DETROIT — Don't look for a resurrection of the Grand National nameplate on a Buick, said Susan Docherty, the general manager of Buick GMC, in a Web chat this week on the corporate GM FastLane blog. Docherty used the occasion to mainly confirm what won't be — no Grand National, no Buick coupe and no return of Pontiac.
In response to the question: "Any chance of the (Pontiac) G8 becoming the Buick Grand National?" Docherty replied: "The G8 won't become the Buick Grand National."
In 1982, the Regal Grand National debuted. It was named for the NASCAR Grand National Racing Series. In 1984, the Grand National returned in all-black paint, earning it the nickname the "Darth Vader car," according to Wikipedia.
Docherty also said there were no plans for a Buick coupe.
"There continues to be lots of questions about a Buick coupe and even specific questions about a Riviera for Buick's future," she said. "We don't have any plans in the short term, however, we'll continue to evaluate what would be best for Buick. We have had great response for the Riviera concept revealed in Bejing (sic)."
Later in the Web chat, she added: "We're keeping our fingers crossed on a future Buick Riviera — it would be a nice addition.
Docherty also held out no hope for a reversal of Pontiac's death sentence. "Pontiac won't be back," she said.
Buick appears to be focused on sedans, if her Web chat is any indication.
"We plan to introduce two more sedans, both smaller," she said. "One sedan will be mid-sized and one will be compact."
Inside Line says: At least you know for sure what won't be coming from Buick. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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