To celebrate its heritage along with Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day), Buick is highlighting the M18 tank destroyers that it was recruited to build during the World War II.

The M18 Hellcat was first designed in the studio of legendary GM designer Harvey Earl. Powering the tank was a 450-hp nine-cylinder aircraft engine, hooked up to a three-speed automatic transmission. Hellcats were known for being one of the fastest tanks on the battlefield, and could hit speeds of 60 mph and above.

As any Buick automobile, the Hellcat was tested at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds, using the banked roads for high-speed tests and specially developed stretches of bumps for ride quality.

In total, Buick produced 2,507 M18 tank destroyers, along with a half-million cartridge cases, 9.7 million 20-mm shells, and other war accessories needed by the U.S. military.

GALLERY: Buick M18 Hellcat

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General Motors is recalling 38,197 eAssist-equipped vehicles for a faulty circuit board that could lead to a fire in the trunk in the worst case scenario.

The recall affects 2012 and 2013 model year Chevrolet Malibu Ecos, Buick LaCrosses, and Buick Regals equipped with eAssist and sold in the U.S. Vehicles being recalled were all built before December 2012.

According to GM, a malfunctioning generator control module can slowly drain the battery, leading to an indicator on the dash. If the indicator is ignored, the engine could stall, and in some cases, a burning or melting odor, smoke, and in rare instances, a fire in the trunk.

GM did confirm that the issue is not related to the eAssist battery pack and that the smoke and fire hazard is a result of an overheating control board. So far one trunk fire has been reported, but no injuries are known related to the issue.

Those with affected vehicles will be able to go to the dealership where it will check the generator control module to ensure that it’s operating properly.

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Buick’s head-turning Riviera concept from last month’s Shanghai auto show isn’t likely to be built, but the brand still has a bird or two up its sleeves. 

GM North America president Mark Reuss said the brand is ready for a product “that’s very special, that’t not shared with anybody else and is quite unique.”

While it isn’t clear what that will be, past rumors suggested the brand might revive its Grand National nameplate with a rear-wheel drive sports car. A plug-in hybrid SUV was also rumored as recently as last year, although news of such a vehicle hasn’t continued to surface.

Aside from offering a product that will serve to steer attention toward the near-luxury brand, Buick’s sales have outpaced the market as strong new products help bolster the brand. The Regal mid-size sedan enjoyed strong sales until the Verano reached dealers and cannibalized those numbers. Aside from sedans, Automotive News reports that the Encore small crossover is also proving to be a quick seller.

Possibilities in the pipeline include a Riviera-like flagship, a coupe and a convertible, all of which could help the brand attract younger buyers.

[Source: Automotive News]

Unveiled today at the Shanghai Auto Show, Buick has revealed an updated version of its Riviera Concept, foreshadowing the future look of the brand’s vehicles.

The fourth global concept co-developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) it is said to herald, “the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand,” said Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming.

Said to be inspired by the “dynamic nature of water” GM VP of global design Ed Welburn commented that, “It is a great opportunity to share Buick’s future design language and technology strategy.”

Both the new front grille design and wing-shaped daytime running lights will become key parts of Buick’s future design DNA.

Powered by a dual-mode W-PHEV (wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) system, the Riviera Concept can act as either an electric vehicle or as a hybrid, and can be charged conventionally or wirelessly. The charge port itself has been integrated into the iconic Buick porthole design.

Technical highlights include four-wheel steering, an air ride suspensions system and GM’s electromagnetic shocks. Looking ahead to the future of safety system it uses 10 high-resolution camera and 18 sensors to watch the road ahead, displaying information on the windshield and making possible a list of features that include everything from blind spot alert and lane departure warning to an autopilot feature.

Buick has made no indication that a production version of the concept is in the works, though the brand did recently trademark the Riviera name indicating that a coupe is set to return to the brand under just such a badge.

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Buick is celebrating its 110th birthday this year, and today the brand released 11 of its favorite highlights, spanning the company’s history. 

Buick has many accomplishments to celebrate, not the least of which is that the brand has sold over 43 million vehicles since it began all those years ago. Buick is also known for building the first concept car ever, the1938 Y-Job. The brand is traditionally known for building large luxury cars, like the 1959 Electra 225, but has also seen some success in the competitive arena.

A Buick has served as the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 six different times, while the brand has won two separate NASCAR manufacturers championships. Adding to its lineup of quick cars, Buick built the 1987 GNX, which was capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.6 seconds. Another impressive feat, the first Buick to reach over 100 mph was the Century, which did so all the way back in 1936.

Nowadays, Buick’s fastest car ever, the 2013 Buick Regal GS, uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to churn out 270 hp, but back in the muscle car days, Buick installed massive 7.0-liter V8s to get the job done.

Buick has changed immensely since the old days, and is now known as an entry-level luxury brand that competes most directly with Acura.

GALLERY: Buick’s 110th Birthday

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General Motors has began notifying 778,956 owners of various vehicles that they will need more frequent oil changes due to high warranty claims on several models.

Affected vehicles include the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Buick LaCrosse and Regal models, all 2010-2012 model years. Those vehicles powered by a 2.4-liter LAF and LEA four-cylinder engine are being asked to take their vehicles to the dealership so that a software update will trigger the oil change warning light sooner.

The American automaker began updating the software in December after seeing warranty claims for worn-out balance chains. Product investigators discovered that more frequent oil changes will help the chains last longer. The program will not be considered a recall since it’s not a safety issue.

General Motors declined to disclose the number of claims.

[Source: Automotive News]

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The Buick Encore has only been available since the start of the year and it’s already falling under a recall because the steering wheel could detach.

In affected vehicles, of which there are only 144, the steering wheel can come loose or even separate from the steering column. According to a letter Buick sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a parts shortage during the car’s initial assembly prevented some models from being built with a heated steering wheel.

Those vehicles were then retrofitted with the missing part and during that process the steering wheel fastener might not have been properly installed. The majority of the affected vehicles are still sitting on Buick dealer lots, but 59 were sold.

Today, Buick reported having sold 4,953 Encores in the U.S. through March, which means that fewer than three percent fall under the recall.

Owners can expect Buick to notify them of the recall, but anyone with questions can also contact General Motors by calling (800) 521-7300.

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Who is to say that luxury car buyers aren’t affected by high gas prices? If you want to drive in comfort, style, and have the latest high tech goodies in a car, you shouldn’t have to pay more at the pump for it. Here are our picks for the top 10 most fuel friendly luxury cars, ranked in order of their combined city/highway mpg numbers.

Quite a few luxury cars hit the 29 mpg mark combined. The most impressive of the bunch is the Buick LaCrosse, which manage to get solid fuel economy, despite its bigger size. The Infiniti, Mercedes and BMW vehicles make do with a high-power pairing of a six-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which gives the end result of over 300-hp.

The Buicks use a mild hybrid system called eAssist which pairs a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with a conventional automatic, and a compact lithium ion battery to get its impressive fuel economy numbers.

Before its debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show later this week, Buick has released specs and images for the 2014 Regal, which will finally receive optional all-wheel drive.

The biggest news for the Regal comes under the hood. The 2.0-liter turbo engine now produces 259 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in both the Turbo and the GS Regals. This is a significant power increase for the Turbo, but a slight power decrease for the GS. The base 2.4-liter eAssist engine remains unchanged, and makes 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque.

An available Haldex all-wheel-drive system will also now be available on the Regal GS, but only with the 6-speed automatic transmission. For a 6-speed manual, buyers will have to opt for the front-wheel drive Regal GS.

Technology has been bumped up, as the Regal will now be available with rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert, side blind zone alert, lane departure warning, forward collision alert and collision mitigation braking. As well, adaptive cruise control is now offered.

New front and rear styling, with the ever trendy wing-shape LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps are featured on the 2014 Regal. Much of the styling carries over from the last generation, with the same large hood vents still present and accounted for.

Inside the interior features a redesigned central instrument panel and console along with some new interior trim combination. The General’s latest Intellilink infotainment system has also been included in the Regal for 2014.

SEE ALSO: 2013 New York Auto Show Preview

The new Regal makes its public debut at the New York International Auto Show, and goes on sale this fall.

GALLERY: 2014 Buick Regal

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Before its debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show later this week, Buick has released specs and images on the 2014 LaCrosse, which has received new looks and some new luxury features.

Styling on the 2014 LaCrosse has been updated this year for the first time since the car was redesigned in 2009. New enhancements include a larger front grille, LED wrap around taillights and LED daytime running lights.

On the inside, you will find new seats, “enhanced” materials and a redesigned center stack that includes GM’s Intellilink infotainment system. Also available is a new ultra luxury interior package which includes semi-aniline leather complemented by synthetic suede, sangria seating color, along with Shadow Tamo Ash wood.

SEE ALSO: 2013 New York Auto Show Preview

A slew of safety features have been packed into the new LaCrosse, including side blind zone alert, lane change alert, lane departure warning, forward collision alert, rear cross traffic alert and automatic collision preparation. Linked up to these systems is GM’s safety alert seat, which gently vibrates to warn the driver of upcoming collisions. Adaptive cruise control is also newly available for the 2014 LaCrosse.

For powertrains, the LaCrosse can be fitted with either a 2.4-liter four cylinder E-Assist mild hybrid that makes 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 304 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque.

GALLERY: 2014 Buick LaCrosse

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General Motors announced a recall today for 2013 Cadillac SRX and 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, over a software issue that may cause them to inadvertently switch to sport mode. 

When the transmission is switched over to sport mode, the car removes any transmission-related engine braking. If that switch is made with the driver knowing, it can increase the risk of a collision.  Approximately 26,582 vehicles are affected overall.

The recall is expected to begin on March 28, 2013. General Motors will notify affected owners, and reprogram the transmission control module free of charge.

For more information, you can contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, or Buick at 1-866-694-6546.

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Buick is using an aggressive new strategy when it comes to selling its new compact CUV, the Encore. With its small, city-friendly proportions, is the Buick Encore making the large SUV/Crossover extinct?

Buick will be showcasing a new ad during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament which showcases the advantages of the tiny crossover, including its small turning radius, better fuel economy and high-tech features, which are usually reserved for bigger, more expensive luxury vehicles.

With a price starting at $24,950, the Encore is a premium vehicle with an affordable pricetag.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Buick Encore Review

When AutoGuide.com tested the Encore last month, we found it to be quiet, smooth and featured a pretty and ergonomic interior. However, the cargo space and speed of the vehicle were noticeably lacking.

Watch the video below to see the Encore dodge dinos in the city.

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