The Buick Sedans Are The Most Interesting Part of the 2027 Chevy Camaro's Comeback, Since They Will Share The Same Platform With Cadillac

Not only Buick will have sedans again, not only Chevy Camaro and Buick sedans will share the sample platform, but the Buick sedans will share platforms with Cadillac sedans as well.

Automotive industry observers know that Buick currently sells only crossover SUVs -- the Envista, Envision, Encore GX, and Enclave. Buick hasn't sold sedans since the Lucerne/LaCrosse/Regal models of 2010s. The Regal was the last sedan sold by Buick, going off the market in 2020, and by then the car was technically a hatchback.

Cadillac, of course, does sell sedans. There is the high-dollar flagship Celestiq, and the more mainstream CT4 and CT5 models. Both those are available in performance V-Series/Blackwing versions.

The Alpha platform that is used by the current CT4 and CT5 will be updated and underpin the 2027 Chevrolet Camaro, the next CT5, and whatever Buick cooks up. Car and Driver suggests that the powertrain or powertrains will be internal-combustion engines and not electric motors. There is also no indication of hybridization. We'd guess that there will be two choices -- a six-cylinder and a V8.

What's really interesting is that the Alpha platform is rear-wheel drive, and if Buick were to use that platform and keep it rear-wheel drive, it would be the first rear-drive, non-SUV Buick since the Roadmaster in 1996. We'd not be surprised if all-wheel drive was available.

A rear-wheel drive Buick? One with possible performance potential? Talk about a way to revive a sleepy brand.

Here's Torque News' Current Take On Buick

Buick, at present, offers four crossovers that are upscale versions of Chevrolet products. These crossovers are aimed at well-heeled families and/or young urban professionals with higher-paying jobs.

Buick, of course, had earned a reputation for selling sedate cars to older people seeking comfort -- cars that were somewhat luxurious but not on the level of Cadillac. For a long time, Buick existed alongside Oldsmobile as an entry-luxury brand for seniors, though one can argue that Oldsmobile promised more sport than Buick. Oldsmobile shut down in 2004, and as we said, Buick went SUV only in 2020.

The brand might not even exist right now, but during its federally managed trip through bankruptcy during the 2008 Great Recession, General Motors cut down its brand portfolio to just four, and Buick was chosen over Pontiac for survival because of its popularity in China.

Credit should be given to Buick for slimming its product portfolio down and concentrating on the popularity of crossovers. But a sedan could give the brand a much-needed image boost.

What Torque News Thinks About A Buick Sedan

A Buick sedan is interesting because if it's fun to drive, and perhaps more importantly, attractively styled. We think a Buick sedan will draw more attention to the brand. No doubt some folks still perceive Buick as a brand for old people, and no doubt some others just see Buick as a nicer version of Chevy for those who can't afford Cadillac.

If Buick does produce a sedan, it will likely sell in smaller numbers than the crossovers on the dealer lot beside it -- but that's beside the point. The idea is to get folks into the dealership.

A car that catches attention but sells in low numbers is called a "halo" car. These get people into the showroom and drive attention online.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a perfect example. Someone might walk into a Chevy store to take a closer look. That someone might not be able to afford a Corvette, or might need more passenger space than a 'Vette offers, but they check it out anyway. Perhaps, afterward, they look at a Trax and ended up driving away in that car.

Or, perhaps, an ad for a Corvette gives a buyer an image that Chevy sells sporty cars, and they keep this in mind as they drive home in an Equinox.

It was almost inevitable that Chevrolet was going to bring back the Camaro, especially with Ford still selling the Mustang. And it will be fun to watch that car develop and to see how it competes with Ford's pony car. But the side note about Buick may just be the most interesting part of this story.

About The Author

Tim Healey is an experienced automotive writer and editor from Chicago. He has covered automotive news at Consumer Guide Automotive, Web2Carz, AutoGuide, and was the managing editor at The Truth About Cars. Tim is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. You can find him on Facebook, X/Twitter, and on LinkedIn.