Buick Encore

The Buick Enclave has been the only crossover utility vehicle offered by Buick as of now but despite having around for a few years, it's still one of the most hospitable crossovers made by Buick. I wonder what if someone wants a Buick crossover but can't afford the Enclave? Well, it looks like Buick came up with a cheaper model that slots behind the Enclave and positioned to be a desperate rival to the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q5, and the Acura RDX. It's called the Encore and with the starting price of just 24,200 US Dollars, it seems that this is much cheaper than those luxury import crossovers from Europe and Japan. Apart from its pricing, the Encore does score with some European flair because the design is purely European and hey...did I just talk about that a few months ago?

2013 Buick Encore

Now if I can remember correctly, the Buick Encore was sold in the European market as the Opel Mokka. That's right, it's just another of the Opels turned Buick since the Opel Insignia, which became the Buick Regal in the North America and Chinese market but there's some issues here and because of my stress, I'll shorten the situation okay? Here... Encore first launched, Mokka later. Then, Mokka went sale now, Encore later. In translation, the Encore was premiered at the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit while the Opel Mokka showed up at last year's Geneva Auto Show. However, the Opel Mokka went on sale on the European market, just few months before this moment where the Encore is available for the North American and Chinese market. Hey, since it's the year 2013, it's the Encore's time to shine like some kind of pirate living at Encino, California, if you know what I mean?

I once checked it out in last year's Seattle Auto Show and it seems because someone's so generous, they even let us getting inside the Encore's interior to see how lovely is the interior of the Encore's. Need to remind you that the Encore I saw on last year's show was just a pre-production mule, not the finished product because it's not yet available until early 2013. But now it's early 2013 so the Encore is now available for the general public. However, before you jump into conclusions, here are a couple of drawbacks...

First of all, the Encore's cargo volume is too small for a small SUVs of this magnitude. With the cargo volume of just 18.8 cubic feet, the Encore is not quite a fitting compared to others. Also, the 1.4 ECOTEC engine with Variable Valve Timing has a power to weight ratio of 23lb/hp, making it too much for a small SUV of this attitude. Lastly, the front legroom of the Encore is 40.8 inches, meaning that sometimes, there's not enough room to stretch my legs at the front.

Despite the downturn, there are some ups for the Buick Encore. Despite having a not-so-good power-to-weight ratio, the Encore has a best-in-class fuel economy of 33MPG highway and this is covered by a basic 48months/50,000 mile warranty. Not bad for the Encore though...

2013 Buick Encore interior

The things that made the Encore right such as its striking European design, best in class fuel economy and the comprehensive warranty were balanced out by the things that made the Encore wrong such as bad power-to-weight ratio, bad legroom at the front, tiny cargo boot, and the fact that it was made in Bupyeong, which I think its in South Korea. The Encore may or may not be a good Buick crossover but I will say this. I want to have one more than I can handle my breath away and thanks to its status of being a world-class crossover, the Encore sure knows how to sort out against its rivals.

Available Colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Deep Espresso Bronze Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic, Brilliant Blue Metallic, Cocoa Silver Metallic, White Pearl Tricoat. Satin Steel Gray Metallic, and Carbon Black Metallic.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave Minor Change

2013 Chevrolet Traverse

2013 Chevrolet Traverse interior

This Chevrolet Traverse you see is no ordinary Traverse. What this is, is a 2013 minor change model for the Chevrolet Traverse. What bothers me about its latest minor change is the front because it's now has a new and controversial front face. Seems that the trademark Chevrolet grille that has been with other Chevys of today are gone and this new face could possibly be the new chapter of Chevrolet as I know it. Even though the interior's been heavily redesigned, it's still retains a family-friendly status, meaning that if you're a soccer mom, you can use it everyday when you want to take your kids from their school, soccer practice, dance class, any busy routine the kids been following at.

If you have kids in the back, one feature that really made it more family-oriented was its optional rear entertainment system. Load a DVD of their favorite cartoon and that really shut your kids up while watching their favorite cartoons, something spongy, something imaginary, something Einstein-y, something something something kid-friendly. That sounds fine but for me, this is somewhat cool if you're a posh mom who can't cope with something like economic eggs, hire cars, agency nannys or expired yogurts. AGA SAGA, I was referring to...Oops, sorry folks but still, it's a posh Chevy for the posh mums who can't cope with major disasters, not nature-related but social-related.

Under the front is a 3.6L V6 engine that promises about an EPA-estimated 17 MPG city/24 highway on FWD models, 288HP of power on the high-end LTZ model, and absolutely no sense of humor at all. The only thing you'll be hearing is the sound of your mum's sermon.

2013 GMC Acadia

2013 GMC Acadia interior

However, if you're not an AGA SAGA kind of posh mum or if you're some sort of a dad who spends the rest of his time cheering on his favorite NFL team, the 2013 GMC Acadia might be the best pick for that kind of person, sure it's a Chevy Traverse underneath it, has the same V6 engine from the Traverse and...wait a minute. Something's different with this latest Acadia. 

You see 7 years ago, the Acadia seem to look like an average American full-size crossover but for the 2013 model, something's different with this Acadia. Seems like this model has some bits and parts from the defunct Saturn Outlook, which was made in the same platform as the GMC Acadia's. Well, with Saturn already out in the picture in 2009, the same year that GM declares the death of Pontiac, seems that the components of the once dead Saturn Outlook was been recycled and put some GMC badges on it. Repurposing parts from the discontinued Saturn Outlook to refresh the GMC Acadia?! It's somewhat some kind of Six Million Dollar Man or Lady Cassandra or something something something uh...forget about it.

Pricing's a bit timey-wimey but somewhat wibbly-wobbly because the base model of the Traverse, the LS FWD, costs $30,870 while the base model of the GMC Acadia, the SLE-1 FWD model, cost you $35,440. Seriously, seems that if you're a soccer/posh mom who is always paying attention to the kids, the Traverse is a better bet but if you're a dad who loves watching too much NFL or NBA, or NCAA, or anything sports you've seen in stadiums or in TV sets, seems that the Acadia is a good choice for that typical kind of parent. Well, dads spend more cash than moms on everything only dads want to have fun rather than the whole family. Moms always use their money on grocery-related stuff. However, what if you're not fall into these kind of persons? What if you're a playboy? You're a diplomat? Or something of an upperclassman? A bachelor perhaps? Bachelorette? Hmmm...

2013 Buick Enclave

2013 Buick Enclave interior

This new Buick Enclave is more expensive than the Traverse and the Acadia, even though it also comes with the same V6 engine you get from these two. However, unlike the Traverse and the Acadia, the new Enclave is an upperclassman's favorite because some say, it looks like a preferable alternative to luxury SUVs made from the Germans and Japanese. Since it's a Buick, it's hard to explain if this new Enclave looks better than its rivals when placed on a comparative comparison.

With a well-crafted interior and a well-crafted face, this new model tries to change its course when it comes to its quirky brilliance. Guess I was wrong about the Traverse being targeted for posh moms, perhaps this is the good choice for posh mums who are a bit AGA SAGA for their lives but sadly, with the starting price of $38,445, this is more expensive than the Traverse so who will buy it? There's only one answer, seniors! Kinda awkward for me to say that but every time I see someone driving Buicks, I can only see people who are middle-aged or senior-aged driving this so, this new Enclave wasn't worth to be a decent candidate as a posh mom's car.

To sum up then, posh mums won't be picking one of these three because posh mums want something that is more family-friendly but more on features. These three though...they're not enough to be posh. Hmmm...what would posh people want and do not want?

Photo: General Motors

Buick Verano

With the LaCrosse positioned as the Buick flagship model and the Regal positioned as the middle-class Buick, it seems that Buick meets its new addition to the family of GM's luxury marque and this one's a bit small and it has European engineering. In China, this was called the Buick Excelle GT (别克英朗GT), but here in the North American market, this is known as the Verano.

2012 Buick Verano

2012 Buick Verano interior

Yes, the Buick Verano is the newest compact sedan that provides premium luxury in a compact sizing. It uses the platform that was lifted from the latest-generation Opel Astra (Vauxhall Astra) and the Chevrolet Cruze.

On the exterior design, the Verano is a well sculpted baby brother of the Buick LaCrosse courtesy of its trademark styling cues designed by David Lyon. The front view looks very impressive but what makes it redundant is its side and rear view because it looks to be more Chinese rather than being American but whatever. It's far too radical to explain.

The Verano's interior was lifted from the latest generation Opel Astra because this was way too similar for a compact sedan like the Verano. Despite that, it still offers premium luxury and comfort for five adults. It features some of the premium amenities offered on the Verano such as the Dual-zone climate control, Heated steering wheel, Heated leather-appointed seating, Console armrest, Power windows, and front and rear reading lamps. This baby Buick really has a touch of class and what's surprisingly that it has a BOSE Premium Audio Speaker System with 9 speakers, which provides the best sound experience unlike any other compact sedans in the market.

The Verano is powered by a 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection DOHC engine with Variable Valve Timing that produces 180HP of power and 171lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, electronic controlled with overdrive. It provides "Quiet Tuning" lifted from the LaCrosse, which is impressive to block sound and vibration for the best silence needed. The Verano comes with the StabiliTrak with Traction Control to bring the best handling in corners.

The Buick Verano has six exterior colors such as Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Black Onyx, Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, and Mocha Bronze Metallic.

My Comment:
This baby Buick could be a decent compact sedan that has a league of its own. Things that I like about the Verano are the impressive front view, Astra-inspired interior, BOSE Audio System, and its Quiet Tuning. This car nicknames it the baby LaCrosse. Things that I don't like about the Verano are that the side view is a bit more like the Volkswagen Jetta and the rear view is a bit more Chinese. Not only that, this car doesn't have a Sport Mode like the Opel Astra have. Maybe they should have think twice before coming up with the Verano sedan. However, this car is friendly for the beginners because of its starter price of 22,585 US Dollars, the cheapest Buick offered on its lineup.

Photo: General Motors

All New Buick Regal GS

Last year, the Buick Regal name is back in the North American market and it was essentially an Americanized version of the Opel Insignia sedan. This Buick has sleek European design, handcrafted European interior, agile Euro-tuned suspension, and a choice of a 2.4L ECOTEC engine and a 2.0L ECOTEC Turbo engine. This is Buick's European Premium at it's finest and for now, the high-performance version, the all new Buick Regal GS, provides more exceptional force than the regular Buick Regal.

Europe's Opel Insignia OPC or United Kingdom's Vauxhall Insignia VXR is North America's Buick Regal GS but they are different in looks and performance figures.

2012 Buick Regal GS

On the exterior design, we can see Buick's signature grille and the front bumpers has some cues that made it look like some kind of a vampire ready to attack bystanders. With such aggressive look, the Buick Regal GS is made to be more hostile and gruesome to assassinate its foes on the highway. We are sure that this aggressive front view is the sum of all fears and how will customers brave against its face will be treated as the respect.

2012 Buick Regal GS interior

It maybe more scary to look at its exterior but it is not somewhat scary because once you're inside the Regal GS, you are in control of this gruesome monster. The interior of the Regal GS retains most of its interior amenities from the regular Regal but this time, a special steering wheel and a special sports seats have been added for some racing driver sensation. To add convenience, the Regal GS has USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and an optional navigation system for some user-friendly sensation.

Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged
four-cylinder engine

Unlike the Opel Insignia OPC/Vauxhall Insignia VXR, which have the 2.8T V6 engine and 4WD drive-train, the Buick Regal GS is an FF sports sedan, which is powered with the Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which maybe less powerful than the Insignia OPC/VXR but more torque than the Acura TSX V-6, Audi A4 Sport, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo S60 T5. That's 270HP of power, 295 lb.-ft of torque, an accumulates 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds. The only standard transmission available as of now is a 6-speed manual transmission, creating a fuel economy of 32 MPG highway. An exclusive "GS Mode" is placed on the Interactive Drive Control System to provide the best cornering experience you have never felt before and it comes with a StabiliTrak for stability management, making it more safer to drive. To provide the full potential of braking, an exclusive Brembo antilock brakes was equipped on the Buick Regal GS. You'll be sure to know that the Buick Regal GS is not your kind of executive sports sedan.

It comes with three exterior colors; Quicksilver Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, and White Diamond Tricoat.

My comment:
Because the Buick Regal GS is nothing more of an downgraded version of the Opel Insignia OPC/Vauxhall Insignia VXR, it is less powerful than its European counterpart but it has a willpower to overcome against the likes of the Acura TSX V-6, Audi A4 Sport, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo S60 T5.

I maybe not surprised about the Regal GS' outcome but how will customers feel about the all new Regal GS? To me it's somewhat decent to drive but with the manual transmission equipped and if I had the urge to turn off the TCS and StabiliTrak, it's one hell of a racing sensation, even though it was an FF sports sedan. Move over Acura TSX V6, because this will surely eat you...

Photo: General Motors

All about eAssist

2012 Buick LaCrosse

2012 Buick Regal

Back in November 2010, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, General Motors announced the next generation BAS (Belted Alternator System) Hybrid system called "eAssist" and the first models to be equipped with this new mild hybrid system are the 2012MY Buick LaCrosse and 2012MY Buick Regal.

Before we explain about the new eAssist system, let's talk about what just happened at the Buick LaCrosse and the Buick Regal for the 2012 Model Year. The change was the trim names. As of now, Buick will start ditching the CXL/CX/CXS trim names in favor of something specific like Base, Convenience, Leather, Premium, or Touring. That's all, let's explain about eAssist:

The new eAssist system features a powerful 115-Volt Lithium-ion battery sourced from Hitachi, generating a 20HP, 79lb-ft electric motor that provides aid to the 2.4L ECOTEC engine. This new system will provide useful features such as idling stop system, regenerative braking, and a fuel economy of 36MPG (15.3km/L) highway. The new eAssist system comes standard on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse but on the 2012 Buick Regal, it may be considered an optional feature. Either way, they both come with a modified version of the 6T40 6-speed AT FWD transaxle.

Learn more: http://www.buick.com/eassist-fuel-efficient-technology.html

Luxury for Professional - 2012 Alpheon

2012 GM Korea Alpheon

Einige Verbesserungen für die Alpheon...

韓国ＧＭ, アルフェオンを一部改良...

The launch of the 2012 GM Korea Alpheon, the Korean equivalent of the Buick Lacrosse, is imminent. For this updated version of Korea's most prestigious sedan that made it the "Luxury for Professional", the 2012 Alpheon gets new features such as Lane Departure Warning System and Smart Audio Color System. For the 2.4L variant, the fuel economy is improved from 10.6km/L (estimate 25MPG) to now, 11.3km/L (27MPG estimate).

Made by professionals, for professionals.

Official site: http://www.gmalpheon.co.kr/

Scoop: http://www.megaauto.com/newcar/carinfo_body.php3?carinfoid=47140&family_id=icomes&menu_id=472&val=&Nstep=2&beforeyear=&frame_id=5&frame_url=list/drive.php3?id=54857

Insignia VXR Touring Car!

2011 Vauxhall Insignia VXR Touring Car

With the Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Avensis, and other cars participating the British Touring Car Championship, another Euro-British car steps in and this Vauxhall Insignia VXR Touring Car is battle-ready!

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/vauxhall-insignia-to-go-racing-in-british-touring-car-championsh/

This Vauxhall Insignia VXR (the Britannia equivalent of the Opel Insignia OPC and soon the Buick Regal GS) is ready to tackle the BTCC and oh man, looks like Forza 3 players got a noticing to replicate this using their own Vauxhall Insignia VXR! (-_-;)

The Prestige K7 vs. 5G Grandeur vs. World Class Luxury Alpheon

2011 Kia K7

2012 Hyundai Grandeur

2011 GM Korea Alpheon

A trio of luxury Korean premium midsize sedans are one of my favorites. The Kia K7 (known worldwide as the Kia Cadenza), the Hyundai 5G Grandeur, and GM Korea's world class luxury Alpheon, are highly luxurious and both have GDi engines depending on the Korean executives' tastes. I wonder which of these three is my pick?

CASE ONE: On February 2011, the Kia K7 made its transition that all of the engines offered on this premium midsize sedan are all Gasoline Direct Injection engines. Now called "The Prestige K7", the Kia K7 now offers the 2.4L Theta-II GDi and the new Lambda V6 GDi engine, first offered on the Hyundai 5G Grandeur. The fuel economy of the K7 2.4 GDi takes about 12.8km/L while the K7 3.0 GDi goes for about 11.6km/L. The styling of the Kia K7 was too plain and bulgy but the headlamps seem to be a shining inheritance because when night falls, expect these daytime running lamps shine through.

CASE TWO: After its surprise appearance at one episode of KBS' action drama, The Fugitive Plan B, and debuted in South Korean market since mid-January 2011, the term 5G in the 5G Grandeur naming stands for "fifth generation", meaning that the Grandeur (known in some markets as the Azera) is now on its 5th generation. A legendary evolution on Hyundai's legendary name that made it the Korean take of Toyota Crown. The 5G Grandeur packs two engine types; a 2.4L Theta-II GDi and the new Lambda V6 GDi engine. The front looks more of an oversized YF Sonata and the rear view kinda looks like a Maserati Granturismo but the new 5G Grandeur is one beautiful specimen thanks to Hyundai's fluidic sculpture. This exterior look is way better than the Kia K7!

CASE THREE: The GM Korea Alpheon (formerly GM Daewoo Alpheon, after this company switched its name to GM Korea Company) was just a rebadged version of the second-generation Buick LaCrosse and it replaced the poor-selling, Australia-built, Veritas as the flaghsip model that takes on the likes of the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The gorgeous exterior and the swooping interior lines truly made the Alpheon the new class of world class luxury. The 2.4L SIDI and the 3.0L SIDI engine are the available engine types available for the Alpheon. The 2.4L SIDI is a GDi engine that has a fuel economy of 10.6km/L and the 3.0L SIDI is also a GDi engine, packing a fuel efficiency of 9.3km/L. Not quite fuel efficient but its design is truly a work of art for the Alpheon.

As for me, I think the GM Korea Alpheon and the Hyundai 5G Grandeur are my pick when it comes to the design but if I had to choose one of these, I'd say it would be the Alpheon because of its world class design. The 5G Grandeur looks more of an oversized Sonata to me but I think the new look would need to be more attractive to appeal more Korean executives. Both the K7 and the 5G Grandeur are more fuel efficient than the Alpheon because their advanced GDi engines are optimized to make it more powerful, emit less, and labeled as full-fledged eco cars. It's up to you to decide which of these three sovereign Korean sedans is your pick. ^^

Some cool commercials from General Motors!

Just before the American Le Mans Series started at Sebring last weekend, I noticed that General Motors aired a Corvette ZR1 commercial that said that they downgraded the ZR1's mighty LS9 engine to about 168 HP just to make it equal to the Sebring competitors.

That's not seem to be bad but the ALMS-spec ZR1 lost to a bunch of ALMS-spec BMW M3s. Anyway, it was a fair fight while it lasted for "THE FASTEST CORVETTE THAN EVER" at the ALMS at Sebring International Raceway.

Meanwhile, moments later, during the NCAA March Madness commercial break, there was a commercial for the turbocharged Buick Regal Turbo!

Awesome!

European-born and turbocharged. This is the kind of Regal we want...

Alpheon World Class Owner's View

GM Korea Alpheon '11

Face it, even where you're in the North America, China, or in South Korea, it's good to say that the Buick LaCrosse/GM Korea Alpheon is truly a world class luxury sedan that is the new class of world class. The design and silence of the LaCrosse or Alpheon truly stands out against European and Japanese luxury cars, even the BMW and Lexus.

Now, what would the Japanese and the Germans said when they encounter the LaCrosse/Alpheon luxury sedan? Last February, GM Korea launched a test drive event to those who owned a Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Audi. It was made to check how does the Alpheon stacks up against the European and Japanese luxury cars of this category.

Pretty much to say that the Europeans and the Japanese who've indulged in the GM Korea Alpheon/Buick LaCrosse made them like this car because of its World Class Design and World Class Silence.

I hope I'll find either the LaCrosse or Alpheon as a grey import at Subic and see the difference.

New Regal vs. New Mark X

Buick's Regal

Toyota's Mark X

They have no chance for them to encounter, but both of these were executive medium sedans built for the executive class. Both of these executive medium sedans were my favorites but I wonder which one is my pick?

CASE ONE:

The Regal name on the Buick lineup returned after years of absence and its now an OEM of the Opel Insignia. Although based on the Opel Insignia, the Buick Regal has a striking design that makes other executive medium sedans such as the Honda Accord Euro (Acura TSX), Volkswagen Passat CC, and the Volvo S60 to shame. Although the front face seems to have more pogi points than others, the lineup of the Buick Regal consists of two available engines; one is the 2.4L Ecotec engine and the second is the high-performance 2.0L Turbo engine. Most are fitted with the 6-speed automatic but the turbo variant comes with the 6-speed manual. I guess my favorite Regal is the Regal CXL Turbo because not only it has a turbo engine on it, it also has a manual transmission on it. Turbo and MT combined to make this a fun to drive Regal for the American Autobahn.

CASE TWO:

The Mark X is the replacement of the legendary Toyota Mark II since its debut in November 2004. In October 2009, the Mark X gained its massive model change from inside and out. The design of the new Mark X is razor sharp. That's why this was called "Samurai X" thanks to the commercial with Koichi Sato and the Samurai Code mini drama aired in TV Tokyo from January to March 2010. The Toyota Mark X comes with two engines; a 4GR-FSE (2.5 V6) engine and a 2GR-FSE (3.5 V6) engine. It comes with three styles to choose from; the Standard Type, the Premium Type (loaded with safety features), and the Sports Type (armed with paddle shifters).

For styling, the Toyota Mark X is my pick, but for the performance side, I would go for the Buick Regal because of the turbo+MT variant. Both of these executive medium sedans aren't made for passion, they are made for performance.

How's that for the Regal comeback?!

Don't call it a Regal Baby, nor a Regal Idol, like what Mother Lily Monteverde said to those fresh Philippine actors and actresses appeared in various Regal Entertainment movies. What you see is the new Buick Regal. Today's Regal is the OEM of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia in Europe.

It seems the Regal comeback is truly a budget-friendly sedan, beating out the likes of the Acura TSX/Honda Accord Euro, Volkswagen Passat CC, or even the naughty Volvo S60. Thanks to its pricing, fuel economy, and performance (I love the Regal CXL Turbo 6MT variant), the return of the Buick Regal won the 2010-2011 NADAguides Car of the Year!

Full details:http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/19/buick-regal-named-nadaguides-car-of-the-year/#continued

How's that for a fresh European-American sedan? A true fit for the Regal Babies and Regal Idols from across the North America may find the Regal a suitable value for money.

Thank You Mother Lily, I mean, General Motors for having your Regal Baby, I mean, Regal Idol, I mean, Buick Regal won the NADAguides COTY for 2010-2011!

GM Daewoo Alpheon

GM Daewoo Alpheon

Slated for Korean sale this late summer following the entry-level grade this October, GM Daewoo's newest luxury sedan, the Alpheon, is truly the main target of the new Kia K7 and the upcoming Hyundai Grandeur HG, despite the pricing Koreans want to know more about this medium-sized premium sedan.

Do not be hasty just because the Alpheon is the OEM of the second-generation Buick LaCrosse, this would be different from what you used to the new LaCrosse. Pretend you will learn more about this car for the first time, readers. The Alpheon delivers a gorgeous exterior that makes its rivals mow down before the might of the Alpheon's prestige design which is simply a Korean-American flair. It is equipped with adaptive headlamps so whenever you turn the steering wheel from the left to the right, the Alpheon's headlamps will also turn left or right, for a safer night driving in any direction.

The Alpheon's interior shows its true beauty with its swooping lines scattered around the premium interior. At night, the Alpheon shows its Ice Blue lighting that shows its aura of elegance with an exquisite contrast, leaving the Kia K7's interior mowed down before its might. With an 8-inch navigation system equipped on the Alpheon, this premium Korean-American sedan shows the right way and the enjoyment on the go thanks to the Digital Media Broadcasting (DMB) feature so you will never miss a thing when it comes to sports, music, news, and entertainment.

The Alpheon comes with the 3.0L V6 SIDI engine that has a power output of 265 PS/ 6900 RPM and a torque output of 29.6 kg-m/ 5600 RPM. On the downside, this engine spec was not good enough to outsmart the Kia K7's 3.5L V6 engine, but with the entry-level 2.4L engine (coming this fall) with the 185 PS of power output, the Alpheon declares checkmate against the K7's 180 PS 2.4L engine because it has 5 PS more.

My thoughts about the Alpheon:
Since GM Daewoo planned to bring the Chevrolet brand to Korea next year, would the GM Daewoo branded cars be branded as Chevrolet in the Korean market? The answer will be revealed in the near future. As for that, we have to make do with the latest offering that slots between the Holden Statesman-based GM Daewoo Veritas premium sedan, and the Buick LaCrosse-based GM Daewoo Alpheon are made for the Korean alpha males suitable for their luxury lifestyles. The Kia K7 seems to be catchy enough to topple against the Alpheon but if all else attacks, the Alpheon will strike back, just as the LaCrosse dubbed as the "Lexus Fighter" by the press when General Motors has resurfaced despite the never-ending Lehman Shock. That Lehman Shock claimed many of everyone's favorite car genres, will the Alpheon pay it back from them?

New Buick Regal -U.S. Spec-

2011 Buick Regal

Born and raised in Germany (see :Opel Insignia), appealed in the Chinese market, and prepared to amuse American buyers who are enough of their ordinary premium medium-sized sedans. It is a clear point that the U.S. spec Buick Regal is making a grand comeback to its home country after six years of absence. Of course, we recognize that the new Regal is an OEM of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia sports sedan, only this time, the sedan variant is only available as of press time.

Just what makes the new Regal a true luxury sports sedan offered against the competition? Despite being a "foreign exchange student" from the Autobahn, the design flow from Buick is truly American, giving this new generation model a dual citizenship status from car addicts. Meaning this sports sedan is half-German and half-American, if you know what I mean. This applies the same at the interior as well. The interior of the new Regal is the same as the Opel Insignia, except for the steering wheel, the ice-blue lighting, and the XM Satellite Radio offered as an option. When you spot their differences, it is obvious that the new Regal is sleeker than its European Opel Insignia counterpart is.

In the performance side, the engine line-up of the new Buick Regal is less than the engine line-up of the Opel Insignia. When the Insignia offered several gasoline and diesel engines, including the 2.8 V6 engine offered in the Insignia OPC/VXR range, the Regal only gets two engines as of press time. At the launch, the 2.4L Ecotec engine (soon to be equipped on the second-generation LaCrosse) will be the only mainframe available, while the 2.0L Ecotec turbo engine will become available this autumn. The only feature available as of press time is the six-speed automatic transmission, because the manual version will be available later.

My thoughts about the Regal:
Being a sports sedan with the dual citizenship status is not a joke for this situation. That is because the new Buick Regal was a hailed from Europe as the Opel Insignia, then it made a sensation to the Chinese executives, and it makes a public North American appearance to show the competition in which one has the guts to be the best luxury sports sedan ever made. The new Regal is targeted against other luxury sports cars in the world such as the Nissan Skyline Sedan (Infiniti G Sedan), Honda Accord Euro (Acura TSX), Lexus IS250/350, Toyota Mark X, Audi A4, and the Volkswagen Passat CC. Just like the General Motors' "may the best car win" campaign, the new Regal stands tall from the competition, and who knows, we might cross our fingers that we hope we can bring the Regal to our shores, and if possible, the head of Regal Entertainment named Mother Lily Monteverde meets her match.

Opel Astra - Fourth Generation

It has been moments since General Motors decided to axe the Saturn brand by next year and keep the Opel/Vauxhall brand to the European GM division. But the differences ascend to the boiling point since the new Opel Astra came to the public and soon reaches to the world market either this, as a Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, or as the Buick in China and if possible, the United States as the replacement for the evaporating Saturn Astra.





Available as a 5-door variant only, following with other variants filling up the new Astra range sometime, the quality of this Opel provides exceptional design, unmatched quality, and the performance that is well-made for the premium hatchback for adults. At the first rate, the new Astra looks similar to the sports variant of the Mazda Axela (Mazda 3), with the headlamps shaped like the Kia K7 premium sedan, but the heart of the Astra truly bred in the Autobahn.

The new Astra has a list of engines available as of press time. From the 1.4-litre, ecoFLEX engine to the 2.0-litre, CDTi ECOTEC diesel engine, there are nine available engines to choose from. Aside from the engine choices, the new Astra comes equipped with the FlexRide switch, providing the feel of the luxury car, a compact car, or a sports car, all in one package. Choose which mode, and feel free to drive the new Astra any way you want. The Compound Crank with Watt's Link rear axle suspension provides improved control and stability, giving the new Astra's driving control enjoyable for adults.





The Astra's interior design still carries Opel's new design language ever since the Vectra's replacement, the Insignia, provided the new look of Opel. With the comfort of the sports car with the spaciousness perfect enough to carry luggage, the exceptional interior of the new Astra is truly a modern living for adults who wished to try this new hatchback.

IS IT PERFECT ENOUGH?
With the new look of the Opel Astra; there is no difference between the words "luxury" and "sporty" all at the same time. The new Astra is a rival to the Mazda Axela, the Toyota Auris/Blade twins, and the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis (Lancer) Sportback. Promise this car, it will be perfect enough for adults to try this new hatch on the road.


Photo: GM Europe

Buick LaCrosse Second Generation

Since 2004, Buick's new premium mid-size sedan, known as the LaCrosse, replaced the traditional Buick Century and Regal as part of re-visioning the Buick brand. Not only the LaCrosse provides exceptional comfort as a sedan, but also this premium sedan's packaging and performance truly offered for executives everywhere. This year, when GM pulled out of bankruptcy under a new name, new set of rules, and a new lease of life for the company, Buick blows the cover for the new look and new features of the Buick LaCrosse. With this new premium look of this American executive sedan, this is truly an one-stop premium sedan offered for its packaging, styling, and performance you can trust.










The reason why automobile enthusiasts called the new LaCrosse a real "prize fighter" against Toyota's Lexus division is simply the way this luxury car was born to do this that the LaCrosse is the direct competitor to the Lexus ES (formerly known as Toyota Windom that is now sold in most countries, including the Philippines). How to consider the new face of the LaCrosse is simply beautiful enough to balance and contrast the aspects of both luxury and sportiness of the vehicle thanks to its new headlamps, new grille, new rear lamps, and the side view cannot describe where the lines start. Honestly, the exterior of the new LaCrosse resembles Buick's design language as seen on the Enclave crossover.

The second-generation LaCrosse carries two different types of engines to choose from; the 3.0-litre GM High Feature V6 engine capable of having 255-259PS of power and the high-performance 3.6-litre, HFV6 engine that delivers almost 300PS of power. All LaCrosse variants are powered with the electronically powered, 6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control. Aside from the engine and transmission details, the new LaCrosse has it all; MacPherson struts, two rear suspension choices (4-link or H-arm), power brakes, StabiliTrak, engine block heater, dual exhaust systems, and a host of packages available to suit the drivers' need






With the sportiness of the sports car, the premium luxury comes standard in the new LaCrosse; ice-blue lighting, premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, climate control, and longer legroom to experience the word "premium" to a completely new level. Much ado to advance the word "premium" , the LaCrosse exceeds the luxury amenities to bring executives a touch of class.

GAME ON!

With the LaCrosse out to the public a few moments ago, General Motors' Buick division finally gets a face-lift thanks to the new look of the Buick LaCrosse. Because of such premium features to bring this premium medium-sized sedan a bar to rise, will this new look keep rising up the bar to General Motors? Step inside the LaCrosse and prepare yourselves to blown by the raw power of its V6 engine and make you comfortable on the inside.