USA Today reports, "Buick is using the Beijing auto show to unveil the Invicta show car, expected to be the replacement for the LaCrosse midsize sedan in the USA."  In fact, the concept on display is "a modified version of the production vehicle," according to some industry analysts.  Jim Hall, managing director of auto industry analyst firm 2953 Analytics, told USA Today "The sleek sedan, probably to retain the Invicta name, is expected to replace LaCrosse in showrooms late this year or early next."  Other sedans built on the same platform, the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu, "have won the North American Car of the Year Award given by a panel of auto journalists." 

Edmunds Inside Line says "the five-passenger Invicta, which means 'invincible' in Latin, is powered by Buick's first direct-injection turbocharged engine. The 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder power plant produces 250 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The concept features a unique paint job.  "Buick says the 'warm beige tone' contains wafer-thin flakes of aluminum that reflect light to emit a liquid gold appearance."

Jalopnik likes the look.  "We know, Buick goes with old," they comment.  "Well, if that's the case, maybe now we'll actually have something to look forward to in our retirement years."

Motor Trend says "Inside the cabin, the GM press-speak boasts of large car size in a midsize package, especially for rear passengers. A glass roof helps to open up the greenhouse, and premium touches in the cabin include seam stitching on the instrument soft-touch feel panel pad, steering wheel and door panels. Buttons, switches and pulls are also designed to upscale tactile standards, and LED accent lighting adds to the experience."

AutoWeek reports, "The Beijing auto show was selected for the unveiling because China is Buick's biggest market. Last year 332,115 Buicks were sold in China, a 9.2 percent increase from the previous year. In contrast, Buick's U.S. sales totaled 185,791, a 22.8 percent decline from the previous year."

The automaker could certainly use a big win on the U.S. market, with production of its hottest-selling vehicle, the Enclave, halted due to a strike.

Some elements of the car seem to be targeted at the Chinese market.  Car and Driver notes, "Because Chinese owners tend to ride in the backseat, the rear is spacious and opulent." 

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