The LaCrosse had originally been planned for a debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, but that was pushed back due to cash shortfalls at the end of the year as GM pulled out of the show entirely. The CTS Coupe was also delayed, though when - or if - it will be shown is still unknown. Development of the car is believed to be on indefinite hold. The LaCrosse, however, has moved to production, and today's reveal shows that the car is still relevant despite the delay.
Three trims are available, equipped with a pair of engines. A 3.0L V6 direct-injection unit with 255hp (190kW) and 211lb-ft (286Nm) of torque is available with a six-speed auto in the CX and CXL trims, while a 3.6L direct-injection V6 with 280hp (209kW) and 261lb-t (354Nm) of torque mates with the same Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed auto on the sportier CXS. The CXL trim adds leather seats, dual-zone climate control, fog lamps, LED turn indicators and 18in wheels plus optional AWD to the base CX package. The CXS gets similar upgrades, plus a real-time active-dampening suspension with 19in wheels available as an option.
Fuel economy is estimated at a moderate 18mpg city/27mpg highway for the 3.0L V6, and 17/26 for the 3.6L unit. Curb weights are 3,948lb (1,741kg) for the base CX, 4,018lb (1,822kg) for the CXL with FWD, 4,199lb (1,904kg) for the CXL AWD and 4,065lb (1,844kg) for the CXS.
The all-new LaCrosse is another take on the FWD Epsilon II platform that also underpins the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and eventually the next-gen Saab 9-5. With its new style, borrowed from the Invicta concept, that 'defines Buick's modern global design', the LaCrosse is prepped to be the brand's new ambassador.
Buick is pinning a lot of hope on the new LaCrosse, and has accordingly paid a lot of attention to the little things the company hopes will make it a success. Materials, fit and finish, design elements and features are all intended to provide a world-class experience.
"The new LaCrosse is intended to represent modern elegance," said Welburn. "Throughout the design, you experience a balance of contrasts. Both the interior and exterior have been designed with harmony in mind. The exterior balances taut, sculpted lines with sensuous accents and surfaces. Inside, smoked chrome accents, warm wood, first-class leather and materials combine with cool blue ambient lighting to create an inviting environment.”
A combination of sensing technologies designed to help provide the driver with a 360-degree view from inside the cabin put the LaCrosse fully into the 21st century, though if Buick's past models are any gauge, the high-tech features will be employed seamlessly behind the scenes, with little direct driver involvement. The end goal of the total safety package, which also includes front, side and roof-mounted head-curtain air bags and StabiliTrak stability and traction-control systems, is to achieve a perfect NHTSA 20 Star Safety Rating.
Production will begin mid-year at the Fairfax Assembly facility in Kansas City, Kansas with retails sales to start soon after.
Reader Comments
Thu Jan 8 2009 12:07 AM
NoNameDenton says
Looks way nicer then the current one, but I can not help being reminded of the Lexus ES
Thu Jan 8 2009 12:29 AM
twinturboz says
there does seem to be a hint of something else in there, not sure it's Lexus though...maybe Lincoln MKS? That's weird to even think.
Thu Jan 8 2009 1:47 AM
brum08 says
ive always thought the new mazda6 has some lexus es in it, especially in the back. and mks is definitely not out of the question. definitely an upgrade though
Thu Jan 8 2009 3:25 AM
Vinzer says
And with this AND the next 9-5 using the Epsilon II playform it'll be even harder for the Insignia to come to America.. So much for that dream.
Thu Jan 8 2009 10:50 AM
Chris says
ill put it to bed right now. the car looks great but if you're trying to figure out what it looks like........
look no further.
http://www.motorauthority.com/gallery/2010-chevrolet-cruze/2010-chevrolet-cruze-002.html
its the same shape, and if you arent wearing your glasses you may be tempted to say theyre the same car... with the only differences being they pulled the chrome out of the grille, and gave it a center fold line instead of two folds off to either side... giving it a more round look.. a little more classy and elegant.. couple that with the bloated look of the ES and there you have it.
of course everything from the B pillar back is mazda 6...
but dont be quick to say buick is going for the japanese semi-luxury look.. no.. i think of lexus and mazda having pretty strong american influences in the first place. they might not be putting out muscle cars but they certainly make cars for american tastes.
Thu Jan 8 2009 1:41 PM
Roy says
Chris, isn't this car almost identical to the Cruze? I do see some Lexus LS460 styling in the rear, especially in the exhausts. Also, the front looks a little like the Toyota Avalon, particularly around the headlights. The overall shape and rear tail-lights remind me of an Acura RL, or whatever their large Legend-type car is called now.
Anyway, it looks better, but that won't mean a damn in this country unless the interior and reliability match. As Alfa Romeo spent too much time finding out, killer bodies mean nothing if potential owners believe they're taking a risk by buying a car. Especially in the current climate, who can possibly afford to take a chance on such a major investment? It's not like the styling is revolutionary or "must have" (eg, current or former Alfa 8C). This isn't a PT Cruiser, folks...
Thu Jan 8 2009 2:04 PM
adamk says
Every new GM product seems to have the same center stack, flanked by vertical air vents. I know changing the satnav and other buttons is expensive, but the center of almost every interior is becoming just a series of minor variations on the same theme. Same buttons, same vents, etc.
Thu Jan 8 2009 2:50 PM
twinturboz says
Quote:
Every new GM product seems to have the same center stack, flanked by vertical air vents. I know changing the satnav and other buttons is expensive, but the center of almost every interior is becoming just a series of minor variations on the same theme. Same buttons, same vents, etc.
some people call that 'brand identity' or a common theme
Thu Jan 8 2009 5:17 PM
NoNameDenton says
More the idea then the actual car that reminds me of the Lexus, lame fwd marshmellow platform badged as a luxury car
Thu Jan 8 2009 6:02 PM
james says
i'm still curious as to where buick falls into GMs future. is it upmarket or downmarket with respect to Caddy? what's its defining characteristic? all in all, this cruze (i mean lacrosse) is a huge step up to the antiquated designs of buick's recent past (but to be perfectly honest, that's not saying much)
Thu Jan 8 2009 6:27 PM
TaeKwonDonkey says
James- most likely downmarket
I really like the way this car looks, its certainly much better than the last lacrosse. I don't care if they're trying to make it look Japanese semi-luxury, it looks better than any Buick I've ever seen. I feel as though it looks a combination between bmw, lexus, and somewhere along the line, an avalon.
Thu Jan 8 2009 10:49 PM
adamk says
twinturboz: I'm all for branding (it's what I do for a living, allegedly). However, using the same design theme so shamelessly across Chevy, Buick and other brands only serves to dilute all of them (especially the more expensive ones). Why spend extra money for a Buick Lacrosse when a Chevy Malibu or some lesser brand offers essentially the same look and feel?
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