(this article was originally published on buick.com)
Entire 2015 Buick portfolio posts top New Car Assessment Program ratings
DETROIT – Contrary to its compact figure, the 2015 Buick Encore delivers big when it comes to safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave both front- and all-wheel drive Encore models a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score after extensively testing both models in its New Car Assessment Program.
As a result, buyers can find models with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score throughout Buick’s range of 2015 model year vehicles: the Verano, Regal, LaCrosse, Encore and Enclave.
“Consumers are consistently surprised to discover Encore provides the characteristics they expect in our larger offerings – style, sophistication, connectivity and comfort,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “NHTSA’s evaluation affirms Encore lives up to Buick’s safety reputation.”
Encore’s five-star ranking reflects its performance in NCAP front, side and rollover tests. Encore also received a five-star score on a side pole impact test, which simulates hitting a tree just behind the driver’s side A-pillar at 20 mph.
The 2015 Encore’s strength comes from a strong body structure, 66 percent of which is formed from high- and ultra-high strength steel. Encore also offers 10 standard air bags, including driver and front passenger frontal air bags, driver and front passenger knee air bags, front and rear thorax air bags for all outboard seating positions, and side curtain air bags.
Encore offers available safety features, including rear cross traffic alert and side blind zone alert systems with the Convenience Package. Encore Premium models offer front- and rear-park assist, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning.
(this article was originally published on buick.com)
Concepts that drove the brand’s design and technology; inspired the industry
DETROIT – Buick’s all-new Avenir concept, introduced today ahead of the North American International Auto Show, advances a legacy of progressive concepts that stretches back to the 1938 Buick Y-Job, the industry’s original concept vehicle.
Like its predecessors, the Avenir blends exploratory styling with advanced technology to probe new directions for Buick and test features that may transfer to future production models.
“Buick, under the design leadership of Harley Earl, created the industry’s first concept vehicle and for more than 75 years each new Buick concept has pushed the brand forward and influenced the industry through great design,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of General Motors Global Design. “From designs that push the boundaries of graceful, elegant proportions and progressive interior designs, Buick’s concepts have always inspired with the relevance of a future that is not too far away.”
Here’s a look at five of the most influential concepts that advanced Buick’s design, driver technology or powertrain technology:
1. Y-Job (1938) Considered the industry’s first true concept car, the Y-Job was developed by Harley Earl, GM’s first design chief. It was designed solely to gauge the public’s response to the innovative styling and features rather than foreshadowing a new production model. The media immediately hailed the Y-Job as the “Car of the Future.” In many ways it was, as it previewed features that would become common throughout the industry, including power windows, flush-mounted door handles, disappearing headlamps, a concealed convertible top and more. The sleek roadster is a landmark of automotive design and represents the blueprint for concept vehicle design and execution.
2. Wildcat Series (1953-55, 1985) The Wildcat series of concept vehicles pushed the brand’s design language forward and showcased new and innovative technologies, starting with the first Wildcat concept in 1953. It was a two-seater with a fiberglass body and four-wheel disc brakes. The 1954 Wildcat II – a smaller, sportier two-seater – introduced a more radical design, with open front fenders, while the 1955 Wildcat III showcased elongated front fender openings and the brand’s signature sweep-spear cue. The grille design of these early concepts influenced the all-new Avenir concept.
In 1985, Buick introduced a futuristic Wildcat concept that served as a test and data platform. Distinctly styled with a long rear deck, the Wildcat had no traditional doors, but a canopy that raised and lowered to allow access for two passengers. The body was made of fiberglass and carbon fiber. Behind the cabin and driving all four wheels was a unique engine based on the Buick 3.8L V-6, featuring 24 valves, dual-overhead camshafts and an early version of electronically controlled port fuel injection. A head-up display cast a wealth of vehicle information onto the large windshield – a feature available on today’s LaCrosse.
3. Riviera Silver Arrow III (1972) Designed by Bill Mitchell, the Silver Arrow III was based on the third-generation Riviera production model, but with bolder design elements that showcased advanced technologies such as four-wheel antilock brakes and a Max Trac traction control system that was a precursor of today’s traction control technology. The exterior had a lowered roofline, restyled quarter windows and six halogen headlamps. The Silver Arrow III’s plush interior eliminated the need for fore/aft driver seat movement with adjustable pedals and telescoping steering wheel – features that are common today.
4. Centieme (2003) French for the term “one-hundredth,” the Centieme was introduced in Buick’s centenary year. More than marking the brand’s 100th anniversary, it pushed it into the future. The proportion, design cues and three-row seating configuration influenced the Enclave crossover that debuted about four years later, igniting the product renaissance that continues today with vehicles such as the Encore small crossover and all-new Cascada convertible. The Centieme also previewed Buick’s renewed focus on interior design and attention to detail, with elements such as aluminum and wood accent trim and ambient lighting.
5. Velite (2004) This four-seat convertible provides a tangible link between the original Y-Job and the new Avenir concept. Designed in Warren, Mich., and built by renowned coachbuilder Bertone in Italy, Velite was named after an elite class of soldiers in Napoleon’s army. Portholes on the front fenders and a rear deck contoured in a boattail shape evoke Buicks of the past, while under the hood and driving the rear wheels was a pure modern technology: a 3.6L twin-turbocharged V-6 engine producing 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
(this article was originally published on buick.com)
2+2 convertible with distinctive design, premium features, refinement and 4G LTE connectivity
Advanced chassis technologies – including HiPer Strut front suspension – and standard turbocharged performance
Insulated soft-top system opens in 17 seconds at up to 31 mph
DETROIT – Buick today introduced the 2016 Cascada – a dynamic, stylish convertible that uses innovative powertrain and chassis technologies to complement the driving experience.
The Cascada will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years and the latest globally developed vehicle to join the brand’s growing portfolio. It goes on sale in early 2016.
“The new, 2016 Buick Cascada is a beautiful, engaging convertible that represents the very best of the brand’s global development practices,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “It’s a car that will delight customers with its fun spirit and help drive the momentum that’s fueling Buick’s success.”
The Cascada’s 2+2 configuration offers comfortable room for four adults. Its expressive driving experience is rooted in a rigid body structure, Buick’s sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension and responsive Watts Z-link suspension in the rear – along with a 200-horsepower (149 kW) turbocharged engine.
And when it comes to dropping the top on a whim, it lowers in only 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. When it’s up, superior thermal and acoustic insulation contribute to driving comfort.
“Cascada’s driving enjoyment is rooted in technologies that make it more comfortable and refined,” said Aldred. “Its features work harmoniously to provide a safe, connected and confidence-inspiring driving experience.”
Technology and safety highlights include:
Buick IntelliLink with a seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen featuring Text Message Alerts, Siri Eyes Free for Apple phones with an iOS 6 or newer operating system and navigation
OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
Electronic rear-seat entry system automatically powers the front seats forward by simply pressing the seatback forward. It moves the seats back when the seatback is returned to the upright position
Electric safety belt presenters that use telescopic arms to slide the upper front safety belt assemblies from behind the front seat into closer reach for easier buckling
Rollover protection bars that deploy behind the rear seats when the possibility of a rollover is detected
Lane departure warning, rear park assist, rearview camera and Rainsense windshield wipers.
Distinctive design and thoughtful features Designed from the outset as a convertible, the Buick Cascada has a flowing, sculpted profile, with fast-raked A-pillars that convey a wind-in-the-hair flair. When lowered, the top folds neatly and completely beneath a hard tonneau behind the rear seats, giving the car a pure open-air aesthetic.
“The Cascada’s design blends the suggestion of speed with sophisticated and uncompromising details,” said Holt Ware, Buick exterior design director. “Most convertibles are designed from existing coupes or sedans, meaning stowage of the top is an afterthought, but not this Buick. It looks handsome and has a premium appearance when the top is lowered – and a perfect, seamless profile when it’s up.”
The windswept exterior design is further accentuated with a sweeping body-side line and sleek headlamps that flow into the front fenders, with Buick’s signature wing-shape light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lights delivering a distinctive appearance.
Chrome trim bridges between the wing-shaped taillights, which are also LED-lit.
The rear deck lid opens rearward to accommodate the folding softtop. The electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction – including acoustic and thermal barriers – designed for a comfortable ride in various conditions.
Inside, a thoughtfully trimmed and comprehensively equipped cabin reflects Buick’s renaissance. The instrument panel is wrapped with soft-touch material featuring authentic stitching, while heated front seats and steering wheel offer comfort in colder weather conditions.
The Cascada also has plenty of storage space for the trappings of a weekend getaway, including 13.4 cubic feet (380 liters) of cargo room with the top up and 9.8 cubic feet (280 liters) with the top down. The rear seatbacks fold down electronically to expand cargo capability for longer items.
Turbocharged performance, engaging driving experience The Cascada is driven by a 1.6L turbocharged engine rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW). With more than 100 horsepower per liter, it’s one of the most power-dense engines in the segment. It delivers strong torque, estimated at 206 lb-ft (280 Nm), with an overboost feature that briefly pushes torque to an estimated 221 lb-ft (300 Nm).
Direct injection and variable valve timing complement the turbo engine’s performance with efficiency. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission.
Power from the turbocharged engine is translated into driving enjoyment via the innovative suspension system, which employs the sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension pioneered on the LaCrosse and Regal.
HiPer Strut is based on the MacPherson strut design and features dual-path top mountings that separate the transfer of spring and damper loads to the body structure. It enhances ride and handling by reducing torque steer; more linear and communicative steering through improved camber control, and improved impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces.
A responsive Watts Z-link design helps center the rear axle during cornering, which helps keep the Cascada’s handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and right-hand turns. The linkage’s capability to center the axle during cornering delivers a more-balanced driving experience because the rear suspension better follows the lead of the front suspension.
The Z-link design is also lighter and requires less space than a typical fully independent rear suspension. The lower weight enhances efficiency, while the compact design enables the Cascada’s generous cargo room.
Steering inputs are executed by a fuel-saving, rack-mounted electric power steering system, while stopping power is handled by standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Cascada rolls on standard 20-inch wheels.
A rigid body structure features high-strength steel in strategic areas, reinforced side sills and press-hardened steel in the A-pillars. It is the foundation for the Cascada’s driving experience, contributing to steering precision, ride quality and quietness – as well as safety. A 106.1-inch (2,695 mm) wheelbase enhances ride smoothness while enabling greater rear-seat legroom.
Read the entire article and get the preliminary specs on buick.com.
Every year, there a plenty of announcements being made during the annual Auto Show up in Detroit, but this year Buick made a whopper of one. Check out the new Avenir concept car!
Copyright: General Motors
I know it’s a long shot that concept cars ever reach production, but I would love to have one of these on my lot! Here’s a little bit of what they had to say about the styling of the Avenir:
The Avenir concept’s signature sweep-spear body side motif and nod to the “boat-tail” styling of the 1971-73 Riviera are modern interpretations of classic Buick cues proposed by Lead Designer Warrack Leach and the Australia-based staff.
On top of that, check out this video detailing the announcement and the specs.
Check out the official announcement over on Buick’s site.
(this article was originally published on gmc.com)
Special edition model offers sleek, shadowy appearance
DETROIT – GMC today introduced the 2015 Canyon Nightfall Edition – a stylized, blacked-out edition of the brand’s all-new premium midsize truck that blends a dramatic appearance with popular features and accessories.
The Canyon Nightfall Edition is offered on SLE crew cab models, either 2WD or 4WD, in Onyx Black and will be available in the second quarter of 2015. In addition to standard equipment on the SLE, the Canyon Nightfall Edition includes:
Unique black grille
Black assist steps
Factory spray-in bedliner
18-inch multi-spoke aluminum wheels with Dark Argent painted inserts
Polished exhaust tip
Automatic climate control
Remote start
“The new Canyon Nightfall Edition expands the Canyon lineup and gives style-conscious customers another choice,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Importantly, customers get the great looks of the Canyon Nightfall Edition and its unique content at a greater value than ordering the features separately.”
The distinctive appearance of the Canyon Nightfall Edition reflects customer preferences for personalization and features that support different lifestyle interests. More than 40 percent of the initial orders for Canyon include at least one selection from the comprehensive collection of accessories GMC developed for the truck. The Canyon accessories portfolio includes the available GearOn™ system for optimal cargo management, as well as bed protection, styling enhancements and trailering components.
“The Canyon is a lifestyle enabler and its accessories lineup matches lifestyles of all types,” said Aldred. “The accessories take their inspiration from how customers use their vehicle, and they are crafted cohesively with the team of designers and engineers.”
Additional standard content on the Canyon Nightfall Edition includes:
Rear-vision camera
Eight-inch-diagonal Color Touch radio with GMC IntelliLink
OnStar with 4G LTE and its standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (includes three-month/3GB data trial, whichever comes first)
Two USB ports for charging located on the rear of the center console in addition another USB port inside the console
Multi-color driver information center display
Soft-touch instrument panel with aluminum trim
Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
Remote keyless entry
Tilting and telescoping steering column
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
SiriusXM satellite radio (includes three-month trial)
Automatic locking rear differential (4WD models)
Canyon was named Autoweek’s Best of the Best truck for 2015. It offers the segment’s best horsepower and EPA-estimated fuel economy: 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 27 mpg highway (2WD) from a standard 2.5L I-4; and 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 26 mpg (2WD) from an available 3.6L V-6. The V-6 engine enables a segment-leading 7,000-pound trailering rating.
(this article was originally published on buick.com)
Brand sells nearly 1.2 million vehicles with double-digit gains in U.S. and China
DETROIT– Buick delivered nearly 1.2 million vehicles in China, the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2014, marking the second consecutive sales record for the most Buicks sold in a single year in the brand’s 111-year history.
Strong growth in both China and North America resulted in global sales of 1,170,115 units, up 13.4 percent over 2013. China posted a 13.5 percent sales gain, while the U.S. delivered an 11.4 percent sales increase. Canada also saw strong sales growth, with a 31 percent increase over 2013. In the U.S., 42 percent of Buick buyers were new to the brand and to General Motors.
Buick experienced strong global growth in both crossovers and sedans from a product lineup that is among the freshest in the industry and the strongest the brand has ever featured.
The Encore small crossover ended 2014 with 138,218 sales globally, up 42 percent. The eight-passenger Enclave exceeded 66,000 sales to set an all-time sales record in North America. Exclusive to China, the GL8 posted an annual sales gain of 14.6 percent, while the all-new Envision sold 19,747 units in the first two months and was named Motor Trend China SUV of 2015.
In the sedan segment, the China-exclusive Excelle again delivered high volume in the compact sedan segment, delivering 293,908 sales. The Excelle GT and Verano compact sedans combined globally to deliver a 22.4 percent gain, while sales of the Regal were up 27.2 percent.
GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC trucks, SUVs and crossovers. GMC covers the broad spectrum of customer needs in the pickup market with a premium truck in the midsize, light duty and heavy duty segments.
“In 2014 we had the freshest portfolio of GMC products on our lots including a full range of pickups, with the all-new Canyon,” said John Pitre, chief operating officer at Motor City Buick GMC in Bakersfield, Calif. “The new Yukon lineup has also driven high consumer interest to our store with its bold styling, especially the Yukon Denali.”
The all-new midsize 2015 GMC Canyon is pure GMC with premium materials, refinement and offers class-leading truck capabilities. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year.
“GMC is a strong, premium brand that has continued to gain momentum,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice President of GMC. “Refined, capable and appealing products are driving that momentum, and we intend to build on that in 2015 with both product and brand-centric initiatives.”
The newest GMC trucks are things that you really have see to believe. From the driver-centric details to the focus on job performance, the entire lineup is spectacular. Freeman Grapevine.
So, what’s the relationship between your gas cap and your check engine light? I have, on occasion had to field this question: “Does removing my car’s gas cap while the engine is running trigger my check engine light?”
It’s actually a question that has one answer in two parts. First, with many of today’s modern cars, trucks, SUVs and vans this is often true. The gas cap might be the culprit, but cause is escaping vapors. If the fuel tank is between one quarter and three quarters full and the engine is running, the car’s emissions monitoring system will illuminate the “Check Engine”, or “Service Engine Soon”, or “Malfunction Indicator” lamp (depending on the vehicle) if it detects fuel vapors escaping into the atmosphere. So, yes, removing the gas cap will often cause the system to think it has detected a vapor leak.
Now if you are certain that your gas cap is secured, then you could be looking at a myriad of issues. While this particular warning light can indicate a vapor loss from your gas tank, it can also mean you are having a completely different issue. That’s why when your “Check Engine” light goes off, it’s a good idea bring your car in to your local dealer who can do a thorough inspection, fix and find your issue and TURN OFF THAT LIGHT! I know you don’t want to see it anymore.
Here’s something else that you may, or may not know. If you go for your Texas Vehicle Inspection and this light is illuminated, they will not inspect your car. You should be getting it checked ASAP as to prevent any long term damage to your vehicle.
(this article was originally published on buick.com)
Automated tests tab millions of them before you touch a single one
DETROIT – A frozen computer is frustrating, but a frozen touchscreen in an automobile is a much bigger deal. That’s why engineers push the touchscreen buttons on the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system more than 2 million times every week, ensuring it consistently responds to user commands.
Multi-function touchscreen systems, which bundle controls and menus for several systems into one interface, are increasingly common in automobiles. From playing MP3 files to placing phone calls, planning a navigation route or adjusting climate controls, touchscreens are tasked with handling more complex functions than ever and doing it seamlessly to the user.
Much like opening too many windows on your home computer, mobile multitasking can tax some infotainment systems, and force the system to reboot.
“Car shoppers expect their in-car infotainment systems to offer not only a full range of convenience features but also complete dependability and functionally,” said Karl Brauer, senior editor of Kelley Blue Book. “That means a rapid response to user inputs and hardware components that consistently withstand consumer demands.”
To make IntelliLink robust, General Motors’ engineers subjected the system to exhaustive testing inside and outside the car. IntelliLink’s human-machine interface, or HMI, which includes the touchscreen liquid crystal display, or LCD, is hooked up to a state-of-the-art automated test bench, complete with cameras that constantly monitor the touchscreen.
The test bench fully replicates the various modules and components connected to the HMI while testing IntelliLink at a speed no human engineer can match. The stability lab can simulate 210 days of continuous in-car use within a week. Depending on the test performed, the lab can also subject IntelliLink systems to the equivalent of more than 2 million touchscreen pushes in the same period.
“We test our systems in real vehicles, but as humans, we can only log so many hours inside a car,” said Robert Rimkus, engineering group manager for GM’s Next Generation Infotainment systems. “These automated test stations help us push IntelliLink to its limits, ensuring customers get a system that’s consistently reliable in their own vehicles.”
Those simulated fingertaps and pushes mimic what an actual user would do while on the road based on customer feedback and design test procedures. For example, one simulation mirrors the audio, climate, and navigation control inputs a driver would make while making a road trip from Detroit to Chicago.
Other tests replicate situations owners may subconsciously encounter in the real world.
“When you shut off and leave a car, it takes the infotainment system as long as three to four minutes to fully go to sleep, much like any other computer,” said Rimkus. “You’re not always given that luxury in the real world. What if you stop at a gas station to grab a quick drink? The system hasn’t fully shut off, but it needs to quickly reboot when you turn the ignition key.”
The automation lab replicates other potential real-world use by staying close to GM road test engineers who drive pre-production vehicles. Issues noted during these early engineering drives can quickly be replicated within the confines of the automation lab, allowing developers to quickly find and address software or hardware issues that might push a driver’s buttons.
Another Metroplex city has taken the noble action of putting constraints on distracted driving. When you read the number of causalities that are a direct result of distracted driving, I’m sure you’ll understand why. Myself and everyone else at Freeman Grapevine applaud the efforts of our cities to stop distracted driving.
On November 18, 2014, the Bedford City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting distracted driving practices as they relate to portable electronic devices (which is defined as any handheld wireless communication device, laptop computer, tablet, media player, handheld gaming device, or any electronic device capable of displaying text-based communications, games, pictures or video).
In 2012, there were 3,328 people killed in distracted driving incidents. Statistical data reflects a significant correlation between cell phone use while driving and an increase in motor vehicle accidents. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that a person is 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash by looking away from the forward roadway for just two seconds; a risk that is comparable to driving with a blood alcohol content level of 0.15. Another NHTSA report shows that while texting, the average person’s eyes are off the road for five seconds. At 55 MPH, those five seconds equate to traveling the length of a football field while blindfolded.
The intention of the ordinance is to prohibit drivers from interacting with any electronic device in their hands, whether it is viewing, typing, or talking while operating a motor vehicle upon a public roadway. This includes while vehicles are stopped at a traffic signal.
Types of actions that are considered “use” in the ordinance are as follows: - viewing the display screen of a portable electronic device - holding a portable electronic device in a position to talk into or listen on - manipulating a portable electronic device by interacting with its display screen or pushing any button to enter text, dial numbers, or to engage in any other function.
The ordinance DOES NOT prohibit GPS devices affixed to a vehicle, a hands-free device, or the utilization of a portable electronic device in an emergency situation.
Be smart folks. chances are, that text can wait. It’s not worth destroying your life and the lives of others because you we’re to distracted with being social. There is no excuse. Pull over if you have to use your phone. Remember, you are driving, so why not actually focus on driving?
You must be logged in to post a comment.