2006 Buick Lucerne

Press Release

Strengthens New Direction For Division

The 2006 Buick Lucerne captures GM's commitment to reshape Buick's model line with vehicles that have elegant designs, premium interiors and exceptional levels of power, comfort, quietness and quality. This new front-wheel drive sedan brings a fresh approach to the entry luxury segment by combining high-level technology and luxury features with a spacious interior.

"The all-new Lucerne marks a significant milestone for Buick," said General Manager John Larson. "We're in the process of rolling out one of the most aggressive product programs in Buick history, with Lucerne being the third new Buick launched in just over a year. We expect the Lucerne - along with LaCrosse and Terraza - to appeal to many new customers and account for approximately 75 percent of Buick sales."

Technology you expect in a luxury car

Lucerne is the first Buick offering Magnetic Ride Control, paired with StabiliTrak, to enhance ride performance. Features such as remote start, heated washer fluid, rain sensing wipers and DVD map or off-board navigation enhance safety and security. Buick's definition of comfort grows with heated/cooled seats and the 245-watt Harman Kardon nine-speaker audio system.

V-8 power returns to Buick cars

The Buick Rainier SUV brought V-8 power back to the division, and Lucerne is the first Buick car to offer V-8 power in a decade. The V-8 features a 4.6L, 32-valve dual overhead cam engine, estimated at 275 horsepower. The 3800 Series III V-6 is rated at 195 horsepower. The V-6 engine is Super Ultra Low Emissions compliant and, like the V-8, features Electronic Throttle Control, which seamlessly matches driver input with engine response and overall fuel efficiency.

Strong design direction

From its capable stance and tautly contoured body to its interior refinement and technology-driven, responsive ride, Lucerne reinforces Buick's reputation for quality. Lucerne's sleek new shape starts with a new "waterfall" grille, flanked by polycarbonate and chrome headlamp modules. Lucerne's rakish, 60-degree windshield leads into a roofline that flows into a "faster" 70-degree rear window angle to the deck lid. All body gaps are tight, and tighter wheel to wheel-opening relationships give the visual cues today's customers want.

Expertly crafted, quiet interior

Lucerne's interior appointments underscore the Buick tradition of comfort, elegance and spaciousness, with quality detail and fit of every interrelating surface. As with the exterior, all gaps are tight to create a seamless harmony between all elements.

Lucerne models will benefit from Buick's exclusive and standard "QuietTuning," which reduces or tunes out unwanted wind, road and powertrain noise with the goal of providing best-in-class levels of ride quietness. Lucerne will offer six air bags as standard equipment: a dual-stage driver front air bag, an industry-first dual-depth front passenger air bag, side-impact thorax air bags and roof-rail curtain air bags.

Lucerne will be manufactured at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, which received the Silver Plant Quality Award for North/South America in the 2004 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.