It’s the news you’ve been waiting for.
As Americans patiently anticipate the arrival of the next-generation Encore and mourn (in small numbers) the passing of the LaCrosse, Buick designers are busy sculpting the next addition to the brand’s lineup. Go figure, it’s a crossover.
Not only that, but in keeping with the design philosophy espoused by several premium brands, the new model will sport a coupe-like profile, possibly likely donning the hated “coupe” descriptor in marketing materials.
Word of this vehicle comes by way of Car Design News (via AutoVerdict), which recently plumbed the depths of GM’s design studios in Warren, Michigan. There, by way of the brand’s chief sculptors, the crew gained access to Buick’s design future… as well as a tidbit of information.
Deep within GM’s Technical Center, a clay model dubbed the “Orange Car” exists, as well as a similar model of a larger, four-door crossover with the sweeping roofline seen on models with premium price tags.
“This is a really important time for Buick,” the brand’s executive design director, Helen Emsley, told the publication. “For a while we’ve been trying to reinvent Buick and find out what it is.”
Suffice it to say Emsley’s not the only one wondering where Buick is headed. But back to that crossover.
Buick’s global director of exterior design, Bob Boniface, said the vehicle has received a production green light, adding that it will be “in addition to, and not a replacement of” any existing Buick model. Nor will the model be a China-only offering, Boniface claims.
Sadly, Car Design News did not publish photos of either clay model. That said, news of a new, presumably higher-end Buick crossover does not come as a shock. At last year’s Beijing Auto Show, Buick released its Enspire concept — a slinky, four-door crossover with a coupe-like roofline.
While the midsize concept did not come with an ironclad production promise, it did feature an electric powertrain and the promise of blistering performance. A production Enspire could make like Cadillac’s unnamed electric crossover and adopt GM’s upcoming EV architecture, which should come online in 2021. Caddy won’t be the only brand using this still-hazy platform.
GM might also want to hedge its bets and ensure the Enspire casts a wider net, possibly offering the vehicle with a variety of propulsion sources.
Why are we using the Enspire name for Buick’s upcoming crossover? Because GM filed a U.S. trademark application for it back in December.
[Image: General Motors]
executive design director doesn’t know what Buick is?
really?
I’d argue that GM hasn’t known what any of the brands actually stood for in roughly 20 years.
Except for Pontiac – exterior cladding and grey interiors.
Nope – that’s what killed it. Pontiac WAS about “excitement” (I remember the old ads) and sportiness. But now EVERYTHING is sporty, swooping and coupe-like, even the SUVs like this one. Eventually even the pickups will be sporty and coupelike, and many Americans will be holding onto their boxy older pickups, SUVs, and CUVs for 30 years, or until they can’t be fixed anymore.
Sounds like Acura…
For the last 20 years GM’s brand philosophy has been, “If it’s good enough for China it’s good enough”
““For a while we’ve been trying to reinvent Buick and find out what it is.””
This sounds a bit close to we have to pass the bill to see whats in it.
Floaty Dad Cars works for me… As silent as the inside of Grant’s Tomb.
For the love of God not another German chasing pile of bull$hit.
*door slams*
Well, there goes Norm, running down to put a deposit on whatever it is. They must love to see him coming.
Waiting for our 500 lb-ft EV SUV! ;)
“…Buick is working on a major crossover offensive that involves introducing five new crossover models by the year 2020. Some of these new Buick crossovers will be next-generation iterations of current models, while others will be all-new entries….” gmauthority
the newest Verano was designed just for him
gets 70 mpg and goes 0-60 in 2 seconds
it’s an Opel w/ incontinence
too bad it runs on fairy dust and moose scat
Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?
Not really.
And a crossover? No and NO.
got one, a leased Encore, especially loved at the pump!
A ’64 Electra 225 four-door six-window, and a ’65 Riviera GS? Yes. A Chinese crossover? No.
We love our Regal TourX!
Buicks are like cemeteries, people are dying to get in them
Someday soon we will stop rolling our eyes every time “another” crossover hits the market, as if they’re some trendy new thing that needs to go away.
In reality crossovers merely represent the long-overdue return to hatchbacks and sensible ground clearance, which is where cars started out.
Get used to it, for this is the Old Normal.
I don’t see what the crying is about. People act like Buick is replacing the Giulia with a minivan. I’m sure this thing will be 95% as fun to drive as the LaCrosse while being way more practical, which is what people want.
I’m actually curious about this… if it looks good and they make a hybrid version with the trusty 3.6L this could make for a fun family hauler
Time to start the “Buick Deathwatch” (at least for North America) and let it join Pontiac, Olds, Saturn and Hummer in that big garage in the sky.
Long live BUICK! from my 55 to 2055 and BEYOND!!!!!
So it’ll be a badge engineered Blazer? Whatever keeps the lights on I guess.
Which makes me wonder: Who the hell is buying a Blazer? (Besides rental companies, of course)
Is this a Buick? No, it’s really a Zotye with a Buick emblem.
when better cars are built, Buick hopes Opel will build them, not the Chinese.