Lining up the Tri-Shields.

Buick has gone from being the stale geriatric brand to becoming a brand that represents understated affluence with beautiful design.  The result:  Buick is the fastest growing near luxury brand in the industry right now.   Since 2008, Buick has introduced three new models.  This fall, the Verano, a new luxury compact joins the lineup.  With the lineup rounding itself out, Buick now has a full line of vehicles that finally represent Buick with respect.   Despite the all new lineup, there are a few model gaps that still need filled and some changes that should be made.

Changes denoted by **.

Verano
Models:  Verano, Verano Turbo
Architecture:  Delta II (FWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, 3-door Hatchback
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4 liter I-4, DI Turbo 2.0 liter I-4
Transmissions:  6 speed automatic, 6 speed manual (turbo only)
Competition:  VW Jetta SEL (sedan), VW Golf/GTI (hatchback)

**eAssist model added for high mileage engine option.

Regal
Models:  Regal, Regal Turbo, Regal GS
Architecture:  Epsilon II - short wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, Wagon
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4liter I-4,  DI 3.0 liter V-6, turbo DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual (Turbo, GS), 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Acura TSX

**Wagon model added.  Prototypes already seen around Detroit.
**AWD currently not available, but should be so it was added.
**Direct injected 3.0L V-6 added.  Cars in this segment need a V-6
**Upcoming 8-speed automatic added to high end models

LaCrosse
Models:  LaCrosse, LaCrosse GS
Architecture:  Epsilon II - long wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, Wagon
Engines:  eAssist 2.4 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6, turbo DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  8 speed automatic
Competition:  Lexus ES, Lincoln MKZ, Acura TL

**LaCrosse GS - performance model with stronger turbo V-6
**Wagon bodystyle - improved economy for people who need utility
**Upcoming 8 speed automatic

Electra
Models:  Electra
Architecture:  Zeta - long wheelbase (RWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan
Engines:   DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Lexus LS

**Extended wheelbase Zeta rear wheel drive large car with V-6 and V-8 power.
**Electra could be sold to livery companies for "black car cabs" and limousines.

Riviera
Models:  Riviera, Riviera Turbo
Architecture:  Epsilon II - long wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  4 door Coupe
Engines:   DI 3.6 liter V-6, turbo 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  8 speed automatic
Competition:  Volkswagen CC

**Flagship design leader 4-door coupe to compete with the VW CC.
**Epsilon II architecture utilized for cost efficiency.
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Envision
Models:  Envision, Envision Turbo
Architecture:  Epsilon II - short wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  5 door SUV
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist 2.4 liter I-4, Turbo 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition: Lincoln MKX, Acura MDX, Lexus RX

**New small(er) SUV based on Epsilon instead of Theta.  Too many platforms within GM these days.
**eAssist model for high mileage

Enclave
Models:  Enclave
Architecture: Lambda (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles: 5 door SUV
Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  8 speed automatic
Competition:  Lincoln MKT,  Ford Explorer Limited, Toyota Highlander Limited

**Upcoming 8-speed automatic replaces currently 6-speed automatic