Cars GM needs now

Buick is struggling to regain its past glory as the modest man's Cadillac. Of the brand's three most recent products, two are very good: the Enclave SUV and the Lucerne large sedan.

But with gas prices rising, the weakest of the three new Buicks, the LaCrosse mid-size sedan, needs improvement. It's in a key position now. Fortunately, a redesigned version is in the works.

The Buick Invicta concept, shown here, offers some clues as to what the next LaCrosse could look like.

For the first time, GM is involving Chinese engineers for a product that will be sold here. It makes sense because the Chinese will still be the biggest customers for the car and, at this point, the Chinese "get" Buick better than anyone.

With a brand name that resonates as the favored ride of the last Chinese emperors, Buick is one of the most popular brands in that country.

Critics have said that GM should just kill Buick already. With strong vehicles at all positions, and a couple more possibly on the way, Buick may finally prove that it deserves to live.

NEXT: Cadillac