Next Buick LaCrosse To Be “Really Expressive And Premium”
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Ever since Chevrolet pulled the sheet off the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala, observers were left wondering what it will mean for the Buick LaCrosse. Even several GM Authority readers criticized General Motors as being badge engineering practitioners once again, as the new Impala features similar dimensions, engines and is expected to launch around the same price as the LaCrosse. We’ve since drawn up our own analysis with the knowledge we had at the time regarding the matter. And while the 2014 Impala is the fresher, more modern and more striking choice, GM has big plans for Buick’s big sedan.
In a report from Automotive News, GM designer John Cafaro was quoted in saying that the next LaCrosse “will not fall into the prop wash” of the Impala. and that he “can guarantee you the next LaCrosse we do is going to be way out there, really expressive and premium”. The next generation LaCrosse is expected to arrive in around four years, while a refresh for the current model is expected to arrive for the 2014 model year. Such updates are expected to be added technology, safety and refinement with some updated sheetmetal. These changes may also merit a price increase, so as to not be too close to the new Impala, which is expected to start around $30,000 — and won’t offer all-wheel-drive like the LaCrosse.
We’re completely behind the notion that Buick should continue its ascension upmarket, especially since Chevrolet models continue to climb in price. Just leave the performance stuff to Cadillac.
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Please!! Make the Lexus look worse again!!!!
The title says “expensive and premium,” but the article says “expressive and premium.” Which one is it?
Yes which one, its a very important distinction.
Expressive is the right word. Manny thinks it means the same thing… I told him to lean off the pipe.
Nevar!!
It’s the more experimental one.
Looking at that sample, I *completely* back those Regal GS wheels being an option for the Lacrosse, just make sure it’s an uplevel Lacrosse.
I think Buick needs to expand its portfolio of products. For example, if it were to reincarnate the Riviera nameplate, it would have the only personal luxury coupe that didn’t reside in the upper-five-figure range. The vehicle would need to focus on providing a balanced experience–perhaps using a performance-oriented V6 and matching handling, but mated to a comfortable, cruiser-focused suspension and chassis, and all without infringing upon the niches of either the Cadillac CTS or the Chevrolet Camaro.
Sounds like a lucrative opportunity to me, and if the styling is done right, it will appeal to younger crowds than did its predecessor (eighth-generation Riviera, 1995-’99)
i agree completely with this
have you read this
http://gmauthority.com/forum/discussion/63/should-buick-do-a-new-riviera#Item_23
The LaCrosse needs to either move up and become a full flagship or have another vehicle above it to fill that void. The XTS would be a perfect example… But with bigger rear doors.
What $30,000 for a Impala ls?
You’d pay $26,000 for the base ninth-gen today. I wouldn’t see a reason why the all-new model doesn’t increase content a bit while increasing the price as well — especially given that the Malibu is creeping up on $23,000 after delivery.
but I want to know how will this stay in the middle?
In the middle of what, in particular?
middle of Impala and XTS without overlapping.
Does this all mean that certain Chevys like the impala will be based on last gen Buick Chassis in future?
Most likely, no. It will be interesting to see how Buick and Opel are integrated, but there’s no reason why Buick/Opel and Chevy can’t use appropriately modified variants of the same architectures, as seen with Toyota and Lexus.
$30,000 for an Impala LS that’s up 15% than $36,000 for the Impala LTZ. if Chevys going upscale like this there’s really no need for Buick to exist anymore. Except in China.
This is the flagship Chevy you’re talking about. Let’s take a look at some competitors: the Avalon starts at $33,000; the 300 starts at $29,000; the Taurus is $26,600 — but this will most likely increase when the new Fusion arrives.
Buick needs to go even further upscale; there’s no reason Buick can not and should not charge Lexus-like, even Cadillac-level prices for its vehicles.
I’m not sure why so many are struggling with the existance of the Lacrosse and Buick after the new Impala has been revealed. It provides an alternate identity with seperate exterior and interior styling and some unique features (head up display and all wheel drive), and a way to capture a potential sale even if a customer is turned off by the styling or brand identity of one car or the other. So what if 75% of buyers cross shop the two, if the other 25% can cover the expense +hopefully some profit while gaining GM some market share in the process. Buick needs MORE models, an Envision suv to slot between the Encore and Enclave, the rumored Chevy “SS” (which should be called Chevelle anyway, everybody forgets the Chevelle was a four-door too) should be a Buick “Wildcat” and the Chinese Park Avenue should be sold here as a flagship model.
i agree with you all the way just no wildcat, the wildcat was supposed to be a roadster not a fullsized rwd sedan. yes the park avenue or my idea for the new roadmaster “how about a new roadmaster, it wouldn’t need to be retro but i was thinking three row seating, rwd/awd, and aimed at the mercades r-class but having it a soft luxury vehicle i think this would fit better with buicks new image whatever it is. and mabey it could be based off the omega platform making it the halo model for sure. im thinking rolls like seclusion but with more carying capacity mabey a 6 seater 2x2x2 with the middle seats being abel to swivle.”
A refresh for 2014, then nothing for several more years? Certainly not good news for Buick dealers? With the new Impala coming from the lower end and the XTS at the higher end the Lacrosse will likely feel the pain. Does it matter? Probably not. Why? China.
Most know by now that Buick is big in China, but do many realize how big? 645,000+ sales there in 2011. By comparison, in the US, for 2012, Buick sales are averaging a little less than 12,500 per month. Purely from a business standpoint, Buick is not very important here.
The next Buick should be the Volt-based Electra.
heeeey you’re the first person other than me to call the volt based buick an electra that ive found.
@ Raymondjman BRILLIANT
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