2010 Buick LaCrosse: A proper switch

America's seniors are getting less and less attention from Detroit these days. They've had their bench seats, station wagons, and most of the large rear-wheel-drive sedans taken away, not to mention the storied brands of Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Plymouth. The "Greatest Generation" that led the American auto industry out of World War II and into its seemingly unstoppable dominance in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s has now been written off.

LaCrosse bring sexy back to Buick

Design thinking helped to shape Buick’s 2010 LaCrosse, it seems.

Seung-il (Sean) Lo, lead designer at GM’s Global Brand Strategy Studio in Warren, Mich. says the idea was to make the brand relevant to American consumers again-especially to young drivers. Buick’s prestige has gradually faded as other autos claimed greater market share. (In the first half of 2009, the top five best selling cars were: the Ford F-series, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Accord, and Toyota Corolla.)

Lo, who has worked at GM for nine years, graduated from Korea’s Hongik University in 1995 and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif. in 1999, both highly regarded design schools. He fell in love with sketching cars as a kid, but says (in the tone of a design thinker) that his role at GM now has more to do with strategy than aesthetics.

Today, most of Buick’s consumers are over 40 years old, but Lo, 39, wants to attract young professionals. The new LaCrosse was designed by teams not only in the U.S. but also China, now Buick’s biggest market, by far. In the first ten months of 2009, Buick sales in China jumped by 52% to 352,950 units. Sales in North America are only one-third this volume.

2010 Buick Lacrosse get smart

BUICK TRANSFORMATION CONTINUES WITH THE 2010 LACROSSE LUXURY SEDAN

* Sculpted styling defines Buick’s modern global design
* Luxurious interior crafted of premium materials with cool blue ambient lighting
* Intelligent personal technologies enhance the driving experience
* Responsive performance via efficient. direct injection dual overhead cam engines paired with six-speed automatic transmissions

DETROIT – Redesigned from the ground up, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan makes its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 12. The LaCrosse offers all wheel drive, a suite of advanced intelligent personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of two fuel-saving V-6 engines.

“The new LaCrosse was created with great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It builds on the success of Enclave as the next step in Buick’s revitalization. And, as with Enclave, our goal is to attract a whole new buyer to our dealerships for LaCrosse.”

Sculpted design

Buick’s long heritage of leading designs, such as the Y-Job Concept, the Roadmaster and the Riviera, helped define American automobile design through the years, according to Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. Today, Buick design is a product of a global team and resources. Creative collaboration between designers in the United States and China, in partnership with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) as well as chassis and body engineers in Europe, resulted in the first General Motors vehicle to be created on three continents.

“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.”

The exterior design is faithful to the Buick Invicta show car introduced at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.

“It is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with its signature ’sweep spear’ body-side styling, portholes inside the character line on the hood, and waterfall grille,” added Welburn.

Luxurious interior experience

Inside, the two-tone interior is defined by a flowing, uninterrupted design theme that wraps around the instrument and door panels. Attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, including the analog instrument cluster, chrome offset by dark wood accents, and the contrasting thread and French stitching on the instrument panel.

Buick’s signature QuietTuning – an engineering process to reduce, block and absorb interior noise – provides a distraction-free passenger environment.

An unexpected, inviting touch is the cool blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin from the center console, instrument panel and door panels.

Intelligent personal technologies

The contemporary atmosphere of the cabin includes the digital connectivity and personal technology offered in the new LaCrosse. That includes features such as in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. For rear-seat passengers, a power rear-window sunshade and a DVD entertainment system, with two display screens integrated into the seatbacks, is available.

LaCrosse’s intelligent technologies also work to deliver a 360-degree field of vision behind the steering wheel, for a greater feeling of comfort, security and safety. It starts with the available head-up display in the windshield, allowing the driver to monitor speed while keeping his or her eyes on the road. At night, the available adaptive lighting package can direct the high-intensity discharge headlight beams up to 15 degrees for enhanced illumination of the road and its curves.

LaCrosse offers Side Blind Zone alert that notifies the driver if a vehicle in adjacent lanes is traveling in the driver’s blind spot. The LaCrosse is also available with a rear view camera, with the display integrated into the navigation system screen.

The technology available on LaCrosse enhances a suite of standard safety features that is designed to meet the criteria for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 20 Star Safety Rating. Highlights include front-, side- and roof-mounted head-curtain air bags, StabiliTrak stability- and traction-control system. The safety and security of OnStar is also included for the first year of ownership.

Responsive performance

LaCrosse’s stiff body structure serves as the foundation for precise suspension tuning, safety and a quiet ride. Buyers can choose from a family of efficient, direct-injection six-cylinder engines and a fuel-conserving six-speed automatic transmission with tap-up/tap-down control.

The direct injection engines in the LaCrosse create more power with less fuel and reduce vehicle emissions through greater combustion control – particularly cold-start emissions that are reduced by up to 25 percent.

The 2010 LaCrosse will be offered in three models – CX, CXL and CXS:

* CX – equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
* CXL – also equipped with the new 3.0L direct injection V-6, adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch wheels. Intelligent AWD is available.
* CXS – equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6; real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional). The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates an estimated 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm).

2010 Buick LaCrosse

The 2010 LaCrosse, Buick’s modernized sedan, hit auto show floors and instantly created a major buzz. Car and Driver named the 2010 Buick LaCrosse one of the “10 Biggest Debuts of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show” and the sleek new LaCrosse did not go unnoticed at the Chicago Auto Show either.

Making a point to compare the 2010 LaCrosse to GM’s claim that they ‘wanted to make Buick the Lexus of America,’ Car and Driver issued high praise to the LaCrosse’s profile and noted, “Buick has managed to find the common ground between conservative and contemporary interior design and has done so with precious little of the old-lady idiom that has dominated previous Buicks.”

I would have to agree with the folks at Car and Driver (who am I to disagree?) that Buick found a great balance in the 2010 Buick, updating their typically retired-chic persona and creating a sedan that can deliver luxury in a hip package.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is expected to compete aggressively with cars like the Lexus ES350 and the Lincoln MKS, and the people at Heritage Buick dealers in Peoria could not be happier with Buick’s direction in creating a world-class luxury auto that can compete with any top-of-line sedan out there. It is clear that customers at the Peoria dealership appreciate Buick’s commitment to American-made stylish luxury, as well. The Buick LaCrosse is General Motors’ first North American car based on its second-generation Epsilon platform, shared only with the Opel Insignia, for now. GM’s new global mid-size platform is designed for maximum, family-size interior space with the best possible fuel economy.

I took a 2009 Peoria Buick LaCrosse out for a test drive last time I was at Heritage. Again, I really liked it. Honestly, I wanted to buy it, but it’s my wife’s turn for a new vehicle, so I’ll have to wait. Oh well, based on what Buick has done with the 2010 model, the 2013 Buick LaCrosse should be amazing. Oh but you can bet I’ll be driving a 2010 Peoria Buick LaCrosse as soon as it rolls into town.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse should arrive at Heritage Buick, the Peoria Buick car dealer and Springfield Buick car dealer, this summer.

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Pictures

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Front View

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Black Series

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Wallpaper

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Side View

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Interior

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Rear View

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Display

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Picture

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Sport Car

2010 Buick LaCrosse Photo, Details, Specs

Redesigned from the ground up, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan makes its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 12. The LaCrosse offers all wheel drive, a suite of advanced intelligent personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of two fuel-saving V-6 engines.

* Sculpted styling defines Buick's modern global design
* Luxurious interior crafted of premium materials with cool blue ambient lighting
* Intelligent personal technologies enhance the driving experience
* Responsive performance via efficient. direct injection dual overhead cam engines paired with six-speed automatic transmissions

"The new LaCrosse was created with great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology," said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. "It builds on the success of Enclave as the next step in Buick's revitalization. And, as with Enclave, our goal is to attract a whole new buyer to our dealerships for LaCrosse."

Sculpted design

Buick's long heritage of leading designs, such as the Y-Job Concept, the Roadmaster and the Riviera, helped define American automobile design through the years, according to Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. Today, Buick design is a product of a global team and resources. Creative collaboration between designers in the United States and China, in partnership with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) as well as chassis and body engineers in Europe, resulted in the first General Motors vehicle to be created on three continents.

"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."

The exterior design is faithful to the Buick Invicta show car introduced at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.

"It is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with its signature 'sweep spear' body-side styling, portholes inside the character line on the hood, and waterfall grille," added Welburn.

Luxurious interior experience

Inside, the two-tone interior is defined by a flowing, uninterrupted design theme that wraps around the instrument and door panels. Attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, including the analog instrument cluster, chrome offset by dark wood accents, and the contrasting thread and French stitching on the instrument panel.

Buick's signature QuietTuning – an engineering process to reduce, block and absorb interior noise – provides a distraction-free passenger environment.

An unexpected, inviting touch is the cool blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin from the center console, instrument panel and door panels.

Intelligent personal technologies

The contemporary atmosphere of the cabin includes the digital connectivity and personal technology offered in the new LaCrosse. That includes features such as in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. For rear-seat passengers, a power rear-window sunshade and a DVD entertainment system, with two display screens integrated into the seatbacks, is available.

LaCrosse's intelligent technologies also work to deliver a 360-degree field of vision behind the steering wheel, for a greater feeling of comfort, security and safety. It starts with the available head-up display in the windshield, allowing the driver to monitor speed while keeping his or her eyes on the road. At night, the available adaptive lighting package can direct the high-intensity discharge headlight beams up to 15 degrees for enhanced illumination of the road and its curves.

LaCrosse offers Side Blind Zone alert that notifies the driver if a vehicle in adjacent lanes is traveling in the driver's blind spot. The LaCrosse is also available with a rear view camera, with the display integrated into the navigation system screen.

The technology available on LaCrosse enhances a suite of standard safety features that is designed to meet the criteria for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 20 Star Safety Rating. Highlights include front-, side- and roof-mounted head-curtain air bags, StabiliTrak stability- and traction-control system. The safety and security of OnStar is also included for the first year of ownership.

Responsive performance

LaCrosse's stiff body structure serves as the foundation for precise suspension tuning, safety and a quiet ride. Buyers can choose from a family of efficient, direct-injection six-cylinder engines and a fuel-conserving six-speed automatic transmission with tap-up/tap-down control.

The direct injection engines in the LaCrosse create more power with less fuel and reduce vehicle emissions through greater combustion control – particularly cold-start emissions that are reduced by up to 25 percent.

The 2010 LaCrosse will be offered in three models - CX, CXL and CXS:

* CX – equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
* CXL – also equipped with the new 3.0L direct injection V-6, adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch wheels. Intelligent AWD is available.
* CXS – equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6; real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional). The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates an estimated 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm).

LaCrosse production will begin this summer at the Fairfax Assembly facility in Kansas City, Kan.

2010 BUICK LaCROSSE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview

Model:
2010 LaCrosse CX, CXL and CXS

Body style / driveline:
front-drive/all-wheel-drive, front-engine, four-door, five- passenger sedan

Construction:
integral

EPA vehicle class:
midsize sedan


Powertrains

Engines
3.0L V-6 VVT DI
3.6L V-6 VVT DI

Displacement (cu in / cc):
182.7 / 2994
217 / 3564

Bore & stroke (in / mm):
89.0 x 80.2
3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6

Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum
cast aluminum

Valvetrain:
DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing
DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):
255 / 190 @ 6950 (est)
280 / 209 @ 6400 (est)

Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):
211 / 286 @ 5600 (est)
261 / 354 @ 5200 (est)

Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):
18 / 27
17 / 26

Transmission:
Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed

Final drive ratio:
2.77:1 (w/ 3.0L)
3.66:1 (w/ 3.6L)


Chassis/Suspension

Suspension (front):
MacPherson strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar

Suspension (rear):
four-link (CX); "H"-arm (CXL, CXS); real-time damping available

Steering type:
power; variable-effort rack-and-pinion

Brakes:
split, dual-circuit four-wheel-disc with power assist

Wheel/tire sizes:
17-inch, 18-inch and 19-inch


Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm):
111.7 / 2837

Overall length (in / mm):
197 / 5003

Overall width (in / mm):
73.1 / 1858

Overall height (in / mm):
58.9 / 1497

Track (in / mm):
front: 61.5 / 1565
rear: 61.6 / 1587

Curb weight (lb / kg):
CX: 3948 / 1791 (est)
CXL FWD: 4018 / 1822 (est)
CXL AWD: 4199 / 1904 (est)
CXS: 4065 / 1844 (est)

Fuel capacity (gal / L):
CX, CXL FWD, CXS: 18.4 / 69.6
CXL AWD: 19.5 / 73.8

2010 Buick LaCrosse adds new Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder engine

The powertrain lineup of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse already includes the 3.0L and 3.6L V6s as previously revealed, now Buick has announced they will be adding the fuel efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine to the upcoming 2010 LaCrosse.

To get a balanced mix of fuel efficiency and performance, the direct-injected 2.4-liter Ecotec boasts 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft (233 Nm) of torque. More importantly, the engine is expected to return 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. For comparison, the LaCrosse's 255 hp 3.0-liter V6 and 280 hp 3.6-liter V6 average an estimated 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

All the three engines available in the LaCrosse lineup will feature direct injection technology. “Direct injection is a key component of GM’s ongoing strategy to use advanced propulsion technology to help us deliver more fuel-efficient cars today and in the future,” said Tom Stephens, vice chairman, Global Product Development. “GM is using multiple technology pathways to achieve increased efficiency and to diversify energy sources – and we’re applying them where they make the most sense for customers when it comes to efficiency, performance and cost.”

The LaCrosse main competitors, the Lincoln MKZ and Acura TL are not available with four cylinder engines. So Buick expects it has an advantage even before the street-level comparisons begin.

The 2.4-liter Buick LaCrosse will be offered "later this year" with a base price slightly below the 3.0-liter LaCrosse of $27,085.

2010 Buick LaCrosse Pictures

2010 Buick LaCrosse Pictures

2010 Buick LaCrosse, Preview Show

In the wake of their amicable split with former spokesman, Tiger Woods, the burden of remaining a trendy and relevant brand has doubled for Buick, but with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, they appear to be handling the pressure with the utmost grace. Scheduled to officially unveil this weekend at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the 2010 LaCrosse is a bold new step for Buick and immediately sets itself apart as a new generation of luxury from The General. Read more in ridelust.com