New Buick Encore

[GMBoy]

It looks like a really nice vehicle. I'm not sure that we need anymore crossovers, but if you are looking for a nice luxury appointed mini-suv - this may be worth a look.

My only concerns are that it comes with a 4cyl making just 140hp (although it weighs only 3300lbs) and only has a 14gal fuel tank according to the specs in the article. I hope that all changes before actual production! I would rather see a little more power or atleast make the larger 3.0 or 3.6 engines available - which knowing GM will happen in the 2nd year, lol. The gas tank needs to be atleast 18 gals.


http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/...ick/0110_encore

 

[Burt]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
My only concerns are that it comes with a 4cyl making just 140hp (although it weighs only 3300lbs).


http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/...ick/0110_encore


An early 90's Taurus weighted 3100 lbs and had the same HP and torque with a 3.8L v6. What once was on the high end of power is now underpowered. How things have changed.

 

[bepperb]

This is smaller than a Cruze. A 3+ liter V6 isn't in the plans, I doubt it would fit.

Looks nice. A little smaller than the Escape/Rav4/CRV's that it will probably compete with. If gas hits 5 bucks a gallon these will be a hot item.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
My only concerns are that it comes with a 4cyl making just 140hp (although it weighs only 3300lbs) and only has a 14gal fuel tank according to the specs in the article.


140hp should be fine with the good torque curve provided by the small turbo-4. It should compete well with the 4-cylinder CR-Vs and RAV-4s of the world. I used to drive 275- and 300-hp Northstar V-8 engines, but found that I just didn't use the potential of them and smaller machines fit my life- and driving-style better.

 

[Burt]

I don't like the encore/enclave naming scheme. Just like Ford wanted every car to start with F. Leads to more confusion, not less.

 

[IndyIan]

I guess the Juke is selling well? I don't understand why people want a tippy AWD Yaris sized vehicle?
I wouldn't mind one if they just made them about 1.5 feet longer so you can fit something behind the back seats. My Tracker has 1/3 more cargo space and its not big enough for a family of 4...

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Burt
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
My only concerns are that it comes with a 4cyl making just 140hp (although it weighs only 3300lbs).


http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/...ick/0110_encore


An early 90's Taurus weighted 3100 lbs and had the same HP and torque with a 3.8L v6. What once was on the high end of power is now underpowered. How things have changed.


Yeah, I always find that laughable. People felt "safe" because they had a v6 in their taurus - they could merge on the highway without fear.

But the 4cyl buick? No way I could merge onto the highways in my area with it... Lol!

 

[rjundi]

For the Made in USA nuts:

Manufacturing locations:

Bupyeong, South Korea (for North America)

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
For the Made in USA nuts:

Manufacturing locations:

Bupyeong, South Korea (for North America)



Only at first, I think. Thinking production will move to an idle plant after that. That being said...it will depend on the price point of this little guy...

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Originally Posted By: rjundi
For the Made in USA nuts:

Manufacturing locations:

Bupyeong, South Korea (for North America)



Only at first, I think. Thinking production will move to an idle plant after that. That being said...it will depend on the price point of this little guy...

I think it shares the same platform as the Sonic, and I imagine the Korean plant is fully automated so I doubt they will move production to N.A. Also I bet they sell more of these in China than N.A. as well.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Originally Posted By: rjundi
For the Made in USA nuts:

Manufacturing locations:

Bupyeong, South Korea (for North America)



Only at first, I think. Thinking production will move to an idle plant after that. That being said...it will depend on the price point of this little guy...

I think it shares the same platform as the Sonic, and I imagine the Korean plant is fully automated so I doubt they will move production to N.A. Also I bet they sell more of these in China than N.A. as well.


The Sonic is made right here in the USA.

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Originally Posted By: rjundi
For the Made in USA nuts:

Manufacturing locations:

Bupyeong, South Korea (for North America)



Only at first, I think. Thinking production will move to an idle plant after that. That being said...it will depend on the price point of this little guy...

I think it shares the same platform as the Sonic, and I imagine the Korean plant is fully automated so I doubt they will move production to N.A. Also I bet they sell more of these in China than N.A. as well.


The Sonic is made right here in the USA.
Yup the sonic is assembled in Michigan, not south korea. My bet is they either use the same plant, or they add production in spring hill.

 

[sciphi]

Same engine as the Cruze while weighing the same as most Cruzes means acceleration will be all right. And, it's turbocharged. If you don't like how it accelerates stock, turn up the boost. It'll scoot right along with the turbocharger blowing the 22 PSI it's capable of. OEM, the turbo in a Cruze is tuned for 16 PSI maximum.

 

[IndyIan]

Oops,
Well the international version of the Sonic is being made in the Korean plant so the Encore could continue to be made there. I guess it depends on sales here. I don't think a Buick cute 'ute is going to be a big seller in NA but it maybe, or perhaps GM will do a Chevy version which I think makes more sense...

I'm trying to imagine what my Tracker would be like if it was Buick, and who the heck would want it? You can't make a sow's ear into a silk purse...

 

[Hokiefyd]

Isn't Buick the biggest, or one of the biggest, selling nameplates in China? I think Buick has a big following over there, so it would make natural sense to produce it close to the intended audience. If they offer it for sale here, I would hope they would concurrently assemble it somewhere in North America.

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Isn't Buick the biggest, or one of the biggest, selling nameplates in China? I think Buick has a big following over there, so it would make natural sense to produce it close to the intended audience. If they offer it for sale here, I would hope they would concurrently assemble it somewhere in North America.


This is very true. My guess is that for the immediate future, it will be produced in Korea, and if it proves to be a decent/big seller here in the states, they may start production at one of the US or Canadian plants.

 

[rjundi]

I actually like the Buick brand.

However not holding my breadth any Buick product will sell really well enough in the coming years. In my locale new Buick's are few and far between.

 

[rg200amp]

I am not a fan of the looks at ALL!

Srry!

 

[addyguy]

I like it, but I think it is more suited to the Chevy brand - kinda like a modern-day Tracker - a CUV much smaller than most that are being offered.

I don't quite understand why Buick is marketing it.....

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
I actually like the Buick brand.

However not holding my breadth any Buick product will sell really well enough in the coming years. In my locale new Buick's are few and far between.



Buick is selling very well today thanks to better product offerings than in the past.