China Gets Its Own Version of the LaCrosse
Shanghai-General Motors hopes to shake up sales by adding
the LaCrosse to its roster. The Chinese LaCrosse is based on the domestic LaCrosse architecture, however it has been re-engineered for the unique Chinese market. It sports a new body shape on the outside and a different engine lineup and features on the inside.
The Chinese-market LaCrosse was redesigned in Shanghai by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a joint venture of General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC). The changes were made to please the Chinese market.
In
a statement, Chris Gubbey, the Executive Vice President of Shanghai GM states "With its contemporary design, luxurious interior and superior handling, the LaCrosse epitomizes the Buick spirit of striving for excellence. It is targeted at those who want a vehicle that reflects their exquisite taste and desire to achieve. "
Consumers will have three models to choose from: the 2.4 Luxury model, priced at approximately $29,789, the 2.4 Elite model, priced at roughly $33,515, and the 3.0 Flagship model, priced around $41,000. Retailers are already taking orders with a delivery date expected in the second quarter of this year.
The North American LaCrosse comes with either a 3.8-liter V6 or
a 3.6-liter V6, the former a 2-valve OHV mill and the latter a 4-valve DOHC engine with variable valve timing. Shanghai GM LaCrosse buyers, on the other hand, have two very different engine choices. First there is the ECOTEC D-VVT 2.4-liter all-alloy four-cylinder, which has a host of advanced features such as double variable valve timing, as well as sequential fuel injection (SFI) and electronic throttle control (ETC). The second option is a 3.0-liter V6, which adopts the automaker's Active Fuel Management (AFM) cylinder-deactivation system (previously named Displacement on Demand). The engine automatically shuts down half of the engine cylinders when not needed.
The
styling of the Shanghai Buick is quite different from its North American cousin. The Shanghai LaCrosse has an oversized three-dimensional chrome-plated grille that butts up against a U-shaped hood. Horizontally shaped air intakes contrast with fog lamps on either side of the sedan. Specially designed low-air resistance side mirrors are inlaid with five LED indicator lamps. Three-dimensional circular tungsten tail lamps with jewel-like lenses light up the rear.
Inside, the vehicle's uniqueness continues. The redesigned Buick comes with a Bluetooth hands-free communication system which permits the driver to receive calls through a hotkey on the steering wheel. It is also equipped with a powerful GPS audio cruise control system, and by a head-up display (HUD) system that shows information such as speed, a direction indicator, and even caller ID. Both front and rear passengers will be entertained by the cabin theater DVD system, which comes with 6.5-inch double display monitors in both front and back. Each can be independently controlled and the system allows users to enjoy DVDs, CDs and the radio all at once.
Shanghai-General Motors hopes to shake up sales by adding
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| Beneath the new exterior and interior lies the same frame and suspension we have on our LaCrosse. (Photo: Shanghai-GM) |
The Chinese-market LaCrosse was redesigned in Shanghai by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a joint venture of General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC). The changes were made to please the Chinese market.
In
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| Can't help but think that the Chinese-built car is a nicer looking vehicle than our LaCrosse. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press) |
Consumers will have three models to choose from: the 2.4 Luxury model, priced at approximately $29,789, the 2.4 Elite model, priced at roughly $33,515, and the 3.0 Flagship model, priced around $41,000. Retailers are already taking orders with a delivery date expected in the second quarter of this year.
The North American LaCrosse comes with either a 3.8-liter V6 or
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| And just who said that Buicks weren't advanced? LaCrosse features a variable displacement engine for saving fuel. (Photo: Shanghai-GM ) |
The
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| LaCrosse now sports a hood ornament, a symbol of the brand's prestige in China. (Photo: Shanghai-GM) |
Inside, the vehicle's uniqueness continues. The redesigned Buick comes with a Bluetooth hands-free communication system which permits the driver to receive calls through a hotkey on the steering wheel. It is also equipped with a powerful GPS audio cruise control system, and by a head-up display (HUD) system that shows information such as speed, a direction indicator, and even caller ID. Both front and rear passengers will be entertained by the cabin theater DVD system, which comes with 6.5-inch double display monitors in both front and back. Each can be independently controlled and the system allows users to enjoy DVDs, CDs and the radio all at once.