When Buick revealed its 2010 LaCrosse, people were impressed by its gorgeous looks, and well-positioned pricing that makes it competitive in the luxury sedan marketplace. However, the biggest news was that it will also feature a fuel-efficient, direct injected 182-horsepower/2.4L four-cylinder Ecotec engine. Backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, this new powertrain combination is expected to deliver fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city - making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.
"Buick LaCrosse customers will have the fuel-efficient option of the Ecotec 2.4L direct injection engine, a four-cylinder that is not available by key competitors, such as the Lincoln MKZ and Acura TL," said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president.
The Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder joins the lineup later this year as the standard engine in the LaCrosse CX. Direct injection technology helps it deliver 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm). Buick expects about 25 percent of customers will opt for 2.4L-equipped models. Also offered are a 255-horsepower/3.0-liter direct injection V-6, and those thirsty for more power can also step up to a 280-horsepower/3.6-liter direct injected V-6.
"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 2010 LaCrosse will be offered in three models - CX, CXL and CXS: Pricing starts at $27,835 for the base CX model; $30,395 for CXL FWD (adds leather heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels); $32,570 for CXL AWD which includes a fully automatic, all-wheel-drive system, anti-lock braking system and StabiliTrak as well as the larger 3.6-lliter engine. This top-of-the-line model also adds perforated, leather heated and cooled seats; and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels are optional). All prices include the $750 delivery charge.
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan is the newest example of the globally influenced product renaissance at Buick. It offers all-wheel drive, a suite of advanced intelligent personal technologies and safety features, and styling that blends Buick's heritage cues with modern design. Inside, the atmosphere of the LaCrosse's cabin is accented with available digital connectivity and personal technology that includes in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. Rear-seat passengers can enjoy an optional DVD entertainment system. GM's Side Blind Zone Alert system will be available later this summer. Additional optional technologies will include a head-up instrument display, adaptive forward lighting, and a rearview camera system.
All models in the LaCrosse lineup also feature Buick's signature QuietTuning, an engineering process that reduces, blocks and absorbs interior noise to provide a distraction-free passenger environment. Watch for a complete review of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse to appear soon here in the autoMedia.com Buyer's Guide.
By Brandy Schaffels
autoMedia.com Contributing Editor