Buick Outlines 2016MY Lineup

Out with the 2015MY and in with the 2016MY for Buick, which has just laid out its product plans for the new model year. 

The only truly new addition to the range is the Cascada, Buick's first convertible offered in North America in 25 years, which is based on the European Opel Cascada, but even though it was announced today as part of the brand's 2016MY lineup following its debut in Detroit earlier this year, it won't actually go on sale until early 2016. 

Until then, Buick has made some trivial changes to its existing lineup for the 2016 model year adding fresh color choices, updating infotainment systems and improving equipment features on certain cars. 

You can see what changed in more detail in the list below. 

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What's New For 2016:

2016 Buick Cascada (Brand New Model):

• - 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

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2016 Buick LaCrosse: 

• - Updated IntelliLink system with new display screen and two USB ports
• - 20-inch wheels available on premium AWD models
• - Exterior colors: Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic

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2016 Buick Regal & Regal GS: 

• - Buick IntelliLink enhancements with new display screens and more intuitive controls
• - Exterior colors: Ebony Twilight Metallic, White Frost Metallic, Crimson Red Tintcoat and Dark Forest Green Metallic

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2016 Buick Verano: 

• - Premium level of equipment for the segment, including an available rearview camera system and available heated steering wheel
• - Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features comprise the available Driver Confidence package
• - Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (upgraded from previous six-way adjustment)
• - Available 7-inch-diagonal Color Touch radio with Buick IntelliLink 
• - OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (includes 3GB/three-month data trial)
• - New exterior colors: Crystal Red Tintcoat, Ebony Twilight Metallic and Graphite Gray Metallic

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2016 Buick Enclave: 

• - OnStar with 4G LTE
• - Exterior colors: Summit White, Ebony Twilight Metallic, White Frost Tricoat
• - Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels and optional 19-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
• - Tuscan Edition that elevates Enclave’s sculpted beauty with a striking bronze waterfall grille and 20-inch chrome-clad wheels with bronze pockets (available on 1SL and 1SN)

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2016 Buick Encore: 

• - Exterior colors: River Rock Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic and Summit White
• - Revised 18-inch, seven-spoke “Ultra-Bright” wheel finish

Buick reveals new Verano in Shanghai

The lion's share of the new vehicles being showcased at the Shanghai Motor Show this week may never make their way to US showrooms. But Americans will surely want to note the unveiling of the all-newBuick Verano.

The current compact sedan in the Buick lineup arrived in 2011, and is now preparing to enter its second generation with the model you see here. Details are the only element more scarce than photos (GM has released one thus far), but we can see that the new Verano adopts more dynamic styling than the model it replaces.

The design borrows elements from the Riviera and Avenir concepts, with a more steeply raked windshield and rear glass said to give the new Verano a more elongated look (and lower drag coefficient) than its compact footprint would dictate. Up front you'll see Buick's signature waterfall grille, flanked by HID xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and taillamps.

Motivation comes courtesy of a 1.5-liter turbocharged Ecotec four, driving 166 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque through a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 17-inch wheels are shod with Continental rubber. Just how many of these specifications will remain relevant when the new Verano reaches Buick dealers on this side of the Pacific remains to be seen.

Spied: 2017 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Chassis Cab

The GM light-duty and heavy-duty pickup trucks look like they'll be coming to market refreshed for 2017 or 2018. Our spy shooters are seeing both of them running all sorts of loaded and empty test loops, likely to work out the bugs on a modified or upgraded powertrain. Here's their latest report:

"Recently we've caught the updated Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickups out on their first test runs. … We caught a pair of 2016 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty prototypes (one crew-cab 2500 near maximum payload and towing capacity, and the other an empty chassis-cab Duramax) coming in from a run.

"Much like the light-duty trucks we've seen before, the Sierra looks to be hiding a moderate front-end refresh, with a new front end, hood cuts, a revised grille and updated headlights.

"We suspect the bigger news is under the hood, where the GM HD trucks are reported to get upgraded versions of the Duramax V-8 turbo-diesel. At least one report pegs the new Duramax numbers at 450 horsepower and 850 pounds-feet of torque.

"A version of the 10-speed transmission co-developed with Ford is also likely to make it into the heavy-duty pickups by 2018."

2016 GMC Terrain refresh revealed

Posting its best-ever sales year in 2014, the GMC Terrain is hauling in sales, conquest buyers, and profits for the brand. GMC wants that to continue with its refresh for the 2016 model year, which sees the underlying formula left untouched under a raft of cosmetic and trim changes.

There will be four trim levels: SL, SLE (SLE-1 and SLE-2), SLT, and Denali. They all get a front fascia with a lot more character, sculpted with chrome-outlined, C-shaped ornamentation, and all but the base SL version feature chrome accents on the grille. Flanking that, the headlights get new LED DRL signatures and the hood gets a power dome. The Denali gets new 19-inch alloys, models below it get new 18-inch wheel designs, and the sheetmetal color palette expands with the addition of White Frost Tricoat and Crimson Red Tintcoat.

Beyond a revised center console, a mix of cabin offerings spice up the various trims. Premium cloth is the go-to for the SL and SLE, "Saddle Up" leather is an option on the SLT as well as an eight-way passenger seat, and a two-tone, dual-material Light Titanium and Jet Black interior is possible inside the Denali.

Assistance features migrate down, with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert available on the Terrain SLE and SLT for the first time. Engine choices remain the 182-horsepower Ecotec 2.4-liter inline-four, and the 272-hp 3.6-liter V6. 

Buick Enclave gets continental makeover with Tuscan trim

Buick is trying to lend an air of Italian elegance to the Enclave with its newly announced Tuscan Edition that's available on the crossover for the 2016 model year. Named after the famously hilly and fertile region of Italy, the package brings some bronze accents to the CUV.

As the very specific trademark filing for the Tuscan suggests, the special edition adds bronze trim to the uprights in the grille, and the metallic color finds its way into the embellishments on the 20-inch chrome wheels, too. Buyers also get to choose from three shades when ordering the package: White Frost Tricoat, Dark Chocolate Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic.

Beyond those trim upgrades, the Tuscan Edition is just like any other Enclave. The package can only be ordered on the Leather and Premium trims, and all of their features are still available including a power moonroof, park assist, HID headlights and many luxury features inside. As with the rest of the range, power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 with 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque that routes through a six-speed automatic. There's also a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

The Italian-inspired CUV makes its debut at the New York Auto Show in just a few days and brings its bronzer to dealersthis summer.

Top-Down Luxury Returns with 2016 Buick Cascada | Myers Autoworld Anderson IN

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.”

Buick Avenir Concept saunters into Detroit [w/video] | Myers Autoworld Anderson IN

We'd never accuse the most recent crop of Buicks of being ugly. Then again, we'd also never argue that they're overly pretty. Instead, they waltz along a middle ground, not standing out while not causing offense. The Buick Avenir Concept occupies no such middle ground – it's gorgeous.

A long hood and a short deck fit well with an evolved form of Buick's long-running design language, while traditional highlights such as the waterfall grille and portholes mingle nicely with newer touches, like a beautiful, curvaceous set of rear haunches that bleed into the rear decklid.

The cabin, meanwhile, is solidly in the concept realm, with a prominent 12-inch touchscreen as its centerpiece. Like the exterior, the Avenir's cabin is an evolution of current Buick designs, with a curve that tops the dash and feeds into the doors. A higher center console is finished in buffed wood, although the majority of the interior materials appear to be fine leather.