Buick LaCrosse
| Buick LaCrosse | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Also called | Buick Allure |
| Production | 2004–present |
| Assembly | Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | W-body |
| Related | Chevrolet Impala Chevrolet Monte Carlo Pontiac Grand Prix |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.6 L HFV6 V6 3.8 L 3800 V6 5.3 L LS4 V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4T65-E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 110.5 in (2,807 mm) |
| Length | 198.1 in (5,032 mm) |
| Width | 73.0 in (1,854 mm) |
| Height | 57.4 in (1,458 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Buick Century Buick Regal Oldsmobile Intrigue (after Oldsmobile's dissolution) |
The Buick LaCrosse is a mid-size car produced by the Buick division of American automaker General Motors since 2004 as the 2005 model year. The LaCrosse, only available as a four-door sedan, replaces the Century,Buick Regal|Regaland the Oldsmobile intrigue after gm discontinued the brand. Its namesake is the Buick LaCrosse concept car shown beginning in 2000.
The original name was inspired by a Buick concept car of the same name shown in 2000 and also used as a reference to the sport of lacrosse, seen as popular with a younger, more active demographic to which Buick sought to market. However, la crosse means masturbation or swindling in Québecois slang, so it is sold as the Buick Allure in Canada.[1]
First generation (2005-2009)
The LaCrosse made its debut in late 2004 as a 2005 model with the intention of replacing the Century and Regal midsize cars with a single model. Riding on a revised version of the W-body known as MS2000, the LaCrosse was initially available with two powerplant choices in three trim levels: a 3.8 L 3800 Series III V6 available in base CX and mid-level CXL forms, and a 3.6 L HFV6 V6 in the top line CXS model. Power is routed to the front wheels via a 4T65-E automatic transmission (4T65-E HD on Super's).
For 2008 the LaCrosse was facelifted, with the most noticeable change being that of replacing the old oval grille with a chrome u-shaped waterfall style grille. 2008 model year also introduced the LaCrosse Super, featuring a smallblock V8 engine, which replaces the previously top-of-the-line CXS model.
Super
A new trim of the LaCrosse bearing the Super moniker debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, to be introduced as a 2008 model. The LaCrosse Super is positioned as a higher-performance model of the sedan with revised front end styling influenced by the 2004 Velite concept car, as well as 4 portholes (reflecting a V8 engine under the hood), a rear spoiler, projector beam fog lights, Magnasteer, larger brakes, and revised suspension tuning with standard Stabilitrak. Interior changes include special super badged cluster with blue face, wood grain shift knob, and dream weave leather seating. Interior colors for the super come only in Platinum or Mocha Brown, while exterior color choices are Mocha Brown Metallic, Black Onyx, Red Jewel Tincoat, and Platinum Metallic. Power comes from the LS4 5.3 L small-block V8 engine featuring Active Fuel Management technology[2]. This powertrain is also found on the Grand Prix GXP, Impala SS, and Monte Carlo SS. The Super model is the fastest modern production Buick ever built, with a factory top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h), and 0-60 mph times of 5.7 seconds. Only the grand nationals of the 1980's were faster.
Trim levels
Three trim lines are currently offered:
- CX: Base model with the GM 3800 engine
- CXL: Highest trim level with the GM 3800 engine
- Super: Higher-performance model powered by a 5.3L V8
Discontinued trim lines:
- CXS: Top of the Line with the 3.6L HFV6, from 2005-2007
Engines
| Years | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | EPA Fuel Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-2009 | 3.8 L 3800 L26 V6 | 200 hp (149 kW) @ 5200 rpm | Template:Auto ft·lbf @ 4000 rpm | 17/28 mpg[clarification needed] |
| 2005-2007 | 3.6 L HF LY7 V6 | 240 hp (179 kW) @ 6000 rpm | Template:Auto ft·lbf @ 2000 rpm | 17/25 mpg |
| 2008-present | 5.3 L LS4 V8 | 300 hp (224 kW) @ 5600 rpm | Template:Auto ft·lbf @ 4000 rpm | 16/24 mpg |
Second generation (2010)
The next-generation LaCrosse, coming as a 2010 model, is to be built upon the future GM mid-size platform, Epsilon II. [3] It is to be heavily based on the 2008 Buick Invicta concept and it is unknown whether the new vehicle will remain under the Lacrosse name or go under the Invicta nameplate. The 2010 LaCrosse will make its debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2008.
International models
Shanghai GM Buick LaCrosse
Shanghai GM builds a version of the Buick LaCrosse for the Chinese market. Designed by Shanghai GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center the Chinese LaCrosse is based on the same architecture as the North American model, but possesses a different engine lineup, interior and exterior designs. The car is also built in Taiwan by a joint Yulon-GM venture.
Awards and recognition
The Buick LaCrosse is one of a handful of vehicles designated by Hertz Rent A Car as part of their Green Collection. Vehicles in the Green Collection must attain an EPA highway rating of 28 mpg or higher and can be specifically requested in advance.
References
- ^ Wallechinsky, David (2005). The New Book of Lists. City: Canongate U.S. p. 244. ISBN 1841957194.
- ^ "'Super' Buicks: The Return". The Crittenden Automotive Library. Retrieved May 5.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ http://www.leftlanenews.com/buick-lacrosse-invicta.html
External links
