Buick Allure 2005
When the Buick Allure sedan starts rolling off the GM assembly line later this year as a 2005 model, it will mean the end of the Century and Regal models.
Though the Century and Regal models have been very popular over the years, GM believes it can service most of the customers from both markets with the Allure, which will be known as the LaCrosse in the U.S., or with the products of other divisions.
Behind the classic Buick grille, Allure will look quite a bit like previous Buicks, but GM deeply hopes that it will feel different inside.
In the first place, the Allure will get the full benefit of GM's commitment to vastly improve its interiors. The company knows that it made a mistake by cheaping-out on previous models (and not just Buicks) and has made a huge commitment to improve things.
While there have been minor upgrades in face-lifted vehicles (such as the Buick Rainier SUV and the Buick Terraza compact sport-van), real improvement could only come with a wholly revamped model, since interior fit and finish has a great deal to do with the way the car is designed and assembled.
Allure would be one of those products, so GM thinks the sedan's interior will connect much better with customers.
The ground-up redesign and new interior will also help Buick deliver on its promise of a Quiet Tuning acoustic package. That's the official description, of course; GM product boss Bob Lutz likes to say that Buick will rival Lexus in terms of more refined interiors.
More information about the Buick Allure will be available following its official reveal at the Chicago Motor Show in early February.