Buick reportedly preparing six or seven new models over the next three years

As always in these cases, it is intriguing to see what a brand that has been spared from the chopping block is going to do, to the misfortune of another, now defunct one. Buick plans to strengthen its position in the US and China, drawing attention with a few new models planned for the next three years, along with adaptations of other European Opel vehicles.

One of the first is the Verano, the North American incarnation of the upcoming version of the Opel Astra, as it is known in Europe. Next is the Regal GS (Opel Insignia), whose first prototype was already shown at the Detroit show last January. The latter will have a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which would come close to 270 horsepower, with an estate version.

A hybrid version of the LaCrosse is being considered for 2012, built on the current generation, with its continuation expected for 2016. Of course, not everything is new model launches and redesigns. The Buick Lucerne will be dropped from the catalogue at the end of next year.

The Encore (a name that, curiously, some Renault cars carried during their short stay in the US) will be a somewhat more compact SUV, based on the platform of the popular Chevrolet Cruze, arriving next year. And the Enclave would be the last change, for now, with an engine downsizing planned for 2012, moving from 3.6 litres to 3 litres.

Via | Automotive News