Buick LaCrosse

Buick LaCrosse
Overview
Manufacturer	Buick (General Motors)
Production	September 7, 2004–present[1]
Model years	2005–present
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size car (2005–2009) Full-size luxury car (2010–)[2][3]
Chronology
Predecessor	Buick LeSabre (1st generation) Buick Park Avenue & Buick Lucerne (2nd generation & later)

The Buick LaCrosse is a large^[4]/mid-size^[5] luxury car^[6][7] manufactured and marketed by Buick since 2004. The LaCrosse is now in its third generation, slotted above the Buick Regal as the brand's flagship.

The first generation LaCrosse replaced the Century and Regal in North America beginning in the 2005 model year, serving as the brand's mid-size car. For 2010, however, the LaCrosse was completely redesigned and moved upmarket as a large premium sedan.^[8][9] Critics have lauded the post-2010 versions for its design, "luxurious interior," acceleration, safety and reliability, while critiquing its small trunk and numb steering on certain models.^{[10][11][12][13]}

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
Class	Mid-size car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Transverse 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 debuted in late 2004 as a 2005 model, replacing 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 borrowed from a Buick concept car shown in 2000 referencing the sport of lacrosse.

The LaCrosse was originally sold as Buick Allure in Canada, as "crosse" is a vulgar word that can mean either "rip off" or "masturbation", depending on the context^[14] in Quebec French slang.^[15]

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

The final first-generation LaCrosse was manufactured on December 23, 2008.

2008

The LaCrosse received a facelift for 2008. The vehicle's front end design was based on the Buick Velite concept, which was later used by the Chinese LaCrosse.^[16]

All trim levels received 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.^[17]

Super

A Super trim of the LaCrosse debuted for 2008. The LaCrosse Super was positioned as a higher-performance model of the sedan with revised front end styling, as well as a return of displaying four Ventiports 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,^[18] 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 one of the fastest modern production Buicks ever built, with a factory top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h), and 0–60 mph times of 5.7 seconds. Only the 1987 Buick GNX offered a similar level of performance ratings until the Super was introduced. The LaCrosse Super was discontinued in 2009.

Safety

The LaCrosse received a Good overall score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal impact crash test and a Marginal overall rating in the side impact test.^[19] 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 and leg. Side airbags are limited to the curtain type for both front and rear rows; the torso-type side airbag is unavailable.^[20] 2007 models also earned one out of five stars in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration side-impact crash test.^[21] The IIHS also found that the 2006–08 model year LaCrosse had the second-highest fatality rate in the large four-door car class; only the Buick Lucerne fared worse.^[22]

Models

Years	Models	Engine	Displacement	Horsepower	Torque	EPA Fuel Economy
2005–2009	CX CXL	3.8 L L26 V6	231 cu in (3791 cc)	200 hp (149 kW) @ 5200 rpm	230 lb·ft (312 N·m) @ 4000 rpm	City: 17 mpg-US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg-imp) Hwy: 28 mpg-US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg-imp)
2005–2008	CXS	3.6 L LY7 V6	217 cu in (3564 cc)	240 hp (179 kW) @ 6000 rpm	225 lb·ft (305 N·m) @ 2000 rpm	City: 17 mpg-US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg-imp) Hwy: 25 mpg-US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg-imp)
2008–2009	Super	5.3 L LS4 V8	325 cu in (5327 cc)	300 hp (224 kW) @ 5600 rpm	323 lb·ft (438 N·m) @ 4000 rpm	City: 16 mpg-US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg-imp) Hwy: 24 mpg-US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg-imp)
Source:[23]

The CXS was replaced by the Super in the US market for 2008.^[24] However, sales of the CXS continued in Canada until January 1, 2008.^[25]

China

For the 2007 model year, Shanghai GM introduced the Buick LaCrosse as a more upscale companion to its Buick Regal sedan.^[26] 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.^[27]

Second generation (2010–2016)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Buick Allure (Canada, 2010 only) Alpheon (South Korea, 2010–2015)
Production	June 15, 2009–2016
Model years	2010–2016
Assembly	Fairfax Assembly, Kansas City, Kansas, United States Shanghai, China (Shanghai GM) Bupyeong, South Korea (GM Korea)
Designer	Min Cao (exterior) Nenghua Liu (interior) Ven Lai (2014 refresh interior)
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car[28][29]
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel-drive
Platform	Epsilon II platform
Related	Buick Regal Cadillac XTS Chevrolet Impala Opel Insignia Roewe 950 (China, 2012–present) Saab 9-5
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)
Curb weight	3,765–4,065 lb (1,708–1,844 kg)

Unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.,^[30] the second-generation Buick Lacrosse was redesigned from the ground-up and moved the nameplate notably upmarket, becoming Buick's flagship large premium sedan.^[31][32] The exterior and interior designs were noted for the visual drama and built quality by the automotive press,^[33] while the new sedan's more agile acceleration and performance is seen has helping bring new buyers to the Buick brand and re-establishing its reputation as a premium/near-luxury car brand. Comparisons by automotive journalists to the Lexus ES 350 generally found both cars to be roughly comparable.^[34] As Edmunds.com reported at the release of the 2nd generation LaCrosse:

At first we questioned GM's strategy, not only with the LaCrosse itself but also with the notion of Buick as a genuine competitor for Lexus. But after this comparison [Lexus ES 350 vs. Buick LaCrosse], we have no doubt that the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is a game-changing, brand-defining automobile that will go far to both revitalize Buick and promote the new General Motors.

Specifically, the exterior features Buick's "VentiPorts" and the "Sweepspear", Buick styling features dating to 1949. The interior is defined by having "few straight lines and 90-degree joints, if any. Instead, surfaces and controls are rounded, coved, or arched."^[35]

Mechanically, the new LaCrosse employed a long-wheelbase (LWB) variant of the Epsilon II platform, shared with the Opel Insignia and the 2010 Saab 9-5.^[36] The design was based on 2008 Buick Invicta concept, and replaces both the Chinese and North American models.

• 
  Profile of a 2nd generation Buick LaCrosse, clearly showing Buick's re-introduced, trademark sweep-spear design.
• 
  Door panel in 2nd generation Buick LaCrosse, showing the new distinctive curvaceous design theme with faux leather cover the entire door.
• 
  Revised Buick waterfall grille on 2nd generation LaCrosse.
• 
  Front of a 2nd generation Buick LaCrosse, showing re-introduced venti-ports.

Production

Production of North American models moved from Oshawa to the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas, where it runs down the same production line as the Chevy Malibu.^[37] Delivery of 2010 year models was delayed a few weeks in order to assure quality control.^[38]

Reception

Receptions by car critics was generally positive, recognizing the LaCrosse as competitive to the Lexus ES, Hyundai Genesis, and Acura TL. U.S. News & World Report aggregated the following ratings based on numerous reviews of the models years in the 2nd generation. Results of the analysis were given on a scale of 1 to 10, where a higher number indicates positive reception, and added summary points of pros and cons for each year:^[39]

Year	Overall	Critics' Rating	Performance	Interior	Cost to Own	Safety	Pros	Cons
2010	8.4	9.1	8.5	9.1	8.9	9.4	Luxurious interior; Strong acceleration, even with base engine; Great safety ratings	Small trunk
2011	9.0	8.7	8.4	9.0	9.1	9.7	Luxurious interior rivals a Lexus; Excellent safety ratings	Small trunk
2012	8.8	8.4	8.2	8.5	9.0	9.7	Good fuel economy with eAssist; Powerful available V6; First-rate, attractive cabin	Small trunk; Poor rearward visibility
2013	8.9	8.8	8.2	8.2	8.9	9.7	eAssist model's great fuel economy; Comfortable ride; Handsome, well-built cabin	Small trunk
2014	8.6	8.8	8.0	8.3	8.7	9.7	Luxurious interior; Comfortable, quiet ride; Good fuel economy in eAssist model	Small trunk
2015	8.6	8.7	8.1	8.4	N/A	9.7	Upscale, quiet cabin; LaCrosse eAssist’s excellent fuel economy; Comfortable, refined ride	Limited trunk room; Numb steering; LaCrosse eAssist’s poor acceleration
2016	8.7	8.8	8.1	8.4	N/A	9.7	Excellent infotainment system; Spacious, quiet interior; LaCrosse eAssist’s good fuel economy; Comfortable, controlled ride	Small trunk; Underpowered eAssist engine

Seconding other critics, New Car Test Drive described the interior as,^[40]

...finely detailed, high-quality character. The more you look, the more you see. Throughout the cabin are few straight lines and 90-degree joints, if any. Instead, surfaces and controls are rounded, coved, or arched. Real stitching is used to join seams of the seats, shifter boot and soft material used on the door panels and around the instruments. Chrome and wood trim are used judiciously, tastefully, and the materials in the headliner and upper parts of the cabin look and feel like premium material.

Technology and Features

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.^[41] 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.^[42]

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS is the first North American car to incorporate a front suspension design, marketed as HiPer Strut, designed to improve ride and handling and reduces torque steer.^[43] The Buick LaCrosse CXS includes a system marketed as Real Time Damping that adjusts the damping forces of the shocks and struts for improved ride and handling.^[44]

The 2010, 2012, and 2013 models lacked an interior trunk release mechanism. The trunk was only accessible using the key fob (Remote Keyless Entry) or a touch sensor between the trunk lid and the license plate. The 2011 year model added a remote release button at the left of the steering wheel on the instrument panel. The 2014 model refresh returned the trunk release button to LaCrosse but placed it on the driver door.^[45][46]

For 2016, the LaCrosse added a new Sport Touring Edition which included unique 18" aluminum black pocket wheels and a rear lip spoiler.

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.^[47] The LaCrosse was sold in Mexico starting in 2010, as the Buick brand returned to the country after 13 years of absence.^[48]

For 2016, the LaCrosse added a new Sport Touring Edition which included unique 18" aluminum black pocket wheels and a rear lip spoiler.

Canadian market: Allure

The 2nd generation LaCrosse debuted to the Canadian market at the 2009 Montreal International Auto Show as the Buick Allure,^[49] and soon after production began, General Motors Canada renamed the Allure to LaCrosse, to correspond with the car's global marketing.^[15] GM Canada has offered existing Allure owners the option to change nameplates to LaCrosse.^[50] In Quebec French, "la crosse" is slang for "sexual self-gratification", or also a scam.

Korean market: Alpheon

The Alpheon was a localized version of Buick LaCrosse for the South Korean market. Alpheon was a standalone brand from GM Korea. The cars were additionally fitted with amenities such as controls in the rear armrest, mood lights and more. 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.^[51]

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.^[52][53]

• 
  2010 Alpheon Sedan
• 
  2010 Alpheon Sedan interior

The Alpheon was discontinued in 2015, after monthly sales fell below 500 cars. GM Korea replaced it with the Chevrolet Impala. ^[54]

Chinese market: 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.

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.^[55] Though popular among government officials the Lacrosse also thrives via private purchases. Effects on sales remains to be seen.

2014 facelift

Buick unveiled a revised 2014 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 and side blind zone alert highlight the changes for this mid-cycle refresh.

Engines

Years	Models	Type	Power	Torque
2010	CX	2.4 L Ecotec I4	182 hp (136 kW)	172 lb·ft (233 N·m)
	CX, CXL	3.0 L LF1 V6 (2,994 cc (183 cu in))	255 hp (190 kW) at 6,950 rpm	217 lb·ft (294 N·m) at 5,600 rpm
	CXS	3.6 L LLT V6 (3,564 cc (217 cu in))	280 hp (209 kW) at 6,400 rpm	259 lb·ft (351 N·m) at 5,200 rpm
2011	CX, CXL (FWD)	2.4 L Ecotec I4	182 hp (136 kW)	172 lb·ft (233 N·m)
	CXL, CXS	3.6 L LLT V6 (3,564 cc (217 cu in))	280 hp (209 kW) at 6,400 rpm	259 lb·ft (351 N·m) at 5,200 rpm
2012[56]-2016	FWD (Base–Premium 1)	2.4 L Ecotec I4 with eAssist	182 hp (136 kW)	172 lb·ft (233 N·m)
	FWD (except Base), AWD	3.6 L LFX V6 (3,564 cc (217 cu in))	303 hp (226 kW) at 6,800 rpm	264 lb·ft (358 N·m) at 5,300 rpm

All V6 models are equipped with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission.

Third generation (2017–)

Third generation
2017 Buick LaCrosse (China)
Overview
Production	2016–present
Model years	2017–present
Assembly	Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Detroit, Michigan, United States Shanghai, China (Shanghai GM)
Designer	Holt Ware Elizabeth Wetzel (interior)
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel-drive
Platform	P2XX platform
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L LFV I4 (turbo gasoline)(20T China) 1.8 L I4 (hybrid gasoline/electric) (30H China) 2.0 L LTG I4 (turbo gasoline) (28T China) 3.6 L LGX V6 (gasoline) (North America)
Transmission	6-speed automatic (28T China) 7-speed dual clutch (20T China) 8-speed MRC automatic (North America)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114.4 in (2,905 mm)
Length	5,016.5 mm (197.5 in)
Width	73.2 in (1,859 mm)
Height	57.5 in (1,460 mm)
Curb weight	3,329–3,560 lb (1,510–1,615 kg)(I4 Powertrain)

The third generation LaCrosse debuted at the 2015 LA Auto Show as a 2017 model.^[57] The all-new LaCrosse rides on the lighter P2XX platform shared with the 2018 Chevrolet Impala which reduced its weight by about 300 pounds (136 kilograms), despite slightly growing in length and width. The car is powered by a GM Small Gasoline Engine and GM Ecotec engine in China for tax credit purposes and by a Fourth Generation GM High Feature engine in North America. The new LaCrosse will also be the first to utilize Buick's new design theme previewed earlier on the Buick Avenir concept. It features a winged waterfall grille inspired by the 1954 Buick Wildcat II concept and a return to using the three-color Trishield emblem. China sales began on March 18, 2016.^[58] United States sales are expected to commence in summer 2016.^[59] It will be available in Canada fall of 2016.^[60]

The third generation LaCrosse will offer new features not available on the previous model, such as:

• Automatic parking assist (front ultrasonic parking assist is now present)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system
• An all-new 3.6-liter direct-injection VVT V6 engine
• An all-new 8-speed automatic transmission
• The classic "tri-color" Buick emblem (the all-new LaCrosse will be the first North American Buick vehicle to reintroduce this emblem style, which wasn't used since 2005.)

New Holden speculation

In late 2015, following Holden's decision to terminate its Australian production of the rear-wheel drive Holden Commodore and derivatives based on the GM Zeta platform (including the Chevrolet SS and long wheelbase Chevrolet Caprice exported to North America) from 2017 for good, the Australian motoring media flagged the LaCrosse as potentially being the basis of the next fully imported Commodore.^[61]

Yearly sales

Calendar year	United States	China
2004[62]	10,995
2005	92,669
2006[63]	71,072
2007	47,747
2008[64]	36,873
2009	27,818[65]	43,429[66]
2010[67]	61,178
2011	58,474[68]	103,366[69]
2012	57,076
2013	48,798[70]
2014	51,468[71]
2015	42,035[72]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Buick LaCrosse.

• Official Website for Buick Lacrosse Luxury Full-size Sedan
• GM Alpheon official Website (Korean)

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