2010 Buick LaCrosse

Press release

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).

Design

Influenced strongly by the popular Buick Invicta concept that debuted at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, the 2010 LaCrosse draws its styling influence from classic Buicks and modern design – as well as a strong dose of Eastern aesthetics. Fluid lines that flow uninterrupted around the vehicle are inspired by the ancient Chinese art form of ribbon dancing. They complement heritage cues, such as “sweep spear” body-side styling, a waterfall grille and portholes – mounted on top of the hood for the first time.

“The overall impression is one of harmony and continuity,” said Mike Pevovar, exterior design manager. “There’s an international look and feel to the 2010 LaCrosse, yet it is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with cues pioneered by the Enclave.”

The LaCrosse’s sweeping design flows in all directions, giving it a tightly wrapped appearance and a faster, coupe-like profile. It also minimizes the perceptual size of car, while a high belt line, short overhangs and fenders wrapped precisely around the wheels and tires give it a sporting stance. The exhaust tips exit through the rear fascia rather than under it, for a sleeker, uninterrupted look that also speaks to the LaCrosse’s attention to detail. A family of 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheels is offered, as is a large, two-panel panoramic sunroof.

Buick’s signature tri-shield logo is prominently featured in the LaCrosse’s waterfall grille. Two grille treatments are available and chrome is used selectively around the headlamps and with other trim. Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting technology is used on the headlamps and taillamps. Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) articulating headlamps are offered.

Challenging conventions

The new LaCrosse has a unique proportion that eschews the conventional three-box design typically found with sedans. Its long, 111.7-inch (2,837-mm) wheelbase and wheels-at-the-corners stance enabled designers to stretch the passenger compartment area, with a sleeker windshield angle and a sweeping backlight. The result is a faster-looking profile that conveys motion, even when the vehicle is stationary.

A high beltline also contributes to the LaCrosse’s distinctive design, lending it a broad-shouldered appearance that complements the short front and rear overhangs to give the car a firmly planted, tightly sprung visual stance. Again, it’s the opposite of many conventional sedan designs that appear as heavy bodies saddled over wheels tucked under the sheet metal. The LaCrosse’s fenders flare outward to meet the widely planted wheels at the edge of the bodywork.

Design distinction

All models feature a version of Buick’s signature waterfall grille, with CX and CXL models receiving a chrome-framed grille, with black-painted inserts, that is flanked by richly detailed headlamp modules with complementing black trim on the inside. CXS models include a satin silver-finished grille with chrome accents that complement the details in the headlamp modules.

Standard on CXS and available on CXL models is a unique headlamp system that combines HID lighting elements with GM’s adaptive forward lighting technology. It allows the headlamps to swivel up to 15 degrees in the direction of the front wheels to provide greater light around corners. It is expected to be a segment exclusive for LaCrosse.

LED technology is also used in the headlamps and taillamps. It is a more environmentally friendly technology than conventional automotive bulbs and delivers a more precise lighting pattern that better emulates the characteristics of natural daylight. LED lights can last up to 20 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs, meaning they may never require replacement for the life of the vehicle. When used as brake lights, they enhance safety because they illuminate more quickly than conventional bulbs.

Restrained elegance

Chrome is used selectively on the LaCrosse’s exterior to provide jewelry-like accents that reinforce its position as a finely crafted and contemporary luxury vehicle. It is used around the headlamps, on the lower door moldings, around the side windows and along the upper edge of the taillamps.

The bright trim tastefully complements a palette of rich colors. Eight exterior colors are offered, including four all-new hues. They include:

• Quicksilver Metallic
• Gold Mist Metallic
• Midnight Blue Metallic
• Red Jewel Tintcoat
• Carbon Black Metallic
• Summit White
• White Diamond Tricoat
• Mocha Steel Metallic.

Rounding out the elegant exterior features is LaCrosse’s family of wheels. Standard on CX models is a steel wheel with a premium, flush-mounted cover, while a 17-inch machined aluminum wheel is optional. An 18-inch wheel with a machined-aluminum face is standard on CXL models and a chrome-plated 18-inch wheel is available. On CXS, the 18-inch chrome wheel is standard with an optional premium, 19-inch, nine-spoke machined-finish aluminum wheel design.

Excellent fit and finish

The details that make LaCrosse a great-looking car also make it a well-built one. Designers sweated the smallest of details in order to deliver segment-leading build quality and craftsmanship.

Tight and consistent body panel tolerances of 3.5 mm or less, for example, demonstrate Buick’s commitment to precision, while also supporting the exclusive QuietTuning initiative, as minimal gaps reduce wind noise. The tight body tolerances also allowed for reduced rubber closeouts on the rear glass, giving the LaCrosse a cleaner, smoother appearance.

LaCrosse’s design represents strong collaboration between GM’s North American designers and colleagues from the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in China – a design and engineering joint venture between GM and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation.

Interior

 Harmony and elegance characterize the 2010 Buick LaCrosse’s interior. The design flows gracefully, without a visual interruption, from the door panels and across the finely detailed instrument panel. It’s a theme carried out on both horizontal and vertical planes, conveying balance, comfort and quality.

A collaborative effort between American and Chinese designers drew inspiration from many sources, including traditional Eastern architecture, modern design and Buick’s classic models of the past. The design of the instrument panel, for example, reflects modern styling – including the recessed ambient lighting motif on CXS models – while incorporating air vents on either side of the navigation radio that mimic the design of vintage models.

LaCrosse’s high degree of elegance and uncompromising quality are demonstrated in numerous details found throughout the interior, including:

• A low-and-away instrument panel that conveys a more spacious environment
• Real seam stitching used on the seats, instrument panel and other details
• Ice-blue light-emitting diode (LED) ambient lighting (CXS models) around the audio controls, along the instrument panel and in the footwells; also, two centrally located soft spotlights accentuate the front and rear seating areas
• Theater-style seating for the rear passengers that enhances visibility and comfort.

LaCrosse CX and CXL models are complemented with dark poplar wood appliqués, while the CXS sports “technical,” titanium-type square trim details. All models benefit from Buick’s signature QuietTuning initiatives that deliver a library-quiet driving experience.

Interior color choices include a pair of premium, contrasting two-tone combinations – Cocoa/Light Cashmere and Dark Titanium/Light Titanium – as well as Jet Black.

Elegance and emotion

The flowing, balanced design of the LaCrosse’s interior is the foundation for its elegance. The vertical center stack, for example, rises gracefully to blend with the horizontal instrument panel in a manner that creates the look of an integrated, sculpted component rather than a blunt intersection that is common on other vehicles. This is a testament to the car’s attention to detail and precise build quality.

Elegance is also evident in the high-quality materials used throughout the LaCrosse’s cabin. The switches and buttons have a firm, tactile feel, while the instrument panel and door panels are manufactured with a cast skin process that delivers a soft, premium feel that exemplifies Buick’s renewed focus on uncompromising luxury. More than the sum of its parts, the numerous details enhance the emotional connection to the LaCrosse. Simply put, this car looks inviting and feels substantial.

CX models come standard with cloth seats designed to deliver exceptional support and comfort on long drives. CXL and CXS models offer standard leather-trimmed seats that exude luxury. All models feature leather-covered transmission shift handles and steering wheels.

Details, details

Contributing to the LaCrosse’s emotional appeal is a number of comfort and convenience details that make the driving experience more enjoyable. All models include a CD audio system with auxiliary input jack that allows personal audio devices to be played and recharged through the vehicle system, as well as steering wheel audio controls; standard XM Satellite Radio; power locks and power windows, with express down for the front and rear windows (and express up for the front windows); and heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators.

CXL models add leather-appointed and heated seats, while the CXS adds an audio system USB port; 110-volt auxiliary power port; Bluetooth capability; dual-zone climate system; power-assisted driver lumbar control; premium interior lighting – including LED ambient lighting and rear reading lamps; memory seats and mirrors; leather/wood-appointed and heated steering wheel; ventilated and perforated seats; head-up display and more. (Some features that are standard on CXS are available on other models.)

Please see the separate Technology release for more information on the LaCrosse’s roster of intelligent personal technology features.

QuietTuning

Buick’s QuietTuning engineering process represents an exclusive, holistic initiative to ensure an exceptionally quiet driving experience. With the 2010 LaCrosse, it starts with a robust body structure that is about 20-percent stiffer than the previous model – an attribute that resists vibrations and dampens the transfer of noise into the passenger compartment.

A variety of noise-attenuating features on the body structure, suspension and interior also contribute to what is expected to be one of the quietest vehicles in the segment. Engineers achieved a wind noise rating of 35.5 decibels at 70 mph (112 km/h). Examples of the noise-dampening technology include:

• Acoustic-laminated windshield (up to 5.8-mm thick) and side glass (5 mm)
• Acoustically optimized door design – including triple door seals
• Liquid-applied sound deadener
• Acoustic dash mat in the passenger compartment
• Full-perimeter hood-to-body sealing
• Isolated engine cradle and rear suspension
• Hydraulic ride bushings
• Acoustic inner fender liners
• Mass-backed carpet.

Another unique feature is LaCrosse’s body baffling strategy that uses heat-activated baffles in various pillars, crossbars and other structural members to seal and close sections of the body structure that could transmit noise or water. The molded baffles are inserted at strategic areas of the body structure and expand to fill the surrounding space when the body enters the paint ovens on the assembly line.

LaCrosse’s engine and suspension components are designed for quiet operation as well, with acoustic engine covers and acoustic air intake systems, quiet alternators and refined engine accessory drive systems. In addition, the six-speed automatic transmissions contribute to quietness by allowing the engines to operate at lower speeds on the highway.

 1  2 3 4 5

Next page