Concept Buick Invicta....Oh...My...God...

[gary88]

The grille ever so slightly reminds me of the new Maserati Gran Turismo. Me likey! Looks like Buick is making a comeback.

[gdwriter]

Originally Posted by orconn

Interesting use of a molded in version of the late '60s Riviera arrow side molding .

Also known as the Sweepspear, a Buick styling trademark going back to the Fifties.

Other than the roof being too low and out proportion to the rest of the body, I like it. Invicta, a short-lived Buick name from 1959-62 beats the hell out of LaCrosse. Now if they would just call the next Lucerne an Electra or Roadmaster.

[I~LUV~Caddys8792]

What was the Invicta anyways? Was it the full sized sports model? Was it a compact?

[caddycruiser]

Originally Posted by I~LUV~Caddys8792

What was the Invicta anyways? Was it the full sized sports model? Was it a compact?

Good question, and one I've wondered. Even without knowing, like Rendezvous-->Enclave, it would really be yet another nice upscale sounding transition from the Lacrosse, if they could keep that concept name.

There's always the debate of why did Lacrosse replace Regal, too, but as the Enclave shows, if the vehicle is "right", a fitting new (or classic) name really just furthers the image in a good way.

I like Enclave and Invicta...just sounds higher grade than Rendezvous and Lacrosse, or even Regal--though Regal is still a great name, for some model, maybe. Lucerne is still positive, as well, at least to me (and I know that's a rare sentiment), but LeSabre always just had that perennial blue hair image and in a bad way. If the Lucerne itself had gone further, to really standout and match the new name, it would have worked better...but it will be interesting to see what happens with that as well, and what replaces it.

^^That all said...aren't you guys pleased to see that the general lines of that "concept" AND the interior are essentially dealer lot ready? Even if there's some outside lines or shapes or something you aren't 100% on, you have to admit this total package is really a standout for what it will be, especially when you add in the refinement & drivetrain guarantee with a modern Buick.

[Jesda]

I am confident... that Buick will water it down until it looks like a Grand Prix.

[orconn]

Originally Posted by I~LUV~Caddys8792

What was the Invicta anyways? Was it the full sized sports model? Was it a compact?

If I remember correctly, the Invicta name was used on the 1959 model that replaced the Century in the Buick model lineup. The Century was the short wheelbase full sized Buick (Special) but with the bigger more powerful engine of the senior models. The Century/Invicta models were considered pretty hot in their day. The Invicta name was disontinued early in the 1960's and the model became the Wildcat but was confined to a hot hardtop model. I think this is right, but I am sure there are Buick officianaods out there that will correct me.

[I~LUV~Caddys8792]

So you mean to tell me that there was a time before the Century name was used on a mid sized, six passenger snooze fest?

[dwight.j.carter]

not approriate for Buick GM needs to stick with old people cars on that front.

[AMGoff]

You little 'effer... lol! You beat me to it!!! I've had these pics sitting on my desktop for the past couple of days but I hadn't had a chance to start a thread about it.... oh well.

This gorgeous car is definitely going to replace the Lacrosse in the lineup. With any luck, they'll replace the Lacrosse name as well... Buick really needs to cash in on some of the brand equity built into their past nameplates... The Invicta would be a good name (maybe they could come up with a hotrod version called the Wildcat!)... but I wonder whether the fact that the name has been out of circulation for so long would be a good thing or a bad thing. I think this would be a great "Regal," or how about just the "GS?"

As others have mentioned... it's going to ride on the new Epsilon II platform (the same as the recently revealed Opel Insigna, ie - the next Saturn Aura), and will most likely be the first EII car on sale here in the states. It will be both FWD and AWD... and I've even heard that it is capable of being adapted for RWD use as well.

I see it being broken down like this... the base (CX) will be FWD with the 3.5L or perhaps the venerable 3.8L. The mid-level (CXL) will most likely come with FWD as standard with AWD as an option with either the 3.9L or the regular 3.6L. I'm almost certain the the top-level (CXS) will come with AWD as standard along with the DI 3.6 good for 300 horses with 6-speeds across the line.

I'd be very interested with what they would do with a "Super" version.... if it would fit, I'm thinking maybe a detuned version of the G8's 6.0L making around 350hp or so. I also think it would be great if they brought the Aurora V8 back and gave it to Buick... I'd imagine giving it either DI or perhaps a supercharger would give it close to 350hp as well.

All in all though... this is a gorgeous car and you can definitely tell that it's looks are pretty close to what the production model would be like. This is going to be a GIANT step towards making Buick the "American Lexus" it's intended to be.

[hueterm]

It definitely needs to replace the LaCrosse name. First, the French slang definition is reason enough, but it was introduced on a mediocre car and never took off. They were probably trying to do all "L" brand names, but they need to pull a Chrysler and kill it quick.

Lucerne is fine, and much better than LeSabre -- but Park Avenue is much better and so is Electra. There isn't a model that justifies Roadmaster right now, and while that Riviera concept is nice, Riviera needs to be on a full size luxury coupe, not a 2 seater (i.e. Eldorado vs CTC).

[Chicano-Mexicano]

Make it a coupe and you've got my attention.

[orconn]

Originally Posted by I~LUV~Caddys8792

So you mean to tell me that there was a time before the Century name was used on a mid sized, six passenger snooze fest?

Yes, Chad, there was a time long, long ago when a Buick Century was the hottest thing the brand's line up sort of like the Regal GS only better! But then that was back in the dark ages when cars would go, but wouldn't stop!

[gdwriter]

Originally Posted by I~LUV~Caddys8792

What was the Invicta anyways? Was it the full sized sports model? Was it a compact?

The Invicta was the middle of the three-model lineup when Buick changed all the names in 1959 (it's also the reason behind the tri-shield which first appeared in 1960). It was essentially replaced by the Wildcat.

1960:



1962:

[thebigjimsho]

Originally Posted by Blackout

It looks like a more bulky version of the Lincoln MKS

Well, considering the MKS was fashioned after the LaCrosse, I'd say Buick is copying no one...

[caddycruiser]

Originally Posted by Jesda

I am confident... that Buick will water it down until it looks like a Grand Prix.

Why? The production models have already been shown, just with the usual tarps...same link I posted before.

The reality is an Enclave concept to production transition...very little difference, just some things cleaned up and door handles added. A little more, in regards to some details and moldings outside, as well as I think the roofline...but all very minor.





No need to doubt...especially given how this car has been talked about by GM.