We’ve heard plenty of stories of ‘old’ turbo Buick Regals, ones with solid rear axles and blown V6s hitting high speeds, but 162 mph from a front-drive four-banger?

Recently, Buick division engineers Bill Rietlow and John Townsend enrolled a 2012 Regal GS in the Nevada Open Road Challenge. The car was stock save for mandated safety and data logging equipment (roll hoop, harnesses and onboard computers).

The purpose of the NORC is to obtain average speed consistency over a 90 mile stretch of state highway 318, with the idea of balancing speed on the low velocity sections with top end running over an extended period of time. During the high speed stage, race operators recorded a top speed of 162 mph for the Buick, which was driven by Rietlow, with Townsend performing navigator duties.

Ultimately the duo finished with 0.4 seconds of their 40 minute target time, placing second place in the 135-mph class and putting them on the podium.

Upon finishing the event, Rietlow remarked that “the Regal GS is an incredibly capable performance sedan. In addition to the strong acceleration from the engine, the chassis maintained its composure well while running across these closed public roads at high speeds. Likewise, the Brembo brakes were easy to trust coming hot into a corner.”

Kind of makes you want to run out and buy a Regal GS doesn’t it? Can anybody say “sleeper.”

Sports Illustrated swimsuit girl, lingerie model and “attractiveness expert” Marissa Miller is appearing in a commercial for the 2012 Buick Enclave, starting this week. 

Just a week earlier, we brought you a behind-the-scenes video showing the commercial being filmed with mini interviews featuring Miller talking about the commercial, her husband and a lot of other things that people probably won’t listen to much.

Love it or hate it, that’s probably true of this commercial too, as is any where the model is a million times better looking than the car being advertised. Let’s be honest, it’s no secret why there are loads of models at car shows.

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Every car, whether it has a big V8 engine or an electric motor powering the wheels, is being equipped with fuel saving technologies.

Recall variable-valve timing. Introduced on the Acura NSX, and at one time a revolutionary technology, now practically all cars have some form of VVT. Now more technologies are being introduced as innovations for saving fuel. Let’s take a look at some of the more important and popular features being introduced on new models; many of which will soon be as prevalent as variable valve timing.

1. Start-Stop systems:

You might think that an idling car isn’t too big of a deal, especially when it’s just for a stop-light, but all those seconds add up. After making a big splash with hybrid vehicles, idle start-stop systems are starting to show up everywhere.

There are a few different kinds of start-stop systems, and for different kinds of vehicles. In mild hybrids, start-stop systems consist of a gas engine, an electric starter/generator and a beefy battery. When the car is braking, regenerative brakes store the energy from the deceleration of the car in the battery. When the car is stopped, the generator shuts off the gas engine. When you need to get moving again, the car uses the energy stored in the battery from the regenerative brakes to work the electric starter and start the engine. Items like your car radio still work thanks to the stronger battery used in this system. If the stop is prolonged, however, the gasoline engine may come on.

In some vehicles, there isn’t a need for all that complicated technology. Rather than requiring heavy and expensive electrical components Mazda uses a start-stop technology called i-stop that puts a piston in the best position to restart the fastest when the engine turns off. That piston would already have air and fuel ready to be ignited, so that when the car needs to start again, it doesn’t require much time or power. This allows the car to start in as quick as 0.35 of a second. Other car companies like Mercedes-Benz are using technology like this in its big cars too. Mazda states that its start-stop system results in about 10% better fuel economy and while no Mazda vehicle is available with the feature in North America, look for it to arrive soon.

Currently government fuel economy testing methods don’t take into account start-stop systems, so for cars that do come equipped with them, like the 2012 Kia Rio, real world fuel economy numbers could be better than advertised. If and when government testing does take into account the benefits of start-stop systems, look for this new feature to go mainstream.

2. Variable Displacement/Active Cylinder Deactivation:

Another way to help improve fuel economy is to shut off unnecessary cylinders. Mercedes-Benz uses a cylinder deactivation system that deactivates half the cylinders in its V8 and V12 engines, essentially turning them into more frugal 4, or 6 cylinder engines. GM has a system that’s present in quite a few of its trucks that shuts off half the cylinders in the engine when cruising. This is also present in sportier cars like the automatic transmission equipped Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Chrysler’s version of cylinder deactivation is present on its HEMI V8s. In Chrysler products the system will shut off half the cylinders at speeds above 18 mph during moderate rpm. Chrysler says that thanks to cylinder deactivation technology its vehicles have 10-20% better fuel economy.

Honda also offers a cylinder deactivation technology called variable cylinder management (VCM) that shuts off two or three cylinders in V6 models like the Accord, Pilot and Odyssey.

3. Direct Injection:

Fuel efficiency might mean frugalness to some people, but it also means getting the most out of your engine. Direct-Injection means that the gasoline is injected right into the cylinder chamber of each cylinder in the engine, and at such a high pressure that the liquid gas is actually a gaseous gas, mixing better with the air and improving combustion. This improved combustion means more power is being generated, and as a result fewer emissions remain.

James hope, Kia Product Communications Manager explained that due to direct-injection, along with other key technologies, the Kia Optima is able to achieve best-in-class highway fuel consumption with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder model, and tons of power from its relatively small 2.0-liter turbo.

4. Smart Alternator:

Hyundai has been boasting its smart alternator technology, which is in all of its U.S. Models. The major function of this alternator is that it chooses the best time to recharge the car’s battery. For example, when you’re decelerating, the system will kick in to charge the battery, as opposed to when you’re accelerating, and likely want all of the cars available power. “It allows us to cut the alternator drag,” said Derek Joyce from Hyundai Public Relations. “It basically recoups energy that would probably be wasted anyways.” Joyce also said that the technology helps improve fuel economy by around 1.5 to 2 per cent.

5. Electric Power Steering:

Furthermore, many companies are switching to electric power steering instead of conventional hydraulic steering systems. Rather than powering a hydraulic pump and keeping up system pressure at all times, the electric system only needs to engage when steering is required. Not only does the system save fuel by not being a drag on the engine at all times, it also helps cut weight by removing all the hydraulic components. The new Chevrolet Malibu Eco features this electric power steering and Chevy says it can help improve fuel economy by up to 2.5%.

Mark Meyers, General Motors global vehicle performance manager said “Electric power assist steering is just one example of how a system improvement can deliver not one but several benefits for customers.” He added that “By the end of the 2013 model year, more than half of all Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles will have electric power steering.” Electric power steering is also making its way into BMW models, as well, as part of its EfficientDynamics philosophy and can be found on everything from Ford and Dodges to Hondas and Hyundais.

6. Eco Button:

Your next car may also feature a little button somewhere on the dash that helps get your more miles per gallon. “When activated, ECON mode alters the Drive-by-Wire throttle system response curve in the range from about 10 percent of pedal movement to 80 percent,” said Chris Martin, from Honda Public relations, about what the ECON mode button does in the new 2012 Honda CR-V.

He added that “With less gain, the throttle opening in this range increases more gradually to reduce a potentially excessive peak input for better fuel efficiency.” He explained that ECON Mode affects more than just your throttle though. “ECON mode also alters the operation of the cruise control system and the air conditioning system, allowing for slightly increased variances with the set speed or the set temperature in order to conserve fuel whenever possible.”

Many other automakers, from Chevrolet to Hyundai use an “eco mode” that puts the transmission on a short leash, making the vehicle shift sooner into higher gears when accelerating to reduce engine rpm and save gas.

7. Low Rolling Resistance Tires:

Finally, more and more companies are including low rolling resistance tires on their vehicles. Martin says “[Honda] has had great success working with the tire manufacturers to develop all-season tires that provide handling expected and appropriate for each vehicle while significantly reducing rolling resistance.”

Low rolling resistance tires minimize energy wasted from friction between the tire and the road. Traditionally used only on hybrids, these tires are now being used on a wide variety of models. Mazda recently started including low rolling resistance tires on its Skyactiv Mazda3. These can result in pretty significant fuel savings, up to five per cent. However, there are certain compromises when having low rolling resistance tires. They tend to not be as grippy as traditional tires, and can even be less comfortable.

With automakers still wanting to offer a wide range of vehicles by combining several of these seven new fuel-saving technologies it’s possible to make a noticeable improvement in fuel economy, without having to make due with a smaller engine or switch to a hybrid powerplant.

Buick is the latest brand to leave a breadcrumb trail for its future products by filing for a tradermark on May 3 to cover its Riviera moniker. While that doesn’t prove anything on its own, the company isn’t known for flippantly filing for trademarks on the off chance they might one day come true.

Instead, it seems more in line with the General Motors methodology to file when there’s a likely chance something might actually be produced (think “SS Performance”).

That’s why we’re left wondering what might be sitting up the secretive sleeves in the Buick offices. Winding back to 2007, Buick unveiled a Riviera concept at the Shanghai Motor Show, though it wasn’t ever green lit. It made an appearance again in 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show, but has since slipped into the depths of concept car limbo.

Our associates at GM Inside News learned last year that the company was considering a sporty coupe built on the rear-wheel drive Alpha platform, though such a car is unlikely until after 2015. It also possible that the front-drive Lambda platform could spawn something before that, but there isn’t any official word.

One way or another we’ll be keeping an eye out for further news on what could be another GM entrant to the sports coupe market in the next few years.

GALLERY: Buick Riviera concept

[Source: GM Inside News]

After recent ads featuring Ving Rhames and Shaquille O’Neal, Buick is moving from strength to sexiness in its latest ad, employing the talents of supermodel Marisa Miller.

Known for her work for Victoria’s Secret and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues, Miller was also ranked number one in Maxim‘s Hot 100 list in 2008. She’s even done some ad work before, in an extremely sexy spot for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Miller is staring in a new ad for Buick, promoting the redesigned 2013 Enclave. Referred to an “Attractiveness Expert”, Miller highlights the car’s tech features with a humorous twist. Watch the behind-the-scenes teaser below and watch for the full commercial to launch May 14th.

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Known for his deep voice, striking figure and diverse talent, actor Ving Rhames is turning his attention to Buick in a new commercial campaign. 

Rhames has a long acting history including many roles as an intimidating character, something the automaker is playing off of to tell customers that buying a Buick is an inviting experience.

In the video below, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the spot’s production including Rhames talking about how he’s happy with Buick. The clip follows a previous ad starring Shaq cramming into a LaCrosse to show how much interior space it has.

This time, the video highlights the “Experience Buick” program, which is a 24-month lease that includes regular maintenance and oil changes. Other features include OnStar directions and a SiriusXM subscription for a monthly fee.

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Buick has gained a reputation for being a car meant for the elderly, but the brand is slowly changing its image to be more youth oriented.

Polk Automotive, an automotive industry research firm says that the average age of Buick buyers has gone down from 62 to 59 over the last five years. This trend for Buick is even more of an achievement when you consider that in the last five years the average car buyers age has gone up by three years to to 51.

All of Buicks new products are targetted to younger buyers thanks to updated infotainment systems, technology and some sportier fun to drive models like the Regal GS.

Buick has also been putting some new marketing strategies to work, such as hosting culinary discovery tours. The brand visited ten cities and invited over 1,000 people in total to test drive its cars while participating in wine tasting, wine pairing classes and a cooking demonstration. The average age of the culinary tours participant 45. The Experience Buick campaign is another way in which Buick it trying to bring in new customers.

General Motors is recalling 50,001 SUVs, specifically from states where dealing with snow is regular, because the wiper arm may slowly loosen and become inoperative. 

The vehicles affected are certain model year 2011-2012 GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enlcave. All owners will be notified, and your local GM dealer will fix the issue, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2012. For more information you can contact the NHTSA safety hotline at  1-888-327-4236.

For a list of all States affected, see below.

States Affected by Recall

ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

The Buick Enclave is the best selling three row luxury crossover in the business, and today the updated model was fully revealed to us at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

The exterior of the vehicle gains a new slightly more sculpted design as well as LED daytime running light and LED taillights.  An all new front fascia, 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, new hood and grille and monochromatic color scheme with chrome highlights round out the new look of the vehicle.

All new ice blue LED interior cabin lighting is one of the features which adds to the Buicks premium feel. Other interior uprgades include soft touch materials with live stitching, new interior color combinations with wooden accents and and all new center stack. The stack will be include the new IntelliLink infotainment system which outfits the vehicle with the latest in technology, including Bluetooth connectivity, USB and Aux in ports, the capability to handle smart phone apps and navigation among others.

To match the premium feel of the Enclave, a power liftgate and remote starter will come as standard equipment.

The Enclave is an IIHS top safety pick in 2012, and offers and industry first front center airbag setup. Other safety features include StabiliTrak, traction control, panic brake assist, rear view camera  and seven total air bags.

The Enclave will be powered by the same 3.6 liter V6 as the last gen, except the new engine is mated to an upgraded Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic. The front wheel drive model is expected by the company to get 24 mpg on the highway. The 2013 Buick Enclave will arrive at dealerships this fall.

GALLERY: 2013 Buick Enclave

At least that’s the news according to statistics released by the two American automakers. Chrysler said it sold 34 percent more vehicles this March, versus the same period last year, delivering some 161,381 cars and trucks, versus 121,730 in March 2011.

Jeep and Ram truck demand was particularly strong, with gains of 35 and 22 percent respectively. Ford said it had seen sales grow by some five percent with sales reaching 222,884 units last month versus 212,295 in March 2011.

Despite declines in Buick and Cadillac sales, General Motors said it had seen overall demand grow by 12 percent in March to 231,052 units, largely fuelled by sales of small cars. Don Johnson, GM’s vice president of US sales remarked that,”the economic recovery and a deep bench of fuel-efficient cars and crossovers have been driving our sales for more than a year, but the combined impact has never been stronger than it was in March.”  The General said it sold a record 100,000 vehicles last month that get at least 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

A number of analysts believe the growth in auto sales last month can be partly attributed to this year’s unseasonably mild winter, which had consumers flocking to dealers earlier than the traditional spring selling season; other factors include a plethora of new models hitting the streets as well as lower unemployment statistics and easier access to credit for many.

Many industry observers are keeping a close eye on gas prices to see if they have an effect on auto sales this year; as currently they’re around the $4.00 gallon mark, traditionally seen as the tipping point which consumers change their car buying and driving habits.

Nonetheless, the outlook remains generally optimistic. “Barring any future shock related to geopolitical issues in the gulf region and further upward pressure on the price of oil, we believe sales will continue on a solid pace for the balance of the year, said John Humphrey” J.D. Power and Associates senior vice president of global operations.

[Source: New York Times via Auto News]

The Buick Enclave has been a great seller for the company, helping it beat out competitors from Acura, Audi and Lincoln. Before its 2012 New York Auto Show debut, Buick is showing off the latest chapter in its Enclave success story.

The 2013 Buick Enclave shows off a new sculpted design, as well as new LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights. Other Buick details like chrome grille and accents help round out the look, and make it instantly recognizable as a Buick.

Inside the Enclave, the new IntelliLink infotainment system helps usher in a modern feel to the Buick. Blue LED ambient lighting carries forth the high-tech feel.

Aside from the infotainment system, the Enclave features luxurious touches like soft touch materials and live stitching throughout the cabin.

The Buick also includes an industry first front center airbag.

The Buick Enclave offers three rows of seating, and with both the second and third row folded down, it offers more cargo space than the Mercedes-Benz R Class, Infiniti JX, Acura MDX, Lincoln MKT, Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90.

The Enclave is still available in front or all wheel drive, and is powered by the same 3.6 liter V6 with an updated six-speed automatic. Buick points out that the FWD Enclave can hit 24mpg on the highway.

Check out the full gallery below, and keep checking back for more New York Auto Show news.

Gallery: 2013 Buck Enclave

Now that the legendary Shaquille O’Neal has retired from playing NBA basketball, the giant has become a natural fit for television commercials. His latest endorsement — the Buick LaCrosse which shows it has plenty of room even for a giant like Shaq.

The commercial, titled the “Oh Effect”, was shot in Pasadena, Calif. and has Shaq and his 325-lb frame highlighting what very few might know about the Buick LaCrosse. Features of the vehicle include its 36-mpg highway fuel economy courtesy of eAssist, a “light electrification” system which utilizes a lithium-ion battery system and electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking capability and of course, its roominess.

As Shaq says in the commercial, he enjoys the Buick LaCrosse because he hes “shoes that are bigger than a hybrid…and are more stylish.”

The ad was directed by the infamous Erich Joiner whose past creations include the “Got Milk?” campaign. The Buick LaCrosse commercials starring Shaq will air during the NCAA Final Four tournament.

Watch a behind-the-scenes on the new Buick LaCrosse ad after the break.

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