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New GM subcompact SUV spied, could be a Chevy or GMC

GM's pair of subcompact crossovers have been trundling along for a while now. The Buick Encore was the first for Americans in the 2013 model year, and the Chevy Trax that was based on the Encore (an encore of the Encore, if you will) arrived for the 2015 model year. Each has undergone a mild update, but these spy photos could indicate their replacements are in the works. Or not. For starters, we can't be sure which GM brand this new SUV is destined for. Though the timing and its flowing lines could indicate Buick, the thick horizontal bars visible in the grille would indicate otherwise. The next Encore being at least related to this is at least a possibility. Making the case for GMC are those thick grille bars, the fact that it extends far below the lights, and may even rise above them, similar to the Acadia. And that rising beltline isn't that different from that of the Acadia. Arguing against the GMC idea is the Encore, which is almost always sold in GMC-Buick combo dealers. Much as the Acadia was made smaller to eliminate confusion and in-house competition with the Enclave, it's hard to see GM opting to resurrect such an issue at the bottom end of the SUV market. That means we're leaning toward this little SUV wearing a Chevy bowtie. The split grille with a large lower section and small upper section is the brand's current design language, as seen on the new Malibus and Cruzes. The shape is vaguely Equinox-like. And like Buick, Chevy also has a subcompact crossover ready for replacement: the Trax. Now, our photographer reports he's seen another subcompact testing that has Blazer design cues, but in this crossover-hungry market, we wouldn't be surprised if two similarly sized but differently styled Chevy crossovers make the grade. It's a strategy that's working pretty well for Jeep. We'll no doubt be seeing more of these disguised test vehicles milling about the country in the coming months, so perhaps we'll eventually get a better idea of what this is before more official information starts trickling out within one or two years. Related Video: Featured Gallery GM Subcompact Crossover spy shots View 10 Photos Image Credit: SpiedBilde Spy Photos Buick Chevrolet GM GMC Crossover SUV buick encore chevy trax

GM veteran Bryan Nesbitt tapped to head Buick design

General Motors styling veteran Bryan Nesbitt (pictured above) took over a new role on Monday as executive director of global Buick design and global architectures. Andrew Smith, who previously did that job and also coordinated the look for Cadillac, has remained in charge of the pen at Caddy with this shift. Nesbitt rose to prominence when he designed the Chrysler PT Cruiser, according to Automotive News. He joined GM in 2001 and has been there ever since in multiple high-level roles. In 2007, he was appointed vice president of design for North America and was later briefly general manager of Cadillac in 2009-2010. Nesbitt took over as the vice president of GM's international operations design in China in 2011. This shuffle also moves Ken Parkinson, currently styling boss for Chevrolet trucks, to China as design vice president there. In addition, John Cafaro becomes the person in charge of the look for Chevy globally, rather than previously splitting that role between cars and trucks with Parkinson. GM Global Design Leadership Changes – effective June 1, 2015. Bryan Nesbitt, Design Vice President, GM China will repatriate to North America and assume the position of Executive Director, Global Buick and Global Architectures. He will be located in Warren, MI. Bryan will be the design Champion for Buick in the US and China. Ken Parkinson, Executive Director, Global Chevrolet Trucks and Global Architecture will assume the position of Design Vice President, GM China. He will be based in Shanghai, China. Andrew Smith, Executive Director, Global Cadillac and Buick Design will assume the position of Executive Director, Global Cadillac. He will continue to be the design Champion for the Cadillac brand. In addition, he will continue to lead the Global Color & Trim team. He will be based in Warren, Michigan. John Cafaro, Executive Director, Global Chevrolet Cars will assume the position of Executive Director, Global Chevrolet. He will be the design Champion for Chevrolet. In addition, John will lead the exterior components and accessories team. He will continue to be based in Warren, MI. The roles and responsibilities of Helen Emsley, Mark Adams, Carlos Barba, Clay Dean, Michael Simcoe, and Teckla Rhoades remain the same. Related Video: The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.

2018 Buick Enclave slims down for spy shots

Most vehicles are refreshed every five years or so. New technology and styling is required to keep up with the latest trends. Although this cycle is common, there are some vehicles, like the Buick Enclave, that seem to stick around far past their expiration date. We now have spy shots of what appears to be the nine-year old Enclave's replacement. Although the vehicle in the photos is completely covered in camouflage, we can make out the new Buick family grill. There are a set of LED running lights up front and what appear to be a location for foglights toward the bottom. The camo covering is cut in places to allow gaps for sensors, presumably for parking and other driver aids. Out back, the rectangular taillights don't appear to be production ready. The whole rear, especially the glass, looks smaller than the outgoing model, though it is difficult to properly tell through the camouflage. The rear bumper has wide cuts for the dual exhaust pipes, and again the camo has cutouts for sensors. The side profile reveals the biggest change with the new Enclave. The current version shares a platform with the Chevrolet Traverse and the original GMC Acadia, some of the largest vehicles on the market. The all-new 2017 Acadia scaled down in order to compete against midsize crossovers and now has more in common with the smaller, Chinese-built Buick Envision. That doesn't mean the Enclave and Acadia are entirely separate. Both the Enclave and upcoming Traverse will ride on a stretched version of the Acadia platform. The general profile remains the same, but it's apparent that the vehicle in these photos is longer than the new GMC. Most other details are speculation. The Enclave will most likely arrive with GM's 3.6 liter V6. With the introduction of the Envision, the Enclave is expected to move upmarket to compete against the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. Because of the slightly narrower shape, passenger seating is expected to fall to seven. The new crossover will probably lose a bit of weight with the redesign. The new Buick is expected to debut next year as a 2018 model. Look for the reveal of the Chevrolet Traverse replacement as well. Related Video: Featured Gallery Buick Enclave Spy Shots View 20 Photos Spy Photos Buick Crossover