GM will be adding a third engine to the LaCrosse’s catalogue in December: a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder mill producing 182 hp. The automaker is obviously touting the improved fuel efficiency of this engine (about 10% higher than the V6s) and, ipso facto, its more attractive base price. However, after having driven the LaCrosse in the mountainous Laurentians region of Quebec, it’s quite clear that the 4-cylinder version will be more popular in urban areas. It might have trouble getting this Buick moving in the mountains, as the new model is 200 kilos heavier than the Allure.
Four-wheel drive please!
The LaCrosse sedan distinguishes itself by its optional full-time all-wheel-drive system, heretofore unheard of in a Buick sedan.
The Haldex system used by the Cadillac CTS is on the CXL variant’s list of options. Available for a little under $4,000, the constant mesh system distributes torque according to the level of traction. In normal conditions, it sends 60% of the torque to the front wheels.
By choosing the all-wheel drive, the buyer automatically benefits from a specific Touring H-arm rear suspension in substitute of the four-link suspension. The automaker claims it improves handling and comfort.
Why the change to LaCrosse?
First off, in the United-States this moniker has been attached to the Buick Allure since it was first launched in the fall of 2004. It has also been chosen to designate the new generation of this car in the U.S. and Asia, but not in Europe (in French “la crosse” means “the scam”). By extending the use of this nom de guerre to Canada, the manufacturer says it can increase the profits generated by its promotional budgets. To which, according to GM spokespeople, Canadian dealers agreed.
Finally, to a marketing guru targeting first and foremost a client base living south of the 49th parallel, the choice of the name LaCrosse, which refers to a small town in Wisconsin, is as justifiable as naming a Chevy SUV “Traverse” after a small town in Michigan. For the same marketing guru, it’s just a simple question of geography. One could say it’s a logical choice for a global car.
photo:Luc Gagné
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| The Haldex system used by the Cadillac CTS is on the CXL variant’s list of options. |
Four-wheel drive please!
The LaCrosse sedan distinguishes itself by its optional full-time all-wheel-drive system, heretofore unheard of in a Buick sedan.
The Haldex system used by the Cadillac CTS is on the CXL variant’s list of options. Available for a little under $4,000, the constant mesh system distributes torque according to the level of traction. In normal conditions, it sends 60% of the torque to the front wheels.
By choosing the all-wheel drive, the buyer automatically benefits from a specific Touring H-arm rear suspension in substitute of the four-link suspension. The automaker claims it improves handling and comfort.
Why the change to LaCrosse?
First off, in the United-States this moniker has been attached to the Buick Allure since it was first launched in the fall of 2004. It has also been chosen to designate the new generation of this car in the U.S. and Asia, but not in Europe (in French “la crosse” means “the scam”). By extending the use of this nom de guerre to Canada, the manufacturer says it can increase the profits generated by its promotional budgets. To which, according to GM spokespeople, Canadian dealers agreed.
Finally, to a marketing guru targeting first and foremost a client base living south of the 49th parallel, the choice of the name LaCrosse, which refers to a small town in Wisconsin, is as justifiable as naming a Chevy SUV “Traverse” after a small town in Michigan. For the same marketing guru, it’s just a simple question of geography. One could say it’s a logical choice for a global car.
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| The elegant lines of the LaCrosse evoke heretofore unparalleled luxury and refinement in a Buick. |
photo:Luc Gagné
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