VenSeattle

So, NOS, what did we learn from Ocnblu today? "Nips" are good but watch out for the "tucks" (Reg pic)... I'm so glad the Lounge is not visible to visitors

I like the contrast... I think an "all blue" interior would make it look as dull as an "all gray" interior. However, one of my mother's previous Park Avenues had an all blue interior... very nice. Regardless, I think all Buicks should incorporate contrast piping into their interiors. It looks very nice on the Terraza and in the Deville pic.

It looks Subaru-ish to me... front and back... like a down sized Tribeca... maybe Tribeca B-6? or B-3?

Martha Stewart still has a very large (age 30-50) female following along with an upscale reputation. I think this could help Buick if her return as the "Queen of Domesticity" is widely accepted.

Here's the Antares concept for reference:

Heh... the RR badge on the side looks like the new GM badges that are being placed on all of GM's vehicles... The first thing I thought of when seeing the pic was "It's made by GM" :lol: I've always liked Rolls. The Phantom does look better in person and puts the Maybach to shame in prestige & presence. Every time I see the Maybach I just think bloated S-Class. I'm sure several S-Class owners think/feel the same.

Yeah... I think he's referring to the LaCrosse and Lucerne receiving some changes/more standard equipment by 2007. Things I would like too see happen on the 2007 models: LaCrosse:4-Channel Stabilitrak at least available if not standard on all trims(CX,CXL,CXS) 6-sp Automatic standard2.8l V6 standard on CX, CXL (210-220hp)Increase HP of 3.6l V6 to 250-260HID headlights standard or available. Memory seat package available on the CXL & CXS trimsNav system available on CXL & CXS trimsTailights updated to LED (Hey, Honda can do it in a mid-life Accord refreshening) 18" wheels that the LaCrosse debuted with become available/standard on CXSReal wood available with wood accented steering wheelLucerne:6-Sp automatic standardPower tilt/telescoping steering wheel becomes standard on all trimsHeated rear seats available on CXL; Standard on CXSrestyled airvents on center console for backseat passengers (they look cheap)HID headlights become standard on all trimsLED tail lights become standard (similar to Phaeton's. Why change the taillight pattern now?)3.6l V6 becomes standard on CX & CXL trims (with the revised HP from above)4.6l V8 hp increased to 300Real wood available with wood accented steering wheel*edited to add request for real wood

It doesn't look bad at all. Different but attractive IMO.

Good lord... after seeing turbo's pic, I have to post a more flattering pic (the first makes me look like I'm trying to hide my weight.) This was taken over the weekend. Okay... so he still has me beat... eh... I'll let the testosterone calm down

Looks good... but GM should just sell SAAB brand & the SAAB plants/HQ to Fuji Heavy instead of continuing joint ventures between the two brands. Their airplane history would compliment each other. It just seems like a natural marriage.

Yeah... I found that little discovery about the manual tilt to be kind of annoying. the DTS & Lucerne should be sharing the same power tilt/telescoping steering column.

Am I the only one who thinks Ford Focus when looking at the Kia Rio?

Unfortunately, 98 did not disappear because of the big crash. He left before it. So he's not MIA either. He left on his own free will.

If Buick's Theta was going to be a rebadge like the Torrent then wouldn't it be out sooner than 2009? I thought the Buick Theta was supposed to have more in common with Cadillac's Theta instead?

the last place GM needs to debut their new SUVs is in California :P

No, but he has a fondness of Goats :lol:

Oooooooooooooooh okaaaaaaaaay... About 8 months ago at the "Festival of Lights" in Bellevue's Botanical Gardens (it's one of the few pics I have of myself actually smiling):

Oh come on... someone try a horizontal Infiniti-like grille on the front :)

I just don't see how your father got "grandma's car" out of driving the CXS. A CX or CXL with the bench but not the CXS. What is your father's normal preference?

Hmmm... wonder if it will debut with the same 4-sp automatic that the new Eclipse and current Galant have? I figure if there was a 5-sp auto available for this platform that Mitsubishi would have debuted it in the all new Eclipse. Still only a 4-sp in an all new car.

Funny as hell about the moon.google site. Thanks nick!

Well, if GMC is getting the Lambda minivan then I don't mind the Terraza disappearing. Ditto with Rainier since the Envoy will be moving further upscale. I actually prefer Buick to keep the Rendezvous name on the Lambda Crossover though. It's been very successful and has continued to maintain as a premium competitor in the Crossover market.

Won't this be the first time that a German company will market a vehicle in the US on an American brand developed platform?

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!!!! :)