Big News From Buick

Since Buick is big in China, I wonder how this style will do there. Possibly a new form of population control.

LT1? Am I missing something? Are they bringing back that designation?

DrBoost wrote: LT1? Am I missing something? Are they bringing back that designation?

Yes. as discussed here: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/the-new-lt1-you-say/56204/page1/

sure to confuse some people.

novaderrik wrote: that article had a lot of speculations in it- if they do this, then they could do that, which might allow them to use this other engine that will fit...

It read like LOTS of speculation to me as well. We don't even know if an 8-cyl. will show up in the ATS-V as far as I've read (likely to be twin-turbo 6?)

The pictures are obviously p-shops at this point as well, though kind of neat as-is:

That said, I think it's a great idea. I'm a 30 year old that would love to own one of these Buicks if they come to fruition, and are done in a manner true to form.

I also don't see any harm in "stepping on the toes" of the Cadillac. Yes there's some brand development issues to handle, but even Chevy has had hotter powerplants than their Caddy counterparts (Corvette vs. XLR)... I think they're smart to plan Buick as the subtle styled slightly cushier, more reasonable option than Cadillac, with a total black knight of a special model in their "hot rod buicks". So even if the ATS-V become a tech laden twin turbo V6 marvel, the GNX could still be a stonkin LT1 screamer. It's cheap advertising, gets people talking, and as noted, gets people into showrooms. The Verano Turbo is a good car that might be a more reasonable buy... as is Regal, etc.

xflowgolf wrote:

DrBoost wrote: LT1? Am I missing something? Are they bringing back that designation?

Yes. as discussed here: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/the-new-lt1-you-say/56204/page1/ sure to confuse some people.

Thanks for the info xflow.

I'll believe it when I see it.

Remember, when they brought the GS back, it was supposed to be a twin turbo V6 AWD beast. That didn't happen.

I hope that just this once the engineers at GM can fend off the bean counters and get the new-age GN and GNX built the right way.

xflowgolf wrote:

DrBoost wrote: LT1? Am I missing something? Are they bringing back that designation?

Yes. as discussed here: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/the-new-lt1-you-say/56204/page1/ sure to confuse some people.

Well it's not like the LS moniker was anything new either...

This crossed my mind a few days ago. GM is on the right track!!!

Awesome. I hope this happens.

mrwillie wrote: This crossed my mind a few days ago. GM is on the right track!!!

GM has been on the right track for about a half dozen years give or take. Kudos to them.

I was all YES... YES... YES..

And then "twin turbo version of the 3.6l V6"

and I was all NO! NO! NO!

And yes the G-body roofs can wrinkle. We have a hard launching GN in the shop right now getting something I've never seen before (1) and the roof is wrinkled on both sides at the leading corners of the B-pillars. He's definitely going to need a cage when we're through with it

(1) Aluminum block. So with the Champion heads and intake manifold, the assembled engine is just one big expanse of cast aluminum with an irridited steel oil pan. Looks incredibly mean. Will have pics if I can get my camera to cooperate. Definitely not a GRM engine.

The cars sound good, even better with a 2-door version. As far as the names are concerned, come up with new ones Buick! Grand National, T-type, and GNX should never be on a 4 door car! Just leave these names alone. GM has a horrible track record of re-using and disgracing names. (Ford and Chrysler have committed similar sins)

How can you people complain about this car?
On paper it's another awesome car. Why is this bad?
Sure, it might not be your flavor of awesome, but let others have their fun. Just because you don't want to plop a down payment on it doesn't mean it sucks. For the love of god, cars like this should make all of us happy. All of us.

nit picking the number of doors is like people calling the GTO badged Holden a fake GTO...

Don't get me wrong, I think it's an awesome product plan! I'm a big Buick and 80's fan, so duh.

Honestly, the Charger has tempered me to 4-doors a little bit, so I think I'd be okay with a 4-door "T-Type" and "GN". As long as they are RWD turbo V6's I really don't think anybody could have a complaint. The GNX should probably be a halo coupe though, and since the next Camaro is going to have the ATS platform too, well, it's already there. I do hope the styling is unique for Buick.

As for the LT1 going into one, they should do another great old Buick model for that... "Gran Sport"

Gearheadotaku wrote: The cars sound good, even better with a 2-door version. As far as the names are concerned, come up with new ones Buick! Grand National, T-type, and GNX should never be on a 4 door car! Just leave these names alone. GM has a horrible track record of re-using and disgracing names. (Ford and Chrysler have committed similar sins)

thinking up new names just makes it that much harder to market it. and this car is pretty much guaranteed to outperform the G bodies of the late 80's in every way, so if anything it would be an improvement over them.

I am sure that the G-body will still be the leader in T-top leakage and theft assistance.

Knurled wrote: I am sure that the G-body will still be the leader in T-top leakage and theft assistance.

and rear bumpers that fall off.

Here's the problem

With a V-Series version of the Cadillac ATS almost certainly in the pipeline, a Buick version with a slightly less powerful V8 could be the ticket for the GNX. A six-speed manual transmission and six-speed automatic could be available in all three sedans.

A GNX should slay just about everything in sight and should be damn close to a Z06 in overall performance. The original GNX was faster than Testarossas and Countaches of the time.

GM should have the balls to allow Buick to make this car a PROPER GNX.

I'm not sure why anyone who lived through the dark years of automobiles would have any serious problem with what Buick does, as long as the cars are good, interesting, and perform well. Some of you guys sound like you wouldn't be satisfied with anything.

One door or six doors. Call it Larry for all I care. Its still awesome!

I will take a 6 door Larry with those numbers.

I don't know why anyone is complaining. IF GM allows this, it will be awesome. All the normal media outlets will nit-pick every little wrong thing with them as usual, because its a GM vehicle, as will all the GM haters on this board.

I think if this happens, and it stays true to what the rumor is, AND it can handle, they will have a winner on their hands.

Now they need to bring back the Riviera and make an awesome GT.

gamby wrote: Here's the problem With a V-Series version of the Cadillac ATS almost certainly in the pipeline, a Buick version with a slightly less powerful V8 could be the ticket for the GNX. A six-speed manual transmission and six-speed automatic could be available in all three sedans. A GNX should slay just about everything in sight and should be damn close to a Z06 in overall performance. The original GNX was faster than Testarossas and Countaches of the time. GM should have the balls to allow Buick to make this car a PROPER GNX.

Ah, so the new GNX should be two-doors, have rear wheel drive, feature a mechanical limited slip diff, be faster than a Zonda, weigh less than an FRS, have power nothing, not have an automatic gearbox, but not a manual either, have cloth seats, placed in H-Stock, and be less than $23k. Then, maybe it would be GRM Forum Approved!