March Break Events in Edmonton

March Break Events in Edmonton

March Break is underway in Edmonton and like most parents, you're probably looking for events to keep the kids busy!

We found a website called Edmonton Kids and it has a great list of events for kids, not just during March Break but all year around!

As always, if you know of any family events we can share with our friends, be sure to let us know!  You can find us on FACEBOOK or you can visit our WEBSITE anytime!

Your friends at Western GMC Buick would like to wish you and your family a safe March Break!

Edmonton Easter Weekend Family Events

Edmonton Easter Weekend Family Events

The start of Spring Break and a weekend full of fun seems like just the thing to deal with the nasty re-emergence of winter. To help you cope, we have compiled the top 8 Picks for Easter Weekend Family Fun in Edmonton!

Wiggle your tail out to Prairie Gardens for Hop! Easter Fest! All weekend there will be fun on the farm with special guests and treats of all kinds! Friday-Monday

There’s lots to do at the TELUS World of Science all weekend long! There is egg themed fun with the Eggstravaganza. You probably had no idea how much fun the little un-chickens could be…you might want to stay all day! Friday-Monday

While it doesn’t have anything to do with Easter, we are big fans of indoor playgrounds, and are looking forward to the Grand Opening of Allstars Indoor Playland. They are celebrating by offering free admission and samples from their menu!Friday

Fort Edmonton Park is getting into the swing of spring with Sweet Treat: An Old Fashioned Easter Celebration with a scavenger hunt, egg search and lots of wholesome fun!  Saturday

A day of dancing might be in order before the onslaught of chocolate and Easter fixings. Get out and get moving with a dance party over Churchill Square at the Downtown Defrost! Saturday

On Easter Sunday you can join the fun at the Eggs-travaganza at the Muttart. An egg hunt, spring crafts, and the beautiful pyramids are a great place to spend the day with family! Sunday

Not to be left out of the fun, Rutherford House is putting on their own Easter celebration, with an egg hunt, fresh baked cookies and a warning to be on the look out for a large basket filling bunny! Sunday

And in case you still are looking for Easter fun come the end of the long weekend, the zoo is looking out for you! Hop to it! at the Valley Zoo will have crafts and activities plus visits with your animal favourites! Monday

From your friends at Western GMC Buick, we wish you and your family a wonderful Easter Weekend!

GMC Recognized as The Most Refined Brand

GMC Recognized as The Most Refined Brand

GMC was recognized as the Most Refined Brand in the 2016 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards. It is the third consecutive year the brand has received this award.

Brand Image Award winners are based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Book Strategic Insights’ Brand Watch study. Brand Watch is an online brand and model perception tracking study tapping into more than 12,000 in-market new-vehicle shoppers annually on Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. The comprehensive study provides insight on how shoppers identify important factors influencing their purchase decision and captures brand/model familiarity and loyalty among new-vehicle shoppers. 

Driven by its luxury-focused Denali sub-brand, GMC received high ratings for comfort, interior layout, technology, prestige and sophistication. In previous years, Kelley Blue Book has praised Denali vehicles for offering plush features while maintaining a more rugged persona than offered by most luxury automakers.

“Premium quality and exterior styling are the top two reasons customers choose GMC vehicles,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC. “Unprecedented refinement and attention to detail provide our customers with a truly Professional Grade experience.”

More than 850,000 GMC Denali vehicles have been sold since the introduction of the 1999 GMC Yukon Denali. The sub-brand accounted for 22 percent of GMC retail sales in 2015, outselling the entire product lines of several premium automakers such as Land Rover, Jaguar and Porsche.

For more details on the complete 2016 GMC product lineup, contact the Western GMC Buick sales department at 780-486-3333 or in person at 18325 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton.

2017 Buick Encore

2017 Buick Encore

Buick introduced the new 2017 Encore, strengthening the appeal of North America’s most popular small SUV with more refined styling and new connectivity technology – including available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

A new front-end appearance and a new premium interior highlight the visual refinements, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported by next-generation IntelliLink, featuring an 8-inch-diagonal colour touch screen.

Push-button start, keyless unlock via the exterior door handles and an 8-inch colour touchscreen highlight the Encore’s roster of new standard features.

“The Buick Encore created the premium small SUV segment and remains the top choice for customers seeking premium features and dependability coupled with timeless design,” said Mike Speranzini, brand director – Buick and GMC for Canada. “In one of Canada’s rapidly evolving segments, the Encore continues to lead with smart, purposeful updates and a new level of technology-infused elegance and refinement.

Introduced in 2013, the Encore quickly carved out a niche of its own, offering the premium features typically associated with larger luxury SUVs but with greater maneuverability.

Overall, SUVs now account for approximately 55 percent of Buick retail sales in Canada, up from 35 percent prior to the introduction of the Enclave in 2007. Starting this summer with the arrival of the Envision – which slots directly between the Encore and Enclave – Buick will offer SUVs in the three most popular segments.

The 2017 Encore goes on sale this fall, initially offered in five trim levels: Encore (1SB), Encore Sport Touring (1SH), Encore Convenience (1SD), Encore Leather (1SL) and Encore Premium (1SN). Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.

It is the third all-new or significantly updated Buick coming to Canada in 2016, joining the Envision compact SUV and LaCrosse sedan.

The new design features the sculptural surfacing and elegant line work that continues to distinguish the Buick brand. The addition of the winged grille with Buick’s new tri-colour insignia, new front headlamps and rear LED signature tail lamps contemporize the Encore and set up the visual flow around the entire vehicle. Uplevel models receive Buick’s full LED headlamps, which provide efficient, clear lighting of the road ahead.

Also new are a chrome exhaust outlet, body-colour heated outside mirrors, a new 18-inch wheel design and three exterior colours: Black Cherry Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic and White Frost Metallic.

Building on Buick’s reputation for premium and quiet passenger environments, the 2017 Encore elevates with a new interior design and a greater emphasis on material selection, placement and subtle details like bright accents and contrast stitching.

An updated instrument panel flows across the interior and incorporates a new gauge cluster with a 4.2-inch-diagonal colour driver information centre. Also, a new centre stack blends with the instrument panel to offer more intuitive access for the user interface and its new, frameless 8-inch colour touch screen.

IntelliLink is designed to support the latest interface technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Buick’s connectivity also includes OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is now standard across the brand’s U.S. model line. With the 4G LTE connection, Encore allows passengers to connect up to seven devices to high-speed wireless Internet.

All 2017 Encore models offer room for five and up to 1,371 litres (48.4 cubic feet) of storage space with the 60/40 split rear seat folded. Standard features include 10 air bags, StabiliTrak stability enhancement and a 1.4L turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain rated at an GM-estimated 9.5 L/100km city and 7.2 L/100km highway (FWD models).

A unique 1.4L turbo with direct injection, more power, more torque and stop/start technology, offering an GM-estimated 8.5 L/100km city and 6.9 L/100km highway (FWD models), is available on most trims.

Buick’s exclusive QuietTuning is standard on all models and includes Bose® Active Noise Cancellation technology. Encore also offers available active safety features including Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning.

Western GMC Buick, Edmonton - We're Making it Easy!

2017 GMC Terrain Nightfall Edition

2017 GMC Terrain Nightfall Edition

Ahead of its debut at the New York International Auto Show, GMC introduced the 2017 GMC Terrain Nightfall Edition - a stylized special edition combining blacked-out exterior details and wheels, with popular technologies such as IntelliLink with available 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot.

It joins the all-new Sierra All Terrain X as the latest GMC vehicle to offer an exclusive, personalized appearance with the Terrain’s premium features and refinement.  

The Terrain Nightfall offers an edgy appearance with 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels and gloss black spokes, a charcoal grill with a gloss black surround and accents, gloss black front and rear fascia accents, gloss black rear license plate surround trim, gloss black outside mirrors and black luggage rails. Terrain Nightfall Edition will be offered on SLE-2 and SLT models with four exterior colour options: Summit White, Onyx Black, Graphite Grey Metallic and Crimson Red Metallic.

The 2017 GMC Terrain Nightfall Edition will be on sale Fall 2016 at Western GMC Buick, Edmonton!

Source: GM Canada

Burt Reynolds 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

Burt Reynolds 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

Released in 1977, the movie Smokey and the Bandit probably did more to sell Pontiac Trans Ams than any advertising campaign in the brand’s history. As the second-highest grossing film of 1977, it cemented actor Burt Reynolds’ reputation as a bona-fide superstar, so it stands to reason that a car with ties to both the movie and the actor would command a premium price at auction. In the fall of 2014, a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am used to promote the film (but not in the actual filming) and later gifted to Reynolds sold for $450,000 at a Julien’s Auctions sale in Las Vegas, far exceeding the $80,000 pre-auction estimate.

The Pontiac was part of a Burt Reynolds-specific auction that included everything from paintings and sculpture through clothing and movie memorabilia, all formerly part of the actor’s personal collection. A gas-powered black Trans Am replica go-kart (also said to be a promotional item from Smokey and the Bandit) sold for $13,750, while the red-with-black trim “Bandit” jacket worn by Reynolds in the movie fetched $34,375. Even a shirt worn by Reynolds in the movie managed to achieve a selling price of $15,625, making the $20,000 paid for his “Bandit” cowboy boots seem like a relative bargain.


The 1977 Pontiac Trans Am sold had been given to Reynolds following its use in promotional appearances to support the film. A plaque inside the door identifies the car as being owned by Reynolds, and a copy of the title supplied with the car lists Reynolds as a previous owner. “Bandit” is even lettered on the driver’s door, just in case the car’s new owner forgets its provenance. Aside from these identifying features, the car is believed to be otherwise stock, equipped with a 403-cu.in., 185-horsepower V-8 mated to a three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission.

Interested to see the other items from the Burt Reynolds Auction and the amounts they brought in? Check it out here!

Don't forget, the Western GMC Buick Parts Department is one of the Top 5 GM Parts Departments in Canada for sales!  If you need any parts for your GM vehicle, contact us first for the best prices in Edmonton!

GMC Welcome's Android Auto

GMC Welcome's Android Auto

A software upgrade enabling Android Auto phone compatibility for 2016 GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon models equipped with the 8-inch IntelliLink system will now be offered in Canada.  The upgrade will be performed by GMC dealers at no charge to consumers.  Owners of 2016 model year GMC vehicles that qualify for the software update will receive a communication from the brand.  

Android Auto joins Apple CarPlay, which was unveiled last year, offering phone compatibility via the available IntelliLink screen.

GMC’s availability of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will continue to expand this year with the arrival of the all-new 2017 GMC Acadia when it arrives in showrooms this spring.

Each system builds off select features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.

Many system features can be controlled by voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Connectivity has become a central component of GMC’s interior technology features. Just last year, many GMC vehicles also began offering available OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The connection allows occupants to connect up to seven personal devices.

This new compatibility stands to make connectivity even stronger. Specific market availability for Android Auto can be found here. Current Apple CarPlay markets can be found here.

Using either application is simple in a compatible 2016 GMC Canyon, Sierra or Yukon. A “Projection” icon on the IntelliLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, and then changes to indicate either CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a compatible phone is connected via USB. Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later.

Compatible third-party apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Vehicle user interfaces are products of Apple (for CarPlay) and Google (for Android Auto) and their user terms and privacy statements apply. Each requires a compatible smartphone and data rates apply.

For more details on the full GMC lineup, visit the Western GMC Buick New Sales Department at 18325 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton or call 780-486-3333.

Western GMC Buick, "We're Making it Easy!"

Buick Welcome's Android Auto

Buick Welcome's Android Auto

Buick is now offering Android Auto compatibility via software update to Canadian owners who purchased a 2016 model year Regal or LaCrosse model equipped with an eight-inch IntelliLink system. The update is available now exclusively through Buick dealers for owners of 2015 model year Buicks that qualify for the software update.  A communication from the brand will be sent on how to receive the update at no charge and will take approximately 30 minutes.

Earlier this year, Buick announced it will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility in the 2016 LaCrosse and Regal, with Apple CarPlay included as standard equipment from the start of the model year and Android Auto available later. Customers who purchased those vehicles and use Android phones will now have the same level of smart, simple smartphone integration.

Buick’s availability of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will continue to expand this year with the arrivals of new products to the brand’s showrooms. For the 2017 model year, availability will include the Regal and the all-new LaCrosse, as well as the Envision compact crossover and redesigned Encore small SUV.

Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or higher, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later. The user interfaces themselves are designed and developed by Apple (for Apple CarPlay) and Google (for Android Auto).

Compatible third-party apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data rates will also apply.

Smartphone integration technology is just one piece of Buick’s commitment to keeping customers connected in a smart and simple way while on the road. Every new Buick also comes standard with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, which enables a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 7.

For more details on the full Buick lineup, visit Western GMC Buick New Sales Department at 18325 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton or call 780-486-3333.

Western GMC Buick, "We're Making it Easy!"

Buick's Top 10 Milestone Cars

Buick's Top 10 Milestone Cars

Performance has been part of Buick’s DNA since its earliest days, when stripped-down chassis and powerful Buick engines pushed the pioneers of motorsports to victory. Racing success helped forge the brand’s reputation for durability. Now, more than a century later, that legacy of performance complements the refinement for which Buick has always been known.

1909 Buick Racecar

In 1909, two years before the first Indianapolis 500, the 2.5-mile-long oval at Indy was inaugurated with the Prest-O-Lite Trophy. The 250-mile race was won by Bob Burman, driving a Buick and averaging more than 53 mph. Of the nine cars that finished the race, three of them were Buick models.

1910 Buick 60 Special “Bug”

The 60 Special, or “Bug,” was built by the Buick racing team and had a unique nosecone – a feature designed more for aesthetics than aerodynamics. A huge, 10.2L (622 cubic inches) four-cylinder engine propelled the Bug to 110 mph. Buick built two 60 Special racecars, one for Prest-O-Lite Trophy winner Bob Burman, and a second for another racer of note Louis Chevrolet.

1938 Buick Century

Buick introduced straight-eight engines in 1931, but it was the 1938 Century model that established a new performance benchmark. Dubbed Dynaflash 8, the 5.2L (320 cubic inches) inline engine featured new, domed pistons that contributed to an 11-hp increase over the 1937 engine. It was enough power to pass the “century mark” at 103 mph, making the Century one of the fastest cars of its day.

1954 Buick Wildcat II Concept

The Buick V-8 engine, nicknamed "Nailhead" for its unique valve arrangement, was introduced in 1953 and powered the Wildcat II concept vehicle a year later. Using a quartet of sidedraft carburetors, engineers coaxed 10 percent more horsepower from the engine than regular-production models, giving the Wildcat II the power to back up its sporty styling.

1963 Buick Special

In 1961, Buick introduced an innovative, lightweight all-aluminum V-8 to power its new midsize Special model line. Displacing only 3.5L (215 cubic inches), it was lauded for its high power density. The engine achieved its peak in the 1963 Special, with its 200-hp output representing a horsepower-to-liter ratio of 0.571. Versions of the engine were used in Indy racing cars.

1970 Buick GSX

At the height of the muscle car wars, torque was king and no competitor could dethrone the 510 lb.-ft. (678 Nm) of twist generated by the GSX’s available 455 Stage I V-8 engine. In a 1970 road test, Motor Trend went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds. The GSX’s combination of raw power and Buick’s signature luxury prompted many to describe the car as a “velvet hammer.”

1976 Buick Century Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

Buick’s turbocharging legacy was established with this purposeful pace car. Engineers leveraged the recently revived, more-efficient 3.8L (231 cubic inches) V-6 engine that was supplanting larger V-8 engines in many production models. They filled it with 22 psi of turbo-fed boost – resulting in 306 horsepower from the compact powerhouse – and reset expectations for Buick performance.

1984 BuickMarch IndyCar

When Buick began its dalliance with turbocharging, few could have predicted it would lead from pacing the Indianapolis 500 to racing in it a few years later. It culminated at the 1984 race, when driver Scott Brayton drove his Buick-powered March racecar to a 204.638-mph one-lap speed and a 203.637-mph four-lap average, setting new records for a racecar using a production-spec engine block. By the mid-1990s, a more powerful version of the Buick turbo V-6 helped Eddie Cheever turned the fastest race lap ever at the Brickyard 236.103 mph during the 1996 Indy 500. It’s a record that still stands 20 years later.

1987 Buick GNX

During the resurgence of high-performance in the 1980s, Buick ditched the conventional V-8 playbook and continued to cultivate its turbo V-6 program, which was manifested in the Grand National. Buick marked the end of the car’s production in 1987 with the limited-production GNX. It was a Grand National on steroids, with a larger turbocharger, a higher, 276-horsepower rating and all-black attire. Only 547 were built and they became instant collectibles.

2012 Regal GS

The GS returned to Buick’s lineup and advanced its turbocharging heritage with one of the most sophisticated and power-dense engines in its segment – a 270-hp 2.0L delivering 135 hp per liter. It also reintroduced a manual transmission to Buick and matched power with sophisticated driver technologies such as the Interactive Drive Control system. The 2012 Regal GS was potent enough to make collector car insurer Hagerty’s list of the 10 most collectible Buick models of all time.

Check out Buick's latest vehicles at Western GMC Buick, Edmonton, We're Making It Easy!