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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #310 LIVE!

We record Autoblog Podcast #310 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #310
Buick GN and GNX will return

J.D. Power study sees new car dependability problems increase for first time since 1998

For the first time since 1998, J.D. Power and Associates says its data shows that the average number of problems per 100 cars has increased. The finding is the result of the firm's much-touted annual Vehicle Dependability Study, which charts incidents of problems in new vehicle purchases over three years from 41,000 respondents.
Looking at first-owner cars from the 2011 model year, the study found an average of 133 problems per 100 cars (PP100, for short), up 6 percent from 126 PP100 in last year's study, which covered 2010 model-year vehicles. Disturbingly, the bulk of the increase is being attributed to engine and transmission problems, with a 6 PP100 boost.
Interestingly, JDP notes that "the decline in quality is particularly acute for vehicles with four-cylinder engines, where problem levels increase by nearly 10 PP100." Its findings also noticed that large diesel engines also tended to be more problematic than most five- and six-cylinder engines.

Buick Electra SUV spy photos show it out testing on public roads

We know the electric Buicks are on their way, but the details about models and specifics are still being left unsaid from GM’s premium brand. Today, some new spy shots give a hint at whatÂ’s to come. For the time being, weÂ’re not sure what to call this SUV beyond a Buick Electra SUV model. Buick has trademarked the E1 to E9 names in what is surely preparation for incoming EVs, but itÂ’s difficult to know which one this particular electric Buick might be. Size-wise, it looks closest to the Chevrolet Equinox EV, but take that with a grain of salt. These spy shots donÂ’t provide a point of reference versus other cars, so deciding whether itÂ’s closer to an Equinox EV or Blazer EV in footprint is a difficult exercise. As for its Buick-ness, the most intriguing detail in these shots is the tri-bar third brake light that mimics the brandÂ’s new logo. ItÂ’s a seriously cool touch, and we can only hope this attention to detail is found throughout the car. Both the front and rear lights are made up of thin LEDs. The front DRLs have a small kink in them that turns downward as they arc toward the fender, and the rear brake lights look to be two thin horizontal lines one on top of the other. Michelin e-Primacy tires wrap 20-inch wheels, which is in keeping with ChevyÂ’s large wheel size offerings on its Ultium-based SUVs. The camouflage does good work of concealing the carÂ’s styling and any other details that we might want to make out beyond what weÂ’ve covered so far.  WeÂ’ll hopefully see a reveal for an electric Buick SUV in the next year or so, especially now that the base Chevy versions of a compact and midsize electric SUV are out and revealed. Once it is revealed, donÂ’t expect an Electra (of some sort) to go on sale until 2024. Related video: