Buick LaCrosse Model Information

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The Buick LaCrosse is a full size sedan produced by Buick since 2004. It replaced both the Regal and Century in North America starting with the 2005 model. For it's second generation it replaced the Buick Lucerne, and is now Buick's top level sedan in North America.

First generation (2005–2009)
The Buick LaCrosse made its debut in late 2004 as a 2005 mode. It was initially available with two engine choices in three trim levels:
- 3.8 liter 3800 Series III V6 available in base CX and mid level CXL.
- 3.6 liter "High Feature" V6 in the top line CXS model.

Power is sent to the front wheels by an automatic transmission.

2008
The LaCrosse received a minor refresh and a few new exterior paint colors for the 2008 model year. The front fascia was based on the Buick Velite concept. New body color choices were Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic, Scarlett Red and Dark Slate Metallic. A chrome exterior appearance package was available as a new option.

Technology features now standard included remote start, telescoping steering wheel column, XM Satellite Radio, steering wheel controls and dual-zone climate control. The CX model added a theft deterrent system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization and more.

Super
The LaCrosse "Super" was a new package available starting in 2008 - which was a high performance model with a unique front fascia as well as the return Ventiports (four - reflecting a V8 engine), projector beam fog lights, a rear spoiler, Magnasteer, larger brakes, and improved suspension tuning with standard Stabilitrak. Changed on the inside included a special Super badged cluster with a blue face, wood grain shift knob and dream weave leather seating. Interior colors unique to the Super were Platinum and Mocha Brown, while unique exterior color choices were Red Jewel Tincoat, Black Onyx, Mocha Brown Metallic, and Platinum Metallic. Power came from a 5.3 liter LS4 small block V8 engine featuring Active Fuel Management technology, which is sent to the front wheels. The LaCrosse Super was the fastest modern production Buick ever built, with a factory top speed of 150 miles per hour and reached sixty miles per hours in only 5.7 seconds. Only the turbo Buick Regals of the 1980s was given such high performance capability until the Super was introduced. However, the LaCrosse Super was quickly discontinued in 2009.

Second generation (2010–present)
Arriving as a 2010 model, the second-generation Buick Lacrosse is built on the mid-size Epsilon II platform in its long-wheel-base (LWB) version. The design was based on the 2008 Buick Invicta concept, and replaces both the Chinese and North American models. Many people consider the Buick LaCrosse the "American Lexus". With the introduction of the 2011 Regal and the cancellation of the Lucerne, the LaCrosse was no longer Buick's entry level model, but its premium luxury sports sedan. Buick had a new flagship.

Beginning with the LaCrosse's second generation, Buick's "VentiPorts" and the "Sweepspear" had reappeared. This was a styling feature unique to Buick which dates back to 1949. The "Sweepspear" is displayed as a character line in the body that runs the entire length of the vehicle. Other manufacturers have started using this design technique as well.

A 2.4 liter Ecotec four-cylinder replaced the 3.0 V6 as the standard engine on the CX model. The 3.6 liter V6 continues to be an option on the CX and front wheel drive CXL and standard on the CXS and all wheel drive CXL.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS brought a front suspension design named HiPer Strut to the North American car market. This system improves ride and handling and reduces torque steer to prevent "fish nosing". The Buick LaCrosse CXS includes a Real-Time Damping System that adjusts the damping forces of the shocks and struts for and improved ride and more agile handling.

eAssist
In 2012 Buick gave the Lacrosse a new mild hybrid system for its base model named eAssist. eAssist is General Motor's second generation Belt-Alternator-Starter system which consists of a 115-volt lithium-ion battery pack, a 15 kW electric motor capable of adding 15 horsepower of assistance while accelerating, and the next generation 6T40 GM Hydramatic transmission with reduced friction components over the previous generation. The eAssist LaCrosse, for a full-size sedan, delivers impressive, class leading fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon during city driving and 36 miles per gallon during highway driving. In addition to providing additional power to the 182 horsepower 2.4 liter four cylinder engine, the BAS-II system allows for seamless start/stop operation when the vehicle isn't moving and complete fuel cut off while not accellerating.

Facelift (2014-present)
At the 2013 New York Auto Show Buick unveiled a mid-cycle refreshed LaCrosse with new front and rear fascias, wheels, a reconfigurable 8 inch TFT instrument cluster, semi-aniline leather seating, and radar/camera-based safety features such as Forward Collision Alert.

Sales in the United States
2004 - 10,995
2005 - 92,669
2006 - 71,072
2007 - 47,747
2008 - 36,873
2009 - 27,818
2010 - 61,178
2011 - 58,474
2012 - 57,076
2013 - 48,798
2014 - 51,468