Buick is reshaping its midsize passenger car lineup with a new premium sedan – the 2005 LaCrosse – with a totally new look inside and out, a powerful new engine and notably improved ride and handling. The 2005 LaCrosse will go on sale in dealer showrooms in the fall of 2004. LaCrosse, featuring an all-new exterior and interior design, marks a renewed emphasis on Buick passenger cars after the division focused its attention on creating a new market presence in trucks.
LaCrosse is assembled at GM's assembly plant in Oshawa , Ontario , Canada , which has been recognized in a major independent study as being at the very top in quality.
Here are some of LaCrosse's key attributes, starting with power:
New V-6 engine delivers 240 horsepower
LaCrosse debuts in three versions – the well-equipped CX, elegantly appointed CXL and performance-oriented CXS – with two engine choices.
Standard in the CXS is a new aluminum engine, the 3.6L V-6 VVT (variable valve timing), that delivers an estimated 240 horsepower and 230 lb.-ft. of torque and estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. One of a new generation of “high feature” General Motors powerplants, this premium engine has dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Its fully variable intake and exhaust valve timing achieves outstanding flexibility, delivering 90 percent of the engine's
peak torque where it is most useful, between 1600 rpm and 6000 rpm.
The other LaCrosse versions, CX and CXL, are powered by one of the most renowned engines in GM's lineup, the 3.8L 3800 V-6, now in Series III form. The award-winning 3800, generating an estimated 200 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft. of torque, has long been a favorite of Buick owners in the flagship Park Avenue, full-size LeSabre and midsize Regal. Among its upgrades is an electronic throttle control, which improves engine response and fuel efficiency while reducing complexity, as well as structural upgrades for quieter operation. Estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
QuietTuning for new levels of quietness
Significant emphasis was placed on Buick's goal of providing best-in-class quietness. This initiative, called "QuietTuning,"' is an all-encompassing approach to reduce unwanted noise and vibration levels even further throughout the entire body structure.
Specific examples include the use of:
Acoustical laminate on windshield and front side glass.
Quiet Steel laminate on the front-of-dash body area.
Expanded baffles in the roof pillars to block noise paths.
Extensive use of melt-on sound deadener throughout the entire lower body structure.
A sound-absorbing interior carpet backing and additional headliner pad coverage.
Specifically designed acoustical engine covers and revised exhaust tuning to reduce high-frequency noise.
A hood insulator pad.
A sound-absorbing layer under the instrument panel top pad and rear parcel shelf.
Minimized body panel gaps, additional foam inserts and redesigned seals and gaskets to further reduce wind noise.
Interior design: highly crafted comfort
Buick's focus on creating a highly crafted, attention-to-detail appearance is reflected in LaCrosse's interior. Its clean, ergonomic design makes use of high-quality soft-touch materials, as well as tasteful chrome and woodgrain accents. The overall effect is an environment that is elegant and comfortable. LaCrosse also has more rear legroom than previous midsize Buicks, thanks to a 1.5-inch increase in wheelbase. Front and rear hip room is also increased.
LaCrosse is available in either a five- or six-passenger configuration. Five-passenger models are equipped with a wide center armrest with deep storage area and console-mounted gearshift lever. Six-passenger models feature a “flip and fold” seatback cushion that can be converted into a spacious center console/armrest with large storage bin. The shift lever in six-passenger models is mounted on the steering column.
While LaCrosse CX has cloth seats, the CXL and CXS have premium leather seat surfaces sewn in a “gathered stitch” French seam pattern for durability and an elegant appearance.
Text and photos courtesy of General Motors
