Buick Excelle GT sedan debuts in China, U.S. version expected next year
06-10-10, 06:02 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Buick Excelle GT sedan debuts in China, U.S. version expected next year
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/10/b...n-expected-ne/
Later this month, the all-new 2011 Buick Excelle GT sedan will hit dealer lots over in China. Ramping up for the release, Shanghai GM, a joint venture between General Motors and China's SAIC Motor Corp., released these pics for us. We had some spy shots for you before and even brought you those daring pics of a naked Excelle GT on the loose, but now we have the official pics.
Over in China, the Buick Excelle GT will be offered with the choice of either a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated engine that churns out 145 horsepower or a more potent 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill pumping out 181 hp. The Excelle GT is built on the same platform that underpins the Chevrolet Cruze, Opel Astra and two-door Excelle XT. More importantly, the Excelle GT sedan provides us with a good idea of what to expect when Buick releases their U.S. version sometime late next year. Reports suggest that a name change will occur before the Buick debuts here, and Verano appears to be the front-runner right now.
Over in China, the Buick Excelle GT will be offered with the choice of either a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated engine that churns out 145 horsepower or a more potent 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill pumping out 181 hp. The Excelle GT is built on the same platform that underpins the Chevrolet Cruze, Opel Astra and two-door Excelle XT. More importantly, the Excelle GT sedan provides us with a good idea of what to expect when Buick releases their U.S. version sometime late next year. Reports suggest that a name change will occur before the Buick debuts here, and Verano appears to be the front-runner right now.
06-11-10, 04:51 AM
#3
I see some similar lines as the new larger Buick's that have been getting some great reviews. Not 100% sure they work on the shorter cars like this one as it makes it look a little to tall for its length and width, but I can see the design growing on me. Looking forward to seeing what the US version will look like.
BTW I googled 'verano' and the most common definition is "dry season"
BTW I googled 'verano' and the most common definition is "dry season"
06-11-10, 06:07 AM
#5
Lead Lap
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ya know, it is still badge engineering. However, this is a much better go at it. It actually looks like a Buick, not like a Cruze that they just slapped a new grille on. However, I would nix the N/A, cheapo option. This is a Buick, stick to the upscale and only offer the Ecotec, even though it will cost more.
06-11-10, 07:24 AM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: somewhere out there
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ya know, it is still badge engineering. However, this is a much better go at it. It actually looks like a Buick, not like a Cruze that they just slapped a new grille on. However, I would nix the N/A, cheapo option. This is a Buick, stick to the upscale and only offer the Ecotec, even though it will cost more.
06-11-10, 10:37 AM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Trending Topics
06-11-10, 02:12 PM
#14
Lexus Champion
Exactly! Re-badging the Chevy (excuse me--Chevrolet) econo model to a lux brand has worked so well for GM in the past...
06-11-10, 03:49 PM
#15
Lexus Champion
