At one point, Buick seemed destined with the same fate as Oldsmobile. Sales were down and the make had nothing new to offer a new generation of buyers. GM has, however, pulled Buick half-way out of the grave and invested on overhauling the entire Buick image and the cars it represents. This can be seen in the all new 2010 Buick LaCrosse. The LaCrosse is Buick’s mid-size sedan and flagship model. Finally, this model has shed the bulb-like ovoid body that was so popular in the early 1990s. The new LaCrosse sports attractive and modern edges that are not overdone but blended into a sleek body.
As for the body of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, a few extra inches in height are provided but to be sure, interior space has diminished from previous models. In times past, the LaCrosse could seat 6 but this new model conforms to the usual 5 passenger capacity. In return, however, the front seats are large and extremely comfortable. In addition, the rear seats have more legroom than is needed for most passengers.
Another big change for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is the downsizing of the power plant. The V8 Buick engine is no longer an option. At release, the LaCrosse will come standard with midlevel 3.0L V6. The 3.0L produces 255 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. It is rated by the EPA at 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This is an acceptable base engine but Buick has plans to switch out the base engine half-way through the model year to a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder. The 4-cylinder is not matched for this class of vehicle. Buick is betting buyers will continue to purchase the LaCrosse and spring for the engine upgrade. The top-line engine available for the LaCrosse is a 3.6L V6 but Buick has yet to provide the ratings.
Tags: buick engine, v6 buick engine
