New York Auto Show: LaCrosse and Lucerne here, but location is less than Super
click the above image for 23 high-res shots of the Buick Supers
Well, they're here, but if you want to see 'em you're gonna have to look pretty hard. We're talking about Buick's new Super sleds, the LaCrosse Super and the Lucerne Super. Despite all the noise coming from the General about how Buick is very much a factor, the Grandpa Division is banished to one of the rear corners of the GM stand. (The other treated-like-a-stepchild division, Pontiac, occupies another rear corner. There's good reason to seek it out, however, as the awesome G8 is on display.)
Once you locate the Buick display, you're welcomed by the Enclave, which still impresses. Just beyond it, against the rear wall of the Javits Center, are the Supers. Finished in rich, matching Dark Mocha Metallic paint jobs, the pair are parked trunk-to-trunk. The Lucerne looks just like... a regular Lucerne, save for its polished exhaust tips, subtle "Super" badging, and silly-looking pointy-bottom grille. Other than the grille, this is fine, because the Lucerne is a good-looking sedan, and the few extra ponies under the Super's hood for its Northstar V8 certainly are a welcome addition.
The LaCrosse Super gets a new "Velite-inspired" grille, but that doesn't make it look any less homely. It's as if someone took a Mitsuoka Orochi, last-gen Ford Taurus, and the aforementioned grille from the Velite concept and Frankensteined them all together. It's rather troubling, though some Autobloggers don't mind it. The full redesign can't come soon enough, however, and the presence of the 300-hp 5.3L V8 in the Super does nothing to change our feelings. After all, you can get that powertrain in the Impala SS, which looks badass and will likely cost less.
PRESS RELEASE:
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.
Lucerne Super adds more luxury appointments
Distinctly designed, the Lucerne Super stands out with a new bright chrome waterfall grille, front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, rocker panels, and Super badge on the decklid. Exclusive aluminum wheels and premium all-season tires complete the look, complementing the vehicle's sport-touring attitude. The Lucerne Super is available in four exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, Gold Metallic, Sharkskin and White Diamond. The interior comes in Ebony or Cocoa/Shale.
Lucerne Super's refined ride dynamics and increased power make it the sportiest Lucerne available . A more powerful version of the 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine provides the Lucerne Super with an ample power reserve. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)*, which is 17 horsepower (13 kW) more than the Lucerne CXS.
Lucerne Super's new premium steering gear, StabiliTrak stability control system, brake assist and specifically calibrated Magnetic Ride Control system help deliver a crisp response and enhanced driver control. It rides on standard 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P245/50R18 all-season radials. The exclusive wheel design is finished in bright silver premium paint. Chrome-plated wheels are available.
The Lucerne Super's interior wraps occupants in luxury including a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel with French-seam stitching, unique finish on the instrument panel center stack, leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts for the outboard seating positions, and suede door trim inserts. A heated, real wood steering wheel and shift knob finished in Walnut Burl, power tilt and telescoping steering column, front chrome sill plates and Buick embroidered floor mats round out the Lucerne Super's special content.
Lucerne Super comes with three standard equipment packages, including Driver Confidence, Luxury and Comfort & Convenience. OnStar's Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn voice-guided navigation, XM Satellite Radio and Harman Kardon audio system are also standard.
All Buick models come standard with the industry's best coverage, including a four-year/50,000-mile vehicle warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Buick LaCrosse Super arrives in dealerships this summer as a 2008 model. The Lucerne Super is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2008. Pricing for both vehicles has not been released.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3cubedminus3squared 2:06AM (4/06/2007)
Didn't GM say they were going to show 7 vehicles we hadn't seen yet?
There's the Chevy triplets and then these super buicks. That means there are still two left.
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John Neff 2:13AM (4/06/2007)
There were also the Hummer H3 Alpha, Hummer H2 with a new interior and the 2008 Cadillac STS with some tweaks. We've yet to post on those since they weren't pressing news, but still plan on getting something up on them soon.
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Talis 2:27AM (4/06/2007)
I guess I am the only one who thinks these three new Buicks all great looking cars. The Lucerne is ugly until you put that Velite-inspired grille on it. The Lacrosse is an ok looking car, but the new grille makes it. I just wish I could get a 6-speed.
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3cubedminus3squared 2:40AM (4/06/2007)
Oh yeah, I forgot about those. I was hoping for something else, but I guess the news on the STS is good.
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evden eve nakliyat 11:31AM (4/06/2007)
evden eve nakliyat
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Avinash machado 6:02AM (4/06/2007)
I hope GM is not planning to phase out Pontiac and Buick.These brands have a lot of heritage.
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uncle john 7:37AM (4/06/2007)
#3 No you're not the only one who thinks they look good. Alas, if you look at the blog for the GNX, you'll remember that 20 years ago, they had a whole lineup of "T-Type" versions of their regular cars. If you go back 40 yrs ago, They had GS versions of the Skylark, Wildcat, and Riviera. While the Super versions is a start, I only wonder what happened to that sporty edge Buick used to have? SSSIIIGGGHHH!!
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Gale 8:09AM (4/06/2007)
I've heard they serve dinner at 4:00 in the booth and play Larence Welk. Toyota is benchmarking them by putting a depends dispenser in the Avalon.
Damn kids, get away from that car!!
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Joe 8:27AM (4/06/2007)
Buick and Pontiac have been in the back of the ground level for as long as I have been going. Ford (Jag, aston martin, land rover with ford to the right, mazda behind ford before VW) Chevy Cars, and Toyota always got the entrances...
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Bill 8:58AM (4/06/2007)
"Wouldn't you rather have a Buick?" Those and Oldsmobiles were always the family's by-law for my parents, my older brother and myself. No more. I gave up my last GM car last week, I was going to get a LaCrosse but it reminded me too much of the Taurus. Got an Altima to go with the Maxima.
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jg 9:02AM (4/06/2007)
I think they look good too. The chrome grilles make a big difference. They are hardly ugly. Ugly is the snout-nosed Camry, the Tribeca, and a few other homely rides.
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Howard Kerr 9:10AM (4/06/2007)
Here I go nitpicking again.
GM. you have two newish cars both with new models, would it have killed you to use colors that DON'T melt into the background at an auto show? More importantly, why confuse folks by putting two different cars (painted the SAME EXACT COLOR) back to back? It looks like some unimaginative "mirror-like" display of one car. I wonder how many people that managed to see this display realized they were looking at two different cars.
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Richard 9:34AM (4/06/2007)
Bill wrote (No. 9) " ... I gave up my last GM car last week, I was going to get a LaCrosse but it reminded me too much of the Taurus. Got an Altima to go with the Maxima."
Nissan. Now, there's a brand that is ....
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DC_1 10:37AM (4/06/2007)
How interesting can a Buick be push 300 HP through the front wheels with a 4 speed auto. GM should just put Buick away and focus on the other brands they have. JM2Cents
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A_D_Hominem 10:40AM (4/06/2007)
Okay, I like both of these cars and I like them more with more power - even if it's to the wrong wheels. And I'm also okay with the new grilles. Why, then, am I shaking my head? Perhaps its because I suspect that the effort to produce these won't get much of a payoff in the marketplace - the market for higher-powered FWD Buicks cannot be that big. Plus I think it's an unfortunate reinforcement of the perception that the domestics are more interested in gas-guzzlers than fuel efficiency. Given the current political climate and discussions underway (e.g. CAFE), this sort of product offering contradicts the argument that the industry can be trusted to come up with their own solutions. Frankly, GM would have done better to introduce a hybrid LaCrosse - even a mild hybrid. I can't believe that the market for such an animal would be any smaller than that for a more powerful one.
A good execution of a lukewarm idea with terrible timing...
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Brendan 12:50PM (4/06/2007)
Buick is a great brand with a nice past, however, these two cars are what you get when you 'focus group' the thing to death. I can almost envision the interior design discussions. "Make it cleaner, more plain, less swoopy..." Well, what you end up with is this pathetic excuse for a "luxury car" interior. Look at that center stack! Buick at least is moving in the right direction with their exterior styling and build quality, (and the Enclave is beautiful) but c'mon folks, let's banish the old folks interiors and 4-speed automatics!!
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Chris 12:13PM (4/06/2007)
I like these Buicks....
But the grilles look like they belong on Mercurys....
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felipe 3:08PM (4/06/2007)
Howard- i was thinking the same thing. this is the furthest thing from "breaking away from bland"
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mikeb 3:40PM (4/06/2007)
Quit hating. we'll get a zeta-friend eventually. If you don't think about your grandparents driving it and you walk around it and then a camry, it's better. It's like people don't agree with their grandparent's choices. People should stop takning other people's words for things. The la crosse needs to lose those tiburon lights and get wrap arounders. as for headlights, how about square ones. thoose designers should make every car look like something the would buy.
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jake 6:59PM (4/06/2007)
if you ever get the lcucerne..get the one with the pearl white tri coat color..It looks awesome..I drove onetoday and everybody was looking at it..
and it comes with 18" wheels too...and have a nice stand on the ground because they are pretty wide..
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