click above image for more spy shots of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse
Despite a heavy rotation of security guards protecting the identity of this test car, Priddy photographer Chris Doane managed to snap it during one of one its brief public outings in an undisclosed location. It's the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, a car that's extremely important for Buick, which is down to a lineup of just three vehicles (LaCrosse, Lucerne and Enclave). It's also an important car for GM, as the 2010 LaCrosse will be the first vehicle sold in the U.S. on the new Epsilon II platform, a chassis that will eventually underpin the next generation Saturn Aura and Chevy Malibu. But Buick's getting the new platform first, and will no doubt make a splash with this all-new vehicle when it arrives in 2009 and a 2010 model.
Though heavily covered, we can see through the mesh obscuring the front end to see a grille not unlike the one worn by the Enclave CUV. With the Enclave enjoying critical acclaim and sales success, it's no surprise that Buick will be trying to repeat the formula in its mid-size sedan. Also note the roof, which is dominated by an oversized sunroof with two sections.
We're unsure what engine was powering this test vehicle, but dual exhaust pipes hint at something hot. While it could be a V8, we're betting it's the 3.6L V6, most likely with direct injection. In the new Cadillac CTS, this engine puts out over 300 HP. Doane reported the test car was plenty quick, so this scenario seems likely, but expect the 3.6L DI V6 to be detuned a bit for duty in the LaCrosse. Can't have a FWD Buick encroaching on the territory of Cadillac's RWD sport sedan, now can we?
[Source: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Company]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jg @ Sep 27th 2007 12:52PM
Checker board roof? Full car bra? What's GM thinking? No way anyone buys that.
SPG @ Sep 27th 2007 7:57PM
Haha, nice
RealityCheck @ Sep 27th 2007 7:58PM
The black tires don't do it for me either with the black rims. Maybe white tires would bring buyer's in..... Yes I am joking
TBSS in the D @ Sep 27th 2007 1:17PM
I am betting that this car will be light years more upscale then the current. If they do go 3.6 DI this car could be closing the "Lexus" gap even more. The current model is fine to drive, but it is still lacking in some areas. Keep up the good work General!
Chris @ Sep 27th 2007 1:24PM
If you compare this to some of the Opel Vectra spy shots, you'll see the two are probably the same car--and that can only be a good thing (of course, as long as they get rid of those hideous headlights)
DJ_Swammi @ Sep 27th 2007 1:31PM
How is this not a Nissan Maxima?
Spike @ Sep 27th 2007 1:48PM
Security guards and disguise??? It's a Buick and no one wants to look anyway.
alexer @ Sep 27th 2007 11:32PM
i have an enclave and let me tell you that many people turn their necks to see it and even ask me about the car. my friend has a lexus and he is goint to change it for a buick enclave too. i can say that is a beautiful to drive it. and my ex-acura suv wasnt that fun to drive.
DJ @ Sep 27th 2007 1:49PM
My biggest question is why would anyone waste a 'Digg' on this? 13 Diggs so far?!? I'll bet CDN$10 it's Oshawa assembly workers that haven't gone back to work yet.
SPG @ Sep 27th 2007 7:20PM
Nice!
the law @ Sep 27th 2007 1:52PM
if they followed styling of Enclave it should be rather nice.
what is the price point for one of these puppies?
does every1 know if there will be a AWD model?
I guess they can't really get Awd before Saab gets XWD can they?
Craig @ Sep 27th 2007 1:52PM
Are you sure it's not a Jaguar XF...? haha.
Non-Bizarro Adam @ Sep 27th 2007 2:08PM
I understand the move towards more sloped rooflines for the aesthetics, however, this really crimps access to the trunk. Maybe someone can come up with an innovative way to hinge the trunk so that there is more than a bunker slit opening in it. Anyone have any examples of this done really well?
teamkitty @ Sep 27th 2007 2:13PM
dodge magnum's easy access rear liftgate comes to mind. http://www.dodge.com/en/2008/magnum/interior/storage/
psarhjinian @ Sep 27th 2007 5:26PM
Yes. The Mazda6 Sport and pre-2003 Saab 9-3. It's called "the hatchback".
Non-Bizarro Adam @ Sep 28th 2007 2:18PM
Ok, so someone who doesn't have a smart ass reply got any ideas?
ThunderStik @ Sep 27th 2007 2:27PM
I would want some cover if I had to drive that also. TADA intriducing the new buick BORING?
jg3 @ Sep 27th 2007 2:38PM
I don't know, still looks better than the Avalon...and that's with the disguise.
Pokey @ Sep 27th 2007 2:54PM
Gotta love the GM bashers, bashing a car that they can't even see. Typical.
RealityCheck @ Sep 27th 2007 7:46PM
You are so right.... But just think most of these people can't even spell GM!