2009 Buick LaCrosse delivers style and more

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DETROIT, MI.| Straight from a major visual refresh and the recent introduction of a Super model, the 2009 Buick LaCrosse delivers a higher level of safety and convenience features. The enhancements make LaCrosse an even better value for entry-luxury customers.

"The LaCrosse family of entry-level CX, the uplevel CXL and the top-of-the-line Super provides a tremendous level of content and refinement for the discerning buyer," said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. "They represent a solid foundation for the Buick brand and a sound value for the premium sedan customer."

Buick LaCrosse enhancements for 2009 include standard heated outside rearview mirrors on all models. The heating element is activated whenever the rear defogger is operated and clears the exterior mirrors of snow, ice and light rain.

LaCrosse customers who frequently transport larger items can opt for the convenience of a split folding rear seat design. Available as part of the Driver Confidence Package, the split folding rear seats allow longer items to be safely carried inside the vehicle. The 60/40 split folding aspect of the seats also ensures that LaCrosse customers can carry cargo and one rear passenger.

Another convenience feature is the Bluetooth for Phone hands-free phone interface; it's available on all Buick LaCrosse models for 2009 and uses the OnStar 7.2 system's voice recognition to interpret voice commands to dial phone numbers and name tags. Phone conversations are transmitted through the vehicle's audio system. The volume can be adjusted via the integrated steering wheel controls, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times for both safety and convenience.

Further enhancing the entry-level LaCrosse CX model are more stylish wheels for 2009. Painted 16-inch aluminum wheels are now standard and replace the previous 16-inch steel wheels and wheel covers. Seventeen-inch chrome-clad wheels are available.

One new exterior color is available for 2009: Quicksilver Metallic replaces Platinum Metallic. Scarlet Red is no longer available.

Two distinct engines power the 2009 Buick LaCrosse lineup. LaCrosse CX and CXL models are propelled by the 3.8L V-6. This proven industry stalwart is rated at an SAE-certified 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 230 lb.-ft (312 Nm) of torque. The 3.8L features electronic throttle control to improve engine response and optimize fuel efficiency. Recent upgrades to the 3.8L also result in quiet operation.

LaCrosse Super models, meanwhile, are powered by the robust 5.3L V-8 small-block. Rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 323-lb.ft (438 Nm)* of torque, it enables LaCrosse Super to reach 60 mph from a dead stop in just 5.9 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 cylinders to save fuel.

For an optimal balance of smooth ride quality and road-holding capability, LaCrosse CX and CXL models feature a MacPherson-strut coil-over-spring front suspension employing twin-tube dampers with four-stage valving and a 30 mm tubular stabilizer bar. The independent, tri-link rear suspension, meanwhile, features coil-over-struts and a 17 mm tubular direct-acting stabilizer bar.

CX models are equipped with standard 16-inch wheels and P225/60R16 tires; 17-inch wheels with P225/55R17 tires are available on LaCrosse CX and standard on CXL models.

LaCrosse Super models feature a specially tuned suspension system for precise steering, 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 wheel and tire combination available on the LaCrosse - 18x7-inch aluminum rims wrapped by P235/50R18 all-season tires. Chrome-finish wheels are available.

LaCrosse's inviting interior reflects Buick's craftsmanship. Attention to detail is evident in the use of high-quality, soft-touch materials that are complemented by the tasteful use of chrome and woodgrain accents. It's also apparent in the precise alignment of the various interior components.

CX and CXL models are available in either five- or six-passenger seating configurations. LaCrosse Super is available exclusively with five-passenger seating.

Interior roominess abounds in all LaCrosse models. With its 110.5-inch wheelbase, LaCrosse delivers an impressive 115.4 cubic feet of interior volume, including plenty of legroom (42.4 inches/37.6 inches front/rear), plenty of hip room (55.3 inches/54.6 inches front/rear) and a spacious 16-cubic-foot trunk on CX and CXL models (14.3 cubic feet on Super models).

As with all Buick vehicles, LaCrosse delivers a library-quiet ride, thanks to QuietTuning, an all-encompassing engineering approach aimed at reducing, blocking and absorbing unwanted noise from entering the vehicle's cabin. Specific QuietTuning examples include the use of acoustical laminate on the windshield and front side glass; steel laminate on the front-of-dash body area; expanded baffles in the roof pillars; extensive use of melt-on sound deadeners throughout the entire lower body structure; and sound-absorbing material throughout LaCrosse's engine, passenger and cargo compartments.

LaCrosse is equipped with a host of standard safety and security features, including dual-stage frontal air bags, side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, and PASSLock III theft-deterrent system with engine immobilizer. OnStar service is also standard and includes hands-free voice recognition capabilities to provide more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy.

Other security and convenience features include Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, which detects stationary objects behind the vehicle and sounds a warning when the vehicle is being backed up.

The LaCrosse line is built at GM's Oshawa 2 assembly plant, consistently ranked among North/South America's top manufacturing facilities, according to J.D. Power and Associates.