What Not

Mercedes-Benz SLS

After the free breakfast given to all the salesmen of participating dealerships, I walked through the show while things were still being put together. There were a number of nice displays, but a lot was still in disarray. For instance, our Volvos were all parked against the wall in no particular order while the Mercedes-Benz display was almost complete. But there’s no need to lose hope. I’m sure everything will be in place by the time of the show.

I looked around for the new SAAB 9-5 but only found three cars at the display. It wasn’t finished, so I’m hoping that Mr. Spyker can pull a few strings and make it happen. In any event, the convertible looked very nice. Did you notice the slogan on the SAAB post? Waste leads to haste. Does that refer to the waste gate on the turbo?

There were a number of other interesting cars on display. Buick has the new Regal GS on a pedestal and it looks pretty nice. I couldn’t get close enough for an inside shot, but the exterior looks very good. Hopefully, this will help Buick sales to pick up. Lotus had their new vehicles, but the one that stuck out was a 1970’s model. And the Equus was there for Hyundai. It’s not my “cup of tea” but it seems to be a luxurious car that might compete in the Asian market.

More tomorrow after my 11 am to 5 pm shift. I hope to see you there!

Could Buick really be wanting to sell a convertible?  That’s what Autoblog reported back on May 31, 2007.  At the time, the report said something about an end of the decade production time.  It would be based on the Buick Velite concept which was revealed at the 2004 New York Auto Show.  It’s a nice design that contains some serious Cadillac design cues.  Will it ever happen?  We shall see.

More pictures from Motor Trend

What if GM had invested their Buick Regal GS energies into a new SAAB 9-3? The new Regal doesn’t look like your typical Buick; but the design could have worked as a compact Swedish four-door. Maybe, just maybe, they could have made it work.

With a new 9-3, 9-4x, and 9-5, they could have done some serious business.

Autoblog just reported that Buick is showcasing the possibility of a Regal GS.  With 255 hp and 295 lb. ft. of torque coupled to a 6 speed manual and the Haldex XWD, it sounds an awful lot like GM has already made their decision about SAAB.

That’s not very nice, Mr. Whitacre.

1982 Buick Regal

In high school my neighbors’ dad had a 1980’s Monte Carlo SS that was the talk of the neighborhood. It was a beefy car with a V8 that looked like something a cool dad would drive. One of the teachers at the school I attended had a dark blue 80’s Buick Regal that I secretly admired. It was similar to the Monte Carlo—just a little more refined. And (at least in my opinion) it seemed to live up to its name.  It was regal or maybe you would call it muscular royalty. That was a cool car.

The Regal is supposed to make a come back in 2011. But this time, it doesn’t have that same look. Instead of muscle it says something like, “Dodge Neon.” I’m sorry, but this is a totally different direction for Buick. Whatever happened to the meaning of “Regal?” Sure, the car has a plush interior that is very inviting. But the exterior looks like an entry level car. Buicks are supposed to be big, powerful, and comfortable.

But the worst part (for fans of Swedish cars) was seeing the headline at autoblog: BREAKING: Buick confirms 2011 Regal 2.0T to come with manual transmission. Wait… wha?. It’s not the manual transmission that seems odd to me; it’s the 2.0T. It’s no wonder that GM has failed to sell SAAB to Koenigsegg, Spyker, or anyone else. They’re banking on SAAB internals to power all their new models! First it was the Cobalt and now a Buick!?

It just doesn’t seem right.

After many months of emails, phone calls, and brain storming, the new website for Leikin Motor Companies is a reality! Click on the picture above to visit the site. From there you can view the three dealership websites. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the changes that have been made.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently released its list of Top Safety Pick winners for 2010 models.  The list includes 27 vehicles which received top honors in each of four tests.

• high speed frontal impact
• high speed side impact
• vehicle rollover
• head restraints during rear impact

I was happy to see that Volvo continues to earn it’s reputation for safey.  Leikin Volvo customers will be happy to know that the C30, S80, XC60, and XC90 all made the list.  (I would imagine that the wagon variants of the S80 are included as well.)  It was also good to see that the Buick LaCrosse and Mercedes-Benz C-Class made the list for 2010.

H/T Saabs United

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse has an impressive look to it. Just look at the front and rear shots and you’ll want to take a second look. This is aggressive styling for the “old people’s brand.” I think Buick will make a come back with cars like this.