The official word on the street is that Buick plans to reveal an all-new concept car soon, during the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show in China on April 20. After freshly revealing the 2014 Regal and LaCrosse in New York City, the brand seems to be beginning another product offensive, after being quiet during the latest Los Angeles, Detroit, and Chicago auto shows.
It’s no secret that Buick is immensely popular in China, selling 70,118 vehicles last month alone. By comparison, Buick sold 18,007 units in the United States in the same period — and that was a growth of 37.4 percent year over year. Additionally, the Shanghai Motor Show will grant huge exposure for the new concept car, as Shanghai currently stands as the most populated city in the world.
Anybody want to venture a guess as to what kind of vehicle the upcoming concept will be?
Comments
A flagship? Grand National?
V8 saloon possible, V8 coupe possible. My guess however is a 3dr Verano.
I expect a TT V6 sedan.
Buick will not get a V8 here and odds are slim in China.
If it is a Grand National people had better forget it being like the old car.
I suspect it will be more of a people mover than anything or the Opel 3 door hatch?
They already have a people carrier in china (its like a Chevy Venture/ Vauxhall Sintra) I doubt it will be another MPV / minivan, more like something they don’t already have (which rules out any of their currant range & larger Holden based saloons in China) hence Verano 3dr.
I’m thinking a convertible based on Cascada. Perfect to unveil in Los Angeles in November. Alex, what’s your hunch?
Lets hope it is something noteworthy and applicable across all buick markets including US…
I’m hoping for either the convertible or a 3 dr. hatch.
Neither the Astra/Verano 3 door or the Cascada a “concept cars”, so if it is meant to be a concept car, i.e. just a demonstration of a concept, then it will be something completely different.
Also I’ve heard they don’t like convertibles in China.
Adam Rocks concept ?? Or is this too small to be a Buick.
I would guess a mid-size CUV to fit snuggly between the Encore and the Enclave with a price to match.
Make sense Jeff, I hear the Antara is due for replacement in 2014.
I’m going to say its either a
3/5 door Verano
Cascada
OPC/GTC
My vote would be for the OPC or the convertible (really would pick both) since those are two areas Chevy and Cadillac do not play in. Other then the Camaro but it would be more of a 200 competitor not a sports rag top. As well the OPC would be a direct competitor for the Focus ST since that car only comes in a hatch AND its how they compete overseas.
Isn’t the large saloon favoured in China? Maybe it’s a large saloon similar or based on a RWD or fwd Cadillac coming to Europe as the Omega (I have heard rumours of a new Vauxhall & Opel Omega being launched at the tail end of 2013).
Buick Riviera
2dr Regal
It has to be a coupe or saloon car as opposed to a MPV / minivan due to rivals Audi, BMW & Lexus not having a MPV / minivan in their ranges.
@Scott is right, a V8 isnt Buick’s game, anybody who is hoping for that needs to understand what Buick is, has done to get where it is, and where it is going.
Im hoping the Opel Cascada makes in to North America
Tbh I cannot see where Buick is going apart from a poor relation to Chevy & Cadillac. It’s worrying a V8 don’t seem to figure in future plans despite world demand for one & the fact Buick’s rivals all have one.
The point is it is a concept as observer 7 mentions, It will be a pure Buick and hopefully give us a glimpse into the future of the brand…
Perhaps it will be a crossover to follow-up the Encore… remember the trademark filing for “Enspire”?
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/09/general-motors-receives-rights-to-use-enspire-trademark/
GMguest87 was right:
A Buick Riviera.
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SHANGHAI – The new Buick Riviera concept vehicle made its global debut this evening in Shanghai.
The coupe combines avant-garde aesthetics and advanced technology, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicle propulsion, in a single package. It is the fourth global concept vehicle jointly developed by GM’s Shanghai GM and Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) joint ventures in Shanghai.
“The new Riviera offers a preview of Buick’s future design language,” said Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming. “By seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, flexible functions and contemporary aesthetics, the new Riviera heralds the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand.”