New York Preview: 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super rolled out
click above image to view 20 high-res pics of the 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super
Yes, yes, this is the only LaCrosse we enthusiasts care about, otherwise there wouldn't be much cause to mention this car's name in daily conversation. Buick has revived the "Super" moniker after a fifty-year absence on the 2008 LaCrosse (and Lucerne, which we'll get to next) to demarcate its most premium and powerful models. As such, the LaCrosse gets a major power boost from the addition of GM's 5.3L small-block V8 that produces 300 horsepower and 323 ft-lbs. of torque. As we'll tell you a little later, that's more power than the Lucerne Super's Northstar V8 can manage, making the LaCrosse Super somewhat of an entry-level luxury rocket with a 0 to 60 time of just 5.7 seconds.
We also get portholes on the LaCrosse Super, which is a given at this point – four on each flank signifying the eight cylinders pumping on the other side of the sheetmetal. The suspension has been upgraded with Bilsteing monotube struts, the steering made more precise and the brakes given larger rotors. The LaCrosse Super also benefits from the biggest wheel/tire combo you can get on this vehicle – 18-inch aluminum rims (chrome is also available because, hey, this is Buick).
Again, pricing was not made available, but we'd have to guess the LaCrosse Super will be a tad more expensive than the Chevy Impala SS that also sports the 5.3L V8 and starts at $28,655. If Buick decides to keep the LaCrosse Super under $30k, it will stand with the Impala SS as a incredible performance value. Of course, torque steer comes at no extra charge.
Check out GM's full press release after the jump and our gallery of desktop wallpaper-sized high-res images.
[Source: GM]
Gallery: 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super
BUICK RETURNS 'SUPER' NAME TO DESIGNATE PREMIUM MODELS
Exclusive Buick Models Elevate Design, Power and Performance
NEW YORK –Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick's most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.
"We're bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models," said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. "Our Supers are not just about increased horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge."
The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW)* 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM's Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super's chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick's renowned quietness inside.
The Lucerne Super adds a more powerful version of the legendary 4.6L Northstar V-8. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)*, an increase of more than 6 percent over existing models. The Super has an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne 's Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling.
Buick Super: elevated design, power and performance
Design elements on the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super denote the new face of Buick. Design cues echo those seen on the popular Velite convertible concept vehicle – and recently introduced on the Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV – including a new waterfall grille and portholes. The LaCrosse Super is the first and only LaCrosse model offered with Buick's iconic portholes; there are four per side to highlight the V-8 engine.
In addition to distinctive design, the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super deliver leading-edge performance and refinement. The 5.3L and 4.6L V-8 engines are renowned for balancing performance and fuel economy. They are complemented by specially tuned suspension systems.
Like all Buick models, LaCrosse and Lucerne Supers are built with an exclusive engineering process called QuietTuning to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the interior. Laminated side window glass, sound-deadening material in the body structure, hydraulic mounts in the engine compartment and more reduce interior noise. Even exhaust nodes have been tuned for overall sound quality. These features contribute to a quiet, refined driving experience.
While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic, including:
- Exclusive exterior and interior design appointments
- Powertrain enhancements
- Enhanced driving dynamics, with specifically tuned steering, braking and suspension systems for responsive and confident handling
- Leading levels of interior quietness through Buick's exclusive QuietTuning engineering effort.
LaCrosse Super
The LaCrosse Super is distinguished from its sibling models with a new exterior appearance that is highlighted by 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.
New portholes, rocker moldings, rear fascia with integrated park assist sensors, 3.5-inch-diameter dual chrome exhaust tips, rear decklid spoiler and a Super badge also make the LaCrosse Super instantly identifiable from any angle. LaCrosse Super is offered in four exterior colors: Black Onyx, Platinum Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Red Jewel tint coat.
Inside, the LaCrosse Super exudes comfort and style, including front seats with increased seatback bolstering. All of the seats feature new, woven-embossed leather inserts. A unique wood grain appearance accents the instrument panel, center console, doors and gear shift knob. There are also exclusive instrument cluster graphics – including Super identification – new front sill plates, a silver finish on the instrument panel center stack and Super-specific floor mats.
The LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine that has the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 323-lb.ft (438 Nm)* of torque, Buick's new V-8 can propel the LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 5.3L small-block V-8 uses GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM), an engine technology that seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.
To support the performance capabilities enabled by the V-8 engine, the LaCrosse Super features a specially tuned suspension system for steering precision, improved ride control and feel, and increased braking performance. Bilstein monotube struts, larger front and rear rotors, high-precision steering gear, StabiliTrak, and recalibrated chassis controls help the LaCrosse Super deliver confident handling and road manners, while also maintaining overall ride comfort.
The Super version comes standard with the largest wheels and tires available on the LaCrosse – 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P235/50R18 all-season tires. Chrome-finish wheels are available.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Silverado04 2:42PM (10/10/2009)
Hey, I just purchased a new "Lacrosse Super" unlike most of my fellow Americans, "I never have and never will own a foreign car", (I know the Lacrosse is built in Canada, I don't consider Canada foreign), I have owned everything from Pintos to Cadillacs, and several Buick Century's, (my Dad had a 50 Road Master straight 8 Dynaflow). I like everything about this "Hot Rod"! It is nice to have some real power under the hood and the MPG is only 1 mpg difference on each end. It has great int/ext finish and fit, paint etc. Very sharp looking, (mine is red jewel exterior titanium interior and every option available). After the break in I had it cruising @ 100 mph down I-5 with no sweat! (I like the Buick better than my 05 Deville with a North Star engine and its a nice car also). My fellow Americans ned to pull their heads out of the sand etc and look at our american vehicles and buy them, they have as much or more to offer than the typical foreign stuff any day.
A 60+ year old guy with a new red Buick Lacrosse "SUPER"!
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Chris 2:04PM (3/27/2007)
Now, fix those Taurus headlights and you'll be that much closer. This is hot. What a difference a good set of wheels makes.
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z riester 3:08PM (3/27/2007)
super lame
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Tal 2:27PM (3/27/2007)
This may be a real powerful sleeper.Nice clean looks.
Seating looks comfortable but ? use of shiny plastic or too much of it.
5.3L 8 when needed...cruise on 4.Best for both worlds?
Didn't Buick build some mega power no frills ?Skylarks? or an Olds Cutlass 442 equivilant way back in the 70s or so?
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Bryan 2:43PM (3/27/2007)
Looks better than the regular model for sure, but liek I said in the other post, interior needs a little work. They are getting there, slowly but surely.
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Justin 2:46PM (3/27/2007)
Mercury Called - They want their Grilles back...
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Be Oh Be 4:29PM (3/27/2007)
I love it! A 300 HP Grandpa-Mobile. It'll be fun to run alongside some guy in an IS350 in a traffic light race. hehehe.
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the vette makes them wet 4:03PM (3/27/2007)
is this RWD? sorry if it says it in the article, I'm spacey today.
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iamhoff 10:17AM (3/28/2007)
Looks better, and I think the mech upgrades are definitely a good thing. The only real problem I see with this is the interior. GM is making huuuuge strides in the interiors, and while there's nothing fundamentally wrong with it, if they're going to upgrade and use something different than the general corporate steering wheel/HVAC/Audio center stack stuff that's being used in everything from the G6/Aura to the Cobalt to the CTS, shouldn't it be better? Too many buttons on the center stack, and a 3 spoke steering wheel can look luxurious (see the '08 CTS/STS).
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Jared 5:56PM (3/27/2007)
300 HP V8 with front-wheel drive? No thanks.
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porker 3:37PM (3/27/2007)
Buick built a Skylark with the "Phase I" engine. Also had a "Phase II", but I'm not sure any of those were ever made. It was super-hot, a real muscle car in the heyday of muscle, and comfortable to boot. Lots of us high-school guys coveted one at the time. But, my best friend in high school had a brand-new '69 Z28 Camaro RS. True American horsepower. Oh, to bring back some of the glory days.........
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Rick Lyon 5:15PM (3/27/2007)
I can't stand these open large mouth bass fish oval grills that break up the flow of the bumper. I mean why? Why collect highway bugs?
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Gary 4:37PM (3/27/2007)
Porker:
Actually it was "Stage I" and "Stage II." Stage I was orderable from the factory, though in fact the dealer installed it (at least in '69; maybe in '70 or '71 it came from the factory, dunno). The 1970 GS Stage I was rated at 360 HP (the "regular" GS was rated at 350), while the Riviera was rated at 370, but in fact the Stage I put out more power.
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Michael Karesh 4:14PM (3/27/2007)
The transmission is a bigger problem than which wheels are driven. The ratios are so tall and widely spaced that the V8 doesn't perform nearly as well as it could. Sure, it feels strong even at 2,500 rpm. But good thing it does, because you'll spend a lot of time that far out of the powerband.
The Impala SS is a very boring drive. The Grand Prix GXP is much more entertaining. I suspect the new Buick LaCrosse Super will be more like the Chevy than the Pontiac. But at least the interior will be nicer than that in the Impalla, even if there is an odd mix of fake wood and fake aluminum (which must finally be running its course since it's now in a Buick).
No matter what the price is new, it's bound to be very affordable as a nearly new car. I list the GP GXP as a used car bargain on my site.
My review of the GP GXP:
http://www1.epinions.com/content_183470755460
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jg 7:26PM (3/27/2007)
A Lexus with some balls. Giddy up! The chrome grill looks great and should steal some customers away from Chryslers.
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Reno 12:05AM (3/28/2007)
I'm a 28 year old blackman, and honestly, this is kinda wack. Buick should have skipped the facelift and brought the high-performance Chinese version instead. I think it would have been around the same amount of money just to ship that product here instead. Front-wheel drive isn't all that bad is it was geat on quality and offered in 4-wheel drive to give it more power,but that Ford Taurus styling is 10 year old and is about as lame as it was 10 years ago.
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gerard Vandenberg 12:45PM (3/28/2007)
This car has nice looks!
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Brooksie 11:34AM (3/28/2007)
Never miss a tee time again...
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riverhead 12:46PM (3/29/2007)
I've always thought this was a "nice" car. But even with the better engine, who it going to buy it now that GM has better offerings like the Saturn Aura and Pontiac G8?
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al 8:28PM (3/29/2007)
Well, like everyone has said beforehand. They are getting there. Check out this kinda cool site for the super.
www.buick.com/super
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