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|production_start = September 7, 2004<ref name='Wards05'>{{cite book |title=Ward's Automotive Yearbook 2005 |publisher=Ward's Communications, Inc |year=2005 |page=115}}</ref>
|production_start = September 7, 2004<ref name='Wards05'>{{cite book |title=Ward's Automotive Yearbook 2005 |publisher=Ward's Communications, Inc |year=2005 |page=115}}</ref>
|model_years = 2005–present
|model_years = 2005–present
|predecessor = [[Buick Century]]<br />[[Buick Regal]][[Oldsmobile Intrigue]]
|predecessor = [[Buick Century]]<br />[[Buick Regal]] [[Oldsmobile Intrigue]]
|class = [[Mid-size]]
|class = [[Mid-size]]
}}
}}


The '''Buick LaCrosse''' is a [[mid-size car]] produced by the [[Buick]] division of [[United States|American]] automaker [[General Motors]] since 2004 as a 2005 model. The LaCrosse, only available as a four-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]], replaces the [[Buick Century, Regal]] and the[[Oldsmobile Intrigue]] after gm discontinued the brand. Its namesake is the Buick LaCrosse concept car shown beginning in 2000.
The '''Buick LaCrosse''' is a [[mid-size car]] produced by the [[Buick]] division of [[United States|American]] automaker [[General Motors]] since 2004 as a 2005 model. The LaCrosse, only available as a four-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]], replaces the [[Buick Century, Regal]] and the [[Oldsmobile Intrigue]] after gm discontinued the brand. Its namesake is the Buick LaCrosse concept car shown beginning in 2000.


The original 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 (sport)|lacrosse]], seen as popular with a younger, more active [[demographic]] to which Buick sought to market. However, ''la crosse'' means [[masturbation]] or [[swindling]] in [[Quebec French lexicon#Slang terms|Québécois slang]], so it is sold as the '''Buick Allure''' in Canada.<ref>{{cite book | last = Wallechinsky | first = David | title = The New Book of Lists | publisher = Canongate U.S | location = City | year = 2005 | isbn = 1841957194 | page = 244 }}</ref>
The original 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 (sport)|lacrosse]], seen as popular with a younger, more active [[demographic]] to which Buick sought to market. However, ''la crosse'' means [[masturbation]] or [[swindling]] in [[Quebec French lexicon#Slang terms|Québécois slang]], so it is sold as the '''Buick Allure''' in Canada.<ref>{{cite book | last = Wallechinsky | first = David | title = The New Book of Lists | publisher = Canongate U.S | location = City | year = 2005 | isbn = 1841957194 | page = 244 }}</ref>

Revision as of 20:22, 23 June 2009

Buick LaCrosse
2005-2007 Buick LaCrosse
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Also calledBuick Allure (Canada)
Model years2005–present
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size
Chronology
PredecessorBuick Century
Buick Regal Oldsmobile Intrigue

The Buick LaCrosse is a mid-size car produced by the Buick division of American automaker General Motors since 2004 as a 2005 model. The LaCrosse, only available as a four-door sedan, replaces the Buick Century, Regal and the Oldsmobile Intrigue after gm discontinued the brand. Its namesake is the Buick LaCrosse concept car shown beginning in 2000.

The original 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. However, la crosse means masturbation or swindling in Québécois slang, so it is sold as the Buick Allure in Canada.[2]

First generation (2005-2009)

First generation
2008 Buick LaCrosse
Overview
Model years2005-2009
AssemblyOshawa, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformW-body
RelatedChevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Pontiac Grand Prix
Buick Century
Powertrain
Engine3.6 L HFV6 V6
3.8 L 3800 V6
5.3 L LS4 V8
Transmission4-speed 4T65-E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase110.5 in (2,807 mm)
Length198.1 in (5,032 mm)
Width73.0 in (1,854 mm)
Height57.4 in (1,458 mm)

The LaCrosse made its debut in late 2004 as a 2005 model with the intention of replacing the Century and Regal midsize cars with a single model. 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 Super's). Many former Regal owners were disappointed that key features had not been carried over, but with the exception of reduced knee room and folding mirrors all features have been made available. For 2008 the LaCrosse was facelifted, with the most noticeable change being that of replacing the old oval grille with a chrome u-shaped waterfall style grille. 2008 model year also introduced the LaCrosse Super, featuring a small-block V8 engine, which replaced the previously top-of-the-line CXS model. The last first-generation LaCrosse rolled off the assembly line on December 23, 2008.[citation needed]

Super

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super

A new trim of the LaCrosse bearing the Super moniker debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, to be introduced as a 2008 model. The LaCrosse Super is 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 portholes (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 include special super badged cluster with blue face, wood grain shift knob, and dream weave leather seating. Interior colors for the super come only in Platinum or Mocha Brown, while exterior color choices are Mocha Brown Metallic, Black Onyx, Red Jewel Tincoat, and Platinum Metallic. Power comes from the5.3 L LS4 small-block V8 engine featuring Active Fuel Management technology.[3] This powertrain is also found on the Grand Prix GXP, Impala SS, and Monte Carlo SS. The Super model is 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.

Safety

In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash tests the Lacrosse receives a Good overall score in the frontal impact crash test. And a Marginal overall rating in the side impact test.[4] 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.[5]

Trim levels

Three trim lines are currently offered:

Discontinued trim lines:

  • CXS: Top of the Line with the 3.6L HFV6, from 2005-2007

Engines

Years Engine Displacement Horsepower Torque EPA Fuel Economy
2005-2009 3.8 L 3800 L26 V6 231 cu in (3791 cc) 200 hp (149 kW) @ 5200 rpm Template:Auto ft·lbf @ 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)
2005-2007 3.6 L HF LY7 V6 217 cu in (3564 cc) 240 hp (179 kW) @ 6000 rpm Template:Auto ft·lbf @ 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 5.3 L LS4 V8 325 cu in (5327 cc) 300 hp (224 kW) @ 5600 rpm Template:Auto ft·lbf @ 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:[6]

Second generation (2010)

Second generation
2010 Buick LaCrosse
Overview
ProductionJune 15, 2009[citation needed] - present
AssemblyKansas City, Kansas
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFWD / AWD
PlatformGM Epsilon II platform
RelatedOpel Insignia
Powertrain
Engine2.4 L Ecotec I4
3.0 L HFV6 V6
3.6 L HFV6 V6
Transmission6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase111.7 in (2,837 mm)
Length197.0 in (5,004 mm)
Width73.1 in (1,857 mm)
Height58.9 in (1,496 mm)

Coming as a 2010 model, the new Buick Lacrosse will be built upon the GM mid-size platform Epsilon II, which is also the basis for the Opel Insignia.[7] It is heavily based on the 2008 Buick Invicta concept but will remain under the LaCrosse nameplate. The 2010 LaCrosse made its debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and 2009 Montreal International Auto Show (under the Allure name) in January 2009. [8]

Buick states that the new LaCrosse will be "America's Lexus fighter". [9] It will continue to be assembled at the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas, and manufacturing validation builds are now coming off the assembly line.[10]

International models

Shanghai GM Buick LaCrosse

Shanghai GM builds a version of the Buick LaCrosse for the Chinese market. Designed by Shanghai GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center the Chinese LaCrosse is based on the same architecture as the North American model, but possesses a different engine lineup, interior and exterior designs. The car is also built in Taiwan by a joint Yulon-GM venture.

Yearly American sales

Calendar Year Total American sales
2004[11] 10,995
2005 92,669
2006[12] 71,072
2007 47,747
2008[13] 36,873

Awards and recognition

The Buick LaCrosse is one of a handful of vehicles designated by Hertz Rent A Car as part of their Green Collection. Vehicles in the Green Collection must attain a United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ highway rating of 28 mpg or higher and can be specifically requested in advance.

References

  1. ^ a b Ward's Automotive Yearbook 2005. Ward's Communications, Inc. 2005. p. 115.
  2. ^ Wallechinsky, David (2005). The New Book of Lists. City: Canongate U.S. p. 244. ISBN 1841957194.
  3. ^ "'Super' Buicks: The Return". The Crittenden Automotive Library. Retrieved May 5, 2007.
  4. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Buick LaCrosse". Iihs.org. 2008-11-25. Retrieved 2009-05-09.
  5. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Buick LaCrosse". Iihs.org. 2008-11-25. Retrieved 2009-05-09.
  6. ^ 2008 specs
  7. ^ 2010 Buick Lacrosse revealed (with video) - Left Lane News
  8. ^ GM postpones new Buick unveiling, scales back presence at next week's Los Angeles Auto Show
  9. ^ 2010 Buick LaCrosse - Auto Shows - Car and Driver
  10. ^ Heaster, Randolph (May 4, 2009). "Buick bets that the 2010 LaCrosse, to be built at Fairfax, will build a younger image". Kansas City Star. Retrieved 2009-05-18.
  11. ^ "GM Media Online". Media.gm.com. 2006-01-04. Retrieved 2009-05-09.
  12. ^ "GM Media Online". Media.gm.com. 2007-01-03. Retrieved 2009-05-09.
  13. ^ "GM Media Online". Media.gm.com. 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2009-05-09.