Buick LaCrosse

Buick LaCrosse
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	September 7, 2004–present[1]
Model years	2005–present
Body and chassis
Class	First-generation Mid-size car Large family car D-segment Second-generation Full-size car Executive car E-segment
Chronology
Predecessor	Buick Century Buick Regal

The Buick LaCrosse is a mid-size (later full-size) car produced by the American manufacturer General Motors since 2004.^[2] It replaced the Century and Regal in North America beginning in the 2005 model year.

The first-generation LaCrosse or Allure competes directly to the Lexus ES; both using transverse, front-engine, front-wheel-drive layouts. You can think of sportier cars that are considered to be indirect competitors, such as the Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300, Hyundai Azera, Infiniti G, Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Mercury Montego/Sable.

First generation (2005–2009)

North America

First generation (North America)
Overview
Also called	Buick Allure (Canada)
Production	September 7, 2004[1]–December 23, 2008
Model years	2005–2009 2007-2009 (China)
Assembly	Canada: Oshawa, Ontario (Oshawa Car Assembly) China: Shanghai (Shanghai GM) Taiwan: (Yulon GM)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform	W-body
Related	Chevrolet Impala Chevrolet Monte Carlo Pontiac Grand Prix
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L LE5 I4 (gasoline) (China) 2.4 L LAT I4 (hybrid gasoline / electric) (China) 3.0 L LW9 V6 (gasoline) (China) 3.6 L LY7 V6 (gasoline) 3.8 L L26 V6 (gasoline) 5.3 L LS4 V8 (gasoline)
Transmission	4-speed 4T65-E automatic 4-speed 4T65E-HD automatic 6-speed automatic (China)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110.5 in (2,807 mm)
Length	198.1 in (5,032 mm) 196.8 in (4,998 mm) (China)
Width	73.0 in (1,854 mm) 72.9 in (1,851 mm) (China)
Height	57.4 in (1,458 mm) 57.5 in (1,461 mm) (China)
Chronology
Successor	Buick Regal (2011)

The LaCrosse made its debut in late 2004 as a 2005 model to replace the Century and Regal. 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 Supers).

The 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.

It was originally sold as Buick Allure in Canada because "la crosse" means 'masturbation' (or 'swindle'^[3]) in Quebec French slang.^[4] It was once Buick's best-selling vehicle in Canada until 2008, when the Enclave became the brand's best-seller (which it remains as of 2010).

The LaCrosse, along with all other GM vehicles powered by the 3.8 L V6, became the first SULEV-compliant vehicles for 2006.

The last first-generation LaCrosse rolled off the assembly line on December 23, 2008.^{[citation needed]}

2008

The LaCrosse received a minor refresh for 2008. The vehicle's front end design was based on the Buick Velite concept, which was later used by the Chinese LaCrosse.^[5] New body color choices included Scarlett Red, Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Dark Slate Metallic.

All trim levels gained 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. CX added a leather-wrapped steering wheel, theft deterrent system, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization and more.^[6]

Super

2009 Buick LaCrosse Super

A new trim of the LaCrosse bearing the Super moniker debuted for 2008. The LaCrosse Super was 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 ventiports (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 included special Super badged cluster with blue face, a wood grain shift knob, and dream weave leather seating. Interior colors for the Super were Platinum and Mocha Brown, while exterior color choices were Mocha Brown Metallic, Black Onyx, Red Jewel Tincoat, and Platinum Metallic. Power came from the 5.3 L LS4 small-block V8 engine featuring Active Fuel Management technology,^[7] which is routed to the front wheels. The combination of a V8 and front-wheel drive are not often utilized due to torque steer which is present in any front-wheel-drive car. This powertrain was also found on the Grand Prix GXP, Impala SS, and Monte Carlo SS. The Super model was 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 Buick GNX of the 1980s was given such performance ratings until the Super was introduced. The LaCrosse Super was discontinued in 2009.

Its $32,100 price tag and 300 horsepower V8 engine automatically moves the car to E-segment, comparing with the Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac STS, Chrysler 300C, Hyundai Genesis, Infiniti M, Lexus GS, Lincoln MKS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Mercury Grand Marquis.

Safety

In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash tests the LaCrosse received a Good overall score in the frontal impact crash test and a Marginal overall rating in the side impact test.^[8] Injury measurements for the side impact crash test include a Poor mark for the driver's torso and a Marginal score for the driver's pelvis/leg. Side airbags are limited to the curtain type for both front and rear rows, the torso type side airbag is unavailable.^[9] 2007 models earned also only one out of five stars in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration side-impact crash test.^[10]

Models

The CXS was replaced by the Super in the US market for 2008.^[12] However, sales of the CXS continued in Canada until January 1, 2008.^[13]

China

Buick LaCrosse (China)

For the 2007 model year, Shanghai GM introduced the Buick LaCrosse as a more upscale companion to its Buick Regal sedan.^[14] Designed by Shanghai GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), the Chinese LaCrosse is based on the same architecture as the North American model, but possesses different exterior and interior designs, and a different engine lineup. The car is also built in Taiwan by a joint Yulon-GM venture.

Eco-Hybrid

In 2008, Shanghai GM introduced a mild hybrid system on the LaCrosse. Using the Belt Alternator Starter system, it is the first hybrid vehicle in the Chinese market as well as the first hybrid in its segment.^[15]

Second generation (2010–present)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Buick Allure (Canada, 2010 only) Alpheon (South Korea, 2010–)
Production	June 15, 2009[citation needed]–present
Model years	2010–present
Assembly	Kansas City, Kansas, United States Shanghai, China (Shanghai GM) Bupyeong, South Korea (GM Korea)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Platform	Epsilon II platform
Related	Chevrolet Impala Saab 9-5 Cadillac XTS Opel Insignia Buick Regal Roewe 950 (China, 2012-present)
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L LAF I4 (gasoline) 2.4 L LUK I4 (gasoline) 3.0 L LF1 V6 (gasoline) 3.6 L LLT V6 (gasoline) 3.6 L LFX V6 (gasoline)
Transmission	6-speed GM 6T40 automatic 6-speed GM 6T45 automatic 6-speed GM 6T70 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	111.7 in (2,837 mm)
Length	196.9 in (5,001 mm)
Width	73.1 in (1,857 mm)
Height	59.2 in (1,504 mm)

Arriving as a 2010 model, the second-generation Buick Lacrosse is built upon the mid-size Epsilon II platform in its long-wheel-base (LWB) version, which is also the basis for the Opel Insignia and the 2010 Saab 9-5.^[16] The design was based on 2008 Buick Invicta concept, and replaces both the Chinese and North American models. Buick states that the new LaCrosse will be "America's Lexus fighter".^[17] With the new 2011 Regal and the demise of Lucerne,^[18] the LaCrosse is no longer seen as Buick's entry-level model, but as its premium sports sedan, and is the brand's flagship sedan.

The LaCrosse was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.^[19] The car was also shown at the 2009 Montreal International Auto Show as the Buick Allure,^[20] however, soon after production had begun, General Motors Canada renamed the Allure to LaCrosse, to correspond with the car's global marketing.^[4] GM Canada has offered existing Allure owners the option to change nameplates to LaCrosse.^[21]

Production of North American models was moved from Oshawa to the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas.^[22] Delivery of 2010 year models was delayed a few weeks in order to assure quality control.^[23]

The 2.4 L Ecotec four-cylinder replaced the 3.0 V6 as the standard engine on the CX model in the first quarter of 2010.^[24] The 3.6 L V6 continues to be an option on the CX and front-wheel drive CXL and standard on the CXS and all-wheel drive CXL.^[25]

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS is the first North American car to incorporate a front suspension design called HiPer Strut. This suspension design improves ride and handling and reduces torque steer.^[26] The Buick LaCrosse CXS includes a Real Time Damping System that adjusts the damping forces of the shocks and struts for improved ride and handling.^[27]

The LaCrosse will be sold in Mexico starting in 2010, as the Buick brand returns to the country after 13 years of absence.^[28]

In late February 2012 the Chinese government took the Buick Lacrosse (along with all other foreign vehicles) off of the list of vehicles approved for government procurement.^[29] Though popular among government officials the Lacrosse also thrives via private purchases. Effects on sales remains to be seen.

eAssist

The 2012 Lacrosse features a new mild hybrid as its base model. Dubbed eAssist, the 2012 Lacrosse introduced GM's second generation Belt-Alternator-Starter system. The non-hybrid 4-cylinder is no longer offered. The system consists of a 115-volt lithium-ion battery pack, a 15 kW electric motor capable of adding 15 horsepower of assist while accelerating, and the next generation 6T40 GM Hydramatic transmission with reduced friction components over the previous generation. The eAssist LaCrosse delivers a class leading fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. In addition to providing additional power to the 182 hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, the BAS-II system allows for engine start/stop operation when the vehicle isn't moving and allows for complete fuel cut off to the engine during deceleration.^[30]

Alpheon

The Alpheon is a localized version of Buick LaCrosse for the South Korean market. Alpheon is a standalone brand from GM Korea. A version of the vehicle (with 3.0-liter V-6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission) was unveiled at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show.^[31]

Production began on Aug. 9, 2010 at GM Daewoo's factory in Bupyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Market launch began in September 2010. Early model includes a model with 3.0-liter engine (from 2010 Buick LaCrosse) in mid-September, followed by two models each with 2.4-liter engine in October.^[32][33]

Roewe 950

The Roewe 950 is a licensed restyled Chinese version of the Buick Lacrosse produced by Roewe of SAIC. It is sold alongside the Buick Lacrosse in China, and has a price range similar to that of the Lacrosse. The sheet metal, while similar in appearance, is unique to the Roewe.

Facelift

Buick LaCrosse, 2014 refresh (U.S. market)

Buick unveiled a revised LaCrosse at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Redesigned front and rear fascias, new wheel designs, a reconfigurable 8 inch TFT instrument cluster, semi-aniline leather seating, and radar- and camera-based safety features such as Forward Collision Alert highlight the changes for this mid-cycle refresh.

Engines

All models are equipped with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission.

Yearly sales

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Buick LaCrosse.

• Official website

v t e Automotive marques of General Motors Wholly owned Current Buick Cadillac Chevrolet GMC Holden Opel Vauxhall Discontinued Acadian (1962–1971) Asüna (1992–1995) Beaumont (1966–1969) Bedford (1930–1986) Cartercar (1905–1915) Daewoo (1982–2011) Elmore (1893–1912) GM Diesel (1938-2000) Geo (1989–1997) Hummer (1992–2010) LaSalle (1927–1940) Marquette (1929–1930) McLaughlin (1918–1942) Oakland (1907–1931) Oldsmobile (1897–2004) Passport (1988–1991) Pontiac (1926–2010) Ranger (1968–1976) Saturn (1985–2010) Scripps-Booth (1913–1923) Sheridan (1920–1921) Statesman (1971–1984) Viking (1929–1931) Yellow Coach (1925–1943) Former Lotus (1986–1993) Saab (1989–2010) Shareholdings and joint ventures Current Baojun1 Wuling1 UzDaewooAvto (1992-present; up to 50%) Former Fiat (2000–2005; up to 20%) Isuzu (c.1971–2006; up to 49%) Subaru (c.1999–2006; 20%) Suzuki (1985–2008; up to 15%) PSA Peugeot Citroen (2012-2013; up to 7%) 1Marques of SAIC-GM-Wuling (GM 34%) Category

v t e GM Korea A subsidiary of General Motors Marques Active Alpheon Chevrolet Defunct Daewoo GMK Saehan Subsidiaries Chevrolet Europe GM Vietnam UzDaewooAuto (50%) Vehicles Current Alpheon Aveo Captiva Camaro Corvette Cruze Malibu Orlando Spark Trax Past Arcadia Brougham Chairman Damas Espero G2X Gentra Istana Kalos Korando Labo Lacetti Lanos Leganza Maepsy Magnus Matiz Musso Nexia Nubira Prince Royale Statesman Tacuma Tico Tosca Winstorm Veritas Concept cars Groove Trax Miray Musiro Other Factories Platforms Engines Transmissions GM Uzbekistan Category  Commons