2010 Buick LaCrosse Launched

General Motors announces the launch of the redesigned Buick LaCrosse and brings some long awaited style to the division.

A remembrance of things past

1955 Buick Special

With the kind of bold styling not seen on any kind of Buick since, perhaps, the fifties, the new LaCrosse hopefully represents a renaissance for Buick. “There is great harmony in everything offered by LaCrosse – a beautifully crafted exterior, a premium interior and a satisfying driving experience to please the senses and complement any lifestyle,” according to Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It’s a seamless package that incorporates the very best of GM’s global resources to make this Buick an industry benchmark.”

Designed in partnership with GM’s design studios in China and the U.S., the LaCrosse features an exterior “spear line” running down the side below the beltline that’s reminiscent of 1950’s-era Buick Specials.

Trim levels

The new LaCrosse will be offered in three trim levels, CX, CXL and CXS:

CX – Initially, the entry-level CX will come equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates 255 horsepower and 217 lb.-ft. of torque and will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Later in the year, a new, 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder (also using a six-speed automatic) will replace the 3.0L as the standard engine.

CXL – The CXL will also be equipped with the same 3.0L direct injection V-6. The “L” designator will add, among other things, leather seats with bun-warmers, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels. As an added bonus, an advanced, intelligent AWD system will also be offered as an option.

CXS – The top-of-the-line LaCrosse will be equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6, an optional real-time active-dampening suspension, leather seats that are the recipients of the luxury trifecta – perforated, heated and ventilated, while chrome-plated 18-inch alloy wheels are standard with 19-inchers as an option. The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates 280 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque.

The interior

We spend most of our time sitting in, rather than staring at, our vehicles, and the new LaCrosse doesn’t disappoint here, either. Blue ambient lighting illuminates the various nooks, crannies and cubbies, including the instrument panel, center console and door panels.

Optional technologies include in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary audio and USB ports, rear DVD entertainment system, head-up instrument display, rearview camera, adaptive forward lighting and, later this year, GM’s side Blind Zone Alert system.

Tags: 2010 buick lacrosse, bluetooth, buick, Buick LaCrosse, ecotec, general motors