Tuesday, April 9, 2013

2014 Buick LaCrosse steps up to the big leagues with plenty of luxury

2014 Buick LaCrosse
Following the introduction of the updated 2014 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, the oldest vehicle in Buick's lineup will be the Verano, which was just introduced last year. Having such a fresh product mix bodes well for Buick as it tries to create a new image in the US, and after checking out the amount of luxury being stuffed into the new LaCrosse for 2014, GM's awkwardly positioned brand may finally have the ability to stand out.

Granted, the model unveiled was the all-new, top-of-the-line Ultra Luxury Interior Package, but this package brings top-notch leather and soft suede covering everything above the beltline as well as real ash wood accent trim throughout the cabin. While there was no mention of price, we don't expect this model to come cheap in terms of what we expect from Buick, although it will likely be competitively priced with similarly equipped rivals like the Acura TL or Lexus ES. Adding even more to the LaCrosse's interior, dual eight-inch displays make up the gauge cluster and center stack, and the number of buttons on the center stack have been greatly reduced, creating a cleaner look for the instrument panel.

Another big change is the next-generation of Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system that brings with it all of the recent enhancements of the Cadillac CUE and Chevrolet MyLink systems. Differentiating itself from other GM infotainment systems, the new Buick IntelliLink stands out by allowing users to customize the apps they can add and not just being limited to what GM sees fit.

When the 2014 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer, it will have a fresh, new look that builds on its 2009 redesign with the bulk of the attention focused on the lights and fascias at the front and rear of the car. Speaking of the car's rear, we couldn't help but notice similarities between this Buick and the Hyundai Equus.


Courtesy of Auto Blog 

Monday, April 8, 2013

Kudos to our service department for receiving a 5-star review on Edmunds!

"Very thorough job in servicing and checking my car. Mr. Macy works on my car and does a great job. Very professional." -Rocky
For more great reviews, click here: http://edmu.in/17nu1h1

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Restyled 2014 Buick Regal adds AWD



Although the current Buick Regal hasn't even been on the market for very long, General Motors is using the New York Auto Show to unveil an updated version of the sedan in a similar fashion to what we saw yesterday with the 2014 LaCrosse. Like the LaCrosse, all 2014 Regal models will be getting a new look both for the exterior and interior design, but the big news takes place under the sedan's skin.

Except for the base Regal eAssist, the Regal Turbo and Regal GS will both be adding the benefit of all-wheel drive, but there is no word as to how much weight this system will add to each car's curb weight. The Regal Turbo's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder has received a decent bump in output from 220 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque to 259 hp and 295 lb-ft; unfortunately, these same figures are carried over to the Regal GS, which means that car drops from 270 hp. Both turbocharged models (Regal Turbo and Regal GS) will now be offered with all-wheel drive and the ability of sending more than 90 percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels.

In terms of styling, the 2014 Regal gets similar styling changes found on the updated Enclave and LaCrosse, including reworked fascias, scalloped headlights and a full-width chrome strip spanning between the new LED taillights. Inside, key changes were made to the Regal's cabin technology, such as the instrument gauge cluster and infotainment system. On the Regal and Regal Turbo, a new 4.2-inch color display is available for drivers to see information for the vehicle, navigation and audio systems, but the Regal GS' cabin is slightly different with an eight-inch configurable gauge display. One of the best changes may be the overall reduction in buttons on the center stack, creating a cleaner-looking and easier-to-use cabin.

Like the 2014 LaCrosse, the 2014 Regal will also get updated safety and infotainment technology. The next-generation IntelliLink system improves connectivity with better voice recognition and higher levels of customization that include a customizable, five-button top menu and a lower menu that can store up to 60 favorites for the audio, phone and even navigation systems. As for safety, the Regal gets two new optional packages that add forward collision alert, land change alert, rear cross traffic alert and an adaptive cruise control system.


Courtesy of Auto Blog  

Monday, April 1, 2013

Car Care Tip of the Week: Don't Jump the Gun


Ramp metering, or the use of traffic signals at freeway on-ramps to regulate flow, forces a small time penalty on drivers at the beginning of their commutes, but it pays off. "Requiring vehicles to wait 20 or 30 seconds can save drivers 5 to 10 minutes on their trip," says David Schrank, Ph.D., of the Texas Transportation Institute.