Buick's Insignia for America and China

* All the car launches from Detroit * New Mercedes E-Class and Jaguar XFR * Toyota Prius, too...

Buick's Insignia for America and China

There won't be many British car buyers familiar with the Buick LaCrosse, but the chances are that the car it's based on will become a best-seller over here.

That's because the updated executive saloon is based on the new Vauxhall Insignia.

However, it has received a substantial reworking, not least because it is seen as a Lexus rival by its makers.

That means reworking the ride to be super-smooth, and ensuring the cabin is both refined and ultra-quiet.

There's also clever technology that will be more familiar to Insignia owners, including a brake assist function, a head-up display and a blind spot alert system

There are two engine options: a 256bhp 3.0-litre V6 with 214lb ft of pulling power, and a 276bhp 3.6-litre V6 with 261lb ft of pulling power.

It will go on sale in autumn 2009, both in the US and China, where Buick is a major brand.