Note the Buick ventiports and the huge wheels.
Buick today introduced a revised 2014 model LaCrosse mid-size sedan ahead of the public introduction at the New York Auto Show this week. When LaCrosse appears in dealer showrooms during the late summer there will be front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models and two powertrains: a 182 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid assist, which is an alternator stop-start lithium ion battery system capable of adding 15 horsepower at 1,000 to 2,000 rpm; or a 304 horsepower 3.6-liter direct-injected V6. Each is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. No fuel economy figures were released.
Globally, LaCrosse sales have exceeded 500,000 since its 2009 introduction. U.S. sales of 57,000 in 2012 made it more popular than other premium sedans, including Lexus ES, Acura TL and the Lincoln MKS. However, during February, Buick sales were led by the Enclave at 5,241 crossovers, an increase of 15%. The aging LaCrosse sedan dropped -30% to 3,700 units.
Whatever happened to bench seats? Time for a revival?
For 2014 on the outside, there are LED daytime running lamps and wraparound taillights. The interior is claimed to be more contemporary, with new seats, materials, a redesigned central instrument panel and console – and an all-new, optional ‘Ultra Luxury” interior. The LaCrosse also has Buick’s next-generation infotainment system with voice recognition.
New radar- and camera-based safety systems include Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation. The driver’s seat works with these, providing seat vibration pulses indicating the direction of a potential crash threat. Adaptive Cruise Control is optional. It senses traffic in front of the LaCrosse to adjust vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again.
