Himafagy

OK, so Bob Lutz might be doing a lot to save GM (or not, depending on who you ask), but one GM division that is really trying to regain its former glory is Buick. Chevy is the mainstream division. Pontiac is performance. Saturn is the import beater (but with all the Opels in their showrooms, they are migrating towards the old Olds territory of Euro alternative). Cadillac is the American Mercedes and BMW fighter. And Buick is... uhhh... affordable luxury? No, that would be near luxury, like Acura. But isn't that where Cadillac is with the CTS? Buick is... well, Buick WAS like Mercury, a step between common and luxury. Gradually it has taken over the retiree ride demographic that has a loyal but dying customer base.


So what to do? Products like the new Enclave are cool, but the Lucerne is a bit of a letdown compared to something like the Chrysler 300. And the LaCrosse, Terraza, Rainier, and Rendezvous aren't exactly, well, good. So Buick could use a boost. Something to redefine and reinvigorate the brand. Something that might get people excited about owning a Buick. Something like the 2008 Buick GNX. Never heard of it? Well, that's because it's a figment of Popular Hot Rodding's imagination.


[Source: PHR viaGM Inside News]


Their GNX concept is what they propose as "the first step toward bringing Buick back to its former glory." Based on the new rear-drive Zeta platform that will underpin the new Camaro and several large sedans, this new model features independent suspension all around and could lead Buick back towards its former performance luxury image. Although there is a whole range of trim levels proposed, the best is the badass GNX shown above. It looks like it could pass for the new Maserati Coupe. Powering it is the 400-hp LS2 V8 coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Perhaps a stick would be a better fit, but this is their well-thought-out plan, not ours. They even go so far as to suggest it could be built on the same Holden assembly line as the GTO, with a higher trim level to justify its $1,500 surcharge. It's a fun idea and worth some further investigation.


Click the read link for more details about this PHR proposal and a larger pic.

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