Buick Lucerne Super and LaCrosse Super at NY Auto Show

Buick Lucerne Super and LaCrosse Super

Elevate Design, Power and Performance

By Text & Photos edited by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen
March 28, 2007 4:54 AM
Filed Under: American, Buick

Press Release

Elevate Design, Power and Performance

Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick’s most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.

“We’re bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models,” said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. “Our Supers are not just about increased horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge.”

The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW)* 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM’s Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super’s chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick’s renowned quietness inside.

The Lucerne Super adds a more powerful version of the legendary 4.6L Northstar V-8. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)*, an increase of more than 6 percent over existing models. The Super has an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne’s Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling.

Buick Super: elevated design, power and performance

Design elements on the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super denote the new face of Buick. Design cues echo those seen on the popular Velite convertible concept vehicle – and recently introduced on the Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV – including a new waterfall grille and portholes. The LaCrosse Super is the first and only LaCrosse model offered with Buick’s iconic portholes; there are four per side to highlight the V-8 engine.

In addition to distinctive design, the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super deliver leading-edge performance and refinement. The 5.3L and 4.6L V-8 engines are renowned for balancing performance and fuel economy. They are complemented by specially tuned suspension systems.

Like all Buick models, LaCrosse and Lucerne Supers are built with an exclusive engineering process called QuietTuning to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the interior. Laminated side window glass, sound-deadening material in the body structure, hydraulic mounts in the engine compartment and more reduce interior noise. Even exhaust nodes have been tuned for overall sound quality. These features contribute to a quiet, refined driving experience.

While the LaCrosse and Lucerne represent the first production models of the reborn Buick Super series, they will not be the last. Future models will share elements that reinforce the Super ethic, including:

LaCrosse Super

The LaCrosse Super is distinguished from its sibling models with a new exterior appearance that is highlighted by a new waterfall grille, new hood and a new front fascia that incorporates a lower grille opening with chrome trim and chrome fog lamp bezels.

New portholes, rocker moldings, rear fascia with integrated park assist sensors, 3.5-inch-diameter dual chrome exhaust tips, rear decklid spoiler and a Super badge also make the LaCrosse Super instantly identifiable from any angle. LaCrosse Super is offered in four exterior colors: Black Onyx, Platinum Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Red Jewel tint coat.

Inside, the LaCrosse Super exudes comfort and style, including front seats with increased seatback bolstering. All of the seats feature new, woven-embossed leather inserts. A unique wood grain appearance accents the instrument panel, center console, doors and gear shift knob. There are also exclusive instrument cluster graphics – including Super identification – new front sill plates, a silver finish on the instrument panel center stack and Super-specific floor mats.

The LaCrosse Super introduces a V-8 engine that has the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 323-lb.ft (438 Nm)* of torque, Buick’s new V-8 can propel the LaCrosse Super from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 5.3L small-block V-8 uses GM’s Active Fuel Management (AFM), an engine technology that seamlessly switches between four- and eight-cylinder power to save fuel.

To support the performance capabilities enabled by the V-8 engine, the LaCrosse Super features a specially tuned suspension system for steering precision, improved ride control and feel, and increased braking performance. Bilstein monotube struts, larger front and rear rotors, high-precision steering gear, StabiliTrak, and recalibrated chassis controls help the LaCrosse Super deliver confident handling and road manners, while also maintaining overall ride comfort.

The Super version comes standard with the largest wheels and tires available on the LaCrosse – 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P235/50R18 all-season tires. Chrome-finish wheels are available.

Lucerne Super adds more luxury appointments

Distinctly designed, the Lucerne Super stands out with a new bright chrome waterfall grille, front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, rocker panels, and Super badge on the decklid. Exclusive aluminum wheels and premium all-season tires complete the look, complementing the vehicle’s sport-touring attitude. The Lucerne Super is available in four exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, Gold Metallic, Sharkskin and White Diamond. The interior comes in Ebony or Cocoa/Shale.

Lucerne Super’s refined ride dynamics and increased power make it the sportiest Lucerne available. A more powerful version of the 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine provides the Lucerne Super with an ample power reserve. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)*, which is 17 horsepower (13 kW) more than the Lucerne CXS.

Lucerne Super’s new premium steering gear, StabiliTrak stability control system, brake assist and specifically calibrated Magnetic Ride Control system help deliver a crisp response and enhanced driver control. It rides on standard 18-inch by 7-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by P245/50R18 all-season radials. The exclusive wheel design is finished in bright silver premium paint. Chrome-plated wheels are available.

The Lucerne Super’s interior wraps occupants in luxury including a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel with French-seam stitching, unique finish on the instrument panel center stack, leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts for the outboard seating positions, and suede door trim inserts. A heated, real wood steering wheel and shift knob finished in Walnut Burl, power tilt and telescoping steering column, front chrome sill plates and Buick embroidered floor mats round out the Lucerne Super’s special content.

Lucerne Super comes with three standard equipment packages, including Driver Confidence, Luxury and Comfort & Convenience. OnStar’s Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn voice-guided navigation, XM Satellite Radio and Harman Kardon audio system are also standard.

All Buick models come standard with the industry’s best coverage, including a four-year/50,000-mile vehicle warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Buick LaCrosse Super arrives in dealerships this summer as a 2008 model. The Lucerne Super is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2008. Pricing for both vehicles has not been released.

* Pending SAE certification.

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super Preliminary Specifications

Overview

Model:

LaCrosse Super

Body style / driveline:

front-drive, front-engine, 4-door, 5- passenger sedan

Construction:

integral

EPA vehicle class:

midsize sedan

Manufacturing location:

Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Key competitors:

Toyota Avalon, Lincoln MKZ

Engine

5.3L V-8 (LS4)

Application:

LaCrosse Super

Type:

5.3L V-8

Displacement (cu in / cc):

325 / 5328

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.78 x 3.62 / 96 x 92

Block material:

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing

Ignition system:

coil-near-plug, iridium electrode tip / iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

Fuel delivery:

Active Fuel Management; sequential fuel injection

Compression ratio:

10:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

300 / 224 @ 5600 (pending SAE certification)

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

323 / 438 @ 4400 (pending SAE certification)

Recommended fuel:

premium recommended but not required

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

6100

Emissions controls:

underfloor catalytic converter, Quick Sync 24X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response oxygen sensor

Estimated fuel economy

(mpg city / hwy / combined):

TBD

Transmission

Type:

Hydra-Matic 4T65, 4-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Gear ratios (:1):


First:

2.92

Second:

1.56

Third:

1.00

Fourth:

0.70

Reverse:

2.38

Final drive ratio:

3.29:1

Overall drive ratio:

2.93:1

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

independent MacPherson strut coil-over-spring, twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; coil springs; hollow 34-mm stabilizer bar

Rear:

independent tri-link coil over strut, twin-tube dampers, dual-rate coil springs, 19.4-mm solid stabilizer bar

Steering type:

power, magnetic, variable assist, rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio:

13.3:1

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

2.3

Turning circle, curb to curb (ft / m):

40 / 12.2

Brakes

Type:

4-wheel disc with power assist, vented front, solid rear

Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):

front: 12.72 x 1.18 / 323 x 30

rear: 10.94 x 0.43 / 278 x 11

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:

18-inch painted aluminum (std); 18-inch chrome finish aluminum (opt)

Tires:

P235/50R18 all-season radial

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

110.5 / 2807

Overall length (in / mm):

198.0 / 5030

Overall width (in / mm):

73 / 1853

Overall height (in / mm):

57.4 / 1458

Track (in / mm):

front: 61.7 / 1566; rear: 61.0 / 1549

Curb weight (lb / kg):

3770 / 1710

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):

5 (2 front / 3 rear)

Headroom (in / mm):

front: 39.4 / 1000; rear: 37.2 / 946

Legroom (in / mm):

front: 42.3 / 1074; rear: 37.6 / 955

Shoulder room (in / mm):

front: 57.2 / 1453; rear: 57 / 1448

Hip room (in / mm):

front: 55.3 / 1404; rear: 54.6 / 1387

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):

99.4 / 2815

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):

115.4 / 3268

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

14.3 / 405

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):

1000 / 454 (est.)

Fuel tank (gal / L):

17.5 / 66.24

Engine oil (qt / L):

6.0 / 5.7

Cooling system (qt / L):

13.3 / 12.6

2008 Buick Lucerne Super Preliminary Specifications

Overview

Model:

Lucerne Super

Body style / driveline:

front-drive, front-engine, 4-door, 5-passenger sedan

Construction:

integral

EPA vehicle class:

full-size sedan

Manufacturing location:

Detroit Hamtramck Assembly, Detroit

Key competitors:

Chrysler 300, Lexus ES350

Engine

4.6L V-8

Application:

std on Lucerne Super

Type:

4.6L V-8

Displacement (cu in / cc):

279 / 4565

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.66 x 3.331 / 93 x 84

Block material:

cast aluminum with iron-bore liners

Cylinder head material:

aluminum

Valvetrain:

dual overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder

Ignition system:

electronic direct ignition system (DIS) and electronic spark plug control (ESC) and extended life platinum-tipped spark plugs

Fuel delivery:

sequential fuel injection

Compression ratio:

10:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

292 / 218 @ 6300*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

288 / 390 @ 4500*

Recommended fuel:

premium recommended but not required

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

6700

Emissions controls:

evaporative system, single catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation, positive crankcase ventilation, Air Injection Reaction (AIR), ULEV II compliant

Estimated fuel economy

(mpg city / hwy / combined):

TBD

Transmission

Type:

Hydra-Matic 4T80; electronically controlled 4-speed automatic with overdrive and electronically controlled torque converter clutch

Gear ratios (:1):


First:

2.96

Second:

1.63

Third:

1.00

Fourth:

0.68

Reverse:

2.13

Final drive ratio:

3.71

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

independent MacPherson strut coil-over-spring; mono-tube dampers; tubular stabilizer bar

Rear:

multi-link independent with coil springs and semi trailing arm, monotube airlift control; tubular stabilizer bar

Steering type:

magnetic variable assist rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio:

14.2:1

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

2.1 (est)

Turning circle, curb to curb (ft / m):

44 / 13.4 (est)

Brakes

Type:

4-wheel disc anti-lock with traction control, power assist, vented front, solid rear

Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):

front: 12.7 x 1.18 / 323 x 30; rear: 11.5 x 0.47 / 292 x 12

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:

18-inch aluminum

Tires:

P245/50R18 all-season radial

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

115.6 / 2936

Overall length (in / mm):

203.2 / 5161

Overall width (in / mm):

73.8 / 1874

Overall height (in / mm):

58 / 1473

Track (in / mm):

front: 62.6 / 1591; rear: 62.1 / 1577

Curb weight (lb / kg):

4003.8 / 1816.1

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):

5 / 6 (2 or 3 front / 3 rear)

Headroom (in / mm):

front: 39.5 / 1004; rear: 37.6 / 957

Legroom (in / mm):

front: 42.5 / 1079; rear: 41 / 1051

Shoulder room (in / mm):

front: 58.0 / 1473; rear: 57.0 / 1453

Hip room (in / mm):

front: 56.7 / 1424; rear: 57.0 / 1445

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):

108 / 3058

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):

125 / 3540

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

17 / 481

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):

1000 / 454 (est.)

Fuel tank (gal / L):

18.5 / 70

Engine oil (qt / L):

7.5 / 7.1

Cooling system (qt / L):

12.7 / 12

Note: *SAE Certified

Information shown is current at time of publication.