None of this news is surprising to me, except for possibly one of the items. If Buick is to succeed and go anywhere, they need to get with the times - no longer do luxury cars have to be large cars, and their chief targets, Acura and Lexus, not only have smaller cars, but are going even smaller, what with Acura discussing resurrecting the RSX and Lexus bringing the LF-Ch. Buick's GM revealed some future plans for Buick over the GM FastLane blog, via webchat.

So what's the news according to Docherty?

First off, there will be two Buick sedans produced for market, both smaller and lower-priced than the Lacrosse. One, according to reports, will be based off the Chevrolet Cruze, and the other will be a straight-up rebadging of the Opel Insignia. The Buick Regal name is a likely candidate for resurrection, but don't look for the Buick Century name to come back any time soon (thank God).

Second, Buick is hoping for a new Riviera, according to Docherty. What would a new Riviera be related to? My guess is, either the Camaro or the CTS coupe, as those are GM's only two coupes. Those are also both RWD - also good news for GM's attempt to lure younger buyers to the Buick brand. It would be based off of the concept in the first picture above - the Chinese-designed Buick Riviera concept shown in Beijing.

Third, and most disappointingly: There will be no Pontiac G8 revival, not as a Buick nor as anything else. We all loved that car, but it's time to get over it, mourn and move on. It won't be back. (secretly, I'm still wiping my final tears)

The second picture above is the Buick compact sedan, based off of the Chevrolet Cruze, as well as the Opel Insignia-based Buick sedan (assumed to be the next Regal).