Buick put other luxury brands on notice with the new-generation LaCrosse, a boldly styled sedan that offers more room and power than models from competitors such as Lexus and Audi. A more powerful V6 for 2012 underscores that point while preserving fuel economy in the 2012 LaCrosse.
The Buick LaCrosse impressed with its V6 engine in the 2011 model, but that didn’t stop Buick from enhancing this engine for 2012, giving it more power and refinement. The new version of the direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 produces 303 hp and 264 lb/ft of torque, putting it ahead of the Lexus ES 350 and a number of other import luxury-brand sedans. The increase of 23 hp over the 2011 LaCrosse V6 also comes with two bonuses: Quieter operation and the same excellent fuel economy ratings, 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway.
On the topic of value, the new V6 comes as a no-additional-cost option on select 2012 LaCrosse models, in place of the standard powertrain, a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with the fuel-saving eAssist™ light electrification system.
Though sharing the same 3.6-liter displacement as the 2011 V6, the 2012 version features a new, more efficient cylinder head design and lightweight components. A gain of 23 hp and a loss of 20.5 pounds make for the kind of improvements that please both engineers and drivers. That’s partly because changes to parts that reduce weight in this case also contribute to simplification and durability. Anytime you can remove 20 pounds from over the front wheels, it improves a vehicle’s overall balance. Engineers love to “fine tune” details to add refinement, and in this case, they employed changes to the fuel system to make the 2012 LaCrosse even quieter than before.
In other respects, the Buick LaCrosse continues to offer an international-flavored blend of sophisticated design, interior roominess and premium amenities. For example, the Buick LaCrosse offers its rear-seat passengers 40.5 inches of legroom while the Lexus ES 350 provides just 35.9 inches. Also, the Buick LaCrosse offers an all-wheel drive option while the Lexus ES 350 does not.
The attention to detail that the new V6 engine received brings into focus the kind of effort that Buick has applied to the entire vehicle. What you feel as a driver – and the comfort your passengers experience – stems from intensive effort to deliver truly premium ride quality and responsive handling. The real story, however, is how the LaCrosse delivers it with Buick value.
New equipment packages for 2012 allow you to more easily tailor your LaCrosse to your taste and budget. Starting with the uncommonly well-equipped Base model, you can add Convenience and Leather Packages, then the high-line Premium and Touring Packages. Certain models, in addition to their added comfort amenities, also get their own exclusive front suspension system. The Hi-Per Strut configuration takes handling and ride quality to an even higher level and helps smooth out acceleration by reducing “torque steer.” The top-line Touring Package doesn’t simply tweak the car’s suspension, but also replaces the rear suspension with a different design called “H-arm.” Plus, its automatic damping system continually firms or softens the shock absorbers, sensing changes in the road surface 500 times per second.
On all LaCrosse models, Buick applied its “Quiet Tuning™”, which employs special production processes and materials to reduce, block and absorb noise at the sources. An intrinsically quiet car makes the best foundation for a premium driving experience. In the Buick LaCrosse, the luxury is built in, not simply added on.
The LaCrosse starts with a premium CD/MP3/USB audio system and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, along with an eight-way power driver’s seat and leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel. All of the power windows feature express up/down operation. From there, choosing from among the available packages, you can equip the LaCrosse with such luxuries as leather-appointed seating (in your choice of three colors) and heated front seats. You can add front ventilated seats, a rare luxury in this segment, and a harman/kardon® 11-speaker 5.1 Surround audio system. All LaCrosse models also come standard with OnStar including a complimentary six-month subscription to the Directions and Connections Plan, which includes automatic crash response and turn-by-turn navigation.
The more powerful and more refined 2012 Buick LaCrosse is arriving now. Come in and test-drive the new 303-hp V6 model soon.
