Adding a sporty flare are twin chromed tailpipes on the top-line V8-powered CXS. Yes, you heard me right. Like Pontiac's Bonneville, Buick's flagship sedan will once again be powered by the quintessential American powerplant, a V8.
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| Adding a sporty flare are twin chromed tailpipes on the top-line V8-powered CXS. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Unlike most domestic cars in the Lucerne's segment, this particular V8 is nothing less than a 32-valve, dual-overhead cam, aluminum 4.6-litre unit, derived from Cadillac's Northstar V8 - optional on Lucerne CXL models and standard with the CXS. It's good for 275-horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, which is ample to give the new Buick premium pulling power.
Ironically it's the drivetrain's pulling power that reduces its premium image; if you buy into the current vogue that a premium car either needs to be powered by the rear wheels or offered with all-wheel drive. Rest assured, though, that GM, through its Cadillac division, has a long history of delivering front-wheel drivetrains that are virtually free of torque-steer, even when powered by performance-oriented V8 engines.
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| Not everyone wants their car to stand out in a crowd like a 300C does, making something like the Buick especially intriguing. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Most of the Lucerne's competitors, such as the Ford Five Hundred (and Mercury Montego in the U.S.), Hyundai Azera, Kia Amanti, and Toyota Avalon, don't offer a V8 option, which makes the big Buick all the more enticing. The Chrysler 300C, however, is sure to deliver serious competition.
But that's where the Lucerne's tastefully conservative styling comes to play. After all, not everyone wants their car to stand out in a crowd like a 300C does, making something like the Buick especially appealing. Don't get me wrong. I think, at least from first glance, that the Lucerne is a good looking sedan, it's just not as outlandish as the Chrysler. No doubt, most of the new Buick's 60-something target market will find its respectfully understated styling exactly to their liking.
