The 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be a signature car for Buick when it reaches showrooms later this summer. It’s part of a major revamp of the Buick line that began with the well-received Enclave midsize crossover. The new LaCrosse is part of a plan to win the attention of younger owners who appreciate advanced technology and cutting edge design.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is the first domestic car built on GM’s next-generation global car architecture (previously called Epsilon). Overseas, the Opel Insignia, riding on this platform, won the 2009 European Car of the Year award. In this country, Buick was ranked highest (tied for first place) in vehicle dependability according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study (three-year dependability) released in March.

The LaCrosse is the result of a global GM partnership that saw the Epsilon architecture engineered in Europe and the body design contributed by GM North America. Compared to the 2009 LaCrosse, the newest model features a 1.2 inch longer wheelbase (for a wider stance) and about an inch less length. Enthusiasts will note the styling cues adopted from the Buick Invicta concept car that toured the car shows last year. There’s also some Enclave influence in the new LaCrosse, especially its sides and signature Buick waterfall grille.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be offered in CX, CXL and sport-oriented CXS models. Front-wheel drive will be standard. The CXL model will also be available with a sophisticated all-wheel drive system capable of allocating power individually in addition to front and rear. The LaCrosse CXS will also offer an active suspension system with three stiffness settings. The steering, throttle and all-wheel drive systems on the CXS will be tuned for spirited driving.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse will use two of GM’s highly regarded, technologically advanced V6 engines. LaCrosse CX and CXL models will get a 3.0-liter V6 with 255 hp and 211 lb/ft of torque and fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The proven 3.6-liter V6, which produces 280 hp and 261 lb/ft of torque, will power the top-line CXS model. It’s the acclaimed 3.6-liter six found in Cadillac’s premium rear-drive CTS sedan. The direct injection engines in the new LaCrosse develop more power while using less fuel. These engines also reduce vehicle emissions through greater combustion control – particularly cold-start emissions that are reduced by up to 25 percent.

Both engines will use an advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The CXS version of the six-speed automatic transmission will have a manual shift mode (and achieve up to about 26 mpg).

As befitting a flagship model, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse will have a decidedly upscale cabin design and décor. The details will include stitched leather trim on the dash, smoked chrome and genuine wood accents, cool blue illumination for the instruments and ambient lighting. CX models feature 17-inch wheels while CXLs include available 19-inch wheels, foglights and heated and cooled leather seats with dual-zone climate control.

Buick promises the new LaCrosse will be the quietest Buick yet, thanks to Quiet Tuning^™ using acoustic laminated glass, triple-sealed doors and sealed liquid sound isolation techniques. Special designs for the suspension bushings, engine cradle and mounts, steering and air induction systems prevent the transmission of noise, vibration and harshness to the cabin.

Buick is introducing “Intelligent Personal Technologies” on the new LaCrosse exemplified by Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary audio input and a USB port, as well as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Intelligent personal tech options include an available Head-Up display on the windshield, making it easier and safer to monitor speed without taking your eyes off the road.

Beyond the confident control of Buick’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control systems, the 2010 LaCrosse features the security of the integrated OnStar system as well as front-, side- and roof-mountain curtain airbags.

We’ll be looking for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse later this summer. Please give us a call if you would like to receive updates including pricing and arrival information on this exciting new Buick.