Buick LaCrosse – Automobiles Review

Will 2017 Buick LaCrosse Become the New Face of the Brand?

2017 Buick LaCrosse was demonstrated and it proudly showed the new face of Bucick. A face, influenced by the dramatic cues of the award-winning Avenir Concept that was unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The LaCrosse will go on sale in summer of 2016 features restyled grille design and large opening, covered by the three-color Buick tri-shield insignia that is also accented by wing-shaped components and other elements that are inspired by the 2954 Wildcat II Concept.

The vehicle itself is longer, lower and wider. It is about 300 pounds lighter than the current LaCrosse and comes with great fuel efficiency and improved handling. The 2017 LaCrosse’s lower weight is also due to in part to lower mass sound-absorbing materials that result on quiet and pleasurable drive.

What is also interesting about this vehicle is the drivetrain system. 2017 LaCrosse is geared with redesigned 3.6-liter V6 unit with direct injection and dual overhead cams. The unit incorporates Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) system as well as the Start/Stop Technology. The unit has capacity of 3,6 liters and offers 305hp(227kW) and 268lb-ft of torque. This system is matched to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Additional features include five-link rear suspension, available electronically controlled Continuous Damping Control Active suspension technology, Driver-selectable Electronic Precision Shift, dual-clutch and AWD system, wider usable space, IntelliLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and OnStar integration.

In terms of safety the vehicle offers two additional knee air bags, Front Pedestreian Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Automatic Braking, Rear vision Camera and Safety Alert Seat.

Source: Buick

November 19, 2015

Avenir-Inspired 2017 Buick LaCrosse Previewed

2017 Buick LaCrosse Teaser 2017 Buick LaCrosse has a brand new and more expressive face. The proof for this is the teaser image that has just been shown by the famous American company. In addition, Buick also says that LaCrosse’s design is inspired by the latest Avenir concept and it is actually a striking evolution from current Buick models.

Impressive or Expressive Front?

As you can see from the picture above, the car has a grille with a brand new design. In fact, it also comes to put a new face on the brand. This new appearance includes three-color tri-shield insignia set on a wing-shaped element. An interesting historical fact is that the tri-shield logo is rooted in company founder David Dunbar Buick’s Scottish family crest.

The trio of colors is contrasted via the darkened waterfall grille bars. The same element is also spanning the width of the opening, and in such way it is connecting the grille and headlamps, thus highlighting LaCrosse’s new sculptural surfacing.

Other Details

Initially, the design of Avenir was inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept. And the biggest news is that by 2018 this will be the new face of all Buick models.

Furthermore, the next-gen LaCrosse has a design which is based on a new chassis that is stronger but lighter than the current model. This chassis also promises more dynamic driving experience. Buick also revealed that new technologies such as the five-link rear suspension will be featured. By the way, this suspension contributes to a more responsive ride, while at the same time taking Buick’s signature quietness to a new threshold.

We don’t have to wait much longer than November to witness the full reveal of 2017 Buick LaCrosse. The premiere of the car is scheduled for the Los Angeles Auto Show.

September 23, 2015

Buick Enters LaCrosse Ultra Luxury Interior Package

2014 Buick LaCrosse Ultra Luxury Interior Package has been added to enhance the interior credentials of the LaCrosse range. The unique package adorns the cabin of the vehicle with the outstanding combination of sangria and ebony colors. In fact, this color palette is typical across the luxury cars of higher ranges. This color combination is intense and at the same time calming. In addition, premium materials were used in the making of the new interior.

2014 Ultra Luxury Interior includes front and rear seats upholstered in soft semi-aniline leather. The latter is in the color of deep sangria. In addition, the same material extends to console and door armrests, complemented by ebony-colored accents like the sueded headliner and door pillars.

Furthermore, the luxury interior also features authentic Shadow Tamo Ash wood trim on the doors, dash, and center console. In fact, the deeply grained Tamo Ash offers movement and contrast through its dark veins. Another interesting fact around it is that it varies widely in appearance, which consequently makes every Ultra Luxury Interior unique.

The package is available on the 2014 LaCrosse Leather (1SL), Premium (1SP) and Premium ll (1SR) models. They are equipped with the 3.6L V-6 engine, that produces 304 horsepower (224 kW). The fuel efficiency is estimated at 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models and 17/26 mpg for all-wheel drive models.

Source: Buick

April 28, 2014

2014 Buick LaCrosse Earns Five-Star NHTSA Safety Score [VIDEO]

2014 Buick LaCrosse scored five stars – the highest possible rating for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program. The car was introduced in March this year and went on sale three months later.

In LaCrosse are featured many advanced technologies such as camera and radar which help avoid crashes. In addition, the refreshed model utilizes one of the most comprehensive collections of standard and available safety features in the segment, which help the driver identify potential crash situations, visual, and audible and even seat vibration alerts.

The available safety and convenience features include Safety Alert Seat, Automatic Collision Preparation, Forward Collision Alert, Full-speed-range Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Vision Camera.

Additionally, eight standard air bags are there to aid the crash-avoidance technologies. These include rear-seat thorax air bags which were specifically designed to protect the upper part of the body. What helps the driver in a better control of the vehicle are the StabiliTrak electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, and four-wheel disc brakes with Intelligent Brake Assist on the four-channel antilock brake system.

As a standard, for the first six months of use is featured the safety and security of OnStar. The latter links to existing emergency service providers and uses GPS and cellular phone technology which automatically call for help in the event of crash.

httpv://youtu.be/T5QYhoOvC8Q

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Buick

December 18, 2013

2014 Buick LaCrosse Goes On Sale

2014 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan will go on sale later this year and will be equipped with next-generation IntelliLink connectivity, an eight-inch reconfigurable color cluster display, eight air bags and an eAssist powertrain as standard equipment.

On the other hand, as an option is being offered the new Ultra Luxury interior package. The latter features unique dark stained Tamo Ash wood throughout the cabin, jet black synthetic suede on the headliner and vanity mirrors, and Semi-Aniline full leather seats in sangria color.

What is more, the 2014 LaCrosse will be equipped with full range of active safety technologies and two available package groups. The first one is named Driver Confidence I package and it features Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, articulating high-intensity discharge headlights, and a head-up display.

Next, the second package is the Driver Confidence II one, which adds over the first package and it comprises of Adaptive Cruise Control, an Automatic Collision Prep system, and a patented Safety Alert Seat.

As an available option there is offered all-wheel drive. On-demand traction is delivered through an advanced Haldex all-wheel drive with an electronic limited slip rear differential. Moreover, the Buick is equipped with 304 hp (224 kW) 3.6L V-6 engine. Its fuel efficiency is rated at 18 city/28 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models and 17/26 mpg for all-wheel drive.

Other options that are being offered are the various wheel choices, Bose audio, navigation, rear seat entertainment, and a sunroof. In addition, the available equipment features rear park assist, rear vision camera, passive entry and passive start, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, power rear sunshade, and real-time dampening.

2014 Buick LaCrosse will have a starting price of $34 060.

Source: Buick

June 19, 2013

Updated: Buick Lineup Equipped With Active Safety Suite

Buick models Verano, Regal, LaCrosse, Encore and Enclave are going to be offered with a range of available active safety systems. They are designed with the aim to watch the front, side and rear of the vehicle in order to prevent crashes.

In addition, Buick is the only brand in industry which offers Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, and a Rear Vision Camera on every vehicle.

To go further into details, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning utilize a single forward-looking camera to read traffic and lane markers on the road ahead. Here visual warnings and audible tones alert are used to inform the driver about the lane changes or a slowed vehicle.

In addition, the Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Warning use radar thus observing the spots the driver may not see. Of course, they also utilize visible and audible warnings to “catch” the attention of the driver.

In the cases when the car is in reverse and the Rear Vision Camera is active, then the Rear Cross Traffic Alert will flash a red icon and directional arrow if another vehicle is approaching from either side.

Furthermore, the Side Blind Zone Alert is the technology which detects when other vehicles are in Buick’s blind spot. If there is a vehicle in the blind spot, then the system alerts the driver with a yellow icon on the glass of either side view mirror. And in the cases when a turn signal is engaged and at the same time another vehicle is detected in the next lane, the system delivers an audible alert.

All of the current Buick models are created with high strength steel and additionally, the Verano compact luxury sedan and Encore luxury small crossover offer 10 standard air bags. On the other hand, the Enclave luxury crossover comes as a standard with front center air bag. The latter helps protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes.

Source: Buick

June 10, 2013

2014 Buick LaCrosse Revealed [VIDEO]

2014 Buick LaCrosse – the evolution of the landmark luxury sedan has just been exclusively introduced. The model will establish brand’s modern sedan lineup through its design leadership and technological innovation.

LaCrosse will deliver its customers exceptional interior and exterior design features, advanced safety technologies and enhanced in-vehicle connectivity. TO be more precise, it has a new front and rear styling such as wing-shape LED daytime running lamps and LED wraparound tail.

The interior on the other hand is modern thanks to its seats, luxury materials used, redesigned central instrument panel and console. All of these features will be available via the Ultra Luxury Interior Package. In addition, the cabin also incorporates Buick’s next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system, with intuitive controls and natural voice recognition.

What are also new are the radar- and camera-based safety features, which include: Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation. There is also present the Safety Alert Seat that works with the afore mentioned technologies, providing seat vibration pulses indicating the direction of a potential crash threat.

Another technology offered here is the Adaptive Cruise Control and its role is to sense the traffic in front of the LaCrosse to adjust vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again.

This Buick model also comes equipped with a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive depending on the powertrains: the 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology or a 3.6L direct-injected V-6. Each of them is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

2014 Buick LaCrosse will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. It will go on sale this summer.

httpv://youtu.be/BtSlMkUr2iU

httpv://youtu.be/JyYO9_JSbqU

2014 Buick LaCrosse Technical Specifications

Overview

Model:	2014 LaCrosse FWD/AWD
Body style / driveline:	front-drive/all-wheel-drive, front-engine, four-door, five- passenger sedan
Construction:	integral
EPA vehicle class:	midsize sedan
Manufacturing location:	Fairfax (Kan.) Assembly
Key competitors:	Acura TL, Lexus ES350, Lincoln MKZ

Engines

Type:	2.4L DOHC I-4	3.6L V-6 VVT DI
Displacement (cu in / cc):	145 / 2384	217 / 3564
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98	3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material:	precision sand-cast aluminum	cast aluminum
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
Ignition system:	individual coil-on-plug	individual coil-on-plug; individual cylinder knock control
Fuel delivery:	direct injection and electronic throttle control	direct injection
Compression ratio:	11.2:1	11.5:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	182 / 136 @ 6700 rpm SAE certified	304 / 227 @ 6800 SAE certified
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm SAE certified	264 / 358 @ 5300 SAE certified
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded	regular unleaded or E85 (E85 capability not available in Northeast states with PZEV emissions)
Emissions controls:	close-coupled, catalytic converter; continuously variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system; supplemental air injection system, partial zero emissions vehicle capable (eAssist)	dual close-coupled catalysts and single underfloor catalyst; variable valve timing, evaporative system
Fuel economy (city / hwy):	TBD	TBD

Transmissions

Type:	Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic	Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic
Application:	2.4L four-cylinder	3.6L V-6
Gear ratios: (:1):
First:	4.58	4.48
Second:	2.96	2.87
Third:	1.91	1.84
Fourth	1.45	1.41
Fifth:	1.00	1.00
Sixth:	0.75	0.74
Reverse:	2.94	2.88
Final drive ratio:	2.64	2.77

Electric Drive System (for eAssist)

Type:	belt-driven, liquid-cooled motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack
Maximum electric generating power:	15 kW @ 1570-3180 rpm
Maximum electric motor torque (cranking):	110 lb.-ft. / 150 Nm
Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist):	79 lb.-ft. / 107 Nm @ 1,000 rpm
Maximum electric motor power (electric assist):	15 hp / 11.2 kW @ 1,000-2,200 rpm
Lithium-ion battery:	115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power

Chassis / Suspension

Suspension (front):	MacPherson strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar (eAssist and 3.6L FWD/AWD without Touring Package); HiPer Strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar; real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity (3.6L FWD with Touring Package)
Suspension (rear):	four-link (eAssist and 3.6L FWD without Touring Package); H-arm (3.6L AWD); H-arm with real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity (3.6L FWD with Touring Package)
Steering type:	electric variable-effort power steering (eAssist and FWD V-6); power variable-effort: (AWD models)
Steering ratio:	15.2:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	2.75
Turning circle (ft / m):	36.8 / 11.2 (eAssist); 38.8 / 11.75

Brakes

Type:	split, dual-circuit four-wheel-disc with power assist
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):	V-6: front: 12.6 x 1.2 / 321 x 30 (vented) rear: 12.4 x 0.9 / 315 x 23 (vented) eAssist: front: 11.7 x 1.2 / 296 x 30 (vented) rear: 11.5 x 0.47 / 292 x 12 (solid)

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:

17-in machined alloy (std w/ eAssist)

18-in machine-faced alloy, painted (std on 1SB, 1SL, 1SP FWD V-6)

19-in painted, machined alloy (std on 1SL, 1SP AWD V-6)

19-in chrome alloy (std on 1SP FWD V-6, and opt on 1SL FWD V-6)

20-in alloy (std on 1SR)

Tires:

P235/50R17 low rolling-resistance all-season (std w/ eAssist)
P235/50R18 all-season
P245/45R19 all-season
P245/40R20 all-season

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	111.7 / 2837
Overall length (in / mm):	197 / 5001
Overall width (in / mm):	73.1 / 1857
Overall height (in / mm):	59.2 / 1504
Track (in / mm):	front: 61.7 / 1567 rear: 62 / 1575
Curb weight (lb / kg):	3765 / 1708 (eAssist – estimated) 3906 / 1772 (3.6L V-6 – estimated)

Interior

Seating capacity:	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	front: 38 / 965 rear: 37.3 / 947
Legroom (in / mm):	front: 41.7 / 1059 rear: 40.5 / 1029
Shoulder room (in / mm):	front: 57.4 / 1459 rear: 56 / 1423
Hip room (in / mm):	front: 55.2 / 1402 rear: 53.9 / 1369

Capacities

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):	99 / 2805
Passenger volume (cu ft / L):	101.7 / 2878
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	10.8 / 306 (2.4L eAssist) 13.3 / 376 (3.6L V-6)
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):	1000 / 454 (3.6L V-6)
Fuel capacity (gal / L):	15.7 / 59.4 (eAssist) 18 / 70 (3.6L V-6)
Engine oil (qt / L):	5 / 4.7 (2.4L) 5.5 / 5.2 (3.6L)
Cooling system ( qt / L):	9.6 /12 (2.4L) 7.6 / 7.2 (3.6L)

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Buick

March 26, 2013

2012 Buick LaCrosse 3.6 liter V6

The era of the slow low revving huge American engines faded. GM has introduced a new engine, which will be installed in the 2012 Buick LaCrosse. It is a more powerful and fuel-efficient version of the 3.6 liter V6, which will be a no-additional-cost alternative on select trim levels to the standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine with eAssist.

The new aluminum-block 3.6 liter V6 with direct-injection and variable valve timing develops 303PS (223 kW) and 358Nm (264 lb-ft) of torque. All that power is delivered to the front wheels. Still, it returns 17 mpg in city and 27 mpg on highway, which is around 13.8 liters and 8.7 liters per 100 km.

“The changes we’ve made to the 3.6L V-6 represent greater refinements to an already well-balanced package,” commented Tom Sutter, global V-6 chief engineer.

“We are using the latest designs, lighter-weight components and enhancements to improve the engine’s performance, efficiency and durability.”, he added.

“Thanks to increased use of lightweight components and other enhancements, the new 3.6L V-6 offers 2012 LaCrosse buyers improved acceleration with no hit to fuel efficiency,” said Doug Osterhoff, LaCrosse product marketing manager.

“This new engine is an attractive option on the car that’s been widely hailed as one of the most attractive luxury sedans on the road today.”, he finished.

Source: GM

June 24, 2011

Buick announces the U.S. pricing for the new Regal

Buick has announced the U.S. pricing for its recently debuted 2011 Regal. Available in two variants, the 2011 Buick Regal CXL is priced at $26,995 with included $750 destination charge, and the 2011 Buick Regal CXL turbo model is price tagged at $29,495, including a $750 destination charge. (more…)

January 26, 2010

Tag: Buick LaCrosse