by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen April 8, 2008 1:00 PM
Filed Under: American, Buick
Starting this month, Buick Lucerne is expanding its line-up with the Super and CXL Special Edition models. “Lucerne Super and Lucerne CXL Special Edition epitomize Buick’s new level of refinement and our effort to deliver the vehicles that today’s customers demand,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager.
The Lucerne Super is powered by the 4.6 liter Northstar V8 engine which delivers 292 hp and 390 nm of torque and marks the return of the Super designation after 50 years of absence. The Buick Lucerne Super is priced at USD 39,395 and can be identified through its new grille and front fascia, rocker panels, rear fascia and exhaust tips.
The Buick Lucerne CXL Special Edition is situated between the base model CX and the top-of-the-range Super. It is the only model with a choice of engine, either the abse 3.8 liter V6 with 197 hp or the Northstar 4.6 liter V8 with 275 hp. The CXL SE also has a differing grille and front fascia, sits on 17 inch wheels and perforated leather seat inserts. The V6 has an MSRP of USD 32,150 while the V8 model will cost USD 33,850.
Buick Expands 2008 Lucerne Lineup With Super And Special Edition Models
Buick will increase its 2008 Lucerne lineup with two new models available at dealerships beginning in April. The Lucerne Super and Lucerne CXL Special Edition reflect Buick’s commitment to bringing a greater variety of premium products into its portfolio.
“Lucerne Super and Lucerne CXL Special Edition epitomize Buick’s new level of refinement and our effort to deliver the vehicles that today’s customers demand,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager.
Lucerne Super
Lucerne Super continues Buick’s tradition of delivering luxury, refined power and performance. It’s powered by the 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine that delivers 292 horsepower (218 kW) @ 6300 rpm and 288 lb.-ft. of torque (390 Nm) @ 4500 rpm. Further augmenting its driving character, Lucerne Super also features:
New premium steering components for more precise steering and a higher level of responsiveness
Higher-rate front and rear coil springs for improved stability and control
Larger front stabilizer bar for improved roll control
Magnetic Ride Control technology – recalibrated for even more driver control and performance, while further reducing body roll in cornering and lane changes
Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels shod with P245/50R18 all-season radials
Exterior Lucerne Super enhancements include new grille and front fascia, new rocker panels, new rear fascia, new exhaust tips and “Super” badge on the decklid. Lucerne Super is available exclusively in the following exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat and Black Onyx.
Inside, Lucerne Super features a leather-wrapped instrument panel upper with French seam stitching; suede trim on the doors and on the standard heated and cooled front seats; heated real walnut wood-accented steering wheel; walnut wood shifter; a Nova Silver finish for the center stack; model-specific sill plates and premium floor mats. Additional premium amenities include a 280-watt, nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that includes a six-disc CD changer and MP3 player.
Lucerne Super customers may also opt for touch screen navigation; sunroof; Side Blind Zone and Lane Departure Warning safety-enhancing technologies; and 18-inch chrome wheels. Lucerne Super is available exclusively in Cocoa/Shale or Ebony interior trim and features a $39,395 MSRP (including a $765 destination freight charge).
Lucerne CXL Special Edition
Buick’s Lucerne CXL Special Edition offers either a V-6 or V-8 engine – making it the only Lucerne model to offer this choice. The 3.8L V-6 equipped Lucerne CXL Special Edition delivers 197 horsepower (147 kW) @ 5200 rpm and 227 lb.-ft. of torque (308 Nm) @ 3800 rpm.
For a higher level of performance, Buick offers an uplevel Northstar 4.6L V-8. It delivers 275 horsepower (205 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm) @ 4400 rpm. This premium, aluminum 32-valve dual overhead cam V-8 – specifically tuned for Lucerne – is recognized for its technological refinement, precision and quick launch capability.
Outside, Lucerne CXL Special Edition models are equipped with a chrome grille, unique 17-inch chrome-clad wheels, new rear fascia and model-specific badge on the decklid. Inside, CXL Special Edition has perforated leather seat inserts, and contrasting stitching on the seats, console armrest and door trim. Lucerne CXL Special Edition models will be available in three distinct exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat and Crystal Red Tintcoat. The two interior color combinations are Dark/Light Titanium and Cocoa/Shale.
Lucerne CXL Special Edition V-6 models carry a $32,150 manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), while the Special Edition V-8 model will feature a $33,850 MSRP. Prices include a $765 destination freight charge.
QuietTuning
Lucerne Super and Lucerne CXL Special Edition models benefit from QuietTuning, Buick’s all-encompassing approach to reduce, block and absorb interior cabin noise. Notable QuietTuning features include laminated side glass, noise-reducing side-view mirrors, low-profile “structureless” windshield wiper blades and a double-isolated powertrain mounting system. Lucerne Super also features a uniquely tuned exhaust note that is more powerful, but subtly refined. The result is a hushed, premium driving experience overall.
All Buick Lucerne models are built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility and come with the industry’s best coverage, including a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection.
Boring as it could be possibly be... the Chinese are producing more original cars these days. American car industry deserves everything it gets... just hurry up and sell yourselves to someone good.
i think that GM should switch production of cars to production of metal cans that can hold a meat for a very long time. At least can solve the world's hunger
Well, I guess I won't be adding much to the discussion here...seems everyone is on the same page. What a LAAAAAAAAAAAA......AAAAAAAAAME product, which is completely to be expected from a car with a Buick badge on it. Piss poor design, crappy interior which will be completely oudated in....actually, nevermind, its already outdated. I can't wait until Buick's disappear altogether...and I'd have no objection with them going to China exclusively. Funny how the Chinese have a reputation for making inferior cheap products (I know this is changing) and this is their favorite brand...seems like they were made for each other.
What are you'll talking about? I used to work at Buick, this is actually a decent car. Its only shortcoming is the 4T65E missing a 5th gear. And for the money its unbeatable. Good product is good product, it doesn't matter who makes it. Shows who the label whores are...
um...benz_man...just saying...i know working for a particular company may help you acquire some "truth's" that may be hidden to the general public, but can you please tell me how you can justify this product over it's competitors. Even my grandma thought it was ugly. My main problem with this car isn't that it's not a good product, but its soooo boring that i can't even see the elderly buying it. I guess its only trying to adhere to its name...Lucerne- Inspired by butter...
Personally, its not my cup of tea either. I think the design is a little stolid at best. But just because its not designed for my market doesn't mean its a crappy car. I was positively shocked the first time I had driven one. The Lucerne floats quietly around town as solid and unemotional as any ES350. No the design of the interior isn't "BMW teutonic" or "Audi technical" and its not supposed to be. Average buyer is retired and almost 70! However you will be hard pressed to find cheap, hard materials or sloppy cut-lines anywhere. My point being, this car isn't better than its competition its only as good. Comparatively, it costs less and its no more boring than your neighbors vanilla a** Avalon.
