Buick Details 2012 LaCrosse’s New 3.6-Liter V6 with 303HP

General Motors has released new information on its top-of-the-line 2012 Buick LaCrosse equipped with a new and more potent version of its direct-injected 3.6L V6 engine that joins the freshly released standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with eAssist, which we’ve already told you about in a previous article.
For the 2012 model year, the direct-injection 3.6-liter six-cylinder unit has been upgraded with several new features including a different cylinder head design, larger-diameter intake valves in the heads and new, longer-duration intake camshafts.
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2010 Buick LaCrosse: Production Version of Invicta Concept Looks Promising

At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 12, Buick will perform the world debut its all-new LaCrosse sedan. Buick's new mid-size luxury saloon is essentially the production version of the warmly received Invicta Concept, revealed at last year's Beijing Auto Show in China. Fresh styling aside, the LaCrosse offers the option of all-wheel drive, a choice of two direct-injection V6 engines and a suite of modern personal technologies and safety features.

The 2010 LaCrosse's exterior design is the result of the combined work of GM's designers in the United States and China. While not groundbreaking or sleek in an Italian sort of way, we reckon that the LaCrosse looks stylish and different enough to grab the attention of buyers in the near-luxury segment. The cars that the LaCrosse will most likely compete with are the Lexus ES350 and the Chrysler 300.

"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," said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design.

Open the door and you're welcomed by a modern, yet somewhat unimaginative cabin characterized by a flowing design theme that wraps around the instrument and door panels. What sets the LaCrosse apart from its predecessors is the availability of an array of personal technologies. These include 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 also available.

Based on GM's Epsilon II front-wheel-drive platform that underpins the new Opel Insignia, the LaCrosse is roughly the same size as the car it replaces. Buyers can choose from two direct-injection V6 engines, a 3.0-liter unit generating an estimated 255 horsepower and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm), and a 3.6L engine producing an estimated 280 horsepower and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm). Both V6 engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

When the 2010 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer, it will be offered in three models CX, CXL and CXS. The CX will be equipped with the 3.0L V6 engine and come with premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The CXL adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, 18-inch wheels as well as the option of all-wheel drive. Finally, the CXS features the more powerful 3.6L V6 unit and adds real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional).











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Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid: Made In China

General Motors revealed today (Tuesday, Jan. 22) the company’s first hybrid vehicle that will be built and sold outside of the States. The Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid is made by GM's car joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. and it will be available at Chinese dealerships later on this year. It is the first mainstream hybrid model in China’s upper-medium vehicle segment with volume production and according to GM, the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid can achieve an avg. fuel economy of 28.3 MPG or 8.3 liters/100 km, compared with 24 MPG or 9.8 liters/100 km for the non-hybrid version. And no, the Chinese Buick Hybrid will not be available in the States. -Details after the jump
PRESS RELEASE
Shanghai GM Inaugurates Drive to Green Strategy
Shanghai, China – In the presence of China Environmental Protection Foundation President Qu Geping and representatives from across its value chain, Shanghai General Motors officially inaugurated its Drive to Green strategy today. The unique strategy covers three key areas: developing green products, cultivating green manufacturing systems and undertaking a green responsibility.
The green strategy is part of Shanghai GM’s support of the sustainable development of China’s automotive industry and the nation’s move toward creating an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly society.
“Addressing the environmental protection and energy security issues is essential for ensuring the automotive industry’s long-term sustainable development,” said Shanghai GM President Ding Lei.
Through technical innovation, Shanghai GM will continue to provide China’s vehicle buyers products that offer better performance, consume less fuel and generate lower emissions than their predecessors. It also will promote environmental protection across its entire value chain.
Green Products – Better Performance, Less Fuel Consumption, Lower Emissions
Green products represent a key element of the Drive to Green strategy. By leveraging GM’s global resources for energy diversification and working closely with Shanghai GM’s sister joint venture – the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) – Shanghai GM will roll out green products that achieve improved performance, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions.
All vehicles manufactured by Shanghai GM in 2008 will meet China’s Phase IV emission standard, with new models being capable of meeting emission standards up to the Phase V standard. Shanghai GM will introduce four green products this year. Between 2009 and 2012, it will begin offering 11 engines that offer better fuel economy than its current engines. Shanghai GM also plans to introduce GM’s E-Flex drive system and Fuel Cell E-Flex electric drive vehicle in China after 2010 to put it on the path toward its ultimate goal of zero fuel consumption and zero emissions.
“General Motors is pleased to be sharing our advanced technology and energy diversification know-how as part of our overall support of Shanghai GM’s product planning,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “In addition to benefiting the nation’s automakers, the sustainable development of the automotive industry will enable our customers to enjoy a higher quality of life.”
The Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid, which was introduced for the first time at today’s ceremony, is Shanghai GM’s initial green product in 2008. It is the first mainstream hybrid model in China’s upper-medium vehicle segment with volume production. The Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid can achieve fuel economy of 8.3 liters/100 km, compared with fuel economy of 9.8 liters/100 km for the non-hybrid version.
Shanghai GM also will roll out three new engines in 2008, including the 1.2-liter S-TEC efficiency class-leading engine and HFV6 3.6-liter SIDI dual mode direct injection engine. The S-TEC engine generates 52.2 kW/l, which is the highest in its category, and achieves fuel consumption of 6 liters/100 km, which is the lowest among engines with the same displacement. The SIDI dual mode direct injection engine enhances output 15 percent and torque 8 percent compared with the previous version of the engine. In addition, there is a 3 percent improvement in fuel consumption, while hydrocarbon emissions in cold starting can be reduced by up to 25 percent.
Shanghai GM will later launch another, as yet unnamed, vehicle with an advanced two-mode hybrid system. The engine in that vehicle will get 50 percent better fuel economy than a conventional internal combustion engine without sacrificing performance.
Green Systems – Addressing Manufacturing, R&D and the Entire Value Chain
Shanghai GM believes companies that are engaged in manufacturing should actively promote energy efficiency and reduce emissions while influencing their entire value chains. In line with its commitment to green manufacturing, Shanghai GM has made considerable achievements in environmental protection after years of continuous investment, technical innovation and strengthened focus on manufacturing. It is the only automaker in China that has been recognized as a “State Environmentally Friendly Company.”
Under the Drive to Green strategy, Shanghai GM will stick to the principle of becoming an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and technologically innovative company and affirm its leading position in green manufacturing. At the same time, it will continue to tighten its environmental protection standards in the areas of manufacturing, R&D and engineering.
Shanghai GM is addressing recycling throughout the manufacturing process. Its advanced material management system requires consideration of automotive parts recycling even during the design process. By 2012, up to 95 percent of materials and energy used during the parts design and vehicle manufacturing processes may be able to be recycled, which would meet the standard adopted by the EU and surpass Chinese industry requirements.
By 2012, Shanghai GM’s three manufacturing bases (Jinqiao in Shanghai, Dong Yue in Yantai and Norsom in Shenyang) are expected to have reduced coal consumption per car by 35 percent compared to 2007 levels to 0.31 tons. Shanghai GM also has set targets for decreasing average displacement of wastewater per car by 21 percent and doubling the quantity of reclaimed water by 2012, while saving about 400,000 tons of water over the next five years. The recycling rate of industrial waste is expected to reach 97 percent, an increase of 15 percent from the present time. These initiatives will help address environmental protection issues that have arisen because of the automaker’s rapid growth.
Shanghai GM also will take full advantage of its leading position in vehicle manufacturing to promote environmental protection throughout its entire value chain. Shanghai GM is partners with the World Environment Center in the Green Supply Chain project, which is promoting the sustainable development of Shanghai GM’s suppliers. The project assesses suppliers’ equipment, manufacturing processes and facilities to help improve their energy efficiency and resource utilization. The original eight participating suppliers have reduced their displacement of CO2 by more than 2,500 tons and saved about 28 million gallons (about 106 million liters) of water annually. They also have lowered their operating costs by a collective US$254,500. The number of participating suppliers is targeted to reach 40 by the end of 2008, and could further grow to 150 by 2010.
A similar program, the Green Service Chain project, was created to promote environmental protection in aftersales. While maintaining its emphasis on safety, Shanghai GM will continue to improve the recycling of waste that results during vehicle maintenance and promote the use of high-quality re-manufactured automotive parts to save resources and energy. For example, by adopting re-manufactured transmissions, a company can save 360 tons of steel, 450 tons of aluminum and enormous amounts of electricity for every 10,000 units produced.
Green Responsibility – Setting an Example and Promoting Social Accountability
Shanghai GM believes that automotive companies, together with other manufacturing enterprises and energy firms, have a responsibility to support the Chinese government’s call for saving energy and reducing emissions. As one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in China and one of the nation’s most respected companies, Shanghai GM takes this responsibility seriously. The Drive to Green strategy not only covers green products and manufacturing systems but also involves social responsibility in a wide range of areas such as education, sports, culture, public welfare and environmental protection.
Shanghai GM has formed a strategic partnership with the China Environmental Protection Fund (CEPF), an institution under the State Environmental Protection Administration that is the country’s first foundation focused on environmental protection. Shanghai GM has joined its partner in the establishment of the CEPF-Shanghai GM Green Fund, which sponsors environmental protection projects and promotes cooperation in environmental protection among various institutions. Shanghai GM and the CEPF also have announced that they will set up the China Youth Green Business Plan Competition to fund proposals for environmental protection from the nation’s young people.
Shanghai GM is a joint venture of General Motors Corp. and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC). Established in 1997, Shanghai GM builds, imports and sells a comprehensive range of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Saab products. It is fully supported by a network of sales, aftersales and parts centers. Shanghai GM has been China’s leader in passenger car sales among joint ventures every year since 2005. In 2007, it had domestic sales of 479,427 vehicles.
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New York Preview: 2008 Buick LaCrosse plus all new "sporty" LaCrosse Super V8 & Lucerne Super V8

The “General” went ahead and refreshed the Buick LaCrosse, which now features a redesigned fascia and upgraded standard equipment. Buick is also reintroducing a badge from the 50’s dubbed “Super” which is designated for its most premium and powerful models. The badge debuts on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans which are powered by a 300Hp 5.3 small-block V8 and 292Hp 4.6L Northstar V8, respectively. Both models get exclusive exterior and interior design appointments and as what Buick describes, “specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems”. Just got the goosebumps… -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & a high-res image gallery of all versions


BUICK LACROSSE SEDAN GETS NEW FACE OF BUICK AND MORE STANDARD EQUIPMENT
NEW YORK – Buick will freshen its 2008 LaCrosse line with the new face of Buick – a front-end design inspired by the Velite convertible concept – and an elevated list of standard equipment across all LaCrosse models.
Like the recently introduced Buick Enclave luxury crossover and Super models, the 2008 LaCrosse features a more distinctive front end. The new design brings the 2008 LaCrosse sedan in line with a common Buick family appearance. The fascia, hood and chrome waterfall grille are new. The 2008 model will also offer four new exterior colors, including Scarlett Red, Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Dark Slate Metallic.
Inside, the ’08 LaCrosse continues to offer a well-equipped, comfortable and quiet interior. More comfort and convenience features are now standard for CX, CXL and CXS models for 2008. The LaCrosse CX, for example, is a richer entry-level car, adding a leather-wrapped steering wheel, theft deterrent system, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization and more. All trim levels now have a chrome exterior appearance package, factory remote start feature, XM Satellite Radio, telescoping steering wheel column, redundant steering wheel controls and dual-zone climate control as added standard equipment.
“LaCrosse really started the evolution to the new Buick you see today,” said Buick General Manager Steve Shannon. “It introduced a new direction for Buick cars, with great design, performance and fuel economy with a premium and quiet interior. Indeed, LaCrosse set the foundation for the new Buick.”
The LaCrosse line now offers three powertrains. The CX and CXL trims are powered by the 3.8L V-6, now in Series III form. With more than 25 million sold, it is one of the most proven and reliable engines in the industry. Rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW), the 3.8L features electronic throttle control to improve engine response and optimize fuel efficiency, along with upgrades for quiet operation.
The performance-oriented LaCrosse CXS has a standard 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing that delivers 240 horsepower (179 kW). The premium, all-aluminum engine features dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Its fully variable intake and exhaust valve timing achieves outstanding flexibility, delivering 90 percent of the engine's peak torque where it is most useful, between 1,500 rpm and 6,000 rpm. The 3.6L VVT delivers a market-leading balance of good specific output, high torque over a broad rpm band, fuel economy and first-rate noise vibration and harshness control.
The recently announced 2008 LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine and portholes to the LaCrosse lineup. With the fuel efficiency of a V-6, the new 300-horsepower (224 kW)* 5.3L small-block V-8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology can propel LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. GM’s AFM engine technology seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.
The LaCrosse line is built at GM’s Oshawa 2 Assembly, ranked North/South America ’s top manufacturing facility the past two years, according to J.D. Power and Associates.
The 2008 LaCrosse will arrive in dealer showrooms this summer. Pricing has not been announced.


Buick Primes The New York Auto Show With Early Introduction Of New 'Super' Models



NEW YORK –Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick’s most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.
“We’re bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models,” said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. “Our Supers are not just about increased horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge.”
The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW)* 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM’s Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super’s chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick’s renowned quietness inside.
The Lucerne Super adds a more powerful version of the legendary 4.6L Northstar V-8. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)*, an increase of more than 6 percent over existing models. The Super has an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne ’s Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling.
Buick Super: elevated design, power and performance
Design elements on the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super denote the new face of Buick. Design cues echo those seen on the popular Velite convertible concept vehicle – and recently introduced on the Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV – including a new waterfall grille and portholes. The LaCrosse Super is the first and only LaCrosse model offered with Buick’s iconic portholes; there are four per side to highlight the V-8 engine.
In addition to distinctive design, the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super deliver leading-edge performance and refinement. The 5.3L and 4.6L V-8 engines are renowned for balancing performance and fuel economy. They are complemented by specially tuned suspension systems.
Like all Buick models, LaCrosse and Lucerne Supers are built with an exclusive engineering process called QuietTuning to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the interior. Laminated side window glass, sound-deadening material in the body structure, hydraulic mounts in the engine compartment and more reduce interior noise. Even exhaust nodes have been tuned for overall sound quality. These features contribute to a quiet, refined driving experience.
While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic, including:
• Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
• Powertrain enhancements
• Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems for responsive and confident handling
• Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick’s exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort.
LaCrosse Super





The LaCrosse Super is distinguished from its sibling models with a new exterior appearance that is highlighted by a new waterfall grille, new hood and a new front fascia that incorporates a lower grille opening with chrome trim and chrome fog lamp bezels.
New portholes, rocker moldings, rear fascia with integrated park assist sensors, 3.5-inch-diameter dual chrome exhaust tips, rear decklid spoiler and a Super badge also make the LaCrosse Super instantly identifiable from any angle. LaCrosse Super is offered in four exterior colors: Black Onyx, Platinum Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Red Jewel tint coat.
Inside, the LaCrosse Super exudes comfort and style, including front seats with increased seatback bolstering. All of the seats feature new, woven-embossed leather inserts. A unique wood grain appearance accents the instrument panel, center console, doors and gear shift knob. There are also exclusive instrument cluster graphics – including Super identification – new front sill plates, a silver finish on the instrument panel center stack and Super-specific floor mats.
The LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine that has the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 323-lb.ft (438 Nm)* of torque, Buick’s new V-8 can propel the LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 5.3L small-block V-8 uses GM’s Active Fuel Management (AFM), an engine technology that seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.
To support the performance capabilities enabled by the V-8 engine, the LaCrosse Super features a specially tuned suspension system for steering precision, improved ride control and feel, and increased braking performance. Bilstein monotube struts, larger front and rear rotors, high-precision steering gear, StabiliTrak, and recalibrated chassis controls help the LaCrosse Super deliver confident handling and road manners, while also maintaining overall ride comfort.
The Super version comes standard with the largest wheels and tires available on the LaCrosse – 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P235/50R18 all-season tires. Chrome-finish wheels are available.
Lucerne Super adds more luxury appointments

Distinctly designed, the Lucerne Super stands out with a new bright chrome waterfall grille, front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, rocker panels, and Super badge on the decklid. Exclusive aluminum wheels and premium all-season tires complete the look, complementing the vehicle’s sport-touring attitude. The Lucerne Super is available in four exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, Gold Metallic, Sharkskin and White Diamond. The interior comes in Ebony or Cocoa/Shale.
Lucerne Super’s refined ride dynamics and increased power make it the sportiest Lucerne available . A more powerful version of the 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine provides the Lucerne Super with an ample power reserve. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)*, which is 17 horsepower (13 kW) more than the Lucerne CXS.
Lucerne Super’s new premium steering gear, StabiliTrak stability control system, brake assist and specifically calibrated Magnetic Ride Control system help deliver a crisp response and enhanced driver control. It rides on standard 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P245/50R18 all-season radials. The exclusive wheel design is finished in bright silver premium paint. Chrome-plated wheels are available.
The Lucerne Super’s interior wraps occupants in luxury including a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel with French-seam stitching, unique finish on the instrument panel center stack, leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts for the outboard seating positions, and suede door trim inserts. A heated, real wood steering wheel and shift knob finished in Walnut Burl, power tilt and telescoping steering column, front chrome sill plates and Buick embroidered floor mats round out the Lucerne Super’s special content.
Lucerne Super comes with three standard equipment packages, including Driver Confidence, Luxury and Comfort & Convenience. OnStar’s Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn voice-guided navigation, XM Satellite Radio and Harman Kardon audio system are also standard.
All Buick models come standard with the industry’s best coverage, including a four-year/50,000-mile vehicle warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Buick LaCrosse Super arrives in dealerships this summer as a 2008 model. The Lucerne Super is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2008. Pricing for both vehicles has not been released.
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