Carl Black Of Roswell News/Events Blog

The power to choose. The freedom to drive.

Say hello to the 2013 Buick Regal, the luxury sports sedan brimming with versatility—even on the showroom floor. Whether you’re looking for intuitive efficiency, raw power, or something in between, the Regal has got you covered. Each comes loaded with personal technologies and safety features. The combination of performance, luxury, and efficiency is completely up to you. And yes, you can certainly have all three.

No matter the engine, the 2013 Regal takes on a coupe-like stance, stunning and sporty. The tight wheel-to-body ratio hints at the performance inside, and the sculpted body-side details and integrated spoiler provides an aerodynamic profile that cuts through wind like a hot knife through butter. Combined with four-wheel independent suspension, this is sports luxury you can feel. Heated front seats with three temperature settings and a leather-wrapped steering wheel come standard. And the Driver Information Center (DIC) provides crucial vehicle info, a compass, trip computer, and displays Turn-by-Turn Navigation prompts provided by OnStar.

In addition to these standard features, the ECOTEC 2.4L with eAssist delivers an impressive 25 city/36 highway mpg at 182 horsepower. Cutting edge fuel saving technology allows excellent fuel economy without sacrificing performance. eAssist uses an electric motor-generator to convert the forward momentum of the vehicle into usable energy, storing it in the 115V lithium-ion battery. This improves fuel economy by up to 25% while providing up to 15 additional horsepower at highway speeds. Variable Valve Timing (VVT) optimizes engine breathing by adjusting valve timing at lower rpm for improved engine response and greater torque delivery. When coming to a stop, Regenerative Braking captures energy otherwise lost, and powers the radio, climate control, and other accessories while the engine operates in Auto Stop mode.

For a bit of extra oomph, the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder brings the horsepower up to 220 and still delivers 20 city/32 highway mpg in manual transmission. The engine’s turbocharging technology creates up to 20 psi of boost with peak torque at just 2000 rpm. This kind of acceleration and efficiency together is, in a word, unexpected. The VVT is carried over from its fuel-saving little brother, and adds Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI), which creates more power from less fuel. By directly injecting fuel into the combustion chamber, the resulting higher compression ratio increases efficiency, horsepower, and reduces cold-start emissions by up to 25%.

For those of you that want maximum power in a luxury sport sedan, look towards the high-output 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder. Available in the GS model, the most powerful Regal ever offers exhilarating handling and racing-inspired appointments. The ASIN Warner 6-speed transmission is available in automatic or manual, and the HiPer Strut front suspension provides superior handling at speed. Here is a luxury sedan that doesn’t shy from the spotlight—large Brembo front brakes and up to 20” wheels are anything but subtle.

For fuel efficiency, pure power, or something in between, the 2013 Buick Regal has you covered.

The 2014 Buick LaCrosse is sculpted luxury, artistry flowing through every sloping curve and fascia. Signature chrome accents and the waterfall grill are distinctly Buick, but the 2014 LaCrosse brings unprecedented levels of luxury and refinement to the brand.
The available Ultra Luxury Interior Package is offered in four interior color and trim combinations, such as cashmere and cocoa. Real ash wood and semi-aniline leather seats provide superior aesthetics and durability at once. Over contoured edges, the cool blue ambient lighting meets the warm wood tones in the console and doors. The rear seating boasts the same luxury standard, and offers more leg room than the Lexus ES350, Acura TL, and Infiniti G37 sedans.

By utilizing advanced eAssist technology, the 2014 LaCrosse is capable of 36 mpg on the highway, which makes it the most fuel-efficient sedan in its class. eAssist automatically switches seamlessly between gas and battery power while driving, and converts forward momentum into energy while braking. A power flow display shows exactly which systems are engaged when, but the thing you’ll likely notice most is how much less time you’re wasting at the pump.

The redesigned central instrument panel is more concise and features the next-generation IntelliLink system. With an eight-inch color touch screen that allows swipe navigation, it can be customized exactly how you see fit. Store up to 60 favorites, which could be anything from radio stations, phone contacts, vehicle information, or navigation destinations. Bluetooth connectivity and voice commands keep your eyes on the road.

Standard safety technology from front bumper to rear keeps you and your passengers safe in dangerous conditions. HID headlamps are subtle in appearance but powerful in use, increasing visibility at night and during inclement weather. The blind zone alert system uses radar to detect oncoming vehicles, and displays an indicator in your side view mirror so you know they’re coming. StabiliTrak and full-time traction control helps you make sure the vehicle stays in the steered path, even when the road is a less than ideal one. The safety cage has high strength steel for increased crash protection and advanced airbag technology throughout the cabin. The 2013 LaCrosse was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the 2014 is even safer.

In the infotainment arms race, there is only one clear leader—IntelliLink, found standard in Buick’s 2013 lineup. Its crystal clear 7-inch color touch display can be customized to show anything from vital engine statistics, album art for the track you’re cruising to, or the smiling face of the person you’re wrapped up in conversation with. IntelliLink brings connectivity to the forefront while helping you stay focused on the road.

From defensive drivers to race car drivers, all agree—you simply can’t beat the control afforded by having two hands on the wheel. So when it comes to controlling all the options the modern vehicle allows the driver, using your voice is the safest (see also: fastest) way to go. And while many cars boast voice recognition, few boast doing it well. IntelliLink’s voice recognition is so accurate it feels more like having a conversation than giving a command. If you’ve ever found yourself furiously repeating the same command over and over, or getting sent to the same sushi restaurant every time you try call your brother, you’d probably agree there isn’t any added safety in screaming at poor voice recognition. IntelliLink gets it right the first time, keeping your hands on the wheel instead of balled up and shaking through the cabin space.

Connecting a smartphone to a vehicle via Bluetooth is supposed to be a pretty straightforward process—just pair and go. If only this were the case. Some vehicles make pairing difficult, buried under settings and options. Or vehicles that connect easily, but can’t or won’t access your contact list automatically. You’re stuck entering them one by one, or more likely, never at all. And even vehicles that manage to download your contacts successfully will oftentimes keep them there, saving all your numbers like a creepy old flame. With IntelliLink, you’re two easy touches away from being synced, and your contacts are downloaded automatically. Disconnect, and your contacts go with you. The way it should be.

Audio connectivity has come a long way since AM radio was first introduced, and IntelliLink elevates the driving-listening experience further than ever before by including personalization features not found in any other infotainment system. The choice of Pandora internet radio (complete with voice recognition), SiriusXM satellite radio, and Stitcher SmartRadio offers a selection complete enough for any and every taste in music. And between streaming over Bluetooth and built-in USB connectivity, if someone has some form of digital music in your vehicle, chances are it’s going to play. All new for 2013 is the option to choose “More Like This” when playing from your device. IntelliLink will automatically create a random playlist based on the song you chose, as what could also be considered your own personal disc jockey. If you think giving your car a name just became that much more appropriate, you’re not alone.

IntelliLink. The luxury of seamless connectivity.

Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? The 2013 Verano T provides the style and sophistication expected in a compact luxury sedan—but under the hood lies 250 horsepower turbocharged poised and ready for all the fun that happens off the clock. With a zero to sixty time of six seconds, you’d better have a lid on that espresso.

The Verano is all about big luxury in a small package. Remote starting the vehicle brings the interior to life, automatically adjusting the temperature inside before you enter the vehicle. Premium soft touch materials and wood accents give the cabin the unmistakable comfort Buick provides. The attention to detail can be found in every inch and storage compartment. On finger-numbing mornings, heated leather seats automatically activate, and the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel keeps the cumbersome gloves at bay.

Subtle cues, like the understated “T” badge or chrome tipped dual exhaust set the Verano T apart from the standard Verano trim packages, which are already feature rich in true Buick fashion. QuietTuning technology muffles undesirable sound with sound dampeners placed throughout the frame. Combined with Bose Active noise cancelling technology, engine and road noise are all but eliminated. In the standard Verano, this makes for a smooth, comfortable ride. In the Verano T, the extra power makes the ride simply exhilarating. An impeccable union of speed and sound.

In a non-turbocharged Verano, the naturally aspirated 2.4L produces 180 horsepower. In the Verano T, a turbocharged 2.0L produces 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, shaving a full two seconds from the time to 60 mph. Minor tweaks to the steering and suspension help channel the extra power provided by the turbocharged engine, but the Verano T is most notable for the lack of noisy features often paired with powerful turbocharged vehicles. This is turbo with subtlety—overly aggressive air intakes and super sport tires simply don’t belong here. This is a car with identity, a truly powerful compact sedan that would rather show than tell.

You don’t have to be on a diet to eat healthy. Or exercise every day to stay in shape. And you certainly don’t have to drive a sports car to drive sporty.

One part luxury, one part sport, one hundred percent Verano T.

It’s easy to focus on the visual appeal inside a car, but it’s perhaps less common to consider the acoustic appeal in the same way. After all, cars can be pretty noisy. Engines, wind noise, road noise… all sounds we’ve grown used to over time. Buick’s QuietTuning technology sets out to change that. Innovative sound-dampening features, combined with Bose Active Noise Cancellation technology, provide a ride that sounds unlike any other, and debuts in the Buick Encore for 2013.

Active Noise Cancellation uses small microphones that measure and analyze incoming sound, then projects counteracting sound waves through the speakers. Unwanted engine noise is all but eliminated, while pleasant sounds are allowed to pass through. The result is a muted, luxurious driving experience that will still engage your senses. Best of all is that the QuietTuning technology comes standard in all Encores, even those without the optional Bose surround sound system installed.

Elsewhere in the vehicle, Buick has taken measures to eliminate unnecessary noise. Aerodynamic changes based on thousands of hours in wind tunnels have created a smooth profile for the Encore. Engine components such as the alternator are silenced, and sound dampening materials can be found just about everywhere: under the hood, in the cabin, and around the wheels. The windshield is acoustically laminated, and the side windows are made from a thicker 5mm glass. Even the tires are specifically chosen for their ability to keep the noise down. From the ground up, QuietTuning in the Encore’s design adds a pleasant soundtrack to an already luxurious ride.

With an MSRP of $24,950, driving away in a Buick has never sounded this good. Test drive a 2013 Encore and hear it for yourself. Because hearing is believing.

Big luxury. Small Package. Introducing the 2013 Buick Verano.

Just because a car gets great mileage shouldn’t mean it has to be stripped of amenities that make driving a pleasure. In the 2013 Buick Verano, there are simply no compromises when it comes to the little things that make you truly love driving your vehicle. These are the little things Buick has perfected over generations of automobiles. Things like QuietTuning technology, which is so effective you’ll hear yourself wondering where the road noise went.

The signature black chrome waterfall grille announces the 2013 Verano’s entry anywhere. It’s that unmistakable smile that only comes with confidence. No surprise, really— a car as good looking as this one has plenty of reasons to be confident. Chrome, calligraphy-like accents bring out the elegant body lines, and chrome tipped dual exhaust outlets leave a lasting impression. On 18” forged alloy wheels, the Verano is quite simply the tallest, most handsome car in its class.

Think fine jewelry. When you see an exquisite box, you know what’s inside is bound to be something really special. From the moment you open the door, telltale Buick luxury simply sets the 2013 Verano apart from its competition. Premium materials showcase the craftsmanship put into each and every vehicle we make. Front and center is the IntelliLink control panel, the modern extension of the classic instrument panel. Whether you’re using voice activated Bluetooth connectivity or Pandora internet radio, the IntelliLink system makes the Verano’s array of technologies easily accessible. Include the available 9-speaker Bose Premium audio system, put in your favorite album, and sit back—this is one ride we know you’ll enjoy.

In addition to great looks, 2013 brings speed in the form on the all-new Verano Turbo. With a 250-hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine, going 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds simply doesn’t get any better than this. Of course, speed is useless without proper handling, so Stabilitrak and Full-function Traction Control keep you connected to the road. Combined with the lighter weight being a compact car brings to the table, the Verano is, quite simply, luxury driving made fun.

For $199 a month on our current two-year lease offer, enjoying the comforts Buick has to offer has become easier than ever. That includes two years of maintenance, OnStar, SiriusXM, and 24,000 miles of driving in luxury Buick bliss. Just $2,119 due at signing. Take advantage of this amazing offer before you’re left behind, staring at someone else’s chrome-tipped exhaust pipes.

The 2013 Buick Enclave. Many have imitated. None have succeeded.

Since its debut, the Enclave has seen its share of copycat vehicles. But when it comes to full-size three-row crossovers, nobody does it better than the original—the Buick Enclave. Now five years in production, the 2013 edition combines classic luxury with contemporary innovation, cementing its legacy as the cutting edge crossover vehicle.

On the outside, the big grille and LED accent lights announce its bold entrance into any street or showroom. But on the inside, the Enclave has received a complete makeover. New trim and soft-touch materials line the cabin, with unmistakably Buick luxury throughout. A mahogany trim steering wheel meets chrome accents and exposed stitching on leather, with four interior color options. One such option is the Cocoa leather with wood-toned accents, a smooth blend of form and function you won’t find anywhere else. Ambient blue lighting illuminates the new technology features. Every 2013 Enclave comes with a standard rearview camera system, HD and satellite radio, and IntelliLink. With IntelliLink voice-controlled connectivity, you can easily control all the Enclave’s features hands-free. You can even use our myBuick smartphone app to lock or unlock your vehicle. You know, just in case your keys decided they wanted to hang out inside for a bit.

The first crossover to feature three row capacity, the Buick Enclave still reigns as the leader in this versatile category. Flexible seating options make it roomy enough for eight, with SmartSlide technology that allows convenient one handed access to the third row. Or fold the seats down for a total of 115 cubic feet of storage, which is more than the competition, and plenty of space for any job.

Power meets finesse when it comes to the Enclave’s performance. We kept the 3.6 liter V-6, pushing 288-hp, but optimized it with a Hydra-Matic six speed automatic transmission, making shifts smoother. New dual flow dampers in the suspension system minimize impact, noise, and vibrations on any driving surface. Combined with available All Wheel Drive, the Enclave stands out as a vehicle matched for any situation in any environment.

In 2012, The Enclave received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA in addition to IIHS Top Safety Pick status. For 2013, the Enclave improves on a winning formula, keeping the safety of all passengers at the forefront. As another safety industry first, the 2013 edition introduces a new front center airbag, which helps protect front occupants in a side impact, a side blind zone alert system, and a rear cross traffic alert system, in addition to the features that made the 2012 edition such a safe ride.

It’s really no surprise that the Buick Enclave has a long line of followers—each year it evolves, improving on everything it already does the best. Drive the 2013 Buick Enclave, and rest assured that imitation is only the highest form of flattery.

Form. Function. This crossover is as smart as you are, sacrificing nothing in luxury or utility.

We put a lot of attention into the details. The little things that make you love your vehicle. The things you miss as soon as you ride in, or worse, when you drive anything else. From the signature chrome accented portholes on the exterior, to the two-tone leather seats on the interior. Remote start on a cold morning. Innovative cargo solutions, like a fold-flat front passenger seat for that little bit of extra space. All while getting 33 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient crossover produced by a domestic automaker. Luxurious form meets efficient functionality in the Buick Encore, a crossover vehicle built with the finest craftsmanship.

From the inside out, the standard 2013 Encore is designed with technological features that set it apart from other crossovers in its class. QuietTuning Technology with Bose Active Noise Cancellation measures ambient sound and counteracts with noise-canceling waves. Acoustic-laminated glass and a specially designed sound-absorbing body eliminate road noise—leaving you to enjoy a ride without the tiresome drone of tire, engine, and wind noise. Also standard is the voice-activated IntelliLink system, which features a seven-inch high resolution display and handles everything from internet radio, to hands-free Bluetooth, to GPS navigation. With additional IntelliLink controls on the steering wheel, you’re always in command.

The Encore’s design allows for agile handling without sacrificing space. Seat up to five adults, as the flexible storage solutions can meet each passenger’s needs. There are eight beverage holders, storage in all four doors, and bins everywhere from the dash to under the seats. Carrying cargo? With the rear seat folded, the Encore offers 48.4 cubic feet of space. And yes, the front seat folds flat for that awkwardly long piece of furniture nobody else can seem to move.

Innovative safety features keep you and your vehicle safe in all scenarios. A standard rearview camera and available front and rear park assist make low speed collisions unlikely. Electronic stability control and brake force distribution keep you safer when emergencies arise at high speed. Forward collision alert and lane departure warnings send audio and visual cues when a collision is imminent or if you drift out of your lane.  With a frame 67 percent made of high strength steel and ten standard airbags, the Encore ensures that you and your passengers are safe.

Nobody else has to know that your luxury vehicle actually gets 33 highway mpg, takes regular gas, and saves you an estimated $2,100 in fuel costs over five years. Unless you want to tell them.

Ambient interior lighting, which uses discreet LED light guides to accent interior design cues and set a mood in a vehicle’s cabin, is increasingly popular. Buick has been a trend-setter in this space since the LaCrosse luxury sedan introduced the technology to its segment in 2009.

Every 2013 Buick features discreet Ice Blue lighting to set a comforting cabin mood. In vehicles like theVerano luxury sedan and the Regal luxury sport sedan, lighting comes from hidden sources in the vehicle headliner. In the LaCrosse and the redesigned 2013 Enclave luxury crossover SUV, the lighting is more dramatic with a soft line of light illuminating the sculpted edge of the wrap-around dash.

Like the Enclave’s Nuance leather upholstery, which is similar to materials used for high-end home furniture, Buick ambient lighting finds its inspiration from home interior design.

“If you look in a modern, high-end home at night, the major light sources like TVs are complemented by soft, evenly distributed interior lighting,” said Chris Fusco, interior experience manager for Buick Design. “Likewise, we’re creating a warm, inviting driving experience at Buick by tying the bright output of gauges and our IntelliLink connectivity touchscreens together with soft, Ice Blue lighting spilling out from hidden sources.

“As in-car displays grow in number and detail, the harmonizing role of ambient lighting will grow more important,” said Fusco. “Large display screens really stand out in a cabin, especially at night, so adding additional light sources creates a balanced, more luxurious cabin.”

Buick’s execution of ambient lighting enhances the sense of interior spaciousness LaCrosse and Enclave customers say they want, and it also draws attention to the cabin’s sculpted surfaces. An added benefit of ambient lighting is that it makes cupholders and other features more visible at night, potentially reducing the time a driver’s eyes are off the road.

According to Harris Interactive’s AutoTECHCAST survey, blue is the most appealing ambient lighting color by a large margin – 73 percent favorable versus 41 percent favorable for amber, the second-most desirable color. The same survey indicates that the center console, instrument panel and cupholders are the top three preferred locations for lighting.

“Buick’s signature blue hue specifically has a calming effect thanks to its lower color saturation, which we feel is more comforting to the eyes,” said Fusco.

Buick’s cabin lighting relies on a combination of design and engineering. Once the LED guides are integrated within the lines of the interior, precise lines must be cut for the light to shine through while adhering to the tight build quality required of a luxury vehicle. Aiming the light strips and programming the right level of luminosity provides a soft flow of light that appears suddenly and slowly fades into the night.

Ambient lighting will play a key role in Buick’s design signature in coming years as engineers develop new LED possibilities with new materials and methods. Today, it’s part of an extensive technology suite for LaCrosse, which offers standard eAssist fuel efficiency technology and IntelliLink voice-activated connectivity. The 2013 Enclave arrives in dealers this fall with standard ambient lighting, the industry’s first front center air bag system, and IntelliLink.

Buick will make its IntelliLink in-car connectivity standard on every 2013 model year vehicle, including the redesigned Enclave luxury crossover SUV and the all-new Encore luxury crossover. And the brand will help owners get acquainted with the advanced technology with real-time over-the-air help.

IntelliLink debuted on the 2012 Verano luxury sedan and is currently available for the Regal luxury sport sedan and LaCrosse luxury sedan. Designed to be used with two hands on the wheel as often as possible, IntelliLink’s layout was created with an emphasis on minimizing distractions. New features for 2013 integrate more functionality into the system’s voice control commands.

Using the Pandora Internet radio app interface when paired with a smartphone, owners of 2013 models can tune to a favorite station solely by voice command. Likewise, saying “More like this” while an iPod or other USB media device is playing generates a random music playlist based on the current song.

The “More like this” feature uses Gracenote media database technology to identify artist and song titles. For 2013, Gracenote’s album cover art display capability expands to include genre and artist art.

“As smartphones that stream and hold music grow ever more popular, we want to ensure Buick customers have connectivity that’s both intuitive and safe to use,” said IntelliLink lead engineer Tony Kraatz. “These updates make it easier to access the songs they love.”

Other IntelliLink updates include added features for SiriusXM satellite radio, a subscription to which is included for three months with every Buick. SiriusXM Tune Select allows drivers and passengers to tag an artist or song name, triggering an on-screen notification whenever a favorite tune plays on any SiriusXM channel.

For most Buick models, SiriusXM Travel Link takes the provider’s services beyond radio, offering nearby fuel prices, movie theater show times, and weather reports. For vehicles with navigation, the driver will have the option of mapping a route directly to a selected gas station or movie theater.

To speed the use of IntelliLink and keep the driver’s eyes on the road, a new “Quick Info” icon allows access to the most popular features, including SiriusXM Travel Link features, audio info and turn-by-turn navigation. An added “Transfer to Private” icon allows a Bluetooth-paired phone call to be moved off the vehicle’s speakerphone.

In addition to upcoming in-car updates, Buick has created a support network for customers who need help familiarizing themselves with new IntelliLink technology. Based in Austin, Texas, the Customer and Relationship Service (CARS) Infotainment Customer Support Team will provide one-on-one guidance for owners.

“Our next generation infotainment customer will demand a higher level of service, support and solutions due to their interactive technical experience,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick Sales and Service. “This is one more way that we are working to deliver an exceptional customer service experience.”

Dedicated specialists at CARS will be trained to provide customers the quick and thorough support they need. New 2013 Buick models will begin arriving at dealerships later this year.