Tag Archives: Buick

2017 Buick Encore Gets Latest Tech

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Buick recently introduced the new 2017 Encore, strengthening the appeal of America’s most popular small SUV with more refined styling and new connectivity technology – including available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

A new front-end appearance and a new premium interior highlight the visual refinements, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported by a next-generation IntelliLink system featuring an 8-inch-diagonal color touch screen. Customers will find push-button start, keyless unlock via the exterior door handles and an 8-inch color touchscreen highlight the Encore’s roster of new standard features.

“The 2017 Encore boasts purposeful updates offering a new level of sophistication to this small SUV,” said Alan Gamblin. “It has been well received since its introduction in 2013 and we fully expect its popularity to continue to grow among our customers.”

2017 Buick Encore

2017 Buick Encore

The 2017 Encore goes on sale this fall, initially offered in five trim levels: Encore (1SB), Encore Sport Touring (1SH), Encore Convenience (1SD), Encore Leather (1SL) and Encore Premium (1SN). Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.

Buick Introduces Apple CarPlay Capability

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Apple CarPlay is standard in the 2016 model year Buick Regal and LaCrosse, providing a smarter, simpler way to use an iPhone while on the go. Buick is committed to providing the simplest connected driving experience possible to customers.

Apple CarPlay is standard in the 2016 model year Buick Regal and LaCrosse, providing a smarter, simpler way to use an iPhone while on the go. Buick is committed to providing the simplest connected driving experience possible to customers.

As the world becomes increasingly connected, Buick remains at the forefront of new applications and connectivity that provide customers with a seamless, integrated driving experience. That legacy advances with new Apple CarPlay capability for smartphones offered in all 2016 Regal and LaCrosse models.

The technology connects a smartphone through Buick’s IntelliLink system, integrating applications such as navigation, hands-free text messaging, contact lists and entertainment apps for news or music onto the eight-inch-diagonal IntelliLink radio display. Later in the model year, Android Auto capability will also be offered with IntelliLink.

Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features customers want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. This allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay-supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay. Apple CarPlay is compatible with iOS 7.1 or higher.

Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at g.co/androidauto. Android Auto requires a phone running an Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or higher.

Using both applications is simple. A “Projection” icon on the IntelliLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate CarPlay or Android Auto when a compatible phone is connected via USB.

A majority of the smartphone applications with the respective systems are controlled via voice commands through a steering wheel button, which ensures drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also apply.

 

Let Them Eat Cake

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If you have ever tried to bake a cake but are missing one crucial ingredient, the outcome is usually far from what you desired. The same is true when it comes to financing a vehicle. You can do all your research, go on countless test drives, negotiate the price and apply for the loan. But if you aren’t sure of what is on your credit report, you are missing a vital ingredient and it can cost you hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars in interest.

Follow these simple steps prior to any vehicle purchase and you will ensure you have a recipe for success:

  1. Visit annualcreditreport.com (free website)
  2. Verify that 3 bureaus are reporting the same information
  3. If an error or inconsistency is discovered, contact that bureau to report the problem

 

Military Discount

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Military MonthGM Salutes Veterans During Military Appreciation Month

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, all active, reserve, retired and veteran military – regardless of separation date – can receive the GM Military Discount at on eligible Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles now through the end of June 2015.

Many members of our community have a connection to the military. We’re honored to show our gratitude to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, who are currently serving and have previously served our country.

More than 40,000 active and veteran service members took advantage of the GM Military Discount last year, and GM is again offering the most comprehensive military pricing program of any automaker to all 22 million active and veteran service members from all branches: U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard – and their spouses – during May and June 2015.

First offered in 2008, the GM Military Discount Program features pricing below the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for eligible vehicles. The expanded eligibility makes it the most comprehensive military purchase program in the auto industry through June 30, 2015. The discount can be combined with most other current incentives being offered. Current USAA Insurance members are also eligible for an additional $750 discount.

What’s the difference between AWD, 4WD, RWD, and FWD?

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Your Wheels

Vehicles act differently on snow and ice depending on whether they have front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. With winter in full swing, We’d like to provide you with a brief spin through the options. Remember, almost every new vehicle from Chevrolet and Buick includes an electronic traction control system that intervenes automatically to improve performance in slippery conditions.

Front-wheel drive (FWD): Simply put, engine power is channeled to the front wheels to propel the vehicle. FWD is the most popular and prevalent system in the market because its compact setup enhances fuel efficiency and frees up more room inside the vehicle. Plus, the weight of the powertrain is concentrated over the driving wheels, so it offers good traction when it’s slippery.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD): As the name implies, engine power is sent to the rear wheels to propel the vehicle. In passenger cars, RWD reigned until the advent of FWD in the early 1980s. But RWD can more effectively handle higher engine power and higher vehicle weights, which is why it’s still favored in large trucks, larger performance vehicles, purpose-built race cars and law-enforcement pursuit use.

All-wheel drive (AWD): Don’t confuse all-wheel drive with four-wheel drive. Both engage all four wheels, but they’re designed and operate differently. Generally, an AWD drivetrain operates as a FWD or RWD system – most are FWD. AWD system pre-emptively sends power to front and rear axles on every launch to prevent wheel slip, then backs down if no slip occurs. Power is transferred automatically via a single-speed transfer case. (A transfer case connects to the transmission to split power between the front and rear wheels.) The beauty of AWD is no driver effort is needed to activate the system.

Four-wheel drive (4WD or 4×4): Four-wheel drive typically features a two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges for maximum traction. 4WD vehicles typically operate in RWD until four-wheel traction is required; and while most systems are driver-activated, many offer a setting that automatically engages the high range when it’s slippery. The driver must still engage the low range. Found in large, rear-wheel-drive trucks and larger SUVs with additional ground clearance compared to passenger cars and crossovers, 4×4 still provides the best traction and capability in off-road.

 

Buick’s New Reveals: Avenir and Cascada

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At the North American Auto Show in Detroit, Buick unveiled two new stunning cars. The first to roll down the red carpet was the 2016 Buick Cascada Convertible. Buick has not manufactured a convertible in over a quarter of century, and this car is worth the wait. This new convertible four leather seated car offers Buick’s attention to detail and advanced technologies.

Cascada

The Cascada will come equipped with OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot to keep you connected on the go. The top is a traditional fabric roof that can be lowered in 17 seconds while the car is moving at up to speeds of 31 mph. Heated steering wheel and seats will allow the driver to extend the top-down season. A turbo four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission will allow for a sporty drive. Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick said, “It’s a car that will delight customers with its fun spirit and help drive the momentum that’s fueling Buick’s success.” The Cascada is expected to hit our showroom in early 2016.2016-buick-cascada

Everyone loves a surprise at an auto show and Buick delivered with the Avenir concept car. Avenir is French for future and this concept car suggests a future for the Buick brand that is exciting and luxurious. Building on Buick’s 112-year heritage, the Avenir concept strikes the pose for the future of Buick. The sedan was designed to catch your eye and it caught the eye of the auto show.

2016-buick-concept-avenirThe Avenir was presented with the 2015 Eyes on Design Award for “Best Concept Vehicle” at the North American International Auto Show. “Avenir embodies Buick design, which enters on effortless beauty and presence without pretense,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of General Motors Global Design. Production information is still to be released, but we are looking forward to selling this beautiful car.

Avenir

Stay Connected with GM’s new 4G LTE Wi-Fi

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4G-wifiweb

Internet in your car? It’s here. GM is the first and only car company to bring you 4G LTE Wi-Fi to cars, trucks, and crossovers. OnStar ushers in a new generation of connected vehicles. The industry’s deployment of 4G LTE equipped vehicles enables owners to explore new features like a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capable of pairing seven devices. This hotspot pairs laptop computers, smartphones, video game consoles or tablets in and around the vehicle. 4G LTE Wi-Fi is the most reliable internet access on the go with a more powerful connection than smartphones and great signal quality and bandwidth. “Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac will be the first vehicle brands to market with 4G LTE connectivity offered on such a broad scale, and we’re excited to give millions of customers an opportunity to explore the technology without paying extra for a data plan for three months or three gigabytes,” said OnStar President Mary Chan. “We will begin to offer data plans and our customers will be able to connect for as little as $5 per month.” OnStar’s 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hardware come as standard equipment on the following 2015 models: Spark, Sonic, Cruze, Volt, Malibu, Impala, Corvette, Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Colorado, Silverado, Encore, Verano, LaCrosse, Regal. Get ready for a whole new way to stay connected!

4G-LTE-WifiWeb

 

Buick Lacrosse GL

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The Buick LaCrosse GL isn’t about sport, rather it’s about luxury, and swaddling its passengers in a richly appointed “Chocochino” colored cabin. That is how one would describe the Buick Lacrosse GL. According to a Buick representative, the exterior of the LaCrosse GL Concept is essentially a stock LaCrosse with the optional 20 inch wheels  from the Regal GS slapped on, and then bathed in a beautiful cabernet red hue. Instead of the usual chrome trim surrounding the windows, doors and grille, the LaCrosse GL Concept gets a satin-silver finish which looks worlds more distinguished than the usual gaudy chrome. Underneath the wine-red paint, the Lacrosse GL gets the stock Lacrosse’s 3.6-liter 303-horse V-6. Sounds like you get the best of the buick seris as you have the option of some Regal GS parts.Inside is where the LaCrosse GL gets most interesting. Buick worked hard to get the Chocochino interior to both look and feel like a luxury cars’s interior should. The LaCrosse GL’s interior featured contrasting Choccochino and cocoa brown leather that looks jarring at first, but is actually quite visually pleasing once you sit in it a bit. Buick also color matched the center console, using a warmer-colored soft-touch plastic than it normally does on the LaCrosse, making the whole interior come together pleasantly. Buick finishes off the LaCrosse GL Concept’s interior with ice blue French stitching, warm-wood trim, and a gorgeous suede headliner. Art Gamblin Motors is your Seattle Buick Dealer and we are very excited to get this new model next year so be sure to stop by when the vehicle hits he market to come check it out!

2012 Buick Verano

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2012 Buick Verano White

This new 2012 Buick Verano is in the race for the motor trend of the year car and it definitely has facts to back up why. This new Buick adds a 2.0-liter turbo late in the model year, and GM’s new 190-horsepower, 2.5-liter four by 2013. The 2012 Buick Verano’s EPA highway rating is no better than the V-6 Chrysler 300’s, though it achieved 25.2 mpg for the Buick and just 21.9 mpg for the Chrysler. You can tell it has potential to be good but it also has the aqua stitching on beige leather seats had detractors, though it’s only an option, and no judge confused its sense of style with the old Buick Blandmobiles that targeted the geriatric set. Probably quietest among the contenders, the Verano also has a plush ride without any annoying Roadmaster wallow. You got to like that! Keep your ears open as the award will be announced November 16th!  Art Gamblin Motors can not wait to get their hands on their first 2012 Buick Verano.  The Buick Verano will be a great addition to the Buick family.

GM adds a new center airbag to better vehicle safety

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Have you ever heard the saying ‘the more the merrier’ or ‘safety first?’ Well those were probably two things that went through the head of GM when developing the idea of a center airbag. But this wasn’t just created just for the fun of it. It functions to prevent passengers of the vehicle from clashing into each other on impact with another vehicle. The new device is set to be introduced as standard equipment on models like the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia with power seats beginning in the 2013 model year. The tethered, tube-shaped airbag deploys from the right side of the driver’s seat and positions itself in the center of the vehicle. Side impacts are the main causes of these incidents, but this is set to improve that. But hey, you can’t complain for being a little extra safe when driving behind the wheel. Even if safety’s first with these cars, style comes in a close second!