LaCrosse gets new look, more standards
The Buick LaCrosse sedan was the first vehicle in the automaker's portfolio designed to reestablish the brand with premium products that offer timeless style, luxury features and relevant technologies.
Offered in CX, CXL and CXS trim levels, the 2008 model year will reintroduce a powerful name from the past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement for the LaCrosse sedan , Super. The badge is designated exclusively for the most premium LaCrosse available. The Super moniker returns to the Buick line-up for the first time in 50 years.
Like its luxurious forbearers, the LaCrosse Super includes such design elements as a new waterfall grille, new hood and a new front fascia that incorporates a lower grille opening with chrome trim and chrome fog lamp bezels. The new Super also includes new portholes (four per side), rocker moldings, rear fascia with integrated part assist sensors, 3.5-inch diameter dual chrome exhaust tips, rear decklid spoiler and, of course, the Super badge.
Engines: 3.8-liter V6, 200 hp at 5,200 rpm and 230 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm; 3.6-liter V6, 240 hp at 6,000 rpm and 225 lbs.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm; 5.3-liter V8, 300 hp at 5,600 rpm and 323 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission: electronically-controlled four-speed automatic with overdrive and torque converter clutch
EPA fuel economy: 3.6-liter V6, 17 city/25 hwy.; 3.8-liter V6, 17 city/28 hwy.; 5.3-liter V8, 16 city/24 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 16.0 cubic feet
Safety features: Dual front airbags, head curtain airbags, alarm system, OnStar communications system, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, automatic power door locks, automatic headlamp control, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, remote control engine start, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitor and traction control. CXS adds fog lights. Super adds garage door opener and rear parking sensors.
Optional safety features :Stabilitrak vehicle stability control system.
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): 2008 Buick LaCrosse sedan starts from $23,725 for the CX up to $31,855 for the Super. Destination charges add $750.
Standard power for the front-drive LaCrosse is the popular 3800 Series III 3.8L V6, while the uprange model is equipped with by a performance-oriented all-aluminum 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing. The new LaCrosse Super receives a robust 5.3-liter V8 prime mover outfitted with Active Fuel Management (AFM), an engine technology that seamlessly switches between four and eight cylinders to save fuel.
All three engines are bolted to a sophisticated Hydra-Matic 4T65 electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
The sedan's body, suspension and powertrain were engineered using QuietTuning, an exclusive all-encompassing initiative aimed at achieving impressive ride quietness under all driving conditions.
In addition to the standard strong "safety-cage" body structure, available safety options include: StabiliTrak electronic stability system, ultrasonic rear parking assist and a factory-installed remote starting system with a 500- foot range.
The passenger cabin was engineered to reflect a highly-crafted, attention-to-detail interior. For 2008, all LaCrosse models feature an upgraded standard equipment roster which adds: factory-installed remote engine start, XM Satellite radio, telescoping steering wheel column, redundant steering wheel controls and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The new LaCrosse Super features front seats with increased seatback bolstering; new woven-embossed leather inserts for all seating surfaces; unique woodgrain appearance accents for the instrument panel, center console, doors and gearshift knob; exclusive instrument cluster graphics which includes the Super identification; new front sill plates, silver finish on the instrument panel center stack and Super-specific floor mats.
The premium Buick sedan is available in either a five or six passenger seating configuration. Five-passenger models are equipped with a wide center armrest with a deep storage area and a console-mounted gearshift lever. Six-passenger models have a column-mounted shifter and feature a "flip-and-fold" seatback cushion that can be converted into a spacious center console/armrest with a large storage bin. 2008 Buick LaCrosse