do a quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds though only at a speed of a little more than 100 mph. Despite that obvious lack of raw power, it was noted for its great handling with four-disc brakes, positraction and power steering.

9. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C 
This sporty little number looked like a European sports car, yet had the muscle to prove it was American.

Thought to have too much power for its chassis, the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C featured an impressive 480 bhp. This sporty little number looked like a European sports car, yet had the muscle to prove it was American. Two twin turbocharged versions of this super car were made – one for Bill Cosby and one for Shelby. Cosby sold his because it had too much power and the next owner put it in a lake; Shelby’s Super Snake was sold in 2007 for $5.5 million US.

10. 1968 L88 Corvette 
The 1968 L88 Corvette is thought to be the end-all, be-all in the Corvette world.

Boasting a top speed of about 170 mph with a special order package, the 1968 L88 Corvette is thought to be the end-all, be-all in the Corvette world. The 550 bhp motor was designed specifically for racing and GM didn’t want the L88 on the open road due to its power. More standard features of everyday cars such as air conditioning and a radio weren’t even offered to make this powerful car less attractive to the common man.

10 Cool Muscle Cars

We love cool muscle cars and here we feature our 10 favorite muscle cars. The true muscle car was built for the everyday American who wanted more power and these beauties certainly have power. 

1. 1970 Buick ‘GSX’ Stage 1 
This cool muscle car did the quarter mile in 13.38 seconds and came in only two colors – Apollo White or Saturn Yellow.

2. 1969 427 COPO Chevelle 
A special order by dealers designated Central Office Production Order, the 1969 427 COPO Chevelle.

A special order by dealers designated Central Office Production Order, the 1969 427 COPO Chevelle had a limited run of about 320 cars. This 450 bhp muscle car was fitted with a L72 427-cid V-8 due to demand from muscle loving Chevy dealers. Interestingly enough, Chevy didn’t want their mid-sizes at the time to have more than 400 cid. But the COPO Chevelles were made and distributed to some very happy dealers.

3. 1965 Pontiac GTO 
Possibly the one to start the American muscle car craze, the Goat or 1965 Pontiac Tempest GTO.

Possibly the one to start the American muscle car craze, the Goat or 1965 Pontiac Tempest GTO option featured racing car options that remained inspirational long after it was out driven in speed and power. From 0-60 in 6.1 seconds was not shabby, but not awe-inspiring considering the next 10 years of muscle cars. Regardless, this muscle car has the chops to make this list just by starting the phenom that has turned car enthusiasts into weekend warriors under the hood.

4. 1969 ZL1 Camaro 
Perhaps one of the rarest of muscle cars, the 1969 ZL1 Camaro.

Probably one of the rarest of muscle cars, the 1969 ZL1 Camaro featured a jaw-dropping 500 horses under the hood in an aluminum V-8 engine. This cool muscle car could go from 0-60 in about 5.3 seconds, which was why some of the 69 models made found their way into drag-racing. Over time, the full complement of cars was sold; however, the package option was never offered again.

5. 1970 454 Chevelle SS 
The 1970 454 Chevelle SS muscle car.

The 1970 Super Sport package Chevelle featuring the LS6 package came in at a whopping 454 horse. The option was standard for the average car buyer of the day making it one of the most powerful stock cars anyone could purchase. With racing stripes and a smooth interior, this muscle monger was the average muscle lover’s dream.

6. 1969 Ford Mustang ‘Boss 429’ 
The ‘Boss 429’ 1969 Ford Mustang was the costliest non-Shelby Mustang Ford offered at the time.

The ‘Boss 429’ 1969 Ford Mustang was the costliest non-Shelby Mustang Ford offered at the time. The reason came down to the semi-hemi 429 engine that Ford wanted to get into NASCAR. While the car was not built for its screaming starts, it was known for long-haul racing capabilities and smooth handling.

7. 1970 Plymouth Hemi-Cuda 
A brute on the road, the Hemi Cuda was made for muscle lovers.

The baddest of the 1970 Plymouth Barracudas or Hemi Cudas featured a 425 bhp 426 hemi engine. This muscle car boasted a 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and was known for burning rubber without much prompting. A brute on the road, the Hemi Cuda was made for muscle lovers. The Hemi Cuda came in one engine size, 426, while the other four engine options for the ‘Cuda did not have hemispherical heads.

8. 1969 Z28 Camaro 
Perhaps one of the most stylish muscle cars, the Camaro Z28.

Not the most powerful, the 1969 Z28 Camaro was built for the excitement of road racing and loved for its sense of style and handling capabilities. Perhaps one of the most stylish and cool muscle cars, this Camaro could do a quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds though only at a speed of a little more than 100 mph. Despite that obvious lack of raw power, it was noted for its great handling with four-disc brakes, positraction and power steering.

9. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C 
This sporty little number looked like a European sports car, yet had the muscle to prove it was American.

Thought to have too much power for its chassis, the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C featured an impressive 480 bhp. This sporty little number looked like a European sports car, yet had the muscle to prove it was American. Two twin turbocharged versions of this super car were made – one for Bill Cosby and one for Shelby. Cosby sold his because it had too much power and the next owner put it in a lake; Shelby’s Super Snake was sold in 2007 for $5.5 million US.

10. 1968 L88 Corvette 
The 1968 L88 Corvette is thought to be the end-all, be-all in the Corvette world.

Boasting a top speed of about 170 mph with a special order package, the 1968 L88 Corvette is thought to be the end-all, be-all in the Corvette world. The 550 bhp motor was designed specifically for racing and GM didn’t want the L88 on the open road due to its power. More standard features of everyday cars such as air conditioning and a radio weren’t even offered to make this powerful car less attractive to the common man.

Peek a Boo: Buick Shows First Teaser Photo of 2013 Encore Crossover

General Motors has just announced that its new Buick crossover model that will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month will be named Encore, confirming previous speculations.

The company also published a cropped image of the 2013 Buick Encore giving us a glimpse of what’s to come, with the promise to release more photos over the next few weeks.

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Peek a Boo: Buick Shows First Teaser Photo of 2013 Encore Crossover

General Motors has just announced that its new Buick crossover model that will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month will be named Encore, confirming previous speculations.

The company also published a cropped image of the 2013 Buick Encore giving us a glimpse of what’s to come, with the promise to release more photos over the next few weeks.

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