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Future products: Buick sees 6 to 7 models in its lineup for 2011-13

Thu, 12 Aug 2010

A Buick LaCrosse hybrid sedan probably will join a new small car and new crossover as Buick expands its lineup in the next three model years.

The brand, which sells four nameplates now, eventually wants a six- or seven-vehicle lineup, says John Schwegman, Buick-GMC's top marketer.

Buick seeks to revive its reputation for performance and stylish luxury to appeal to middle-aged professionals who often buy Asian luxury brands.

Here are highlights of the brand's plan for the 2011-13 model years.

Verano: This compact sedan is the next-generation Opel Astra in Europe and the Buick Excelle GT in China. General Motors Co. will market the car here as the 2012 Buick Verano and probably will build it in Orion Township, Mich., or Lordstown, Ohio.

GM developed the car on its front-wheel-drive Delta platform, which is shared with the Chevrolet Cruze. Look for a turbocharged high-performance engine as an option.

Regal: GM has confirmed it will build the sporty Regal GS concept it unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January. It is expected for the 2012 model year.

The Regal GS will have a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is expected to come to market with a bit more power than the 255 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque advertised in January at the Detroit show. An adaptive all-wheel-drive system will include an electric limited slip rear differential. The car will have all the performance upgrades offered on the Opel Insignia OPC. The Regal is essentially a rebadged Insignia.

In addition, a wagon version of the Insignia has been spotted at GM's proving grounds in Milford, Mich. Before deciding on U.S. sales of the wagon, GM probably will observe sales of the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon, which launches in October. If the Regal wagon gets the green light, it could appear in the 2012 or 2013 model year.

LaCrosse: A hybrid version of the sedan is under strong consideration for the 2012 model year, and a reskin could come as early as that model year. The next generation is expected for the 2016 model year.

Lucerne: The sedan dies after the 2011 model year.

Encore: The "Baby Enclave" compact crossover, tentatively called the Encore, will arrive in the 2013 model year. The five-seater is built on the Delta compact-car platform.

Enclave: GM will freshen or reskin this three-row crossover for the 2012 model year and add a 3.0-liter V6. The automaker will drop the current 3.6-liter V6.

Rick Kranz contributed to this report




By Chrissie Thompson- Automotive News