2003 Buick Century 4 Door Sedan on 2040-cars

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Cadillac, Buick and Chevy decisions impacted by worries abroad

European Concerns Drive GM, But Beware Of The French Connection
GM's bid to rationalize Europe will impact the products that will be offered domestically.
It seems that Europe is defining the future of General Motors more so than its home North American market. Having axed Saturn, Pontiac and Hummer, GM has done a fairly good job of repositioning its remaining four divisions, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC. Cadillac carries the luxury banner. Chevrolet is aimed at the masses with cars and trucks along with a nod to performance thanks to Camaro and Corvette. Buick bridges the premium gap between Chevy and Cadillac, while GMC offers a hardcore work/upscale proposition.

Facelifted Buick LaCrosse caught in China

Back in September, General Motors promised nine new or refreshed models for its Buick and GMC brands within 12 months, and while we've already seen what the updated 2014 GMC Sierra will look like, we're now getting our first look at what appears to be the facelifted 2014 Buick LaCrosse. Judging by a set of spy shots posted on Autohome showing a Chinese-market model, the updated sedan is getting a pretty big makeover, including a completely redesigned interior and a refreshed exterior.
From the outside, all of the usual midcycle updates have been made to the LaCrosse, including new lights and fascias. The new front end features a larger, reshaped seven-sided grille, LED-trimmed headlights and Buick's signature portholes are now mounted on the side edges of the hood to be more visible. The rear view has similarly small yet refined changes such as the new decklid with a chrome brow that stretches the full width of the car, to a more squared-off rear fascia with exhaust outlets pushed out to the corners. From the single shot we can see, the LaCrosse's new rump looks very similar to the Hyundai Equus.
The second-generation LaCrosse helped reestablish Buick as a near-premium automaker with its interior quality, and the next model could very well up the stakes even more. The new cabin design ditches the wraparound wood trim on the instrument panel and door panels for a smoother, more contemporary look. While it's hard to make out all of the changes, we can instantly see that the center stack is now more upright with fewer buttons, but the biggest news might be the cabin technology the 2014 LaCrosse might offer. Checking out the shot of the center console, we see what looks to be a pad similar to the handwriting recognition technology used by Audi, which would make this a first for GM.

Buick Cascada will start at $33,990

The Buick Cascada goes on sale early next year, bringing open-air motoring to the brand in the US for the first time in 25 years, and you'll need $33,990 to buy the standard model. Notice there's no asterisk after that price in the headline, because $33,990 includes the destination charge. Buick compares this convertible with the $37,525 Audi A3 droptop, noting that the 200-horsepower Cascada has 30 more hp, navigation and heated front seats as standard, eight-way power seats instead of four-way, 20-inch wheels instead of 17-inchers, and a heated steering wheel. The Cascada in Premium trim will run $36,990 and add forward collision alert and lane departure warning, auto headlights, park assist front and back, rain-sensing wipers, and two air deflectors. Quite a few of you have commented that it would be great if Buick could price the Cascada where the defunct Chrysler 200 Convertible used to live, and it's in the neighborhood. The 2014 200 S convertible was the top of the line in the model's last year, came with a 283-hp, 3.6-liter V6, and started at $33,445 before destination. It lacked the features, refinement, and looks of the Cascada, and that thirsty V6 got you gas mileage of 14 highway, 21 city. The soon-to-depart Volkswagen Eos, which also comes up frequently in Comments, starts at $32,860 after destination. If Buick kept the suspension tuning engaging, this could be really good. There's a press release below with more info. Your browser does not support iframes. Buick Cascada Priced at $33,990 Well-equipped convertible offers high levels of standard content, technology DETROIT, 2015-09-23 – The top-down driving experience of the 2016 Cascada – Buick's first convertible offered in the United States in 25 years – is priced at $33,990. When it goes on sale early next year, the Cascada will offer more standard content, a more powerful standard engine and a lower starting price than the Audi A3 Cabriolet. "Cascada expands Buick's lineup with a uniquely fun and personal driving experience," said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. "With a lower price than key competitors, it also promises to shake up the segment – and look good doing it." The 2016 Cascada – designed from the ground up as a convertible – comes well-equipped in a 2+2 configuration, with room for four adults.