Family Affair: All Buicks Are IIHS Top Safety Picks

New Verano overcomes peer pressure with insurance industry recognition

DETROIT ? Being the smallest Buick, the Verano faced significant peer pressure to match its larger siblings in safety systems. But the luxury sedan was up to the task, and, as a result, every Buick is a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

 "Buick is building state-of-the-art crash protection into every model from the ground up," said IIHS President Adrian Lund. "This means the best overall protection in the most common kinds of crashes, along with standard electronic stability control for helping drivers to stay out of many crashes to begin with."

 The IIHS tests vehicles to determine occupant protection in front, side, and rollover crashes, and specifically tests seats and head restraints for neck protection in rear impact crashes. To earn a 2012 Top Safety Pick designation, a vehicle must be rated "good" in all four tests.

 Verano engineers were challenged to make industry-leading safety features a key element for the new vehicle.

 "When we started the vehicle development of Buick Verano, we had a comprehensive safety strategy that enabled us to achieve the highest safety rating and to be among the best safety performers in the segment," said General Motors Engineering Group Manager of Vehicle Safety Performance Integration Sigit Santosa. To achieve this goal, we implemented several advanced safety technologies in the Buick Verano."

 The Verano has 10 standard air bags and the security of OnStar, a combination unmatched by any competitor. In the event of a rollover crash, sensors in the vehicle deploy standard head curtain air bags prior to impact and leave them inflated for an extended period.

 Verano's advanced body structure is comprised of more than 60 percent high-strength steel that provides a protective safety cage around occupants. Other safety measures include standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, panic brake override, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and a collapsible pedal system that reduces the risk of leg injury.

 "Buick buyers want to make certain that any vehicle they buy has state-of-the-art safety features," said Jack R. Nerad, executive market analyst and editorial director for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "With this in mind, Buick engineers have incorporated an unprecedented combination of safety systems to more than address that need." Kbb.com recently named the Verano among its "10 Best Sedans Under $25,000."

 For the Regal luxury sport sedan, the approach is equally holistic with an advanced, high-strength body structure and also features collapsible pedals. According to Car and Driver magazine, the Regal's powerful Brembo front brakes mean "the GS stops from 70 mph in a scant 160 feet."

 Both the LaCrosse luxury sedan and the Enclave luxury midsize crossover feature six air bags, with available rear side thorax bags bringing the total to eight for LaCrosse. Both models are offered with high-intensity discharge headlamps that articulate around corners to provide improved lighting on winding roads and LaCrosse also offers a heads-up display, which allows the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.

 Every 2012 Buick features four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, StabiliTrak, front safety belt pretensioners, and six months of standard OnStar's Advanced Crash Response System. Buick also offers optional active safety features including rear view cameras, ultra-sonic front and rear park assist, and a blind spot warning system on some models.

 Buick's safety story continues later this year with the 2013 Enclave, which will include the industry's first front center air bag standard. It deploys from the inboard side of the driver's seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger during a crash.

 In early 2013, Buick's safety story moves to the luxury small crossover segment with Encore. The new vehicle offers smart safety features and a body structure consisting of 60 percent high-strength steel.

 "Safety is a top priority in Buick's product renaissance, as evidenced by receiving these accolades from IIHS on every model," said Gay Kent, GM executive director of Vehicle Safety. "Our customers can have confidence in the safety performance of every Buick for sale today."

Source: GM

Experience standard safety with Buick. Check out all of the Buick models today!

DETROIT  When the Buick Encore small luxury crossover goes on sale in early 2013, it will define a new market segment in Canada. But small doesn't mean cramped when it comes to storage.

 "Regardless of a vehicle's size, Buick has a standard for what items must fit, from iPods and smartphones, to umbrellas and much larger items like handbags," said chief engineer Jim Danahy. "With Encore, we used every space available, big or small, in a visually pleasing and useful way."

 Encore offers eight beverage holders, storage in all four doors, four different bins in the dash, pockets in the seatbacks, an available bin beneath the front passenger seat, and even bins under the rear load floor around the spare tire.

 This holistic approach maximized traditional cargo space concerns and the ever-growing need to stow small gadgets. Deep pockets in each front door can hold a one-liter beverage, along with a book or tablet computer, plus a smaller item like an iPod or portable video game system like a 3DS.

 Because valuable electronics are often left in vehicles, the Encore's dashboard features multiple spaces that hide such items behind closed doors. A Bluetooth-connected smartphone can be stored in a small flip-down compartment to the left of the steering wheel, while larger items can be divided between individual upper and lower glove boxes.

 Additional storage space for front passengers includes a cubby in front of the gear selector, which houses a 12-volt plug and USB jack. Moving rearward along the console, two cupholders sit ahead of a storage compartment with a retractable lid.

 Encore's rear doors can hold half-liter bottles, while a fold-down rear armrest offers two cupholders and additional storage space.

 Buick bench marked the Encore's rear cargo space against leading international competitors:

With the rear seats in place, there's space for six large grocery bags or the gear necessary for a quick overnight trip. For longer vacations and more luggage, either or both sides of the 60/40 folding rear seat can be lowered, and the front passenger seat folds flat to handle long boards for a home do-it-yourself project or bulky sports equipment like skis or a surfboard.

 Encore also has plenty of room for people and compares favorably to some much larger competitors. Compared to the 2012 Acura RDX and Lexus RX350, respectively, Encore offers 1.2 and 2.0 more inches or rear passenger legroom. It also offers more front and rear headroom than either of those vehicles.

The Encore is on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit through Jan. 22, and goes on sale in early 2013.

 Buick models continue to gain in popularity, with two consecutive years of higher retail sales. The Encore joins Verano, Buick's third all-new sedan in three years, to round out the brand's lineup and continues the momentum established by the Enclave crossover almost five years ago.

 With room for five and up to 48.4 cubic feet (1,372 liters) of storage space with the rear seat folded, the Encore offers substantial cargo capacity along with the confident, higher driving position, all-wheel-drive capability and contemporary styling of a crossover. In fact, its cargo space compares favorably against similar-sized international competitors:

Additional features include 10 standard air bags and an Ecotec 1.4L turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain, along with standard and available technologies such as Buick's voice-activated IntelliLink, which uses Bluetooth or a USB to connect the driver's smartphone to a high-resolution, full-color seven-inch LCD display radio.

 And because it's a Buick, QuietTuning is standard on the Encore, which also features Buick's first use of active noise cancellation technology.

 Contemporary design offers versatile spaciousness

 In keeping with the global design language that has come to symbolize the brand, the Encore's sculpted and elegant styling traits, including sweeping character lines, make it instantly identifiable as a contemporary Buick. Signature cues include a waterfall grille, chrome accents and surrounds, portholes on the hood and painted lower panels, similar to the Enclave.

 "The Encore brings Buick's timeless, sculptural design to the crossover segment in a way that blends elegance, efficiency and utility," said David Lyon, executive director of design. "There's confidence in its athletic stance and elemental beauty in its rich details."

 Blue-accented projector-beam headlamps and detailed taillamps enhance the premium appearance; and 18-inch, five-spoke painted aluminum wheels are standard. Seven-spoke chrome wheels are available.

 Inside, the Encore's organic styling carries over to a flowing instrument panel that wraps naturally into the door panels. A prominent central instrument panel houses the large, full-color, seven-inch LCD display for the IntelliLink voice-activated radio system. It also features displays for the SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as available navigation and rear camera systems.

 A contemporary mix of dark and light tones distinguishes the cabin, which is accented with ice blue ambient lighting, select use of bright trim and wood-grain trim. Premium seats featuring high-density foam for greater comfort on long drives are trimmed with either a contemporary cloth/leatherette motif or available leather. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are available. The rear seat features a fold-down armrest with cup holders.

 More of the Encore's comfort and luxury features, standard and available, include:

Remote vehicle start

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Rainsense wipers

Bose premium sound system

Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls

Six-way, power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment and driver memory.

Encore also features plenty of storage capacity and storage compartments. It offers 18.8 cubic feet (533 liters) of storage behind the split-folding rear seat and 48.4 cubic feet (1,372 liters) with the rear seat folded. With the rear seat in place, there's room for at least six full grocery bags and with the rear seat folded, there's room for golf clubs and overnight bags for a weekend getaway. Even the front passenger seat folds flat to extend the cargo length and accommodate long items that would not normally fit in a vehicle of this size.

Nine exterior colors and three interior color combinations will be offered.

QuietTuning gets 'active'

QuietTuning is the process of defining Buick quality, sound and vibration characteristics and designing and refining the vehicle following a three-point strategy of reducing sounds at their source, blocking sounds from entering the cabin and absorbing any remaining sounds.

For the Encore, specific content was applied to achieve 40 sound benchmarks for refinement, including Buick's first application of active noise cancellation. With it, ceiling-mounted microphones detect engine noise, the frequencies of which are processed by a computer that directs counteracting sound waves through the audio system's speakers and subwoofer.

Additional standard QuietTuning features include:

Acoustically treated headliner with a tuned gap between it and the high-strength-steel roof panel

Sound-absorbing materials used in the cabin, under the hood and in the wheel house liners

HydraMatic 6T40 six-speed transmission with neutral gear disengagement

Quiet-tuned 18-inch Continental tires

Aero-optimized outside mirrors

Ultra-quiet engine alternator

Acoustic-laminated windshield and thicker 5mm side window glass

Foam baffle insulation at the opening of body structure cavities.

'One-tire' philosophy sharpens ride and handling characteristics

The new Encore is built on a global small-crossover platform and engineered with a "one-tire" philosophy. Everything is optimized around a single 18-inch tire specification, designed for more precise suspension tuning, driving refinement, quietness and a feeling of control.

The Encore's 100.6-inch (2,555 mm) wheelbase and wide stance, 60.6-inch (1,540 mm) front and rear tracks, contribute to a more confident-feeling driving experience, while a strong structure enables greater suspension precision and a quieter ride. Tuned engine, including two hydraulic mounts, are tailored to the engine's inherent torque axis to disrupt the transmission of vibration and noise. This configuration also helps control the transfer of momentum, resulting in improved dynamic balance.

A MacPherson strut front suspension is used with coil springs, a large stabilizer bar and side-load-compensated front strut modules. The rear suspension incorporates a compound crank (torsion beam) design, with a double-wall, tubular V-shape beam profile with gas-charged twin-tube shocks. It combines all the advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle, including minimal space requirements, with low weight and consistent camber control. Urethane spring isolators are used to dampen noise.

The Encore also features a column-mounted, variable-effort electric power steering system. It contributes to a 36.7-foot (11.2 meters) turning diameter, while also saving fuel compared to an engine-driven power steering pump.

Safety technology helps protect occupants

Encore is designed with technologies, including radar-based features, to help avoid crashes and protect occupants in case one occurs. Technologies that help avoid them include:

Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution

Cornering brake control and brake assist

Available all-wheel-drive system that seamlessly shifts power to the rear wheels when required for better traction and handling

Available forward collision alert and lane departure warning

Available front and rear park assist

Available rear vision camera.

When it comes to occupant protection, the Encore's body structure forms a protective cage around the passenger compartment. Sixty-three percent of the underbody structure is comprised of high-strength steels, while 57 percent of the upper body uses high-strength steels, including ultra-high-strength steel. That protection is complemented with 10 standard air bags, which include:

Driver and front passenger frontal air bags

Driver and front passenger knee air bags

Front and rear thorax air bags (all outboard positions)

Side curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers.

Encore's suite of safety features is rounded out with exclusive OnStar technology, which includes the Advanced Crash Response System, emergency assistance and more.

Ecotec turbo engine drives efficiency

The Buick Encore is powered by an efficient, power-dense Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. It generates an estimated 140 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque, a specific trait of turbocharged engines, helps it deliver a better driving experience and performance.

The 1.4L's turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility. A reinforced crankshaft and forged connecting rods deliver additional strength to support the engine's pressurized power and torque over a wide rpm band.

Several of the engine's features contribute to the Encore's overall fuel efficiency, including:

A high-efficiency alternator

Regulated voltage control

Electronically controlled returnless fuel system

Deceleration fuel cut-off.

They complement other vehicle-wide systems and components that also help improve efficiency, including low-rolling-resistance tires, electric power steering, neutral idle feature and optimized aerodynamics.

A Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission backs the Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine. It is part of a family of six-speed front and all-wheel drive transaxles developed for small cars and crossovers. It has a unique design, with the planetary gearsets positioned on the same axis as the engine crankshaft centerline, making the entire powertrain unit shorter fore-to-aft. This design enables a shorter overall vehicle length, increased interior space, enhanced safety crush zones and lower weight.

The Hydra-Matic 6T40 offers a "steep" first gear and a "tall" overdrive top gear to achieve a wide ratio spread of 6.14:1. This allows the Encore to achieve robust acceleration, as well as fuel efficiency and lower engine noise at highway cruising speeds. A neutral-gear disengagement feature helps enhance smoothness and efficiency.

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2012 Buick Verano has Arrived! One of the quietest driving experiences in the industry.

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     The all-new 2012 Buick Verano luxury sedan, which is on sale now, delivers one of the quietest driving experiences in the industry, better than key competitors Lexus IS 250 and Acura TSX.

 Buick noise and vibration engineers fine-tuned Verano to the highest standard of quietness by replicating the hushed interior of another luxury sedan, the Buick LaCrosse.

 "By positioning the Verano against the very best, our noise and vibration team went above and beyond to deliver the quiet driving experience for which Buick's have become known," said Chuck Russell, Verano vehicle line director. "Quiet-tuning components and systems are built into every facet of the Verano's architecture."

 Vehicles generate noise in a number of ways, including the transmission and gears, air induction and exhaust, electro and electromechanical parts, fuel delivery and brake function, as well as road and wind noise

A dozen noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are used throughout Verano's body structure for increased cabin isolation and quietness, all without adding net weight to the car:

 1. A 5.4-mm-thick acoustic-laminated windshield and 4.85-mm-thick acoustic laminated side glass that minimizes wind noise

2. Acoustic insulation material on both sides of the front steel dash panel and under the hood that reduce engine noise

3. Five layers of acoustic insulation material in the headliner, including a premium fabric on the visible outer layer that muffles wind noise

4. Triple-sealed doors that keep out exterior noise

5. Three layers of acoustic insulation material in the doors that reduces the sound of wet-road sizzle

6. Dual-density carpet on the floor that block coarse road and tire noise

7. Underbody paneling that lowers wind and low road-surface noise while improving fuel economy

8. Liquid-applied sound deadener that supports a solid body structure

9. Specially tuned air intake and exhaust systems that enable pleasing engine sound quality without sacrificing engine performance

10. Isolated chassis components that reduce vibrations over irregular road surfaces for a solid road feel

11. A patented rear suspension that enables crisp road feel and superior ride and handling performance without sacrificing quietness

12. Hydraulic suspension bushings and an isolated engine cradle that reduces or eliminates vibrations.

In addition, Verano uses heat-activated baffles in various pillars, crossbars and other structural members to seal and close sections of the body structure that could transmit noise or allow water leaks. The heat-activated baffles are inserted at strategic areas of the body structure and expand in paint ovens to fill the structural cavities.

The sound of silence in the Verano resulted from hundreds of virtual and physical tests on the car's body structure, tires, chassis, interior and powertrain under a variety of conditions to eliminate or reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Road noise was measured on a variety of surfaces and in a wind tunnel, as well as in thermal and cold chambers. A four-post shaker rig was used to evaluate squeaks and rattles. 

 Among the 200 parts that typically come under scrutiny during noise analysis is the air induction system, which helps engine efficiency and performance. Special tuning elements were made to Verano's clean air duct to remove harsh frequencies during vehicle acceleration.

 Verano's acoustic engine cover, alternator and refined engine accessory drive system are designed for quiet operation, and its six-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to operate at lower,  and less noisy, speeds on the highway. 

The use of more than 60 percent high-strength steel in Verano's structure helps eliminate squeaks and rattles because the body is stiffer.

 "Verano was held to the highest standards, as accomplished on Buick Enclave, LaCrosse and Regal, and it achieves a new standard for interior quietness," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. "We're confident that luxury car shoppers will be hard pressed to find a quieter car at any price point on the market today."

On Sale Now! Call Sales to check out the new Verano! 

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2012 Buick Regal GS Production Model Takes Sports Sedan Performance To A New Level For Buick

LOS ANGELES  The 2012 Buick Regal GS is an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale earlier this year and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family. Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the GS delivers an estimated 270 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than 6.7 seconds (estimated). Buick's Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the GS, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience by changing the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and GS.

 Built on the performance foundation of the Regal, the Regal GS was designed as an even sportier expression of responsive performance and style, said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. The driving experience is powerful and spirited; and the GS represents the next entry in Buick's product renaissance.

Product highlights include:

Exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine rated at an estimated 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque

Six-speed manual transmission, with six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control to be offered later

Interactive Drive Control System with GS mode

Four-wheel independent system with HiPerStrut front suspension

High-performance four-wheel disc brake system with Brembo front calipers

Standard 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tire and optional 20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires.

The exterior design features unique front and rear fascias, with the front fascia incorporating prominent, vertical air intake slots and specific grille treatment ,with the vertical elements accented in a satin-metallic finish. The rear fascia has a pair of integrated, satin-metallic trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Rocker panel extensions and an integrated rear spoiler are also woven into the design. The GS cuts a sportier stance, too, with a slightly lower ride height than other models and aggressive 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tires (20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires are optional).

Inside is a racing-inspired, flat-bottom sport steering wheel and metal sport pedals, along with leather-appointed 12-way power-adjustable sport driver and front passenger heated seats, which include four-way power lumbar. The GS-specific black interior is accented with satin-finish elements on the instrument panel, steering wheel and console, while the instrument panel glows white when the driver engages the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

 Standard amenities for the Regal GS include:

Passive keyless entry with push-button start

Standard XM Satellite Radio with three-month trial service

Harmon/Kardon premium 320-watt sound system with nine speakers

Bluetooth phone connectivity

Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with audio controls

Leather-appointed sport seating

Heated driver and front passenger seats, with 12-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats including four-way lumbar adjustment

120-volt accessory power outlet

Power windows with express up/down feature in the front and express down in the rear.

Front and rear ultrasonic parking assist

Bi-xenon HID headlamps.

Turbocharging and HiPerStrut

Power for the Regal GS comes from a high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged DOHC VVT engine with direct injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be available on Regal CXL later this year, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is rated at 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. A three-inch-diameter exhaust system provides reduced back pressure, resulting in higher engine power

 Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. That means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions generated including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. Variable valve timing optimizes power, efficiency and emissions across the entire rpm band.

 We've been combining direct injection and variable valve timing with boosted engines since 2006, and there's no question the Regal GS turbo has the responsiveness and acceleration of a 3.5L V6, while delivering the fuel economy of a 2.0L four, said Mike Anderson, Ecotec global chief engineer and program manager.

 The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission will be available later.

 The Regal GS rides on a relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm), which delivers refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics. It also features a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension design. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering; the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

 The four-link independent rear suspension is designed to minimize unwanted toe and camber effects during spirited driving maneuvers, enhancing vehicle stability.  Both front and rear dampers incorporate active Computer Damping Control (CDC), continuously changing damper characteristics to maintain optimal vehicle ride control over varying road surfaces and profiles. More aggressive, performance-oriented damping characteristics can also be selected by the driver through the Interactive Driver Control System.

 Braking power comes from a large diameter four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers. A standard, four-channel anti-lock brake system is tuned to reduce stopping distances over varied road surfaces and conditions.  An electronic parking brake is actuated via a center console-mounted control. The Regal GS also features standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.

 Interactive Drive Control System

 The Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on other Regal models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. The driver selects among three operating modes standard, sport and GS that change the suspension settings, and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections. All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style.

Selecting GS mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response. Standard, or the default mode, is the setting for all-around use. The sport mode provides a level of performance between standard and the GS modes.

NEW YORK : Buick, the fastest-growing major automotive brand in the United States in 2010, will bring a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customizable infotainment options to its 2012 Verano, Regal and LaCrosse models. The upgraded capability will enhance the luxury vehicle experience that Buick buyers have come to know and love.

Buick IntelliLink uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver's smartphone to a new 7- or 8-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick's current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®.

Most importantly, Buick IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with each vehicle's infotainment system, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

"Today's tech-savvy consumers expect more from their cars' infotainment systems," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. "They want a system that allows them to customize their in-vehicle experience with smartphones and other portable media devices. The availability of IntelliLink on every Buick sedan in 2012 and every Buick model in 2013 takes connectivity and media personalization to a new level."

Consumer interest in onboard connectivity is rising with smartphone sales. Apple sold 16.2 million iPhones in the fourth quarter of 2010, and Android sales jumped 886 percent from 2009 to 2010. By the end of 2013, there will be 1.1 billion smartphones with annual sales of 300 million units, according to the research firm Parks Associates Industries.

"About 70 percent of all new car buyers want some form of connectivity," said Micky Bly, executive director leading GM's infotainment engineering efforts, citing GM research. "Whether it's because they want to listen to their favorite music or explore local restaurants on a Friday night, today's car buyer expects so much more out of their time in a car."

One doesn't need a smartphone to benefit from IntelliLink. The system works with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, USB flash drive or digital audio player. Even without a mobile device, Buick owners will benefit from IntelliLink's enhanced voice recognition technology and OnStar's on-screen turn-by-turn directions.

IntelliLink's voice activation capability benefits from Buick's library-quiet interiors. Quiet Tuning systems, processes and components are built into every facet of the vehicle's architecture to block or absorb sound and dampen or eliminate vibrations. Quiet Tuning also calls attention to the audio fidelity of Buick's Bose® and Harmon/Kardon® sound systems.

Additional benefits provided by IntelliLink include:

Enhanced hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance®, which allows simple voice commands to initiate phone calls and select radio stations or media from portable MP3 players and smartphones. A tap of a button on the steering wheel enables intuitive verbal control of many radio features like "play (artist name)" or "call (name of contact)". When a smart phone is connected you can say "tune (Internet radio, station name)."

PANDORA Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio allow users to create personalized radio stations based on favorite artists or genres and enables access to thousands of audio programming choices, allowing customers to build a personalized listening experience. IntelliLink integrates control of both of these apps for a driver-directed listening experience.

Gracenote® identifies the music collection on the driver's USB device, MP3 player or smartphone and presents information such as artist name, genres and album cover art on the IntelliLink screen and enables users to select similar music to the tunes they love. Gracenote also improves the accuracy of IntelliLink's voice activation system by allowing users to access music using artist nicknames, such as "The Boss," "The Stones," or "Snoop" using IntelliLink's voice control interfaces activated through the touch-screen or steering wheel buttons.

Upgraded USB connectivity adds the ability to play music files directly from flash memory devices and gives the customer the ability to update IntelliLink with future feature enhancements.

Buick IntelliLink's designers drew inspiration from the intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces found on many popular consumer electronics. The influence can be seen on the home page with application icons that animate when activated. The touch screen's fluid, contemporary graphics and elegant color palette evoke Buick's "inviting luxury" aesthetic and advance the sophisticated design language established in the current LaCrosse's navigation system.

The debut of Buick IntelliLink extends the OnStar experience from safety and security to information and entertainment by seamlessly integrating the capability of a smartphone into the vehicle so that hand-held phones may be safely stowed while driving.

When OnStar debuted in 1996, it pioneered in-vehicle connectivity with the auto industry's first embedded telematics system. It has grown from primarily offering automatic crash notification and security features to include remote vehicle diagnostics, turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to slow down stolen vehicles. In November 2010, OnStar released a smartphone application for all 2011 Buick vehicles that incorporated remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle status checks.

Source: GM Press Release