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Los Angeles, CA – When the cover was pulled off the 2017 third-generation Buick LaCrosse in Los Angeles at the 2015 edition, Buick continued on its journey to dispel any lingering notions of this General Motors brand being preferred by your Father. No more.

For model year 2017 with the LaCrosse, Buick has taken their previously presented concept vehicle, the Avenir, and “smoothed” out most of the “rougher” edges and presented a more refined-looking automobile. From the front end at least, the LaCrosse has a distinct look and stance, suggesting elegance, refinement and perhaps even some restraint while promising a family-style sedan that will appeal, as Buicks tend to do these days, to a much broader target purchaser. The LaCrosse’s rear, however, will likely never be a topic of poems or sonnets; it’s disappointing – especially if this model is indeed based upon the concept Avenir.

Regardless, until such time as we have an opportunity to sit behind the wheel, we’ll talk in brief generalities about its new lithe look. Overall, Buick’s engineers have worked hard to shape this four door sedan into a pleasing looking vehicle that few suburban driveways would shun. Buick has managed to trim nearly 136 kilograms (300 pounds) of body fat, the bulk of which, pun intended, has been achieved in a non-invasive manner, from the vehicle's actual structure. The loss of weight is largely due to the use of press-hardened, high-strength steel that contributes to greater efficiency and more responsive handling. Putting that weight into perspective, enthusiastic engineers advise that’s roughly equivalent to a fancy modern French-door refrigerator. However, like most current marvels of automotive engineering, this reduction has increased the vehicle’s overall torsional rigidity by some 15%.

The new LaCrosse cabin features a strong, cockpit-like design with a high, floating-bridge-style centre console. This is a direct result of Buick's adaption of the electronic precision shift system, introduced in early November on the brand new Cadillac XT5 crossover. Interesting, in spite of the console, designers have maintained the popular wraparound cabin style we saw when gen two of the LaCrosse was first unleashed.

Based upon an initial and hurried scramble, the front and rear cabin appears fairly roomy, although the sloping rear roofline may present initial minor challenges upon exit for some. Further, the interior doesn’t stray too far away from GM’s current design standards; think of an abundance of leather and decorative wood accents throughout. The dashboard is fairly uncluttered with a frameless eight-inch-diagonal colour touchscreen located on the centre console.

Buick has chosen to adopt the very same powertrain as the aforementioned Cadillac XT5, with a standard 3.6-litre V6 producing 305 hp and 268 lb-ft. of torque. Just like the more expensive, oft-aspirational marque, this engine is equipped with active cylinder management and a stop-start system which apparently inspires awe from Buick’s own engineers. We’ll reserve personal judgement until such time as we have an opportunity to drive this vehicle. The powertrain, we are advised, is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the standard front-wheel-drive layout can be reportedly swapped for an optional twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system later in 2016 when the vehicle literally – and figuratively – rolls out. An interesting option is the availability of Buick’s continuous damping control, which is paired with GM’s already-tested HiPer strut front suspension – instead of the standard MacPherson struts – and 20-inch alloy wheels.

From a comfort and driveability standpoint, one imagines more purchasers will select this – unless it’s priced in a mean-spirited manner.

Late last week was a big day for Chevrolet Camaro fans, General Motors and the city of St. Catharines. At the GM Powertrain facility in St. Catharines in front of the many visiting and involved in the 17th annual St. Catharines Show & Shine event, the sixth-generation 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS was revealed for the first time on Canadian soil.

It might not be such a big reveal to those who followed its American reveal in Belle Isle over two months ago, but it truly meant something to the hundreds of Camaro owners in attendance. A reveal is nothing new for us auto journalists, but it's a rarity to do one in front of many of your loyal customers. The owners and visitors in attendance flocked to the svelte and shining red Camaro SS, taking turns to sit inside its leather-filled interior, take a grip of its flat-bottomed steering wheel, and take a glance at the the LT1 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 455 hp and 455 lb.-ft. of torque.

The reveal of the Camaro wasn't the only thing Carlisle was excited to talk about. Earlier that day, General Motors Canada announced a $13-million investment in the St. Catharines Powertrain facility that mostly focuses on V6 and V8 engines, as well as transmissions. The LT1 V8, the most-powerful ever made for the Camaro will soon begin production at the St. Catharines facility.

“We’re proud that GM Canada continues to play an important role in the sixth-generation of the Chevy Camaro, with the LT1 V-8 small-block engine being built right here at St. Catharines Powertrain,” said Steve Carlisle, president and managing director, General Motors of Canada.

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will have three engine options including the Ecotec 2.0-litre turbo, a 3.6-litre V6, and the aforementioned 6.2-litre V8. According to General Motors Canada, the 2.0-litre is expected to be the most fuel-efficient engine in a Camaro with a highway rating of 7.8L/100 km. A city or combined rating was not provided.

Away from fuel efficiency, what's impressive is that the base engine can achieve a 0-96 km/h sprint in under six seconds. Regardless of which engine is chosen, consumers will get a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

General Motors will not be resting on the success of its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. After showing images of its refreshed Silverado, pictures were released showcasing the new looks of its premium option, the 2016 Sierra in SLT, Denali and All Terrain trim.

In the SLT and Denali versions, the chrome grille really stands out with a bold, aggressive look. It's got a no-nonsense truck appeal with LED “C-shaped” signature daytime running lights and LED headlights, as well as new LED fog lamps at the bottom of the bumper.

The All Terrain version looks more like the refreshed Silverado with less chrome in the grille allowing the bumper colour to match it. It will have the signature “C-shaped” LED lights to differentiate it from its sibling.

All of the new GMC Sierras will have an updated infotainment system inside with support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

All trims have their own unique look, and more information will be released closer to the on-sale date in the fourth quarter of this year, around the same time as the Nissan Titan rolls out.

TORONTO (Reuters) - General Motors Co GM.N will eliminate one shift at its Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant in November, the company said on Thursday, cutting about 1,000 jobs as it makes production changes that were announced in 2012.

GM said it would offer retirement incentives to avoid layoffs. More than half of the 3,600 hourly workers at the plant are nearing retirement.

After Nov. 20, 2015, the Oshawa Assembly will stop producing the Chevrolet Camaro, GM said. The company announced in 2012 that it would build the next-generation Camaro in Lansing, Michigan, not Oshawa.

The "flex" line, which currently produces the Camaro as well as other vehicles, will drop from three shifts to two. The separate "consolidated" line will continue at one shift.

GM said it would record a restructuring charges of about $200 million, mainly in the second quarter of 2015, because of the move. It said the charges were included in its January forecast of $700 million in restructuring charges for 2015.